Some projects take a few months to complete. Others turn into real adventures. That’s exactly what happened with our 1987 Honda TRX 250X, a restoration project we started five years ago that has finally become the Honda 250 XX.
From the start, the goal was clear: there was no question of restoring this machine to its original configuration to replicate a model straight out of the factory. Instead, we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind ATV capable of standing out while retaining the DNA that made the TRX 250X one of the most beloved sport quads of its era.
A Project Slowed by the Pandemic
Like many projects started in the early 2020s, this restoration quickly faced a major obstacle: the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delivery delays, supply chain issues, and the difficulty of finding certain parts significantly slowed the progress of the work. When dealing with an ATV that’s nearly 40 years old, sourcing parts is already a challenge in itself. Add to that global stock shortages and shipping delays, and the initial timeline quickly turned into a long-term project.
Despite everything, the goal has never changed: to complete this restoration and give this legendary sport ATV a new lease on life.
Atelier Procam: Honda Expertise at the Heart of the Project
The mechanical work, the search for parts, and the complete rebuild of the machine were entrusted to Atelier Procam in Lac-Drolet.
Its owner, Camille, is well-known in the community for his expertise in restoring vintage Honda ATVs and three-wheelers. His in-depth knowledge of the Japanese brand’s classic models, as well as his ability to track down parts that are sometimes impossible to find, played a decisive role in the project’s success.
For a vehicle as iconic as a 1987 Honda TRX 250X, surrounding oneself with skilled professionals was essential.
A Completely Rebuilt Engine
At the heart of this restoration is an engine completely rebuilt by CVTech AAB, now known as Umatek.
Thanks to their expertise in precision mechanics and engine reconditioning, the Honda single-cylinder engine has regained all its original vigor while offering the reliability needed for many years of use.
To complete the work, the engine was also given a baked-on paint finish, providing a flawless appearance and excellent durability.
Refurbished Frame and Components
The frame and several components were completely disassembled, sandblasted, and then coated with baked paint.
This step was essential to start with a virtually new base and ensure maximum durability for years of use to come.
The final result lives up to expectations: a superior-quality finish that highlights every detail of the machine.
Modern Suspension Thanks to Elka Suspension
To give the Honda 250 XX handling worthy of today’s standards, we turned to Elka Suspension.
The Quebec-based company supplied us with a set of Stage 4 shock absorbers, recognized as among the highest-performing in the ATV industry.
This upgrade completely transforms the machine’s handling, both in terms of comfort and riding precision.
ITP Holeshot Tires and DWT Wheels: A Bold, Sporty Look
To reinforce the project’s sporty character, we chose ITP Holeshot tires, a true benchmark in the world of sport ATVs for several decades.
These tires were mounted on DWT steel wheels, a combination that delivers an aggressive look while remaining true to the spirit of the sport ATVs of that era.
A Signature Sound from HMF Racing
A project of this scale wouldn’t be complete without an extra touch of character.
For this reason, we installed an HMF Racing exhaust system, allowing the Honda single-cylinder engine to produce a sportier, more aggressive sound—perfectly in harmony with the vehicle’s style.
A Fully Custom Graphics Package by GraphXDP
One of the biggest challenges of the project was undoubtedly the graphics.
The job was entrusted to GraphXDP, which had to create a fully custom graphics package since no templates exist for a 1987 Honda TRX 250X.
Each piece was therefore measured, designed, and fitted specifically for this machine, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
The Honda 250 XX Comes to Life.
From the very start of the project, the vision was clear: to create an ATV that turns heads and stands out from traditional restorations.
This philosophy gave rise to the Honda 250 XX, a modern interpretation of a timeless classic.
With its fully rebuilt engine, Elka Stage 4 suspension, HMF Racing exhaust, ITP Holeshot tires, DWT wheels, and exclusive graphics by GraphXDP, this machine perfectly embodies the marriage of heritage and modernity.
A New Lease on Life for a Dirt Bike Legend
After five years of work, challenges, patience, and passion, the project is finally complete.
The 1987 Honda TRX 250X has regained its vitality and is now ready to write a new chapter in its history.
Because sometimes, the best way to honor a classic isn’t to replicate it exactly, but to reinvent it.
That’s exactly what the Honda TRX 250 XX has become: a modern tribute to one of the greatest icons in the history of sport ATVs.
Acknowledgments
This project could never have come to fruition without the involvement and support of passionate partners who believed in this vision from the very beginning. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Atelier Procam in Lac-Drolet and its owner Camille for their invaluable expertise in sourcing parts, handling the mechanical work, and rebuilding the machine, as well as to CVTech AAB, now Umatek, for the complete engine overhaul. Thanks also to Elka Suspensionfor the Stage 4 shocks that transformed the vehicle’s handling, to HMF Racing for the exhaust’s unique sound, to ITPand DWT for the wheel and tire set that perfectly complements the machine’s sporty look, and to GraphXDP for creating a fully custom graphic wrap despite the complete lack of templates for a 1987 model. Thanks to each of them, the Honda 250 XX All Black is now much more than just a restoration: it has become a true showcase of the craftsmanship and passion that drive the ATV industry.
