1989 Suzuki LT500R PICS ADDED

[cox]

I may be picking one of these up here in the next few days and was wondering what anyone had to say about them. Price is right, never been much of a quad guy. Seems like it might have some balls to her though... it needs rear plastics, thats about it. ill upload some pics here real soon..

[cox]

Well ive been reading and turns out this thing is quite fast, lol. Seems like a great first quad. Looks like she needs a little work, but it runs good says the owner. He said i can take it for a spin. Dont know yet about rear plastic availability, but ill need those ASAP. Here is a couple of the pics he sent me. Im actually kinda excited. im not talking pricing till it at my house, things could change never know. Whats a quad like this worth?

[JohnR.]

Be warned they had more than their share of problems, especially with the engine. However, when they run right they run fast!

[MTS]

Cool..they don't pop up to often around here, normally a few grand....I don't get what is with people and bear claws on Sport quads around here....haha

[cox]

Actually thats one of the first things he said. its got brand new bear claws, lol. i guess i gotta help him look for the kick start it vibrated off in the snow in his driveway last week. It was the 87's that had motor problems, something to do with the head gasket. supposedly the problem was fixed after 88. 89 is supposed to be the best year for them from what i could research. Should be an interesting ride, pop my quad cherry on a 500cc 2 stroke, lol. The motor has supposedly never been opened up. Im looking very forward to seeing what kinda snap this thing has to it.....

MTS i have seen a few of the 250's but never the 500.

[posty2100]

never rode one from but what i hear they rip, 500cc 2 stroke is just huge and will probably scary the shitt out of you especially if your used to riding 200cc and less 4 strokes lol

[nd4speed]

Cool quad. Water pump seal will probably fail a few times while you have it, but they are easy and right under the WP cover. Lock tite the kicker bolt but be careful if it has been stressed by the kicker being loose. That bolt is hardened and if it breaks off in the kick start gear shaft- good luck gettin it out.

I had Maxxis Sur Tracks on a quad and liked them but they were too heavy. Bear claws are a copy of those.

You should be able to get plastics.

Also the bearings, especially mains, like to spin in the case halves.

They like to break chains too

I rode one once, the motor was just rebuilt but everything else was beat.

[cox]

excellent info nd4speed. Thats the stuff i need to know. ill have to look into those parts. maier sells the plastics, should work out good. Other than now i gotta decide on color. and ya i cannot wait to crap my pants when i ride it....

[rdlsz24]

Seem like they hold their value pretty well, almost as well as nice TRX 250Rs. I see a couple show up on CraigsList around here every so often.

Rob

[3leggeddog]

look for any cracks around the bottom of the cylinder.They are know for cracking jugs

[JohnR.]

I knew they had some engine problems. You had me doubting myself.

[mopar_man]

Maier still sells the rear fenders new. $213 in your choice of dark blue, black, yellow, white or carbon fiber-look black. This guy also has Maier fenders on eBay for less $$$: http://cgi.ebay.com/SUZUKI-LT500-500...item2eab99d468

[motocross83]

hey just a heads up to you that machine you are looking at is actually an 87, i was looking at the same machine and the kid tried to tell me its an 89, but the 87 was the only year the top a-arm only had one bolt, and the intake was bigger and it only had 6 head studs, this machine is in fact an 87.

[volfan537240]

the early years are a ticking timebomb from what ive always heard. theres a forum for quadzillas and lt250rs but i cant remember the name. they'll tell you all you need to know.

[motocross83]

the 85 and 86 250's were a time bomb and junk, but the rest were not to bad, the zilla's are known for spinning crank bearings and breaking chains other than that they are not to bad.