How to solve LTR 450 issues

[WOODSMX]

Hello everyone, im new to this place, so ill introduce myself. My name is Brandon, and I have about 11 years of riding four wheelers in my belt so far, im 17.

But here is my question I got for you guys here.

I plan to purchase a LTR 450 as my next four wheeler, but from doing some research, is it really the four wheeler to go for? I have heard about its tranny problems, and the 3rd gear going out in them. That seems to be a problem that may make me not wanting to purchase one. Is it possible to find a 2006 LTR for a low price, and some how mod the LTR to make it more reliable then how they seem to be now? I have heard from some people the tranny problem is your shift pin breaks? There is a shift pin relocater I can purchase to get rid of that problem right?

So in summary, what problems do i face in getting an LTR? My main focus is trail riding, but the trails around where I live easily will let the wide stance of the LTR be a breeze. Heck, Yamaha Rhinos fit!

I just need to know what mods should I get, or must get things to eliminate most of my tranny problems and gear problems any other problems I should look into also? And possible solutions to resolve those issues?

Thanks for the help!

_Brandon.

[y-man]

as far as i know you should be alright with just that shift pin relocater thats what iv heard

[WOODSMX]

Yeah I know the shift pin is a must, but does that explain the tranny problems?

[y-man]

the teeth break off on the 3rd gear i think as long as u get the shift pin that should prevent it from happening at least a better chance from it happeing

[WOODSMX]

It seems to happen more commonly in the newer LTR's, I am shooting for a low priced 2006 model and get a shift pin in it.

[y-man]

yep i believe the 08 and up are worse for 3rd gear and the 06 and 07 are good i have an 07

[WOODSMX]

besides the 3rd gear problem, is there any other trouble spots I should look at? Like I said I will just trail ride, no hard racing.

[y-man]

just maintain it like you would to a quad and i believe you should be pretty good and welcome to the site

[WOODSMX]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

The general maintenance on the LTR i have read up on was change oil, check wheel bearings, keep chain and sprockets in good condition, check brake fluid. Is there anything else I should maintenance up on also?

[Limited Z_400]

3rd gear problems happen mostly to the MX riders with the 2008 model.The shift pin bracket or shift pin relocater will not prevent this problem.

[WOODSMX]

Is there anything I could do to help prevent the problem?

[y-man]

sounds like thats pretty good just the basic stuff and clean air filter and stuff iv been riding for a while to and fairly new to the ltr also . u will love it its a sick quad

[WOODSMX]

Yeah, I have been wanting one forever now, pull you around pretty good?

[y-man]

o ya dude its got serious power i love it ya 3rd gear is a race gear thats why u always hear 3rd gear

[WOODSMX]

They are going out because they beat the crap out of them in 3rd gear?

[y-man]

yep i believe so thats usually what gear they are in most of the time and you know mx racers run them hard

[WOODSMX]

as for me, i will mostly be trail riding, I wont run my gears hard only once in a while ill step on it, but I doubt it will hurt.

If i want to make my ltr trail friendly, you think I should invest in some skid plates, and bigger tires?

[y-man]

ya i would definetly go with bigger tires go with 20s in the back and 21s up front

[WOODSMX]

Dont you have to change sprocket sizes then? If I want to keep some low end?

[y-man]

na you can keep the stock gearing the ltr will have no prob with that shes got some power i had 20s on my z400 and she went good with out gearing

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by y-man
yep i believe the 08 and up are worse for 3rd gear and the 06 and 07 are good i have an 07

Yup. We have the mod done and an 07. no issues after a full season racing

[WOODSMX]

Im leaning towards buying a 2006 putting pin in it, buy skid plates, bigger tires.

Might make one heck of a trail bike around where I live.

[Nitwhit0921]

Throw a 13t sprocket on with the 20s. It will help your bottom end a lot and it's cheap.

[Limited Z_400]

Originally posted by WOODSMX
Im leaning towards buying a 2006 putting pin in it, buy skid plates, bigger tires.

Might make one heck of a trail bike around where I live.
Yes,we bought a 2006 with low hours and installed the Yoshimura shift pin support.We also installed 2008 shift mechanism to solve the false neutral issue.With these updates, the 06-07 LTRs are very reliable.

[bigbad400]

a z400 is a trail quad meant for 20 inch tires. the ltr comes stock with 18s and is not a bottom end power machine, i have 20s on mine and with stock gears it sucked for a holeshot. like the guy said a 13 tooth is cheap and it put you back to almost stock gear ratio. the ltr is kinda like a 2 stroke its power is higher in the rpm range.

[LTRracer4]

Hey y man if you don't absolutely know then don't post. That way this forum will have more better information. The third gear problem is common in 06,07, and 08 models. It's not from the over use of the gear. For trail riding all years will be pretty reliable. Just make sure the bike you choose to buy has low hours and has been maintained. I've been through 3 transmissions on my 07. However I race motocross and until this season I have practiced and raced on the same bike. IMO as a racer if my only major failure once a year is a $700 transmission then I'm happy. The ltr is a great bike, if you buy one in good shape and just ride light trails you're likely to never run intO any major issues as long as you keep up with maintenance.

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by bigbad400
a z400 is a trail quad meant for 20 inch tires. the ltr comes stock with 18s and is not a bottom end power machine, i have 20s on mine and with stock gears it sucked for a holeshot. like the guy said a 13 tooth is cheap and it put you back to almost stock gear ratio. the ltr is kinda like a 2 stroke its power is higher in the rpm range. i Disagree. My daughter took holeshots over 75% of her season. We run only 20s for offroad. We made up some bottom end with a change in pipes. Believe it or not...it was a very noticable difference.
All of them have tranny woes.. but the newer ones i have read more troubles with.

[WOODSMX]

Thanks for the input everyone!


So, i should get a low hour 2006 LTR?

And, I should install the yoshi pin relocater

[LTRracer4]

To be honest the majority of suzukis are selling cheap right now. Try to find the newest nicest one you can. 07 would be better than 06. Especially for when you go to sell it.

[LTandRaptorider]

Originally posted by LTRracer4
Hey y man if you don't absolutely know then don't post. That way this forum will have more better information. The third gear problem is common in 06,07, and 08 models. It's not from the over use of the gear. For trail riding all years will be pretty reliable. Just make sure the bike you choose to buy has low hours and has been maintained. I've been through 3 transmissions on my 07. However I race motocross and until this season I have practiced and raced on the same bike. IMO as a racer if my only major failure once a year is a $700 transmission then I'm happy. The ltr is a great bike, if you buy one in good shape and just ride light trails you're likely to never run intO any major issues as long as you keep up with maintenance.

I've had my 06 LTR since 06. First I've heard about that year having a 3rd gear problem. The 06 was known to have a tranny whine sometimes, which mine did. Using different oil and putting about 100ml extra in the crankcase usually solves that.

The LTR does lose bottom end if you go with 20" rears. If you do some engine work and a full pipe I'm sure that helps. But no pipe or just a slip-on, then get a 13T front sprocket. For trail riding that works best. I rode for awhile on trails with the 20" rears and stock sprockets, going down 1 tooth on front sprocket made it much better. Again this is for trail riding, especially tight trails. If you get an LTR, take care of it and do the maintenance and you won't regret buying that quad! After riding a 2-stroke for years, the LTR was the first 4-stroke I really liked because it revs like a 2-stroke!

[WOODSMX]

Well, so far I have 2 options, which one is best?

A 2006 LTR 450, ITS 4,000 OBO i may be able to get it for 3,500

Its got:

Full Trinity Stage IV exhaust system
-Trinity K&N Air Filter
-Trinity EFI controller

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6741/agdwd2ltywdlchileglgawxf.jpg

or...

I can get this one for 3,500

08 Suzuki LTR-450, great condition, low hours, AC nerf-bars, pro-armor skidplate and bumper, yoshinura slip on and cherry bomb, Gibson steering stabilizer and renthal handle bars, Quadtech beak, comes with stock wheels and tires (brand new) & headlight not shown in pic. Hyper wheels not included.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1979/agdwd2ltywdlchileglgawx.jpg


I dont know about the 2008, they have tranny problems bad I heard.

[turdboy]

They both look clean, but just by the desription I would take the white one. Keep checking craigslist...here in MN LTR's are going between 3000-4000. I was going to sell my 06' for $3000 but backed out and decided to keep it. LTR's are great quads.

[WOODSMX]

So everyone suggests I get the 2008? It probably isnt as reliable as the 2006

[fx4pitrone]

I bought my 06 LTR w/ low hours... all stock except cherrybomb and renthal bars for $2250 here in CT... I then ended up trading it in for 3K for a 4x4 w/ a plow... it was a great bike!

[WOODSMX]

2006 or 2008?

[nkillian9]

ive had my 08 for a year and 3 months put about 6 hrs a week on it hard hours on the track try to keep is serviced regularly and have had no problems wut soever motor is relatively stock full yosh with cherrybomb and clamp on filter i decided to buy suspension b4 motor work i have had no tranny problems and i ride the crap out of it but i try to shift only with clutch in and off the gas altho at the end of a moto sometimes i catch myself with to much arm pump for the clutch lol i hear all this talk of the 3rd gear problems keeps me scared but looking at how much i dawg on it i would think it would have went along time ago and if ur going to ride woods i would go with the 22s in front and 20s in rear to keep the factory 2 inch drop from front to rear exspecially if u are gonna run the stock suspension

[nkillian9]

im not dogging the older ltrs but for the price between them 2 and the components on them id go with the white 08 seems to me to be the better deal plus the 08s got better stock cams to make a lil more power 2 and a half hp im pretty sure and the white plastics are easy to keep clean with mr cleans magic eraser i have an 06 banshee with yellow plastics and when u fold a fender up from a simple rollover it tends to get white streaks in it thats why i went with the white ltr and like i said i ride it hard so its been rolled over lol about 5 times to be exact lol with no signs of it

[QuadJunkies]

This is the one I wanted to buy sooooooooooooo baaaaddd!!!!

This is one of the editors of ATV Insider Magazine- David Schloss' Quad. I SOOOOOOOOOOO wish I could buy this , Id scoop it up in a heartbeat !

This quads been very well cared for and is perfect for the rider who wants a quad that hasnt had tons of hard hours on it .

Here is the info and a link to a few photos .

Tina Lugan's Photo Galleries at pbase.com_


2008 Suzuki LTR450 LE – This is the one!

Very low hours, super clean. $6,500. Two sets of plastic (OEM Black) and Maier silver carbon. Call (740) 282-7102, or email david@atv-insider.com.

ENGINE

Yoshimura RS-5 Titanium/Aluminum Full Exhaust System, Yoshimura EMS CRBM Plug-in Module “Cherry Bomb”, K&N Air Filter, Outerwears Pre-Filter, Hinson Billet Clutch Cover.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

Moose Racing 8mm Universal Handlebar Clamp Kit, Gibson Rebuildable 7-way Adjustable Steering Stabilizer, Elka Stage 4 Front Shocks, Elka Stage 4 Rear Shock and RPM Dominator II Axle.


WHEELS/TIRES

ITP T-9 Pro Series Black Front Wheels with Maxxis M957 Razr Cross Front tires. ITP T-9 Series Baja Black Rear Wheels with Maxxis M932 Razr MX Rear.


MISCELLANOUS PARTS

Maier USA Racing Cut Front Fender in New High-Gloss Silver Carbon Fiber-Look, Maier USA Rear Fender in New High-Gloss Silver Carbon Fiber-Look, Maier USA Gas Tank Cover in New High-Gloss Silver Carbon Fiber-Look, Maier USA Radiator Air Scoops in New High-Gloss Silver Carbon Fiber-Look, Fasst Company 15-Degree Bend Flexx Handlebar, Pro Taper Pillow Top Grips, PowerMadd Power X Handguards, Pro Armor Tether Kill Switch, Pro Armor Billet Universal Parking Brake Blockoff, Genuine Suzuki Accessories Urban Camo One Industries Graphics Kit, Quad Tech Hump Seat Foam with Custom Quad Tech Gripper Cover, Genuine Suzuki Accessories Competition Style Front Bumper with Number Plate Mounts, Pro Armor Pro Race Grab Bar, Genuine Suzuki Aluminum Nerfbars, Pro Armor Foot Peg Maximizer, OEM Clutch Lever and Perch, Pro Armor Billet Shift Lever and Billet Brake Pedal, Quad Tech Carbon Fiber Frame Glide Plate, Quad Tech Carbon Fiber Engine Glide Plate, Quad Tech Carbon Fiber Fuel Pump Guard, Quad Tech Carbon Fiber Brake Guard and Genuine Suzuki Accessories Carbon Fiber Boot Scuff Guard Set.

[nkillian9]

yes that is an awesome deal seen it on ltrhq couple weeks ago i couldnt even find a fresh turd at a deal when i bought mine

[QuadJunkies]

oops.. I dont have thre gallery anymore .heres the shot of it .

[QuadJunkies]

.

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by nkillian9
yes that is an awesome deal seen it on ltrhq couple weeks ago i couldnt even find a fresh turd at a deal when i bought mine

LOL :p

We got a great buy on my Daughters. 07 we bought in 08. Never raced and only rode a few times and the dunes.
I think we pd 6000 for it .

http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/123519041.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/123519042.jpg

[nkillian9]

your daughter is a lucky girl u feel like adopting a 29 yr old lol jk i like the graphics on her bike lil different get tired of seeing the same ole graphics all the time think that why imma go with red on my white bike

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by nkillian9
your daughter is a lucky girl u feel like adopting a 29 yr old lol jk i like the graphics on her bike lil different get tired of seeing the same ole graphics all the time think that why imma go with red on my white bike hell no. She sucks me dry as it is.
I liked the graphics too... but they are finally worn off on one side so time for something new. Not sure what yet but id like something same colorz themed with hmf comp series in them. Problem is our graphic sponsor doesnt have the template for maier plastic and shipping them to them would be spendy

[nkillian9]

yeah no doubt im going thru the same thing right now sold a spare brand new oem 250r right front fender for 100 and can get it shipped for less than 50 im prob gonna get a bad feedback but its oem its a 250$ fender think imma just give his money back cause ill only make 50 off it but thats another story lol who do u have that makes graphics im looking for something custom

[WOODSMX]

Thats a nice bike! 6,500 is way out of my price range lol.

I can only afford 4,300 take home. Im only 17, im paying for this myself.

But if i get that white 08 ltr for 3,500 and sales tax and title, itll be around 3,800 what should I invest in with the extra 500 bucks or so I have?

[nkillian9]

id deff get a clamp on style filter with the aluminum plate that goes in the box like a proflow or some sort id stay with a foam filter tho and if ur gonna be running mostly woods u might wanna get some 22s up front and 20s in the rear but if where u ride aint tha rocky the stockers be fine good set of handguards is a must lot of ppl like the powermadds i got the cycas that are just like the new renthal ones i love them

[WOODSMX]

how about shift pin?

[nkillian9]

i dont have it and have countless hrs on my bike i always heard it was more of an 06 07 thing it doesnt keep from tearing 3rd gear out it just helps to keep the case from breaking i think

[WOODSMX]

oh really? i didnt know it didnt help 3rd gear

[nkillian9]

i think its mainly to support to keep the case from cracking around the shifter i might be wrong so dont hold me to that

[WOODSMX]

okay, does anyone know that for sure?

[bigbad400]

YES IT WILL NOT KEEP FROM BREAKING THIRD GEAR TWO TOTALLY SEPARATE ISSUES

[WOODSMX]

So all you are saying if I purchase any year LTR and I only trail ride with it with occasional wide open places then I wont have much to worry about having 3rd gear and tranny problems?

[nkillian9]

man i dawg my 08 and aint had no problems i think some of it might be some ppl just cram their gears i dont think no1 really know exactly wut causes it besides lil on the weak side

[WOODSMX]

Is an 06 better than an 08 in terms of reliability?

[nkillian9]

ive heard bad about both and good about both i just know 08 seems to be real durable when i say i ride it pretty hard i mean ive put 3 sets of rear tires on it and 2 sets of fronts and chain and sprockets cause i wore them out case jumps so hard i broke my arm both bones in lower arm from landing an 80ft that had pretty good lift with a short landing rolled it a few times cause if u aint wrecking a lil u aint riding to ur fullest ive endoed to the point i broke my back its alright ill learn how to ride one day lol and im on the rev limiter most the time cause thats were the power seems to be on mine in the high rpms that is

[WOODSMX]

i have heard the 06 was better with the tranny, is that even true?

[nkillian9]

ive hear 07 was better than 06 and the 07 is the exact same bike i just know how i ride mine and aint had no problems is all im saying

[WOODSMX]

Originally posted by nkillian9
ive hear 07 was better than 06 and the 07 is the exact same bike i just know how i ride mine and aint had no problems is all im saying

Thats trail riding right?

[nkillian9]

i ride both more mx than trails but i do catch a couple hare scrambles here and there in fact the only hare scramble i raced last yr got 5th out of 42 and that was my only scramble of the yr so even in the woods im on it pretty hard that used to be all i rode till i got the ltr and it was the first real mx worthy quad id had and started having more fun on the track then the woods ive also got a banshee a 250r and the wife has a raptor 250 altho the 250r corners better than the ltr the ltr is a lot more forgiving for terribe landings if u aint rode the track much and start going on the ltr u might like it more than u realize

[wormood]

:) I had an 07 for 18 months and never had a problem accept that i spent too much money on parts i didnt need. I traded the 07 in on an 08 and used the less is more aproach. Cherry bomb,motoworks sr4 slip on, and a fuel atv intake is all you need imo. I race the ftr series hs in florida and use stock a arms and hiper 4+1 rims and do fine. Also use 13 tooth sprocket with 20s. Hope that answers some questions.

[nkillian9]

well imma stick my foot in my mouth and say third in mine is on its way its making a chain slap noise from left side of case started sunday im guessing broken teeth still runs the same and pulls hard in 3rd but imma check it out to make sure dont want no chips to get into other gears or oil pumps i was dawging it pretty hard at the track but thats how i normally ride i got a yr and 3 months out of it so imma just go back with another stock gear for 100 and hope i get another year out of it cant see paying 600 on after market gear