Hey Yall,

Im new to this forum. Im 18 years old, just out of high school and in college. I used to have a running 3 wheeler that I rode ALL the time, but it has died. I thought it was time to get something new, so I found this beast and had to buy it, but I have a few questions.

It is a 1987 Suzuki 230lt. It has had a 1984-86 CB 550E Honda Streetbike 4 cylinder engine put in it, along with the rear end I believe. It has a custom straight pipe exhaust with chrome tips all welded into place. It looks pretty professional, and the guy told me some company did it. I bought it for $350. I have ordered new orange fenders for it.

The guy I bought it from told me that the carbs probably need to be rebuilt. The engine itself has been rebuilt. The guy started it up for me and ran it for a few min but it started off rough. I have tried to start it, but havent had any luck. Should I just get the carbs rebuilt to take care of this problem?

I have not had a chance to ride this, but from what everyone is telling me, its a beast. Would this 4 wheeler be worth trying to fix it up to race? The tach goes up to 9k at the redline lol. Anyone know about how much horsepower this thing has, and the top speed maybe?

Ill probably have more questions when I think of them.

Let me know what yall think!

Corey

 

I'd try cleaning the carbs first. You'd be surprised what a difference that may make. Depending on what year the motor is, I'd guess around 70-75hp. An 02 ram-aired, fuel injected GSXR 600 is around 105hp, just for a quick but inaccurate comparison. I would seriously look at trying to modify the 230's suspension if you really want to use it-that's a big step up from the 230 the chassis was designed for.

 

Im pretty sure that the rear suspension has been redone because it looks new to me. It is very cushiony from just like bouncing it up and down. The front however seams to be a lot tighter than the back. I dont know how the suspension feels yet, but soon hopefully I will. What should I do about the suspension?

 

Rear suspension is bouncy?

I doubt you'll do very well racing unless yer drag racing.

Pull off the carbs and clean em.

 

did you buy the thing off ebay. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

We need some pictures of this beast!

I just paid treefiddy for a rebuilt rear shock so I think you got a bargain.

 

A CB550 street bike engine will most likely have around 40hp(or less). in that year model. Those motors where not made for performance , but rather criusing.





Bigger.

 

look the frame over real good.
man, sounds like a fun project.
a little tuning and you'll have yerself a Raptor Killer!

 

I was wondering what your engine came out of and found this. It says they only made that bike from 75-78, but who cares 'cause it makes 50 hp! There might be some useful upgrade info there for ya.

 

I started the beast today, I wore the battery out so I had to use the kick starter. With a few kicks, and a small spray of starter fluid it cranked. But, there is a large problem. It idols at 6k rpm. Theres no way in hell that I could even think about puttin it in a gear at 6k rpm! Where do I adjust the throttle so that it will idol around 1k rpm or so? I punched it up to 10k rpm and it did it with no hesitation and ran GREAT! Just so loud we couldnt hear eachother's screams today lol. It is SOOOOO loud!!!! All my neighbors just stopped whatever they were doing and listened. I have never seen that happen before.


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I looked at that website and the engine looks just like the ones in the picture, so it must be a 75-78.

Yes, it was the one on ebay lol.

Ill take some pics and post them.