1989 LT500 questions

[Howard]

Hi, new here.
im currently looking for/at a 1989 LT500R. whats the ups and downs on these . best years and such, tips and tricks. best tweaks, just some short tips and tricks is what im looking for i guess.
well to start with anyways. lol
i heard 88-89 were the best is this true?
any info? major frame spots i need to look at that are known problems?
anything else that i should look at right off the bat?
Thanks, Howard

[zillaguy89]

Well, where do I start? haha

87's have slightly different engines, engine parts are not interchangeable with an 88-90. 87's also have different gear ratios in the tranny. 89-90's have a little different suspension than 87-88's.

Zillas are known for tossing crankshaft bearing seals, particularly the stator side. Ask me all about that one, I just burnt a hole in a piston cause of it. haha

they are known for having head problems, particularly the 87 because it only has a 6 bolt head, the 88-90's have 7 (one of the engine differences stated above). I just recently got mine, but I'm gona save my pennies and get a Cool Head for it.

The chain adjustment setup is also not exactly the best design. they have a habit of sliding the axle carrier forward and tossing chains, there's things you can do to prevent that though, like tightening the carrier bolts like a madman. thats not really too big of a deal, none of it is really, just the quirks of having a mean machine.

I'm not sure of any problems with frame breakage, it seems to me that the frame at least looks like a brick sh*thouse.

I know Houser makes +2 a-arms for them, durablue makes axles for them (at least used to)

Talk to Sparkzilla or Quadzilla (hes the second admin, but not around very often) maybe they can help more than I. I'm new to the Zilla myself, so maybe I might learn a thing or 2 also. They aren't bad quads, just be prepared, they aren't the most reliable thing on earth. I think the pros outweigh the cons though
I'm sure there are other quirks with them.\

By the way, welcome to the site! there's loads of good people around here, just speak up!

[Banshee]

Ok DT your close on most of what you said.

Frome what I understand the lower ends are the same. (correct me if I'm wrong). The 87 cylinder is different because it has a larger intake and a 6 bolt head. However you can put an 88-90 cylinder onto a 87 lower end with out any issues. You will have to get a new intake however.

Crank shaft bearings you can fix with a case insert it will cost about $150 a case so $300 total. This is a must have if you tear the lower end apart. It will save you 10x that cost in motor rebuilds.

the heads on the 87 do have issues because of the compression it will start to pull the studs out and then you have air leaks. this can be fixed by getting larger studs installed.

The frame has breaking issues by the seat latch. That is the only spot that I know of.

Lonestar makes a-arms and axles for the zilla just you will pay alittle more for it. To tell you the truth I don't think you need and lenght in the a-arms. The stock arms on the zilla are actually the toughest I have ever seen.

If you want to replace shocks you only have to do the front. The rear is already a really nice shock.

As for Quadzilla he is a lazy bastard so PM him if you have a questions. He has a lot of knowledge on the Zilla since he has 2 and 3 motors.

I think thats it.

[sblt500r]

My frame cracked around where the swingarm bolt nut is. It only happened because the bolt was worn and the end broke off. I fixed it like 2 years ago and put in a new bolt and bearings and spacers and it seems to be fine. My friends frame was cracked in front of the rear arm mounts on both sides. his is an 87, could be why. diferent arm setup.

[370banshee]

i think the biggest problem with the zilla is the fact that a banshee whoops it!!!!!

[zillaguy89]

yeah we'll see about that dudeman-mandude....haha

[sparkzilla]

Howard,

The biggest downfall that I can really think of about the zilla is it requires a bit more maint than other quads. I have had mine for 3 years. And I have also had other 2 stroke quads. They all need a little work everynow and then but the zilla needs just a little more. Little things like bolts need tightened more often just small stuff like that. All in all it is a really good quad you just need to be sure you aren't afraid to do a little work to own one. The 87 is the fastest but it does have the head problems. Also you may want to keep in mind that it was only made for one year. The 88-90 would be my suggestion since it was made a little longer you have more options for parts. Bottom line I guess is if you want a killer 2 stroke quad. That stock for stock is killer fast. Or just want to be different. The zilla is for you. If you want something that u just have to gas and go then stay far away from it. If you buy one just yell and I will tell you anything you wnat to know about it. Good luck!! Mine is for sale by the way. And it is really cheap!!!

[Howard]

Originally Posted by sparkzilla

Howard,

Mine is for sale by the way. And it is really cheap!!!

Hey, please email me about yours. is it the one in the profile i suppose?
im in Memphis Tn, the one i was looking at getting is up your way as well.
send me some pictures and some info.
Hgoody77@midsouth.rr.com

[Howard]

Hey, thanks for the reply. throgh reading a bit more i guess it's worth the extra money to go ahead and add a pro design cool head on it?

is that pretty much the only manufacturer for a cool head? turns out the one im looking at is right here in the classifieds, lol ha i didn't know that.
hey travis if your looking.

i dont mind working on them i like to wear them out so im used to working on them. im used to 2 strokes as well. i do like different and i like the looks of the LT500, just calls my name. im a big guy and i want a big bike. i have not personally seen one of these though but they look like they plenty big.

i hope i can be on my way soon to go get that one from Travis.

keep adding posts if you have more info on these!
Thanks a lot , howard

[Howard]

This is what im used to iding that is currently down . i bought a new old stock 300cc big bore kit for this one. was sending t off to port polish, get the works.
but this may just go for sale since what i really want is a LT500.
My current 2 stroke.