I have a friend who is selling both his 85' and 86' tri z's there both in great condition and are only on there second bore size .020 also they are both bone stock, but the question I need answering is that the 85' is a five speed and the 86' is a six speed, which one is better? any help would be aprieciated

Without a doubt, I'd get the '86 model. There were improvements made to the front end(different angle and larger diameter fork tubes, different tire size)for better handling, more suspension travel, a better air intake system, 6 speed(you're aware of that), different ignition curve, slightly different carburetor(although it was the same size as the old one). For 86, it was finally in the ballpark with it's competition, and would even outrun the Tecate on top speed by 3mph (stock vs. stock) My first Z was an 86 that I bought new. It ran on the original plug for 5 years or more mixed at 20:1, along with the original build/rings. I now have 2 different 86 Z's(one of which will be raced)and 1 85 Z, and I'm about to buy another 85.

thanks I really aprieciate that! In your opinion how much is too much money to spend on the 86' tri-z (I am just trying to get a ballpark, so I can tell If I am paying too much )thanx again!

there's a decent one on ebay now for around $800. I've seen NICE ones go for up to $1200 or so.