Ask the Editors: Why Were There So Many Suzuki LT230 Models?
One of many Suzuki LT230s.
We have to admit it, from a marketing standpoint alone, calling so many machines the LT230 wasn’t the best move on Suzuki’s behalf. There were some years when they offered a whopping 6-machine variant on the line at once with the letter designations at the end being the only way to identify one from the next.
There’s good news though- the letters tell the story. First the LT230 portion tells us right away that it uses Suzuki’s overhead cam 2-valve 229 cc (“230”) 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. Next the vehicle name tells us about the transmission. Suzuki used the designation “Quadsport” to identify machines boasting a manual clutch transmission (an S letter designation) and “Quadrunner” to describe those machines with automatic clutches.
When an E appeared at the end of the vehicle code, that meant the machine came equipped with electric starting (the pure S version was kick start).
Lastly the G series meant shaft final drive (as opposed to chain). Why G? Probably because S was already taken.
So in answer to your question: All of the models share the same basic engine configuration. Unless the parts you need pertain specifically to the plastics, starting method, clutch or final drive, they will all be interchangeable.
