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Banshee
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Posted by: WOT400ex

I think I might get a banshee, because where I live, everybody has CR250's and I gotta be able to keep up. I mostly trail ride, and jump, and just have fun. How do you think a banshee will do in the snow? Im also thinking about a 250R, I want one a lot more than a banshee, but I cant find one. I wanted a 400ex, but Im also thinking about a banshee or a 250R. Are banshees reliable? How often do you have to change the piston/rings?

PS - im canadian, how much would a 250R go for stock?

what year is the best R?

Posted by: optikid123

well trail riding and jumping the 400 and 250r rule for flat out speed a banshee takes the cake but theri handling is nowhere as good as honda i would say get the r because then u have great handling and 2 stroke power or mayb a z400

Posted by: Matrix250R

i wouldnt get a 1st yr production z400.
get a 250r or 400ex. if all you want is SPEED, and speed alone go with a banshee

Posted by: skemp

If you like to just drive around slow and mess around, and open it up sometimes, I wouldn't get a Banshee. They just really don't like to go slow, so they dont have much trail-friendly power. The handling isn't great on them, but it is ok. If I were you, I would look into a Z400 or 400EX. Unless you like to make repairs, I wouldn't get an R. Reliability becomes a serious issue when you have a quad that is nearing 15 years old. Plus, it is very difficult to find a decent R, at a decent price these days.

With the 400EX, you have awesome handling, a very good reliability record, and mediocre power. There is a mountain of parts available for them, and replacement parts are relatively cheap as well.

With the Z400, you are taking a slight risk as far as reliability goes, but you get more power, and the same if not better handling as a 400EX.

The retail price is the same on both the Honda and Suzuki.

Posted by: WOT400ex

Here is a description of what I do.

I get up, early mornin', going riding, with my friends, most of them have kx80's, cr250's, or utility quads. I get the bike from the shed, start up, warm up, go off left or right down the dirtroad, going left: I come to a paved road, go down that for a hundred ft, turn right, go down a mile to my friends house, gets his bike started, and we go places we havnt gone before, we jump things we see, and we trail ride. We go to my other friends house (bbear) and we go to some trails. THATS WHAT I DOOOO!

I know a banshees reliability and handling suck, but where would handling come in? I dont need to make any very sharp turns. Im not lazy to not get up and turn it. How does the handling compare to other sport quads? Whats "handling" consist of? Riders peg/bar stance, turning radius, feel? How reliable is a banshee? Im not expecting something to all of a sudden break, but a few mishaps, sure, that happends! It would always be nice to have that extra 350 twin 2-stroke top end wallup though.

ps - how often do i need to change the piston and rings?

ps - only considering 400ex and banshee

Posted by: WOT400ex

oops.. and a 250R, but I cant really find one, a 250R is probobly the best bet for me. ITS WHAT I WANT, THE MOST!

Posted by: bansheeguy77

i would definately go with a banshee u wont be dissapointed. i owned a banshee then got a modded 400. the shee was alot more fun and it handled just fine. i really couldnt tell the difference unless im on the track. thats the only place the 400 is better. but everywhere else the banshee is alot more fun. and about the top end and pistons dont worry about it. if u take care of it they will last u a while. if your used 2 a 4 stroke though it might be tough going to a banshee cause of the wicked powerband. but u get used to it quick. and reliability is not that big of a deal again as long as u take care of it ur fine.

Posted by: trx400ex

well if you ride in the snow and buy a banshee your going to hate your self, i have both, and for you it sounds like a no-brainer...400ex one thing i would like to remind you, banshees are only fast when they can get traction

Posted by: WOT400ex

so you really cant tell the difference in handling except on the track? Doesnt matter for me because i dont ride on tracks! I jump home made jumps, but I dont usually jump on tracks. Which has better suspention? And just how bad is the banshees bottom end? Is it sluggish, doesnt want to move, doesnt get into the powerband? When does the powerband kick in?

Posted by: skemp

Banshees don't jump very well compared to a 400EX, but if you aren't going to be hitting anything huge, it would be fine. By saying they don't have much low end power I mean just that, they don't. You have to rev the things to the sky, but once you do, watch out. They have a wicked powerband that starts in the mid-upper RPMs. They are king in the dunes, but for trail riding, I wouldn't want to ride one. It would just be wasting the top end power that they have. A 4 stroke will always have better low end power compared to a 2 stroke. From your description of your riding habits, it seems that a 4 stroke would be a better choice. It is easier to hit jumps, and power yourself out of corners with them.

So if you like to hit jumps a lot, and trail ride where you aren't going to be wide open, an EX would be right for you

If you really want that 350 twin power, don't mind stiffer landings off of jumps, and a little bit squirrely handling, get the Banshee. They really aren't that bad of a machine.

It really is up to you. Don't rule out the R though. They are fast, and have excellent handling, but they are hard to fine, and pretty expensive because there isn't a secret supply of them in some warehouse somewhere, they will be gone soon!

Posted by: bansheeguy77

nope u cant tell the difference....stock for stock id say their about equal...yes the 400 does feel lighter in the air but when i had stock susp on my 400 the mofo would like pogostick and bounce alot the shee would soak it up and keep goin. it will be weired jumping it for the 1st week or so but it should cause its a new machine to u....u just gotta get used to it and their fine....usually get back in the seat and its good. low end theres not that much but u dont need it unless ur doing like 2mph on a trail...1st gear will get u anywhere u wanna be just might need a little help from mr clutch in trails but its well worth it their alot more fun. in the snow ive never had my 400 yet but the shee did good in the snow ive heard it throws a 2 mile roost behind it but i didnt feel it cause its so fast it just keeps going and u cant feel it spinning...just throw some good tires on it....i had bandits on mine and they were great for it. but back to the powerband its just fine if ur into going slow keep it in 1st and ur good then when u wanna open it up go for it....no u cant be going along in 4th slow down alot and expect it to keep pulling so it requires more clutch than a 4 stroke but nothing that is untolerable. its more fun i think. it kicks in around the middle it goes in low end but then it freakin rips ur arms out so be prepared. have fun with whatever u get.

Posted by: WOT400ex

The trails I ride arent that slow, you go about 5 mph on them. Im coming off of a kx80 with some mods, so maybe a banshee would be too much for me? Getting into the massive powerband in 3rd gear and it suddenly stretches your arms, lifts the front end and propells you forward like a bullet. It would be sweet to have that power when you need it. Which has better suspention for not jumping, like cross country and trails?

ps - question: doesnt the powerband kick in on a banshee in 1st and 2nd gear in the higher rpm's? because on my kx80 it kicks in hard in 1st & 2nd, its got boyesen reeds, and a pro circuit pipe.

What gears can the banshee wheelie/catwalk in?

Is the suspention bad for xc? im 14, im 190lbs, like 5'8.

Posted by: WOT400ex

Since I will be riding in the snow, jumping, and trail riding I really want a 400ex, but a banshee is a LOT cheaper, easier to find, WAY faster.. but im looking for a used 99 400ex, for about $3500, and ill just get a jet kit, pipe, filter, baja lights, wb rev box, wb cam, PRM skids, gcd air scoops, headlight bush gaurd and hand guards, 14t front sprocket, front skies for the winter. Then ill be really happy... but Ill probobly just end up getting a banshee. So, whatever I have, itll be a world better than what I have now! ps - i might get a slightly modded 92 rm125 from a friend.

Posted by: Poncho

Get the shee dude.

I love mine and I haven't had any reliablity problems. It's fun on the trails because of the powerband. (to me it is) Well like bansheeguy said it takes a little more clutching but that's ok. The suspension is good enough for most jumps. But if you go big I'd get some aftermarket suspension.I've rode 400ex's and there great quads but, I couldn't really tell a diference in the handling imo. I love mine. It's the best hill climber out there. We ride lot's of riverbanks and stuff and it's a load of fun on the banks that are about 10-12 ft. high straight up and down. Well here's a pic of mine.....

Posted by: New-400ex_guy

wait till you get some pipes for that banshee, omg its scary quick after that. you better hold on too

Posted by: Poncho

Yeah I'm working to get some money.
I am a farrier...... (It's the dude who puts shoes on horses)

haha it's a hard job and a weird one but I can make $50 a horse.......

Posted by: WyoDuner

I say get the Banshee. Whatever the 400ex does better isn't going to be really noticeable to youy unless you're on a track anyway. The banshee is longer and slightly wider than the 400 which makes for fun sliding and a good hillclimber. When you crack the throttle on the Banshee you'll never be able to ride a 400ex again - it will feel SOOOO SLOW.

I haven't changed my pistons or rings yet after 3 years of riding my banshee and the compression is still close to stock.

Banshees are VERY reliable. Anybody that tells you otherwise probably has never owned or ridden a Banshee.

The only thing is that if you truly ride at 5mph (a little faster than walking) then a Basnhee is not for you.

Posted by: WOT400ex

I dont ride on tracks but I do jump (20 fters MAX)

I want a banshee!

Posted by: WOT400ex

wyo duner, change those pistons before u scorn the cylinder!

reliable? not what i hear!

describe the banshees low/mid/top end, what happends in bottom/mid/top if u crack the thorottle? throw you off? LOL!

Posted by: WOT400ex

actually.. ill just hope that 1st gear will get me through the trails that I go through!

how reliable? i hope they are..

wyo duner - BANShEES ARE NOT WIDER THAN 400EX'S!

43 vs 45.6

Posted by: New-400ex_guy

a banshee has no bottom end at all compared to a 4 stroke. unless your on the pipe ( in the power band ) it doesent want to go. thats why you got use the clutch a bit more in the woods. you gotta keep it reved in the power ban. boy but when you hit the powerban hold the #$#$ on. its really cool but i like the overall power of the 4 stroke, but probly cause im not used to the 2-stroke. i didnt really care for the ride quality compared to my Z or ex. im not a jumper so i cant tell you about that. banshee's are reliable as long as you take care of them, or if you dont ride them really really hard.

Posted by: WOT400ex

hold the **** on? maybe im not ready for a shee

:grr

:blah

so the powerband hits in 1st gear too? how hard does it hit in every other gear?

Posted by: trx400ex

dude the powerband hits in every gear....gears are just the transmision, not much to do with powerband

Posted by: 440

if u aint payin attention and jus puttin around, and she hits the band, bye bye, i did this once, the R almost tossed me

Posted by: Troy86250r

If your worried about it being reliable that just depends on how good you are at maintaining it. They will all last if you maintain them properly, but if you dont do much maintenance the 400ex will be better. Personally, I would look for a 250r, they have all the power your gonna need for trails, you can get alot of power out of them really easy, great handleing and good for jumping. And is also very reliable if maintained. Finding an R in good condition may take a while but is well worth the wait. Also they dont depreciate in value like other quads do when it comes time to sell it. If you ride in places with alot of room to open it up and hall *** the banshee will be nice, but dont underestimate a 250r especially a modded one, they are also very quick. Try riding each quad and deciding for yourself.

Posted by: rhandw69

I have the luxury of owning both, but i prefer to do most of my riding in the sand. I ride all day on the banshee, and its hard to get that rush on a 400 like i do on that. The 400 will go, and it can go in most of the hill climbs that others go,,,however pulling out of hole in 2nd maybe 3rd gear,,isnt quite as exciting as grabbing all gears trying to handle the powerband on top of that as well.
I had always heard how un-reliable banshees are, and bla bla bla,,,
Ive had mine since spring, starts everytime, havent fouled a plug runs great. I think troy250r is rite,,,its all how you take care of them. That goes with any bike. They say that banshees foul plugs,,well ****, the 400 seems to have crap break on them as well. How many of us have had our oil sump pan break at the bottom of the drain? Everybike has some sort of flaw.

Posted by: WyoDuner

WOT400ex, you little puke, you come on here asking for advice and I (being an actual Banshee owner) give you my opinion and real life experiences and you contradict everything I say. Screw you you no quad riding little worm. I try to take a few minutes of my time to help you and you turn around and talk to me like that. Don't get a Banshee you're not mature enough to own anything bigger than the KX80 you claim to own.

I'll be glad when school is back on so little retards like you can't spend all day on the net - ungrateful punk.

BTW, the specs you quoted on the width are close to correct, I'll give you that.

Posted by: rhandw69

DITTO WYODUNER!
I find it funny on those who repeadetly bash the banshee,,but have never ridden one, or just because they want to stay loyal to whatever else they have.
WOT400EX,
you posted on here for advice,,, then you did a complete 180 and out came the sarcasm.

Posted by: FullBore52

Its funny, the guys that have banshees love them, and the guys without banshees hate them...wonder how that works?

Posted by: Poncho

I agree wit you screamin for more. You got your priorities straight like me. People who ride shees are smart like me and screamin for more.

Posted by: 440

and people who ride R's are jus cooler, j/k, iv always wanted to grace the seat of a shee, never had the honor yet though,all depends on the maintince of the owner that determines the engine relaibilty

Posted by: WOT400ex

Lil punk? No. How did I do a 180 and come out with sarcasm?!

Wyoduner, I still respect you, even tho in your eyes im a lil sarcastic punk. You have no respect for kids. No, im not exactly a kid, im 15.

Posted by: WOT400ex

I hope you know, that not one word I typed was sarcasm. Please quote the sarcasm you seem to have read.

Posted by: Rollin20s

WOT400ex, There is this thing called the edit button. USE IT!! stop making post for one sentence just add a sentence to the remaining post.

Posted by: PismoGuy400

i dont own a shee' but i wish i did (along w/ the ex)...never ridden one or anything...

i have 1 question for screamin 'shee, lrd_shee, wyoduner, or just anyone that owns a banshee...

can you literally feel the powerband kick in?

will the front end go skyward w/out notice in the middle of the gears? or is it just you are just riding along and your not aggressivly on the throttle but you are ON the throttle and it just goes up?

thanks
pismoguy

Posted by: 440

its like a light, its on or off, depends on the revs, jus like an R

Posted by: WOT400ex

On my 97 kx80 when it hits the powerband, it jerks your arms and makes them straight, and it pushes you forward like the drop on a roller coaster, the front end picks up as soon as it hits the band, its very noticible. its like pinching your self, then not pinching yourself.

Posted by: FullBore52

quote:
Originally posted by PismoGuy400
i dont own a shee' but i wish i did (along w/ the ex)...never ridden one or anything...

i have 1 question for screamin 'shee, lrd_shee, wyoduner, or just anyone that owns a banshee...

can you literally feel the powerband kick in?

will the front end go skyward w/out notice in the middle of the gears? or is it just you are just riding along and your not aggressivly on the throttle but you are ON the throttle and it just goes up?

thanks
pismoguy

Yes, you can definitely feel it hit. In every gear. It will act really boggy on the bottom end, then about 6000 (on a stock bike) it really picks up hard. Depending on the pipes you put on it, the hit will change places in the RPM range a little bit. Mine is still at about 7000 I think...But on asphalt (or wherever it will hook up) It will just pull the fronts up in 3rd thru 5th without leaning back, did it with two people on it yesterday. I was practically on the tank and it did it.

Posted by: WyoDuner

quote:
Originally posted by PismoGuy400
...i have 1 question for screamin 'shee, lrd_shee, wyoduner, or just anyone that owns a banshee...

can you literally feel the powerband kick in?

will the front end go skyward w/out notice in the middle of the gears? or is it just you are just riding along and your not aggressivly on the throttle but you are ON the throttle and it just goes up?

Well, yes you can feel it. Its a rapid increas in power delivery. It doesn't feel like somebody ran into you from behind and made you speed up real fast though. It's like it makes a steady stream of power as the revs increase then suddenly the rate of power increase is a LOT quicker. Once you're in the powerband your throttle response is almsot instant with full power available immediately.

Now, the lower the gears the more likely from pulling the wheels when the powerband hits. I would say 2nd and 3rd are probably the most likely to get you lloped on accident. First is slower so you have time to react but 2nd/3rd are fast enough but still low enought that you can really get caught off guard and have the front come up unexpectedly.

The thing is that once you understand the way your Banshee runs it isn't very common to have a problem with the power delivery, it becomes a LOT of fun.

BTW, low-end power on Banshees is nothing to brag about but with good tuning and a couple of mods it really has an OK low-end. I can idle along in first and nail the throttle and have it wheely or spin easily. I think people think the low-end is so bad because by comparison the top-end hit is so hard - it makes the low-end feel weaker than it really is.

Posted by: Porkchop

I'm looking into a banshee, but i mostly ride trails and jump alot and just all around terrains.. but i dont want to make a big mistake about getting one and not liking it

Posted by: Sparky416ex

From what you explained the banshee would be a great bike!

Posted by: Sparky416ex

quote:
Originally posted by PismoGuy400
i dont own a shee' but i wish i did (along w/ the ex)...never ridden one or anything...

i have 1 question for screamin 'shee, lrd_shee, wyoduner, or just anyone that owns a banshee...

can you literally feel the powerband kick in?

will the front end go skyward w/out notice in the middle of the gears? or is it just you are just riding along and your not aggressivly on the throttle but you are ON the throttle and it just goes up?

thanks
pismoguy

My cousin owns a shee and..my fav thing to do on it is start off in third gear and creep up to teh powerband slowly so i can feel that power band rocket me!! its like hittin the nos button

Posted by: PismoGuy400

thanks for the info guys...

you are REALLY making me want a banshee..from what you guys are saying ...it would be an OK trail bike but nothing like the ex...its not a problem for me to be on the clutch all the time...makes the ride more exciting...i want a shee

Posted by: DEAL

They are awesome believe me, with pipes they blow by my 400ex in 4th.

Posted by: cheetah

My riding buddy just got a banshee, so i got to ride one for the first time. My first impression when trying to pull out was "man this thing sucks" i had to rev real high and finally got it to pull out in first. As soon as it got going i had to shift and i felt a little jerk and i was like "WHOAH! Then i hit mid third and HOLY $%^#, i thought i was gonna fall off and i slid to the back of the seat. What a rush. I like em, but im not a 2 stroke person, I love my bottom end.