I'm looking into buying an LT250. I hear there is a difference in power in the pre 1987 models. Models '87 and older are supposedly faster. Is the difference that significant? I'm a beginner rider, 5' 11" , 200 lbs. I'm going to check out an '86 tomorrow. It's completely stock and supposedly in good shape. They're asking 1900 obo. What do you think?

 

1900 is about top dollar for a stock quad. On the bright side though, it can only get better as you do some modifications. The 86/87 power difference is there, although I have not been able to really compare. My 86 has some mods and it hangs with most similarly moded quads. The 87 may be able to beat quads that I can just hang with, but it is all about your riding habits. If you are going to ride casual on trails and stuff, then there is no difference. If you eventually want to be able to make a lot of power (relatively) the 87 and later have more potential with the reed cages and the power valve. It is also easier to put larger carbs on them. Like I said, I have an 86 and it has been a really good bike.

 

I'll be a casual rider at first, but I imagine as I get more experience I'll want to have some fun with it. What kind of things should I look at physically on the bike when I check it out? Thanks for the info.

 

look for cracks on the swingarm, particularly around the axle, and shock mount. Then look for cracks around the a arms. Other than that take it for a test run. It should shift nicely and not make any odd noises while idling or running. Make sure all the lights work. If the bike has any stuttering or low power feeling, but the compression feels good, it usualy just means that the carb needs to be cleaned out. Also good to check the plug to see if is running rich or lean and see if the air filter has been taken care of. OVerall if the bike looks clean, it usually means it has been taken care of. First impression is important and tells a lot and go with your gut.

 

Also look for cracks in the frame on the curve/tube on the underside under the footpegs.
Thats where mine had them. Welded them and have had no more cracks after that so far.
later
Superstar

 

Thanks. I'll check that out. What do you think a stock '86 LT250 should go for in good condition? He's asking 1900, I was going to offer about 1600.

 

Depending on the shape thats on the high side in my book. If its mint or like new its worth about $2000-2200. I would try to talk'em down to your offer especially if it's stock.
later
Superstar

 

Hey Michael, I was reading your thread, anyway, just another thing to look at---If I were buying another quad one thing I would be sure to do is this--flip it up so that the bike is up in the air and you can see the whole belly of it, in other words set it on the back wheels and the rear grab bar up in the air. This will give you a really good idea of how hard the bike was run and what kind of shape its really in, check for cracks and large dents all over the frame and bottom of the a-arms. Just something to think about, it shows you a whole different perspective of the quad

 

Jones,
Where you from? Just asking because I saw a 86 in this area advertised for $1900 this week. If you are in MN, and that bike isn't pretty mint for $1900, Let me know. The 87+ LT's have had some pretty big changes in both motor and suspension. I am currently putting my 87 LT250R back together to sell. I was rebuilding it for my brother in law, but now I have decided to sell it and put the money in my Z. It is currently being torn down to have the frame reinforced and powder coated. It will take a few weeks, but it has a new top end, bored 20 over. I recently upgraded the carb to a Mikuni TMX 36mm and that really woke it up. The frame will be powder coated and reinforced. It has a DG full exhaust, DG nerf bars, DG grab bar. Looks and runs sweet. I will be selling mine right around $2000. It has had some major freshing up, and by sandblasting the frame now, you won't have to worry about finding a crack a month from now. Come to think about it, if you want a really sweet deal, you could also have to arms and swing arm powder coated for another $200 or so. It would be super clean then!!! Ok if your not in this area, then forgive me for wasting your time. Maybe someone else will be interested......

 

Hey Race. Thanks for the info and sounds like you'll have that '87 dialed in, but I'm in Southern California. I lost my chance on that '86. Somebody bought it before I could get there to check it out. It went for 1,700. Now, I'm looking at an '88 with a rebuilt motor with 0 hours on it for $2,000. It has FMF pipes and silencer, new plastic. Otherwise, it's stock. I'm a little uneasy about buying a bike with major engine work done on it. The guy said he has receipts for the top end work, but that's about it. Unfortunately, I'm not very knowledgable on the mechanics of these bikes. Any advise would be appreciated.