New to the quadzilla w/questions.

[wfagan59]

Thanks for any help you guys might be able to give me in advance. I used to ride a 87 banshee back on the east coast when I was younger. i loved the motor, but the chassis and suspension were way to harsh. I've recently moved to San Diego, and bummed a few rides at Glamis. I'm hooked. So in my shopping i've found a '89 LT500RJ for 2500. It looks like it's in good shape, but I don't really know anything about these quads. Is there anything I should be looking for specifically and do you all think i'll be happy with this vs a banshee. Obviously you're all 'zilla fans, but try to be objectional.

[89zillarider]

ck the frame by the foot pegs for cracks also look at the back bone and look real close at the frame near the front control arms

also if the engine has alot of viberation in it when reving up it may have the crank bearings spinning in the case but that a simple fix

ck water pump for leaks and ck oil for water/metal in it

but for 2500.00 for a zilla if it runs and looks good not to bad

[Kane]

$2500 is basically cheap. Check all moving parts that you can. These beasts have a habit of wearing out the bearings in the control arms and suspension components as many people are simply too lazy to take em apart to properly grease. Check everything for slop.

[zillaguy89]

Check the compression before you buy. They have a habit of wasting the stator side crankshaft seal, and if that goes bad, its all downhill from there. If it does have the "spinning bearing" problem, Trust me you don't want anything to do with that particular bike. I've been there, so believe me I know. I just spent over a year trying to get mine rebuilt, and I just got my first rides on it this weekend, and it was worth the wait, aside from the empty bank account.

[zillaguy89]

By the way, the crank bearings spinning in the case is a fairly sinmple fix if you don't mind splitting the cases and sending them out to get the journals resleeved. Not a big deal really, but it is rather expensive.