speed difference between newer and older lt250r's
 

is there any difference speed wise between the 85-86 and the 87s and up lt250r's? Im only asking because of the different reed setups and different geared tranys.

Yeah, there is some. The early model was a trail bike motor with case reeds. It was a lighter machine with a milder motor. I really liked it as a trail rider though. 87 and up are RM type motors that were a lot faster and had an extra gear as well. Suspension/chassis design kind of holds either one back a bit from what the Honda was, but those zuki motors were plenty strong.