Do your local ATV dealers let you test drive?

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yeah, a Suzuki Quadrunner. It's pretty small but works beautifully. It has 3 ranges, high, low and super low. All four tires can lock in. I have found even going up steep hills dragging a chain harrow on the back that I don't use 4WD and keep it in 2WD mostly because it steers easier. I am not even sure what size engine it is but it would appear to be about a 250cc in physical size. It has extra large Maxxis tires on the rear. It has a manual 5 speed transmission. I need a manual since it is due for a oil change and I know this thing has a little oil filter and I need to figure out what oil it uses. It is slightly cold blooded. )</font>

By your description, it sounds like a 250 (especially the cold blooded part). The steering though sounds like a 300. If you post a picture, I would know better.

A Clymer repair manual can be found on e-bay for about $25 but first we need to find out what year (they changed a lot in 1999).

For the oil change:
If you go to e-bay motors and do a search for something like LT-F250 you'll find oil filters. They're cheap. Here's 4 filters for about $10 which is the going rate. As for oil, the viscosity is written on the fill cap. If I recall correctly, it'll take 10W-40. There's a class window on the engine to check the oil level. Look between the right rear tire and fender and you'll see the round glass window. Fill to the top. I'll see if I can get the capacity for you tonight.

As for the tires, you siad there are "extra large" on the rear. If the front are OEM that could be hard on the tranny when in 4WD and even worse if you put on the differential lock. Can you tell me the tire sizes (front and rear)?

Brian

 

[aondre]

The dealers here will drop one off for you to try for a day or two. Last fall I had an HPX, RTV, and a Mule all for an entire weekend. I put about 2 hours on the HPX and Mule and 3 hours on the RTV (I was allowed 5 on each). I did end up purchasing the RTV after comparing the three.

IMHO: I would never buy from a dealer that wouldn't let me test drive.

 

[BB_TX]

RaT - I would suggest getting a manual. The reason I say that is that I bought a manual for my 2003 Rancher recently because I am approaching an oil change. It stated both the oil viscosity and rating I should use (which I don't remember right now), but just as important, it said not to use an oil with the words "energy conserving" or some such language inside the rating circle on the oil can. (dang, my memory just don't work much anymore /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif). I had a partial can of 10W40 in the garage and it had those words on it. I will try to remember to look at my manual tonight to see exactly what it said. Or you could just go to the Suzuki dealer and get the proper oil they sell.

 

[_RaT_]

I recall it as being a 96 or 97. Army green. The front and backs are both Maxxis and I don't notice that they bind other the the tread on the rear is aggresive enough that it leaves signs it was there when on dirt or even gravel for that matter. I did see the sight glass by the right rear tire. It's full. You can hardly see the engine on this as the head/cylinder are almost buried and there is a pretty good size gap under the gas tank area, I could almost fit a basketball in there. The area from the head to the front end that is. I'll get sizes and a picture of it. I'm suprised at the number of miles on this thing to. I did not think you would get that many on one.

 

[BB_TX]

I checked my manual last night. Again, mine is a Honda so the Suzuki may be different. It said to use oil with at least an SG classification. Depending on the temperature, you could use 5W, 10W-40, 20W-40. The 10W-40 was OK from about 5-110 degrees. It also said oil with the words "energy conserving" in the classification circle on the oil can "affect engine lubrication and clutch operation" and is not recommended.

 

[bczoom]

RaT

To figure out the year, look at the 10th digit of the serial #. The serial # is stamped on the left side vertical frame bar in the rear of the machine (facing outward to the left) and just below the exhaust.
V=97
W=98
X=99

Engine oil capacity is 3.8 qts with filter change, 3.7 without filter change. As for which oil, the manual just says to use a good quality SF or SG rated oil. There's the traditional viscosity chart included based on temp but 10W40 is right in the middle of the scale and would probably be appropriate for your weather.

For tire size (OEM):
Front = 22x8x10
Rear = 25x12x10
As long as your Maxxis are either the same size or ratio you should be fine.

You didn't say how many miles are on it but I've seen them with 8000 miles and still running strong. For a '97 or '98 model, it wouldn't be unusual to see 3000 miles on it.

Brian

 

[_RaT_]

Thanks a ton Brian, I was reading the gallon jug of Motul that came with it and it was indicating that you needed Motul oil in there for the combination engine gearbox stuff. I don't have enough of it for a complete oil change. I'll check the numbers later. I think this is a 95 or 96 because that is when they bought their 65 acres of orchard. I did use this ATV for an entire summer installing a drip system, a little over 100,000' feet of drip line. I pulled a trailer with it and through the rolls of drip in it. PS, were is the filter, I see a cover by the sight glass. Is this a wet clutch? To help with the cold blooded, could a synthetic be a little helpful? It warms up in 30 seconds, nothing like my other sisters Kawasaki Mule, that takes many minutes, a real pain. So far, it has been a absolute blast having it here. My 3 year old has an electric ATV and we rode together out to the mailbox, (about 1500' away). He thought that was pretty cool judging from the lauhgter on his face.

 

[bczoom]

Rat,

To confirm the year, decrementing the 10th digit (actually a letter) by one from what I gave you will provide the year. The letters "O" and "Q" (and maybe "S" are skipped).

If I recall correctly, the filter cover is just behind the sight glass. It'll have 3 mounting bolts around a round cover.

When you change the filter as I recall there's a couple things to be aware of:
There is an O-Ring that is not connected directly to the filter. Make sure you get the old one out and replace with a new one.
There's a spring in there holding the filter. Make sure you keep track of it and re-install properly.
Don't put the filter in backwards as you'll then have no oil flow.

Yes, it is a wet sump.

While you're at it, check the air filter.

OK - For your 3 year old. Hoping the safety police don't see this but my 3 year old son rides with me. Here's something I strongly recommend if you're going to do the same. Get yourself a good luggage strap. These are the 2" wide straps with a clip that people wrap around their suitcases as an extra precaution against the baggage monkeys.
Have your son sit in front of you on the seat and run this strap around his chest, under the arms and your waist. Size it so it's snug. Put the clip in the left side air gap just behind him and just in front of you. Having it there won't pinch anyone but is quickly available to your left hand and he can't reach it and disconnect himself. If for whatever reason you need to get off quickly, he's automatically coming with you. You also now have both hands available for driving since you no longer have to keep an arm wrapped around him.

If he rides with you, teach him to keep his hands off all the controls that are right in front of him. For some reason they always like to start with the reverse lever. Not a good idea to engage when you're driving forward.

Another operating note. Since this model doesn't have a "start in gear" option, always make sure you're in neutral before you turn it off. If you shut it off in gear and there's any pressure on it (e.ge. parked on a hill), it can be a real bugger and a lot of rocking to get it back to neutral to re-start.

Brian

 

[_RaT_]

Everything you said about the 3 year old, the strap (I think you gave me that idea), reverse, stop in neutral etc are already something I have experienced. MY 3 year old does ride with me, I just did not want the plethora of condemnation from those that find that irresponsible. I always park it with the parking brake locked so even if he were to start it (which he does but only when I say it's OK) and get it into reverse, he would have a tough time doing much. I really appreciate the input. What an incredible ATV.

 

[bczoom]

Well, we're pretty buried into this thread maybe safe from the safety police. I did mention the strap a few months ago.

I think the Suzuki 250 may be one of the toughest/greatest ATV's ever made. I've always had at least one in my "collection". I goofed one day and ended up rolling it end-over-end down a steep hill (about 5 flips). Once it stopped rolling, it was upside down, still running. The only damage was to the front rack (and the handlebars got pushed down but weren't damaged). Unfortunately, I didn't fare as well and broke LOTS of bones. I was back riding before the casts were off (although it's hard to use the throttle with the entire left hand and arm in a cast).

Too bad they changed the body on those in 1998. I have boxes upon boxes of spare parts but they will only fit 1999 and above. I sent all the spare parts for the model you have when I sold my older one. I think I may still have a spare tire and rim if you think you might want it.