Opinions on them? I know 85 and 86 are far different than 87+. I'm looking to be able to at least trail ride with a 400ex cammed and bored to 426. I found an 88 that needs a chain tensioner and rings. Is that difficult? Expensive parts? I know 2 strokes are supposedly easier to work on than 4 strokes but I've never worked on them. Are rings just a top end rebuild? Any input on this specific case on the lt250r in general is appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

go for the latest model u can find, they are superior to the 85-6, in the engine and a little better in the suspension. a latter model one that is piped and jetted correctly will pobly handle that 400 ex. I`ve had both, neither is perfect.

 

if I were going to get back on an lt 250, I want wider a arms, better shocks, spacers on the rear to widen it a bit, good tires, and an lt500 motor on it, would be an *** kicker !!

 

Wedgeracer is correct, the later the model, the better with one caveat. The 87 shared an intake with the 500, and was the best stock setup for hp. My 85 was actually a better trail ride in that it was a little smaller and had a nice power band for tighter woods work. It would actually take the 87 Thay had a CT national ported motor in the first 2 gears. Once the 87 caught traction while on the pipe it was all over though. Any year with a healthy motor will outrun the 400ex straight line.

Replacing rings is a simple top end. 2 stroke top ends are an hour job if you ha e all the parts to slap it back together (well, once you have done a couple anyway.) Chain tensioners a bolt on part, also easy. Personally I would be looking for an 87 plus for the better suspension and seat. Also a power valve motor and has better potential when you decide to make it breathe fire.

 

Thanks for all the input. So as long as the engine didn't grenade or anything when the I just need top end gaskets and the rings? No honing or piston?

 

Hard to say until you get it apart. They can run decent but any cylinder or piston scoring and that needs to be addressed.

 

Anyone know where I can get a chain tensioner for this?

 

don`t remember a chin tensioner. do remember chain rollers, and chain guides or rub strips. ebay ! 85-6 were good trail-woods bikes.

 

On the 85 and 86 you loosen the pinch bolt and rotate the bearing carrier to tighten the chain. On the 87 and up the are 2 bolts with lock nuts on the back of the carrier. Loosen the pinch bolts and the lock nuts, tighten them evenly until chain is tight.

 

Didn't get it, ended up being a 4 stroke 250