The Suzuki LT500R Quadracer, sold on eBay in 2023, is one of the fastest stock racing quads ever produced. Manufactured for only four years—from 1987 to 1990—the LT500R was both feared and admired for its hard-hitting 500-cc two-stroke powerplant, hence the aptly chosen moniker “Quadzilla.”
Suzuki introduced the LT500R in 1987 as a high-performance race quad and successor to its popular LT250R Quadracer.
With a reputation for eye-watering acceleration and torque with a top speed of 82 mph, the LT500R is one of the most famous models in the history of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Some would even say infamous, depending on their experience riding this fast but fickle machine.
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This beautiful LT500R teardown and restoration on eBay is a chance to add a piece of racing history to your ATV collection. Even better, imagine showing up to your next race on Quadzilla.
Race-Ready Resto
The seller notes that no expense was spared on this complete frame-off restoration. The liquid-cooled 500-cc two-stroke engine - opens in new window or tab. pumps out an incredible 51 horsepower off the showroom floor, which is even more impressive considering it is 1988 technology. Quadzilla is not that far off from modern 450-cc four-stroke motocross engines that pump out 60 horsepower.
According to the seller, the engine on this Quadzilla was refreshed by Curtis Sparks, owner of Sparks Racing Products - opens in new window or tab., the legendary performance brand.
- It has a stock cylinder bore and approximately one hour of total run time.
- A chrome-plated Paul Turner Racing exhaus - opens in new window or tab.t and Paul Turner Fat Boy 2 silencer is paired with the LT500R engine.
- The lower engine cases were painted with a fresh coat of blue.
- The cylinder and head have an attention-grabbing polished chrome look.
The Quadzilla’s suspension is handled by Works Connection - opens in new window or tab. shocks with two piggyback reservoirs on the front and one in the back. The swingarm was polished just like the cylinder, cylinder head, and exhaust for cohesiveness to the overall look.
Other enhancements include:
- Powder-coated Suzuki yellow frame
- Powder-coated A-arms, fender braces, and rear axle for improved durability
To help protect all these beautiful finishes, a full-frame stainless steel skid plate and swing arm skid plate - opens in new window or tab. were added. Finally, the seller mounted a new set of Titan Fast Trekker tires - opens in new window or tab. to polished OMF wheels - opens in new window or tab. that complete the look of this monster of a machine.
A Most Impressive ATV
The LT500R Quadzilla has a prominent kickstart lever. Despite electric start having debuted on ATVs in 1983, most race quads only use a kickstarter. It's not a big deal typically, but kickstarting a 500-cc two-stroke engine tests one's grit and perseverance. With four wheels to help balance, Quadzilla is slightly less daunting to start.
At the time, the LT500R had the longest wheelbase of any single-seat quad ever produced—measuring a whopping 75.6 inches overall length. The Suzuki LT500R Quadzilla makes a statement with massive horsepower and an oversized footprint. It’s one of the most unique and impressive ATV models ever produced.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.