I've got a bent frame and a-arms on my '86 LT250R. I'm going to buy a stock frame from a salvage yard (cause I'm cheap) and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to pick up a newer 250 frame (87 and up). I would replace my a-arms with a Lonestar +2 type arm at the same time.

Do the newer ones handle better? Are the fender mounts in different places (they look the same to me)? I'll make new motor mounts. Would it be worth the hassle? Has anyone compared the '86 250 to a newer one? What changes were made after '87? Was '92 the last year?

Thanks guys!
Jeff

 

I think the newer frames are longer and are lower and not as high as the older ones i would go with a 91 or 92 frame

 

LT frames

There are a lot of difference between the three main variations of the LT frames, year wise these are 85/86, 87/90, 91/92. OK hear goes:

main variation between the 87/90- and 91/92 is the rear suspension. 91/92 is a bottom link system (not a floater system as used 85 to 90). To accomodate this ghange the rear of the frame is quite different.

85/86 Silver case reed engine, motor mounts are different to 87 on. Shorter front shocks than 87 on,different A-arms, different swing arm, differnt floater shock setup than 87 - 90. I think the 85/86 also only has 4 stud rear hubs where as the 87 on have 5 studs.

The long and short of it is that the 85/86 is quite a differnt quad to the 87 on. I would suggest that in order to save a lot of hassles find youself a good 85/86 chassis and get it all back together and enjoy it for what it is, a good fun machine.

Try these guys online: East coast atv, they have a suzuki parts page.
http://eastcoastatv.com/suzukiparts.htm

also try http://www.atvsalvage.com/

plus there are a lot of other reputable dismantlers around, check out the classified adverts in your favourite ATV magazine.

Good luck.