Ok, so this sounds a little stupid, but I guess I'm spoiled. Does anyone make an electric start conversion for a 1987 Suzuki LT500?

If so, who?

Please God, say yes.

 

I'm pretty sure nobody does... But, why not try to make your own? Maybe get the starter from a Honda Pilot, or something? I think it's possible to rig it up... Just a bit of work... Custom work...

 

Perhaps I'll look into a custom job. Would be a good challenge, although honestly, I have no idea where to start. Any ideas? Have you seen any web pages on guys/gals who post how-to's on electric start conversions (for any bikes at all)?

Even a how-to on a motorcycle would help. I know they made some kits for some of the trail bikes, but I can't find any web pages that mention how the system works, how it installs, or what pieces are included. I figure I'll need at least:

-starter (perhaps chain or gear driven, and mounted just behind the motor. The engagement of the starter could be a challenge in itself.)

-battery
-battery rack
-charging system
-push button

 

Do you own a Zilla? If not, then maybe if you really want a big bad big bore 2 stroke, but want electric start I would reccomend the TRX250R because I think the 350 Odyssey's electric start goes right on, or maybe someone makes a kit, and you could get a 400 kit or something...?

 

I say sell the Zilla real cheap to me, and buy a 400EX!!! Great to see another guy from Oregon! Oh have you heard of a track in Sandy called Mt. View? I am in Gresham alot and if it isn't too far, when I get a quad I would like to take it there and race.

 

Thanks for your response, any and all help is appreciated. Do you know any resources (web pages, books, articles, etc) that may discuss an electric start conversion for the LT500? Perhaps (dare I say) there's a different forum that deals with mostly LT500's? Any help is appreciated!

Yes, I just bought my first sport quad (I previouly had Polaris Utility ATV's)! I decided to get the biggest badest one I could find, and it turned out to be an LT500. It has a number of mods on it (engine and aesthetics), and I'll be bringing it to a shop soon to have it checked out (it seems to run fine (fast as all bloody heck), and it's quite the looker too [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

However, starting it seems to take a nack that I don't quite have. I'm used to the electric starts on the Polaris ATV's, and now I have to kick this monster bike (feel like I'm going to break my foot kicking, and loose my vocal chords, screaming at it). I'd really like to find someone who's done an electric start conversion. That would be too damn cool!

Thespazardman

 

Wow, I'm in Gresham, too. Although I had to drive to Arlington yesterday (Northeast of Seattle) to find my zilla!

Thespazardman

 

Their is an add in "dirt wheels mag" Of a company that makes starter conversions for things like 350X three wheelers and bikes like that. You could try them guys out thats all they do. But I think that the COMPRESSION on the LT500 is way to much for a normal ATV starter. Four-strokes have 'compression release valve ' that makes it easier for the motor to turn over. Good luck.

Biggerisbetter.

 

The compression is a pain in the @ss. I destroyed a good pair of work boots kick starting mine the other day. I doubt you will find an electric start but if you do, post it please. I think you will find better success with getting it tuned really well and then starting it up every week whether you ride it or not. Rev it a bit each time if you don't ride it so you don't foul out the plug. Also have your mechanic replace the reed petals (less than $20 for standard repalcement reeds) as damaged or worn reeds will cause problems starting. Lastly, remember your starting drill and do the successful drill the same way each time. Does it always need the choke in hot or cold weather, remember how much you gas it, etc. It can really screw up your ride when you waste all of your energy kick starting the pig 25 times! Good luck.

 

You just wait till the kick starter jumps up and bites ya!!! That'll really make you wish you had electric start!! Plus, with that in mind, if you ever did get a starter hooked up and working, a "kick-back" would probably bust a case or something........Latah......