Amen on the powerband - I just luv ridin' the pipe (And I'm not talkin' surfin')

 

b-a-n-s-h-e-e

 

Jon,
You did not explain why you are limiting your choices to 450R or Banshee? Why not consider some of the other models?? You've probably already bought by now, but....JMO....

Here's my experience, riding 4-strokes for the last 4 years overlapping riding 2-strokes (Banshee and 250Rs) for 15 years. The piped and jetted Banshee probably has the most awesome acceleration of all, especially hard to beat in the dunes. But, the maintenance that people refer to is prolific, if you put real hours on the machine. Keeping the carbs cleaned and in tune, keeping fasteners tightened (due to the high vibration of the engine), needing 4 wrenches just to tighten the chain, keeping the air filter clean and properly installed so it doesn't suck sand, replacing the kick starter joint so it doesn't "ring", replacing the quickly worn out chain slide, installing a good case saver, stators are nortorious for failing (mine did), CDI boxes are nortorious for failing (mine did), all 2-strokes eventually wear out the top end and need to be rebuilt, the water pump impeller is nortorious for failing (mine did), Banshees tend to run HOT so adding fins is a good idea or engine ice, mixing gas is just another form of maintenance, thumb throttle is stiffer than most because you are pulling 2 springs (add a thumb saver?), spark plug wire 90-ends tend to fail, clutch plates need to be beefed if you do a lot of clutching (trail riding), removing the TORS crap, upgrading the bars and adding bar end weights to dampen vibration, electrical shorts sometimes occur, some do foul plugs (I've seen a hundred replaced over the years), and I could go on....just from my experience and that of my friends riding Banshees.
The thing is, Yamaha has had no new 2-stroke competition for many years, so they have not made any real Banshee design improvements (or fixes) since A arms in 1989. They didn't have to after Honda quit making the 250R.

4-strokes are definitely less maintenance. And 4-strokes can definitely be upgraded after-market....just check any of the various model categories on this web site and read about their upgrades.....piping, jetting, CDI's, intakes, plus engine mods, etc.
Consider this: A number of stock 4-strokes will now beat the stock Banshee in a drag race. Check out the hard hitting YFZ450 if you are just looking for big acceleration....or even the ATK.

Since you are from Missouri, you must do a lot of trail riding. Dirt Wheels calls the Predator (stock) number one on the trails, with the (stock) Raptor number two. I prefer my Predator over my Raptor on the trail, and I also like my Predator better in the dunes. I have a few hours on the Z400, YFZ450, DS650, and the 450R. They are all very good.....depends on which fits your use and which you like.

Let me finish by just saying I always worked up a good sweat on a hard, fast 2 hour Banshee ride....not so on the easy to ride 4-strokes. Just depends on what you like. Have fun, Enjoy life!

 

if u love speed the best way to go in the banshee

 

I have recently made the change to the four stroke. I rode a 250R with a 330 kit. I still miss the big end of the 250 but the Yfz 450 has great acceleration on the bottom to midrange. I chose the Yfz 450 because plain and simple 2 strokes a little more unnreliable i my opinion. I want to trail ride more and race less but wanted to have the same smile from acceleration. Sand or drag racing I would go with the banshee. Sorry dont mean to compare the 250 to the banshee but they are close to the same bike.

MY 2 pennies

 

The Banshees are great...found one here with TONS of mods:

it needs a new home....
I never ride it any more and it just seats their looking I've only riden it 4 times in the last 2 years.
$3500.
dont call if you dont have the $$
It has over $3500 in mods.

+2 A arms
works shocks with reservoirs (set up for a 200 lbs rider by works)
shock wears
FMF fatty pipes
billet laser lights & upgraded stator
steering damper
nerf bars
cool head
billet high flow water pump
inline water cooler
pro-flow filter kit & k&n filter
jet kit by k&n
barnett cluth
sand tires front and rear
maxxis razer tires front and rear
AND MORE call me at (918) 724-2621

TIM

http://pstr-d02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/...+xSb3D0300.jpg
http://pstr-m01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/...+yx1JN0300.jpg


Still available......

 

Go with a 450r, it will last longer, with minimal problems...which is way more than what you can say for the average Shee.