I have just finished restoring a 1987 LT250R and am in need of a new project. I am strongly considering a quadzilla but need some of the basic information that I am sure many of you can help me out with....such as: Which year is the best to buy to restore, if need be can replacement parts be purchased from a dealer or do I have to hunt salvage yards and e.bay for most parts? Can I still buy factory plastic from Suzuki? Are all parts interchangeable on the Zilla from year to year? I am very familiar with the differences between the years and models of the 250's, are the 500's quite a bit different as well? I have also considered just purchasing a new Banshee but this project would probably be more fun...and besides....when completed I will own the KING of all quads...QUADZILLA!! Any advice would be great!!

 

I just finished rebuilding my 1987 quadzilla. I had to find a new frame. I found it on mrdune.com. Yes, you can still buy factory plastic from Suzuki. Do it! I went cheap and bought the Maier. It sucks-nothing fit right, I had to trim most everything and it looks dull. Most people will tell you to stay away from the 87 model because it used a 6-bolt head and was prone to head gasket blowing. The 88-90 used a 7-bolt head which eliminated this problem. On mine, I utilize the 87 jug and head and had both "o-ringed". That is, I have 2 grooves in both the cylinder and head that orings fit into. One is on the outside of the water jacket and the other on the inside. I have had this setup for about 2 years without a single problem. I've beat plenty of raptors, banshees and DS650s to boot (I've lost plenty too but only to some awesome quads).

Besides the different jug and head arrangement, the difference between the 87 and the others was the 88-90 also used different 4th and 5th gear tranny ratios. The 87 used a single bolt to secure the upper a-arms whereas the 88-90 used a more conventional 2-bolt setup.

My wife rides a 400EX. A great bike indeed, but nothing like my quadzilla.

Good luck.