does any one know what the differences are between the lt500r model years.what year has the fastest motor.

 

87 models had 6 head studs 88 and up had 7, that’s the quickest way to tell. The 87s had higher compression and may have been faster. But I think they compensated for the lower compression in 88 some other ways. I’ve not heard that the 87s were faster.

 

Modd'ed the '87 will make more power due to the larger intake size. (Another major difference b/w '87 and 88+)
The '87 has a much larger reed cage and intake boot. Other minor changes were front A-arms, graphics, and I'm thinking that's about it...

I think stock HP was about the same thru the years... not enough diff to discuss.

Did I miss anything guy's??

 

Also,there was a gear change to first and fifth. 87 had a shorter first gear so they made it a little taller.I don't remember which way they went on 5th, I just know it was changed. Also, stock rear sprocket size was changed by a tooth,no big deal there. The crankshaft was beefed up in a few questionable areas after 87 also. My 87 is faster out of the hole than my buddies 90, they are pretty much the same after that,and I'm about 25 pounds heavier than him.


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1987 LT500R

 

I wasn't aware of the lower gears, but I do know that 4th gear has a diff. ratio on the newer machinges (88+) that's the diff with the gearing..

 

The 87 frames are different where the swingarm meets the frame and where the steering stem meets the frame. The steering stems on the 87 also differ from the other years.

 

Your front A-arms are the biggest Diffrence if you are looking at the bike from a distance!