I was just wondering if some of you zilla junkies could give me some of your expert knowledge on the differences between the 4 model years of the zilla? I know that '87 there were only 6 headbolts and the later models had 7, and also the later models have the round a-arms vs. the square tubing of the '87. I am trying to obtain any info on the zilla's that I can, because I am considering purchasing a '90. Please let me know of anything that I should pay particular attention to or anything that I should try to avoid when looking for a zilla. Thanks in advance!

 

I think that after 87, the 500 remained relatively unchanged until its demise, but dont quote me on that. The advantage to getting a 90 model is that it will be the newest 500 that you can find, but from what I have seen there are way more 89s than anything else out there. Just find one with a straight frame and good swingarm, a-arms, ect. The rest is easy to come by. You have to accept that no matter how well a quad has been maintained,after 10 or so years, it is going to need a few $$$ put into it.I have heard different opinions as far as the 87 VS later engines go, some people say that the 87s are prone to head gasket failure and possiable lower engine grenading, while others say they they have had no problems, Id say why take a chance, find the newest, cleanest one you can and go with that.

 

Thanks for the reply No2StrokeBs. Why do you know so much about the 500 if there is "No2StrokeBs?" Just kidding. I have heard that the swingarms are especially prone to cracking so I will definately look closely at that. Also, a little information I found while researching the 500 is that there were more '87 models produced than any other model. Here's the information I found:

"The Quadzilla was offered only during the 1987 through 1990 model years. This fact makes it difficult to acquire a Quadzilla from the used market, and very difficult to find one in new condition. The 1987 Quadzilla product was known as the "H" model, 1988 was "J", 1989 was "K", and in 1990 it was "L". For example, sometimes you will see a 1989 Quadzilla identified as an LT500RK. The 1987 "H" model appears to have been sold in greater quantities than each following model year. This observation is ironic due to the fact that the 1987 model had a different powerplant than all of the following years. The 1988 "J" model featured the second-generation Quadzilla powerplant. This new engine appears to follow the same general specifications as its predecessor, however proof that it is different lies in the fact that components are not interchangeable and transmission gear ratios are different. In 1989, the "K" model received some chassis refinements. These refinements’ presence can be easily identified by white-colored A-arm front suspension, replacing the former silver-colored A-arms of previous years. In 1990, the "L" model received even fewer changes. I suspect the changes in 1990 were in response to manufacturing cost considerations."

 

Don't bother looking for one with a good swingarm. Find one with a straight frame with as little rust as possible. Make sure and wiggle the front end (i.e. grab each tire and pull back and forth) to check for worn needle bearings in the a-arms and for loose ball joints. Those bearings are expensive. Check the swingarm bearings too. If you find any of these to be loose or provide any slop, you will have some leverage to talk the guy down in price.

2thextreme you really ought to cite your sources. It looks like you quoted something from Mrdune.com's site-maybe not though.

 

LT5001987,

 

LT5001987,
Thanks for the post. I haven't gotten to see the bike yet, but I was definately planning on thoroughly checking each of the bearing sets for worn bearings.

Also, I was not trying to "steal" anyone's quotes. I found this information from a search engine, and I was not really paying attention to where I got the info from. I am sorry if I offended someone with posting that quote. Here is the link that I got the info from: http://www.offroadhaven.com/ltquad_details.htm.

Thanks for the replies on the 500, keep them coming. Also, if anyone would like to give me some feedback on how they like their 500's, that would also be appreciated.

 

My Zilla is an 87, I have had very few problems with it, I did have the entire motor rebuilt just last summer, but that was after about 5 years of good hard riding. A couple suggestions; you can O-ring the original head, this will alleviate the blown head gasket problems that 87s are notorious for, and I've noticed that the majority of the cracked swing-arms start on the chain side right around the top chain-slide. As No2StrokeBs suggested check it out very carefully, every nook and cranny.

 

When I got my 89 a while back I put EVERY new bearing in it possiable. This included, swingarm, a-arms, rear axle, pivot joint, shock mount bearings and front wheel bearings and seals. IT cose me about $430 to do all of this but trust me, you wont regret it. Call Yamaha/Suzuki Of Arizona, they have by far the cheapest OEM parts for the 500s. They sell Original Suzuki front and rear plastics for a little over $300, and you can hardley get Maier junk for that much.

 

I paid $400 for A-arm and swing arm bearings(pivot works) and the big bearing in the cushion lever(OEM)

 

OH!!! Around the long skinny bolt that holds the chainslide on is wear the swing arm usually cracks, right across the bolt hole....