I just picked up a 1991 lt250r. It appears to be pretty much stock.  It runs and rides but has some issues starting up. I believe after a good carb cleaning and maintenance that should change. I was amazed at how much easier this bike is to kick over compared to my 87 zilla!! I got it for $600 with a title. I don't think I did too bad. It needs some love, but I think it has the potential to be a nice bike.  The rear shock seems to be dead as it just bounces, it needs to rear carrier bearings, new seat cover, front plastics............the good thing is that the top end is pretty new. Maybe 10 rides on it. I am going to do a compression test on it this weekend.  I don't know if I am going to do the frame off as I did my zilla, but this could be a fun project.

It came with a Vforce reed set that I need to put in. Are these any good for the 250? I know they are for the lt500r, at least the V1 and V2 from what I have read.

Any known issues with the 250 that I should address as I am going through it?
Are these rear shocks re-buildable? Anyone have an extra front fender for sale??

looks like a good start

I've often wondered the same thing! This pig is gross. I plan on cleaning the heck out of it first before ever turning a wrench. I've already ordered te wheel bearings and hope to have the carb cleaned this weekend.  The PO said he mixed the gas and oil at 50:1. My zilla gas is mixed 32:1. Would it hurt to run the same fuel? I run 110 octane and 927 in it.

After a few good hours of clean up, it doesn't look too bad.  There is still more cleaning to do, I think I am going to strip it completely down and powder coat the frame to match my zilla.  I pulled the carb apart and it doesn't look too bad inside. The air/fuel screw was way out on it. Maybe that's why it smoked so bad. I also pulled the reed block.  It appears one side isn't sealing completely. That may be a contributor as well.  It started yesterday on the third kick without the choke. Compression seems good.

I will give that a shot! Never thought about using it for that.  I hate working on greasy stuff. The rear shock must have been blown for a bit, as the oil from it was on everything, then dirt buildup over that. Combined with a carb that leaks a little and more dirt and grime......well you get the picture.  It is nice to be seeing paint again.  I want it to be as clean as possible before sandblasting.  Makes their job easier and the powder coat guys are much happier as well.

Well today was productive! I got the carb cleaned, and the quad torn down and ready for sand blasting.  I still need to finish taking the spindles off the a-arms, but at least the frame is clean and ready to go. I am considering having the cases coated as well, but that seems like a whole lot of work!! Maybe Ill just repaint the motor?
I also found out the swing arm and a-arm bearings need to be replaced. What's the word on the urethane bushings that I see for the 250?  Are regular bearings better? I need to order up both.  I already have the wheel and carrier bearings on the way. Figured why it's a part why not get everything taken care of that i can. 
When I had my zilla all torn down, I gusseted the frame. Are there any areas of concern with the 250 frames? What else should I do while I have it all apart?
Thanks in advance.

Finally got it back from powder coat and started re-assembly.  I am using yfz450 front shocks and a ltz400 rear shock. I am a pretty good size guy, so I figured these would be a good fit, or at least to try them. The stock ones were blown.  I have installed all new bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, camber shims, and have done the bump steer mod.  I figured if it was apart, why not?

I picked up a durablue 2+2 rear and have both trx 450r rear hubs so I can use the sand tires off my ltz400 and the stock 5 bolt rear hub.

I am getting excited to get this all together so I can ride it. I recovered the  rear seat and am hoping to get a new set of plastics for it. I polished up my Q pipe and silencer, wheels, and had the motor bead blasted so it is a nice silver color.

Almost.......brrrrrrrrrrappppppppppp!

Very nice!! If you don't mind me asking exactly what color blue that is as I need to order some.
Good luck with the honda hubs but think you will find out they won't work. The splines are a different pitch if it's 24 you need yfz hubs.

I love the blue! Nice 250 in the making for sure.

powdercoating looks great. Good job on restore.

Progress has been a little slower than I wanted. The weather has gotten nicer around here, so I decided to finish fixing the ltz400 instead.  It blew a head gasket last year in Florence, OR. Decided to fix several other little things as well while it was down. Took it, the Raptor 700 and the trx250r to Moses Lake last weekend to do some shake down runs in the sand. Weather was 63 and sunny!

It's supposed to get rainy again, so I will get some good quality garage time with the lt250r then......

New plastics came yesterday! They are the white carbon graphite pattern. Need to get a new blue hood and cover next. Slowly but surely things are happening. I am hoping they fit a bit better when bolted down.... Still happy with how they look though. I also realized when looking at the pics, I need to tighten the seat cover up a bit.

Looks awesome!