Greetings, I'm new to the forum but have been sandbagging for a while. I recently acquired a '00 LT80 for my 11 yr old, 85# daughter. I bought it from a friend whose (adult size) kids had "probably" out grown it. Let's just say it was "well ridden". I realize that 130 pounders can ride these but such activities should be kept within reason. The top of the front wheels lean in a fair amount, especially with a rider onboard. How much is normal/acceptable? It seems to handle normally but I have nothing for a side by side comparison. For now I plan to keep it stock as she only rides it around the place. No jumping, climbing or racing. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Thanks, T.C.

 

check the spindle bushings they were out often there is no camber adj so it's prob that.lift the front end off the ground and wiggle the front wheels up and down you will see the play if it is that.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply Mr. hateful, I'll check those. Are the bushings available thru Zuki? T.C.

 

yes they are aval from suzuki.i also had to replace the metal bushings in ours but we race so not sure if you's will need that.

 

Metal Bushings? Looking at a diagram I see the two rubber pieces(top and bottom) for each side. I asume there is a metal tube that runs down the center of the rubber bushings, but I'm not clear on where the metal bushings are? T.C.

 

sorry it is a mettal tube and 2 plastic bushings

 

Makes sense now, Thanks! T.C.

 

Well I purchased a set of 4 plastic bushings when I "went to town" (live 40 mi out). Today I took things apart and found the bushings to be in perfectly good shape. I cleaned everything up, reassembled, and greased. Is "plan B" replacing the obviously weak/worn out front shocks? Since no extreme riding is in her near future would a set of new/used stock shocks from Ebay etc. do the trick? I cannot justify "Works" shocks at this point in the game. Thoughts anyone? Thanks, T.C.

 

Hateful gave good advise.
Now that the front end bushings are gone over, I'd say the camber is the same as any LT80. Yes it seems alot at times. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Your worn out shocks are as good as any stock shock you will replace it with.
Works shocks:: you decide. For casuall riding (like you explaned) I find it hard to think you "need" them, but they sure do help alot for rider comfort. Your daughter would surely love them. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Seeing that motor mods are not in your immediate future, I'd think money spent on shocks would be acceptable.

 

MR. LT80, Thank you for responding to my post! I appreciate your honesty and dedication to this sport, especially the "Lil yella too smokes". I live on a ranch, there are several "working 4 wheelers" around here, but this is the first one dedicated to one of my kids. I cannot keep her off of it. I could see myself going hog wild with mods very easily, but for now I'm most concerned with safety and reliability. I thought about front shocks from an LT160 or a Kasea Skyhawk 90, but maybe the stockers are really no worse now than when they were new. I cannot see putting $500+ worth of shocks on a quad I bought used for $600, just to wear a path in the grass. When she matures a little as a rider, maybe? For now I'll just dream about stud extenders and wider rear wheels/tires.
Thanks again, Kady's dad. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]