Not talking about drag racing here. Overall for dunes, trails, mx and general riding which is more fun in your opinion? Is the power of the lt500 just too much to use? Is the lt250 a better handling quad? Thanks.

 

I had an LT 500 for more than 10 years. I rode it everywhere, dunes, woods, road raced, mx, draged, trail, ice, etc. I don't think its too big or powerful. They are only high 40's hp. Most modded mid 50's. (Real numbers). Trail riding is fun. Just put it in 3rd and ride all day. I think a 250 would be a turd in the sand. Or alot of abuse to have fun. Probably o.k. in the trail. A 250 might handle better. I know mine was heavy but it was all around more fun.

 

the 250 will turn alot sharper and faster, but the torque of the 500 is lots of fun in the sand. (with paddles, without them its useless)
My bro has an LT250, and I have the 500. (pretty modded, probably mid 60's, low 70hp)

Sometimes it is more fun to be on a quad that has to really work to get up a steep steep dune.
I also have a TRX 250R, and it is a blast even in stock form. The 500 is fun, but it is cool to ride a
quad that cant fly over any dune any steepness in third or 4th gear.

Thats why I love my 250R in the sand with no paddles... its so much fun to try to get it up big hills..

-Matt

 

Why do people think the LT500 is heavy? They are 392lbs...lighter than a raptor. People dont think raptors are heavy. Just because its big doesent mean its heavy.

 

true... so true.

Dont think otherwise though, it DOES feel like a big bike.

 

They both are a blast. I have both and they are both moded quite alot. The 500 is the Daddy of the two of coarse. You wouldnt go wrong with either one.

 

This is only my opinion since I've owned both....

The 250 is noticeably lighter and is a better bike for trail riding, especially when stuck (i.e. no reverse)! Power is higher in the powerband than the 500 and is noticably less than the 500. I sold mine as I wanted more power, mainly for the dunes, but anywhere other than the dunes it had a good strong powerband. It also jumps better than the 500. The bump steer is significant if racing competitively, but not otherwise. Ergonomically both bikes are very comfortable.

The 500 is bigger, wider, and has a higher center of gravity and a much firmer suspension. I love the powerband but it makes all of its power below 5500 RPM, relatively low by 2 stroke standards. Not necessarily a bad thing, just the way it is. It also has great potential for hopping up the motor.

If you're over 180 pounds and an experienced rider, the 500 might be better, especially if you ride at the dunes often. If you ride MX a lot, then the 250 is the bike for you.

P.S. My dream bike, while keepng it all Suzuki parts, would be a 1987-1992 LT250R frame with a 1988-1990 LT500 engine!