So I just joined the forum and like what I have read so far.
I just picked up a 1986 LT250R for $250. Not a great looking bike but it is 95% complete. I never leave a bike in stock form, so I'm looking for the upgrade tips from the veteran pros.
I have a bunch of LT500R parts at my disposal if any ill crossover. Can the swingarm be made to work? Or the A arms? I can fab mounts and such but wonder if its worth the effort. I do race MX on my other bike, but I'm 38 so its not like I'm a Superstar.
The engine runs pretty well no real issues there, but any problems to look for or things to avoid would be welcome. I never have been around these bikes before so any knowledge would be great.
Good deal for a running LT. What 500 parts do you have?
A buddy found one in Mississippi, I have a friend up here needing cases. So long story short I bought that bike for $150. But the kicker is its still in Mississippi and I'm in Missouri. So some parts have been ebayed. But I have the swingarm, A arms, shocks, silencer all headed my way, I hope I can make them ork.
We have a few members here from Missouri. Your bike has a lot of potential. We'll show you how to make it better.
Welcome! What do you need for the 86? I have a handful of things left over from my 86, Your welcome anything I have for the 85-86.
Thanks for the offer. Not sure what I'm going to need but I will for sure let you know.
Hey welcome to the site,,, i saw your question about using tapatalk for this board and what i do is if im going to upload pics i go to tapatalk, go to a thread on any other site, type what i want to say and upload pics hosted with tt (it gives you an img code) and then copy and paste in the threads here or what not.
Not a bad deal for a running bike at all dude!
Well I found some cracks in my swingarm. I hope I can make 500 swingarm work.
My Zilla swing arms had cracks in the usual spots. Have them tig welded up and it should be good till you really hammer on it
For starters like you already found the 85-86 swingers are really bad for cracking. Cheapest fix, but also a good fix, 87-90 (250) rear end.
Next front shocks. The LT suspension is terrible especially the 85-86 as they are 1" shorter than the 87+. Jaytater aka voodoochassis makes a bolt or weld on kit to upgrade to the 87+ length shocks, but I wouldn't just go put 87+ stock LT fronts on it as you will probably barely notice a difference. You should try and find some aftermarket ones (remember 87+).
Doing the front suspension upgrades and putting a good rear end on will give ya a nice start for it.
I can honestly not tell from that view but is that the stock headpipe? If so I recommend getting a used FMF headpipe/silencer for it. Yes I am recommending a general pipe company only because no one else except DG really makes exhaust for the 85-86.
Also a seat cover and zip tying those rear fenders together should add around 10hp.
With a bike like that, I'd just enjoy it the way it is,.
For starters like you already found the 85-86 swingers are really bad for cracking. Cheapest fix, but also a good fix, 87-90 (250) rear end.
Next front shocks. The LT suspension is terrible especially the 85-86 as they are 1" shorter than the 87+. Jaytater aka voodoochassis makes a bolt or weld on kit to upgrade to the 87+ length shocks, but I wouldn't just go put 87+ stock LT fronts on it as you will probably barely notice a difference. You should try and find some aftermarket ones (remember 87+).
Doing the front suspension upgrades and putting a good rear end on will give ya a nice start for it.
I can honestly not tell from that view but is that the stock headpipe? If so I recommend getting a used FMF headpipe/silencer for it. Yes I am recommending a general pipe company only because no one else except DG really makes exhaust for the 85-86.
Also a seat cover and zip tying those rear fenders together should add around 10hp.
Is the stock pipe really that bad where an FMF is an upgrade?
What part of missouri do you live?
you can slap a 500 motor in that thing and make a hybrid. The best thing the 85-86 has going for it is that it's the lightest of the bunch.
Fmf is a good pipe for the 85 86 models. Isnt that bad the 87 and up. Its not no scp or anything like that but has a good band in it.
The head pipe is a DG of some sort.
I live up in NE Missouri.
I went for another ride on it today. All I can say is I love this thing!!!!!!
I sure appreciate all the information and help from you all.
I just moved from kirksville. Where r u @?
I'm over by Hannibal. About 1.5 hours from you.
I just moved to springfield mo. Much more to do than kirksville.
i would buy that for $250, you got a great deal.
do some of the mods on here that dont cost very much first, bump steer, billet washers, bigger carb and a good air filter.
start checking for cracks before you really start riding it, check around foot pegs arounf a arms behind front bumper under seat.