So i have a 1986 suzuki lt230s and it needs a top end and maybe crank bearings, so comes to my dilema should i rebuild it and restore it or find a motor to put on it? And if so to swap motors, than what motor will bolt up?

 

If it just needs a top end rebuild you can do it in the frame and it is a lot easier than removing the engine. Find out if you need to split the cases before thinking about changing engines.

 

Well when i hit the throttle the whole bike shakes and vibrates bad. I read somewhere that its the crank bearings and im not dealing with it if it is.

 

The only motor that is going to bolt up is another quadsport motor. Crank bearings aren't the end of the world, rebuild that old war horse and get her running. Also, crank bearings are nototlrious for under oiling on these if you run wot for extended periods, FYI for future reference.

 

Do i hav to split the cases to replace them? Cause i got a guy coming to maybe buy it for 850 as is. But if its gonna be a easy fix than i may jus keep it

 

Yes, you have to split the cases. But with a decent service manual and the case splitting tool, it isn't to bad of a job. Still, $850.00 as it sits is a fair price. I would be tempted to go for something else in that case.

 

I split my case without the tool. It wasn't dififficult at all.

 

Cervan, how did you split your case with out tool. Currently rebuilding an lt230 motor and the connecting rod is shot. So I have to slip case and replace the crank right? Then to take crank out you need the tool to take off the magneto. Unless you have some awesome wisdom on how to do it.