Which one??

[FPMXer]

As soon as I sell my KX450F, I will be in the market for two quads. I want either the lt250 or the lt500. I have ridden the lt500 years ago say, 15 or so. I live in southern california and will mostly be riding the quad in the desert. For those of you who already own either both or one or the other which do you prefer in the dunes and OC type sand. I'm leaning towards the lt500 but what is the maintnence and damage control between the two bikes. All input is appreciated.

[zillaguy89]

I own the 500, and have ridden a ported LT250 on a few ocassions, and judging by your location and what you owned previously, I'd say go for the 500. Maintenance wise the 2 are pretty similar, with the exception that with the 500 you really have to be a stickler with maintenance, meaning don't let things go and get it next time. If you decide to get the 500, Look for an 88-90 model, unless you are planning to go really hog wild with porting and cylinder work. the 87's have a better design on the intake side that you can go mad crazy porting wise, BUT the 87's are prone to head problems from the 6 stud design instead of the 7 studs of 88-90's. If you find an 87 that has been updated to the 10mm studs than its not a big deal. Look for one that have had the crank bearings resleeved with steel inserts, that takes care of the spinning left side bearing that causes an air leak and then kapow! time for an expensive rebuild. Also, the newer you go, the better the suspension design. My 89 has all stick suspension, and in the dunes it feels like strapping into grandpa's Caddy, so I doubt an 87 could be much worse. I'd say that even with the extra problems the 500 may encounter, for your area and riding type, you'll be much happier with a 500, unless you buy one badass and heavily modded 250. There was a very goo dpost in the suzuki section a few days ago that went over the differences between the 2, and also talked about the ways to fix the 500's weak points. I think it was titled "since I couldn't find it anywhere else" or something like that...

[FPMXer]

Thanks for the input. I have been reading everything I can find and have noticed all the differences in the years of the 500 and it's issues. I'm leaning towards the 500 if the price is right and it's in good shape. I'm no stranger to rebuilding a 2 stroke so if I have to wait until the end of the desert season and take one that blew up for cheap I won't hesitate and just rebuild it over the summer. There are sooooo many different companies here in So-Cal for parts and machine work.

ZillaGuy where in NW Indiana are you located? I grew up in the Michigan City/ La Porte area and will be home this year for X-mas and new years.