I did a search and didn't find anything but i'm sure this was discussed at some point in the past.

Is there any way to tell an 85 and an 86 apart other than running the VIN's?

 

Not that i know of. I didnt have to run the vin though. Mine has a small metal tag on the frame that says manufactured on and it is stanped Feb. 1986. Maybe yours has this too. when i look up OEM parts for my 86 on the internet at a suzuki site it doesn't seem to matter if i look at OEM parts for a 85 or 86.

 

The 85-86 bikes were essentially similar, while the 87 was the debut of the lt250R powervalve. There may be some small differences but I am not aware of them. I'm sure someone will chime in on that subject, or you might be able to find that info with a search.

 

yeah tried a search and the guy checked the frame for the tag... the only way i know its either an 85 or 86 is cuz of the cylinder he showed me... i guess it doesn't really matter since they seem to be exactly the same but it would be nice to know.

 

The 85 has a 32mm carb and the 86 has a 34. The 85 is also lighter than the 86 but I don't think that will help.

 

Thanks.... now i could just check the carb size tonight when i pick it up and hope it still has the stock mikuni carb.