I bought a 1985 lt 250r recently. My friend said that the early lt250r was unreliable. Is that true...what problems are common? Are the powervalve motors that much better? How fast should this quad go? Can the powervalve motor be swapped into my machine? Are ther any companies making a big bore kit? What are the best mods for it. It has a dg exhaust on it , itp rims, wheel spacers, 1.5" longer swingarm. Any info would be apprecated.

 

The later years 87 and newer lt250's were better than previous models. But 85 and 86 are reliable with basic maintance and attention. As for a motor swap not sure on that one. I would stay away from a big bore kit for it. You would lose some reliability. Just get a mild port job and a flatslide 36 or 38mm carb. It will go a long way. Lt's take a little more attention and dont take quite the abuse as compared to the Honda 250r.

 

Reliability is all relative... if you've got a sound motor, and take good care of it, it could last quite a while.
The 'case reed' motor (85-86) will not make the HP of the later years...

If your considering doing a big bore kit, build an LT500 motor and put it in there... Not a difficult conversion, and you'll be happy with the results.

 

I believe that the 85-86 250's have 1 upright in front of the motor, whereas the later years have 2 that the pipe goes through. The frame would have to be modified to accept a later year motor. The reliability of the quad is up to you, if you maintain it, it will be reliable and vice versa. I would pull the top-end off and inspect it before you ride it a lot. It should go 65-70 depending on gearing and other factors. I wouldnt go big-bore with the case reed motor.

 

I need to know what my used new atv is so I can put a wiring harness on it please