The ZIlla got a bad rap on the design flaws of the 87, very fixable, the crank bearing would chatter come to find out the flaw was in the fly wheel rivits were coming loose, in the 88 versions are larger rivits and that seemed to cure the problem, the suckie what susuki did also was to decreased the intake size on the 88 on up, the 87's were making over 50 HP stock, they de tumed to the smaller LT250 sized intake that make a chit load of torque but chocked the heck out of making big HP, great thing you can get 87 top ends and put them on 88s on up, Sorry I have owned a Zilla since 88 and for a 500cc 2 stroke its been a great dune machine, easy on the wallet and when I went to the DS I desided to turn the LT into a HIGH STRUNG DUNER, and Modify the DS for Family Dune Riding, Again for big guys they are both awsome quads

 

If I were gonna get a quad I would go with a banshee bot a zilla since there are many more mods you can do to them and a lot more builders for them...JMO

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bombrider04

If I were gonna get a quad I would go with a banshee bot a zilla since there are many more mods you can do to them and a lot more builders for them...JMO</end quote></div>

Your right, but heck you gotta spend a buttload of cash to get a Banshee to be a dune killer

 

I've owned both. The Lt500 and the Ds650. Completely different kind of power. The Lt is explosive while the Ds is torquey.
The Lt is more of a "point/shoot and hang on" ride. I prefer the Suzuki in the dunes, Ds in open desert.

Owned my Quadzilla for many years. Always reliable if given proper maintenance.

Dr. Q over at LT HQ has an amazing prescription for power and reliability.

 

Q is to the LT as HPR was to the DS,
Just as he wrote
Dr. Q over at LT HQ has an amazing prescription for power and reliability.
Ive had work done years back with him, 20 year old quad still kicks azz in the dunes, I just poped my top end off for a rebuild it hasnt been opened in 8 years,
looks awsome only slight wear and tear, Ill tell you, if you own a DS you love the power fron a LT500 with a Rx motor and pipe, and there heck of a bunch cheaper to build than a 4 stroke for the HP and torque increased.
again my 50cents worth

 

I'm in the same boat but on the other side. I have a DS 730 and an LT 500. I have decided to part ways with the LT and get another DS. After building my DS, I like it much better for guests. The LT is very reliable when assembled nice. Just like a sleeved 730. But trail riding I prefer the DS for my wife/guests.

 

Just found out that the LT500 Guru DR Q may be coming out with a 650 cylinder Non PV woohoooo

 

Why non power valve? If you are going through the work of making a 650. Put it in.

 

The cost of the mold design plus with his port design you wont notice it.

 

I just saw this topic. While I don't post here a bunch anymore, I thought this was an interesting read.

To this point I have NEVER seen a Zilla last a weekend in the dunes. I've never seen a stocker, mild or wild Zilla NOT blow up after a good day at the hill. That said, they may just not have been built by the right guy. I don't know much about Q or the top Zillas around the dunes.

I do know that I would NEVER have a "Guest bike" with more than 40hp. You are just asking for trouble. As it was suggested before, I would look for a 400ex or a Z400 and call it a day. Even then, I would only have those bikes in there stock configs.... They are great bikes and will last forever if you don't mess with them a bunch. Good luck.