I was curious why the handling on a trx250r is regarded as being so much better than the lt250r. If you look at the weight, height, width, length, and suspension travel, the LT and the TRX are almost identical, the LT maybe even coming out on top (on paper). So then why is it that people will say that the trx's handling is so superior? I'm asking because I have never ridden a trx, but have ridden predators, blasters, z400, warriors, and I still enjoy the handling of the LT better than all but the z400.

 

The 250R has better front end geometry than the LT. That means it doesn't bump steer and handles a bit better. BUT, back in the day,when the magazines were shooting out the two quads, the Quadracer was never really downgraded for that and many times they felt it work better as a package since it was more predictable. Many people forget the original 250R had too long of a swing arm and tended to spin out.

The biggest difference between the two quads it that the 250R held up better thanthe LT and that is why it dominated racing. For your average trail rider, doesn't matter, buy what you like. I have always liked the Quadracer.

 

Hmmmm, I have often pondered this thought myself. I remember Ol Gary Denton back in 85-88 I believe he switched to Honda in 89.... But at the time he was the most winningest rider in quads and this was all on an LT250!! Yeah he rode an Honda, but this was after kicked a whole buncha a$$ while riding a Suzuki... I myself have never ridden a Suzuki, but do remember having my a$$ waxed one time by an LT back in th day (I rode an 88 Honda 250R on TT as well as MX..... I have read reports as to how they supposedly have reliability issues but I would be lying if I said this because I do not know....... My lil brother now rides a 85/88 250R now and it is a rocket... Actually it is my old bike. I sold the 88 back in 92, and after it has switched hands an astronomical amount of times he has it now.. I myself am currently messing with a 96 Shee 370LR that is about to receive TCS shocks and after-market A-arms. I am in the process of soaking a rather large amount of $$ into this project and so forth because I wish to be different on the track!! I want to own a bike that the general populalation of spectators see as a losing bike on the track but to totally shock the crap out of them when it waxes all of the newer generation quads as well as the old 250Rs'!!!! In my opinion the old Honda 250 is over-rated... Ride the old LT and modify it to your needs and be different!!!!

 

I have an 86 LT250 and my brother has a 86 honda 250r. I feel so much more comfortable on the suzuki than the Honda. I feel like I am sitting on top of the honda, while I feel like i fit into the suzuki. If you know what I mean. Anyways, it mainly comes down to preference and ability. I smoke my brother in the woops, but his bike has more top end. If I had a 87 or later lt250, then the speeds would probably be closer, actualy the suzuki is suppose to be faster.
I am getting +2+1 a-arms for my suzuki for Christmas. Cant wait to try them out and see how much better the handling is.

 

the steering on a 250R is alot lighter i think. my brother has a 90 lt250R and i have a 86 250R. there's not nearly as much bump steer on the R and i don't know, it' sjust more comfortable, u feel more in control.

 

i could not agree with slacker1bob more, hes right, when i hop on my vinson i feel so at home, and when i get on the rubicon, i feel like i am going to pop off of it rather than be glued to it like i am to my suzuki's.

he guys will i notice a huge power improvement if i step up from a 230 to a lt250r 90's year, with power valve and 6 spd, also what is the year they started putting this in the bikes

 

I have noticed the 'fit' issues as well. I always thought it was because I am 6'2", but I've always felt cramped on the honda, like the bars and pegs were too close to the seat.

Slacker1Bob,
If you're going to upgrade your A-arms, you should consider replacing the front shocks as well. Our 86's came with 12" shocks as opposed to 15" for the later Racers. Longer arms also exert more force on the shocks, so you might bottom out more. You may need to replace your brake lines also. The new setup should have alot less bump steer. Should be killer, Enjoy!

 

I have a copy of the June 1986 Dirt Wheels Magazine where they compare the brand new 250r to the Suzuki quadracer. It is really interesting! I will list the different catagories they tested them in and tell you the winner they chose.

Whoops: winner/250r (almost no bumpsteer and over 1 inch more travel than the Suziki)
Brakes: winner/Quadracer (stops faster by a slim margin and has more controllability)
Drag Race: winner 250r (more low end grunt despite shifting being easier on the Quadracer, the Honda is faster)
Tight Cornering: winner 250r (quicker tighter handling although if not careful can spin out)
Sweepers: winner Quadracer (The Honda wants to turn too sharply causing the rider to make multiple adjustments)
Jumps: DRAW
Cross Country: winner 250r (even though it is heavier the suspension is plusher and it has an extra gear. More comfort for a long ride.)
OVERALL: WINNER 250R

I hope you guys had fun with that, I bought the issue off someone on ebay.

 

Vinson581,

The LT250R has around 2x the HP of the 230. The powervalved 6 speed is in the 87 and newer models. Even the 85-86 LTs make the 230 seem super slow. Mt LT230 Quadsport ran very close to a stock Blaster in a drag race and my 91 LT250R could probably take a stock Banshee.



fast440, It would be more interesting to see a comparison of the 250R and an 87+ Quadracer. The 85-86 LTs were good bikes but the handling and power are considerably better on the later models. The article was June 86 so it could have been an 87 LT but if so they are definitely wrong in at least 1 category. Mine (91) will easily outrun similarly modded 250Rs even with a smaller rider. My 86 LT was only a hair slower stock than a piped (FMF) 250R and again the other rider was smaller than me.

 

sam250
The a-arms that I am getting have two mounting points so the stock shocks will work. Also, I have a set of works dual rates. But I may look for some banshee front works shock that are 14" and modify them to fit my quad. That or a set of 300ex works that are 13" long.