Ive gone riding once about a year or so ago and we had rented a Banshee. I loved that ATV. Are there any other ATVs that ride the same way? By that I mean the speed and the take off. I like how the Banshee pulls right away due to the 2 stroke engine. Give me some input on some other nice ATVs that I could be interested in. The only thing keeping me from buying a Banshee is the upkeep of the 2 stroke engine.

 

Any certain brand you like more(yamha,suzuki,honda)

 

Nah im pretty open.

 

First of all, the Banshee just plain handles poorly! It is a real old design, and lots of newer bikes are way better. Sure, it has thrilling motor (not so thrilling for trail rides!), but if it doesn't handle, why even go there. Plus, as I recall, Yamaha is discontinuing it after this year anyway. The Banshees day has come and gone!

There are a ton of new 4-strokes that will yank off your arms! The new 450 4-strokes, have 2-stroke like powerbands. The Yamaha 450 in particular has a hit in the middle, not unlike the Banshee. Yamaha just like harsh motors.

 

I like what Ive read about the 450. How good is it for trail riding? I remember when it first came out people were complaining about the parts bending from jumps or heavy trail riding. Is that the case?

When I rode the Banshee the handling wasnt too bad for me. The steering is, kinda like driving a muscle car, very loose.

 

I would first narrow down what type of riding you will be doing and where most of your riding will take place. Then find out how much you have to (or are willing to) spend on an ATV.

If you know all that and still can't draw a conclusion try these simple ideas.

If you live out near the dunes a Banshee will work just fine, if you want to ride in the woods and the dunes but needs gobs of power than look at a Raptor660, if you are looking for something that just goes fast everywhere look at a YFZ450.

If you don't like riding blue, and don't mind kick-starting, or no-reverse, look at a TRX450.

If you want an all-around play machine with tons of potential look into a Z400.

If you like going fast but don't want to shift look at a KFX700.

If you want to go fast in 4-wheel drive and you don't want to shift look at a Scrambler500.

 

Thanks SS97. Seems like the YFZ450 would be a nice ATV all around thats someone simillar to the Banshee's power. How are the Bombardier DS650's?

 

Be sure to throw your butt on a Predator as well. Best for trails. These new 4-strokes are so fast and powerful you won't even think about going back to a 2-stroke.

Best all around, I agree with ss97. Z400.

 

The only problem is that I dont know anyone with an ATV and there is no place that rents different kinds.

 

I'm pretty sure you can rent them in Pismo...right? Since you are on the coast that would be a great place to get rides in.