Hey Guys,

Was out looking at the quads today and see that the Banshee is in it's last year. ( I know where have you been, but hey I am just getting back into this) Stupidly I sold my Honda '88 250R many years ago.....well they ain't around anymore and I still would like to get a two stroke.
I have not ridden a banshee, but it would mostly be used in open fields and on trails with a bit of woods thrown in there. My friend had an '88 banshee and I seem to remember it wasn't very good through the woods....then again it might have been his driving ability. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Would this be a good choice or should I just get the Raptor 350?

I'll have to see if the local dealer will let me test a couple of quads out.

 

ahhhh....the 1988 250R has to be the most sought after older bikes on the planet besides a good quadzilla.

yeah i could have kicked myself too back in 1989, i had the LAST 88 250r at the dealer within my grasp and was about to get it and my folks asked if i really wanted it or put the money towards a car...i chose the latter, kept my warrior...crap! it wasnt until 3-4 yrs ago i bought my near mint 86 250R from a guy in cali and had it shipped over. its my fav bike thus far (though i had some good times on them all).

there still are some good ones out there if you want another 250R though...

all that nostailga aside, i think you should get a raptor 700, 400ex, z400, 450r, yfz, or something like that. they handle way better than the banshee and the 450s put out some amazing power. dont waste time with a raptor 350- you will get bored with it. if you woods ride alot, get the z, 400ex, or raptor700, or a leftover 05 450r. it has a less volitle engine for trails. early yfzs dont like to go slow. i dont know if the improvements they made on the 06 model help it out or not in this area...its supposed to, but i cant vouch for it at this time.

in 04, i sold my banshee to get a 450R. i dont regret it. i miss the banshee in a way, but may never own one again unless i got a really good deal on one in good condition...but if i got another 2 stroke, im leaning towards something like a GOOD quadzilla, lt250, or another TRX250R (preferrably an 88-89).

 

I had my 250R for 4 years and it was mint when I sold it. I might keep an eye out for another, but I know it'll require some work on my part....well at least my brother as he is a mechanic and definately wants me to get another so he can 'play' with it. LOL! I assume that parts for a 250R or similar years gone by 2-stroke are getting hard to find other than after market stuff?

My friend has a Quadzilla that is in impecable shape, but he won't part with it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

You are probably right though as the only Quad I had ever owned was the 250R I would probably get bored with the 350. I have ridden my brothers quads (all utilty types) and they are very boring....even he is moving towards getting a good sport model as well.

 

Valder, skip the Warrior(oops) Raptor 350. If you really want the 2 stroke, then the Banshee is the only "new" option you have. Plenty of people use Banshees for field and light woods riding. It could work for you. The 450's are awesome, I have one and it constantly amazes me. Very comparable to a 250R, and in many ways better. The only down side is that none of these are ideal for family riding. The new 700 Raptor has a lot of the 450 handling now, but in a little mellower package and is something to look into for trailriding with your son. I think I will be gearing mine down after I finally get my kid riding.

 

They have enough aftermarket parts today for a 250r you could order all the aftermarket parts and assemble your own 250r. But for you go with the yfz or the 700r. You shouldn't get bored with these bikes. The 700r is more like a caddilac and the yfz is like a caddi on steroids.

 

Thanks for the tips guys! Today I got approval from the CFO (the Wife) to get a new ATV.

The hunt begins......

 

If you get a banshee, dont waste your money buying a new one, buy one that is a couple years old that already has some mods, and save about $3000.

 

well if you want an lt250r you can find one relitvely cheap.there much easyer to find than the honda 250r.there also lighter and i hear they have better handeling.
good luck!

 

The reason I was thinking of getting a new one is I know this will be the last quad I probably buy for myself. I do treat them nice and am not into trashing my gear so I know it will last a long time. Heck I never buy used cars either....so I guess that is my mentality.

I would only think of getting a 250R for nostalgia sakes as that was my first. Though the thought of having a Quadzilla would be neat....

Have to ponder my options this week and check out the options I have.

 

Buy used, save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Especially if you are even slightly mechanically inclined