Well I picked up a 1988 lt250r today. I went to look over the quad and couldn't believe how little use it had for being 25 years old. The quad was last rode in 1999 when the engine just died. The owner had planned on redoing the whole bike but lost interest. When i went and looked the front fenders were
**** and weathered and the back plastics had a crack under the seat. The only mods were a dg pipe which is rusty but I might clean it up just to save a piece of history. The old DG silencer doesn't look horrible. The quad even has the original tool bag and a Clymers manual from around 1988 or so because it only covers 1985-1988 lt250r. The tie rods and swing arm are tight although i noticed the swing arm is missing the back plate and two bolts and nuts to tighten the chain, but they could be in the box of parts I got with the bike. I have the top end off the bike and the cylinder is rusty which inst a issue because i think I am going to try to make some good power out of this little fella. The bottom end looks good and feels tight. The rings were shot but the original piston doesn't look half bad. Anyway I offered $500 and he wouldn't take it, but he did take $700 which i was ok with just for the frame being in great shape with the only paint missing is where the boots rub and where the rear fender rubs the metal. So I figure since the bike has been stored in his shop since 1999 at least I have a good straight starting point and a nice project for a while.
Here are a few pics of the jug and head
And a couple more it didnt take me to long to start working on her i had the itch.
And one last one of the pipe sorry I am 33 and feel like im 10 years old on my birthday. After 4 kids I don't get toys like i used to. Shoot I am lucky if I get any quality time with my wife once a month so this is a big deal being able to get back into quads again.
Great find, Looks really good!! One more is going to be saved!!
Yeah it was ridden but I think most the wear came from sitting in the guys garage for 15 years. Its been so long since I have owned a 250 what are the spots on the frame that should be strengthened up If I remember right there are a few spots that I can have someone weld some gussets. I usually walk around between 210-225 pounds and this is probably pretty taxing on the old girl so if I can add some strength now and keep it riding straight then now is the time to do it. I just don't want my fat ass ruining this bike before my kids get a chance to.
Looks like a great start. Have fun with it and keep the pics coming.
Nice find. Is the cylinder on it's original bore? Are you planning on porting it?
Yeah the guy i bought it from said its on its original bore. I haven't measured the walls yet. I plan on doing a big bore kit to move my big body around. My family has been pretty sick this last month so I haven't had to much time to spend in my garage. I actually am thinking about just buying a whole other cylinder and getting all the machining done to it.