I have a '87 LT500 with a Trinity Stage 3 port job, a 2.5mm overside bore, Wisco piston, and FMF pipe and Silencer. I've recently rebuilt it; new bearings front and rear, polished swimgarm, new white plastics, Cascade seat, shockwears, k&n filter and outwear, etc. I just got it last year, and love the bike for it's power, but I do not like the fact that it's a pain in the butt to start, and it's not as reliable (I've heard) as say, a Banshee. Plus, the Banshee I can start pretty easily, and there are more of them which means more parts at the dunes in case of breakdown.

So the question is, should I sell it and get a Banshee? (which I would think I'd be happier with...)
What would you guys pay for it (and is there anyone who would like to buy it?) I was thinking around $3200, but I haven't been in the 'zilla market for long, so tell me what you think.

 

I wouldnt sell my zilla for any other atv what makes it so hard to start Ive never even put a top end in mine and it still starts very easy even when its cold maybe there is a problem with it and my zilla has been very reliable its as relable as my 400ex I think all these people that say the zilla is un reliable have either never owned one or just didnt take care of it properly. So I say dont sell it for a banshee keep it.

 

The most it takes me to fire up my LT 500 is four or five kicks and I mess up the first two or three kicks. It can be a bear when cold. I love the power of the LT 500. At Gordons Well test hill I will pull up to the very bottom of the hill. I put it in second take off then quickly shift to third and give full throttle to the top. Most people think I went second to first you should see the look on their face when I tell them it was second to third.

 

Ok,
A few more questions. I've heard of case bearings going out in it, and I've talked to some guys who've said that they have had no problem with that. Also, the '87 is more prone to blowing head gaskets, so should I get the head o-ringed, or wait until the bearings go out or the gasket blows and get it worked on?

Thanks for your help

 

Do not wait until your bearings fail. It could be catastrophic. Your 87 needs brass inserts and new bearings if worn out. This should cost around $300 not including any other tranny work it may need.

I would suggest oversize head studs and o-ring the stock head. If you don't beat on the bike relentlessly and maintain it properly, you may not have problems with these weaknesses for a while but as our bikes are getting older, you need to monitor them more closely. Always check your head stud torgue specs every ride until you oversize the studs.

P.S. I'll never sell my Zilla. They'll have to pry it out of my dead hands in order to bury me.

 

Dude, are you nuts?
I wouldn't sell my zill for anything! and a banshee more reliable?? I hardly think so.. It all boils down to maintenance.

If your zill is hard starting, perhaps you have an underlying problem or two.
Hows the State of tune? Jetted properly? How about a compression check?
These things can make a bike harder to start.

Yes, the '87s have more trouble with the head gaskets, but unless you're running high compression, you really shouldn't have much trouble. (Rode my stocker for 12 years on the original piston, and never blew a head gasket)
Yes, the crank bearings can offer grief. It's a matter of 'when' not a matter of 'if'.
It's not a major thing to get fixed, and if Trinity worked on the motor, there's a slight possibility that they already installed the brass inserts to fix the problem... (Don't know if they worked on your bottom end or not??)

I've towed many quads out of the dunes with 'ol reliable, but I take impecible care of it too.

 

Definitely get rid of that thing! Put it in a big box and send it to me[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]. I have been looking around here for about a year for one and haven't had any luck. I have never rode one but what can be wrong with a 500cc 2-stroke. I love my banshees, but would also be proud to own a zilla. Just hope it don't scare me after riding these Yamahas.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I tell everyone that banshees are the biggest pieces of junk made, and I honestly believe it. I love riding them though.

 

no definetly dont sell it! but i am selling mine not because i want to.

 

Ok guys,
I'm not selling it. I'll see everyone up at the Oregon coast!

 

You made the right decision bud keep that monster and watch as people stare and only wish they were as lucky.