Hey I've been looking at an 87 LT500 and I have a few questions i figured i let you guys answer for me about it. I've heard negative reviews about the 87s verses the 88-90 years like the difference in the A arms and the reed cage size. I am not really aware if these are real problems or if somebody was just BSin me about it. Id really like any information about this bike that you can give me. Its in excelent condition with original plastics and such, its a second owner, original dune quad from CA, all bearings are in good working condition, even rear axel. Im paying around 3 grand for the bike not including shipping. Should i be leary of the 87 model year because other than that it seems to be in perfect running order for a Zilla?

Thanks

 

Im not sure if the a arms make a difference in handleing or not. the reed cage is different but thats not a negative thing, its much bigger in the 87 model. That I know of the only problem the 87s had that the others didnt was blowing head gaskets, but thats easily cured.

 

why are the 87s at a greater chance of blowing head gaskets than the other years?

 

They have 6 bolts holding on the head instead of 7 like the later models and have higher compression becuse of a higher compression ratio and the bigger intake. Mine has bigger studs in the head which Ive been told will solve the problem but will have to wait to see until its running.

 

CTATV:

The '87 is the most desirable to me... but that's just me.
They can be made to produce a little more power due to the larger reed cage volume.

There is a subtle gearing change, along with other minor differences.

The head stud issue is the biggy.. The '87 uses 6 studs verus 7 on the 88+ machines.
obviously there is more surface area to clamp with the fewer # of studs used.
The problem is the small diameter studs have a tendancy to pull and lose torque, thus causing the gasket to fail.
Suzuki utilized larger diameter (Stepped) studs on the 88+ which tend to hold torque better.

The '87 can be easily fixed... have a machine shop install 6 of the newer (stepped.. 10mm on bottom, 8 mm on top) style studs. Use a good quality gasket, and problem solved.

Hope this helps.