I have the oppertunity to purchase a Lt500. How does the quad handel compared to other sport quads? Is the LT500 as minuverable as the 250R and the Banshee because of the greater size? Living in the North East my riding consists of all conditions. Another question, is it hard to get parts for the 1987 LT500?

THANKS

 

DO NOT buy a Quadzilla if handling is a prime concern of yours. I have had mine for six years now and ride it in various areas and conditions. It's poor handling characteristics (compared to practically every other quad I have ever rode) are its main disadvantage. Its size can be a handfull in the woods and it isn't exactly flickable in the air either! I have learned to look past these short-comings however. There aren't too many 500's around so owning one is unique in most areas. Also, the broad power band cannot be found with any other quad.

 

IF you want lots of power and boneshattering speed go ahead and buy it. But if youre looking for great handling you would be better with an LT250. The 500 feels huge when turning...

 

The previous two posts are right on about the way the Lt500 handles. I have had no problems with getting parts for mine. Just a few months ago I completely rebuilt it. It is great in the dunes/ open trails, two tracks, gravel pits. Not bad in the tight stuff, but not as fun as a smaller quad. I have the 500 for the times we ride in open trails, dunes, etc, and a 250 for the tight stuff. Just a few things about the 87...the head gasket supposedly is easy to blow, I have never had this, but I torque the head bolts about twice the factory spec. It kicks back HARD!! when you try to start it sometimes, the 88 on had less compression to reduce this nasty habbit....ALWAYS wear boots to start it!! OUCH!! Check it over good, the 500 was not bought by the elderly to feed the deer, its life has been a hard one.

 

 

I've ridden mine in the not-so-tight woods and find it ok for that application. Now out in the open it'll rip on command! I can spin her around on a dime and hand my buddies on their three wheelers 5 cents in change. I have never really compared them with other two-strokes; but, I would think that the Honda 250r would easily out-handle it and it should. The Banshee on the other hand should parallel the Quadzilla in handling for it's not the best at it either. The one thing I can say about it is it goes where it's pointed for me. It's just that it can be hard to keep it up under you in some situations. DO NOT Armor-All the seat, EVER!. It's no fun taking a corner on a gravel road at high speed while sitting on the headlight, facing the other direction. I know that for a fact.
About the parts availability; not a problem. I happen to have a '87 with an '88 motor in it. The parts aren't down at NAPA but they can be found and in my opinion...well worth it. I too have never faced any serious challenge on mine. If I want to race my buddies on their modded 350Xs, I have to give them three gears before they let me start. Then I reel 'em in at a still unbelievable rate and shoot past right them. These 350Xs are quick bikes but still even they, proud Honda owners, will admit that there is no comparison. As far as top speed, I have several different sprockets and now I am in the process of seeing just what kind of numbers I can generate. Maybe even something in the triple digits but we'll see.

 

Even though I've only had mine a couple of days, I find it easier to steer the ***-end w/ the throttle than it is by turning the bars....

 

lol! true true never armor all the seat. i learned that the hard way on my 250!

 

WHENEVER SOME ASKS THIS QUESTION I ALWAYS WANT TO KNOW HOW BIG THE RIDER WILL BE. IF YOU ARE A SMALLER RIDER UNDER180 POUNDS THEN THE 250R WOULD PROBABLY SUIT YOU BETTER. I HAVE 2 ZILLA'S ONE FOR THE WOODS AND A ALCHOL BURNING ONE WITH A TURBO FOR THE SAND THAT IS ALMOST FINISHED. I RIDE WITH GUYS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING FROM 230 SPORTS, TO CUSTOM WARRIORS AND 250RS AND THEY HAVE A HELL OF A TIME KEEPING UP UNLESS I WRECK--LOL. THE ZILLA IS A HANDLEFUL IN TIGHT AREA'S BUT I HAVE HAD ONE SINCE 87 AND TO ME THE RAPTOR FEELS TINY. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS ADD A STEERING DAMPER, SOME WORKS OR AXIS SHOCKS SET FOR YOUR WEIGHT AND IF YOU GOT AND EXTRA 350 LAYING AROUND GO FOR A LSR STEERING STEM WITH THE ANTIVIBE MOUNT. IF YOU LIKE TO CATCH AIR THE 250 IS THE BETTER CHOICE I CAN DO IT ON MINE BUT IT IS HARD TO CORRECT IF YOU LAUNCH WRONG. THE ZILLA LIKE TO FLY IN THE SAND BUT JUMPING IN THE WOODS IS TRICKY. WELL WHAT EVER YOU RIDE HAVE FUN WITH IT.---SEE YA

 

PENNZILLA when running aftermarket shocks do you reccomend aftermarket a-arms or do you run stock