Rescued: 1987 Suzuki LT500R

What's better than a Suzuki 500? Answer - 2 of them!!

I could not resist this used but original 1987 LT500R. I am the 3rd owner on this Zilla. Did not ride it when I bought it but today I had a chance to take it for a spin (still thinking of a name).

I have been really wanting to see what a stock 500 was like. I did not get a chance to run Shirley as it was a complete disaster when I bought her. Shirley has some HPR porting and a Q2 pipe and is a monster.

The plan is to keep this Zilla pretty close to stock. This will be a Zilla that is trail ready and for playing around. The only motor work is a FMF pipe. I am not sure if the PO rejetted it. It suppose to be on the original bore and I believe it. No signs of it being **** open.

The compression feels really weak next to the fresh motor in Shirley, however it runs and idles well. A couple of laps around the block were fun. You can tell how tame the FMF pipe is and how it doesn't rev like the big pipes do. However its still very fun and gets up to speed quickly.

First items to take care of:
- Head Squish Fix and O-Ring, you can tell this one leaked or will leak coolant.
- Fresh Bore and Piston
- Thrust Washers

I am worried about digging into this motor and having a sloppy crank. I am also not sure if I should ditch the 87 carb for a 88 plus carb. This quad will remain stock but Jerry said the 87 carbs are bad and will run lean under certain throttle positions (if I remember right).

Pics:


Headlight Works!!


Unmolested 500!! Original Bore (need to verify)


Gotta have the useless by totally 80's swingarm bumper!!


Stock handle bars, Switches, Etc; - Super cool!! PO also had the thumb throttle which will go back on.


Holy Crap a Airbox!! Holy crap a airbox with a lid!!! AND a tool kit!!

Nice find, good looking quad.

Replace the non original stuff and call it a day! I'm restoring one myself for a friend. Wait til you guys see what shape it came to me in! But the shape it will leave in?  and more!

What do you think it's worth?

It already runs

Buckeye - did you notice the Ohio ORV sticker?

Nice find Rider...

You should see the piece of crap 2nd Zilla I bought!

I saw that one too 414 I told my buddy if I didnt already have 4 quads I'd run out and buy it. the only thing it really needs is a seat cover. I think it was up for 2200. but not 100%  good find. Theres also a nice one in livonia mi. for sale for 2800 has 90 decals would be a great buy

Your post didn't work lt500kid

rqhxm-3892909163@sale.craigslist.org?subject=suzcki%20500%20quadzilla%20-%20%242800%20(livonia)&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fdetroit.craigslist.org%2Fwyn%2Fmcy%2F3892909163.html%0A

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/mcy/3892909163.html

Is that the one? 

Nice new addition, looks really good.

That one you picked up is nice too 414. I saw both of them and like I said I have too many...... Says the wife anyway.

He wanted $3000.00 and we settled on $2,400.00. I for sure didn't steal it but really appreciated the original condition. No pink plastic, no hacked-up crap.

After some cleaning yesterday, its pretty damn clean. The list of items to repair are: New Chain, New Axle Bearings, Fresh Top End. Everything else is pretty square. 

I take it you saw the pink plastic one on c.l. too  lmao

Yup. Hahahaha!!!