Author Topic: 1986 LT250R Just joined the forum many questions (Read 1756 times)

Sparky · « **on:** September 17, 2013, 08:53:56 am »

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.

Motoman991 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2013, 08:58:48 am »

Good deal for a running LT. What 500 parts do you have?

Sparky · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2013, 09:07:20 am »

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.

El Diablo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2013, 09:40:37 am »

We have a few members here from Missouri. Your bike has a lot of potential. We'll show you how to make it better.

Gillio · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2013, 09:46:19 am »

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.

Sparky · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2013, 10:40:05 am »

Thanks for the offer. Not sure what I'm going to need but I will for sure let you know.

Chuckie25 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2013, 10:56:32 am »

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!

Sparky · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2013, 12:22:41 pm »

Well I found some cracks in my swingarm. I hope I can make 500 swingarm work.

Dezsled · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2013, 12:36:11 pm »

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

Dangerouspower · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2013, 02:33:00 pm »

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.

CrustyOreo · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2013, 02:37:48 pm »

With a bike like that, I'd just enjoy it the way it is,.

CrustyOreo · « **Reply #11 on:** September 17, 2013, 02:38:58 pm »

Quote from: Dangerouspower on September 17, 2013, 02:33:00 pm

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?

Q2W · « **Reply #12 on:** September 17, 2013, 02:48:01 pm »

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.

LT250RWV · « **Reply #13 on:** September 17, 2013, 04:09:37 pm »

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.

Sparky · « **Reply #14 on:** September 17, 2013, 08:24:33 pm »

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.

All American · « **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2013, 05:05:07 am »

I just moved from kirksville. Where r u @?

Sparky · « **Reply #16 on:** October 06, 2013, 05:29:26 am »

I'm over by Hannibal. About 1.5 hours from you.

All American · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2013, 06:18:35 pm »

I just moved to springfield mo. Much more to do than kirksville.

GrkGuy · « **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2013, 07:11:23 pm »

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.

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Author Topic: 1986 LT250R Just joined the forum many questions (Read 1756 times)

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