I have a 1988 suzuki lt230, 2 problems first one is i have a problem idling and driving, it idles really high, and when i take off, it goes like 5mph without me even pressing the gas, it will do this for hours if i let it, it also revs when i pull in clutch, i tihnk its a carb issue or throttle problem, anyone know anything about it, 2nd question is i do some jumping with it, i get some good air, but when i come down i nearly almost break my ankles because the quad bottoms out, is there anything i can do to tighten up the shocks, or make it so i get a nice landing?
Thanks Brent

 

problem one - most likeley your idle is set too high (screw on side of carb), or your cable is sticky. also check the cable adjusters and make sure theres like 1/8" play on your lever.

problem two - lt 230's dont have a whole lot of travel, and the stock shocks are pretty crappy. however, you can try to bump the preload adjuster up a few clicks to stiffen things up, but your gonna have a little less forgiving of a ride at lower speeds. the best solution would be works shocks, theyre simply AMAZING. they make everything feel like your riding on a big pillow, they dont bottom nearly as much, and are dual rate.

 

problem one - I agree with the sticky cable. MY throttle would stick occasionally which would cause it to rev if I pulled the clutch, then after a new throttle cable, it was fine.

problem 2 - I was jumping my 230 like crazy yesterday w/ my 250S front shocks and stock 230 rear. The landing were pretty rough since I couldn't quite clear the 30' tabletop, but thats kind of to be expected jumping that high and far! So like lt230sman said, if you can afford it, get yourself some nice Works, or other high end brand shocks. But before you do that, I would extend your front a-arms. Here's a few pics of me jumping mine yesterday:





Oh and lt230sman, nothing broke on my front suspension! Just about snapped my foot pegs off though!

 

any suggestions or any places you recomend i get shocks from, and where at, also, do you know any sites that sell rear plastics thanks

 

spededdy - works makes bolt on units, and i believe ohlins makes "universal" ones that should fit.

wider arms are the way to go!

atvman29 managed to modify lt250s arms and make them work.
also, check out my thread on my extension project going on right now.

for plastics, maier is basically the only company out there. thankfully, they support dam near every bike out there! check out thier site, or i think thier parts are available from denniskirk.


atvman29 - i have an lt250r, and i do pretty serious stuff with it (race mx and xc), and i gotta say im AMAZED with the size stuff youre doin with that 230! rock on man! also, glad to hear that things are holding together well!

 

well, im not to great at modding, how much you think my 1988 lt230 is worth, engine runs good, needs rear plastics and throtle cable adustment, how much you think i can get out of that?

 

oh and atvman, where is that place? it looks kinda familiar for some reason...

 

well, i honestly would just cut the fenders off (not pretty, but not important anyways). then, a throttle cable adjustment is nothing really, worst case you buy a $15 cable.

if everything else is in good shape, the bike is probably worth spending the $400 for shocks, it will make a simply indescribable difference in your bike's handling.

 

well, how much you think i can get outta it the shape it is now?

 

how much can i get for condition it is in now?