Are their any differences worth knowing between the 86 and older quadracers and the 87 and newer.
Which would be preferred?

 

85-6 had 5-speed 87+ had 6-speeds. 87+ had power valves for exhaust. 87+ had stronger swingarms(if your getting huge air).Theres probly other small difference too. I`m not sure witch one is the best, they are both good if you get a good buy.

 

The 85-86 didn't have a external reed cage, to access it, u had to remove the cylinder. Suspension was way better on the newer ones, the parts are a lil easier to come by. The older ones also had a slight problem with water getting into the oil. The seat was also a bit different, new ones curved around.

 

I owned an 85 for about 4 years. The handling was awsome but the motor was a dog. I modified it quite a bit but never liked the way it ran. The suspension was also terrible especially the rear. You could push it down, go eat a sandwich, come back and it might have come all the way back up. It was reliable exept for the motor loved to eat up pistons. The 87 and up models are far superior quads. They handle just as good if not better and have one awsome motor. I never owned one but rode my cousins and it was night and day better than the old 85/86.