I agree, the magazines seem to be just like the entire free world. As soon as something bigger and badder comes out they automatically say it is the best! They say the next new thing is the greatest even before they have a real test on it, they are like everyone else, if it looks good on paper it must be good.
I din't see it, but if they did say thumbs down for the 400ex, they need to step back and look at the race results. With all the new bigger an better bikes out there the 400ex is still winning.
No offense to the Raptor owners, but what really strikes me funny is that they say a stock Raptor will "smoke" a heavy modded EX, if that is so, why is Honda always top 5 in all the races? I have heard the excuse, that "the Raptor is still new and no one is making mods yet", or "there aren't enough Raptors out there yet". Well I have been there, and there are plenty of Raptors at the races, and as far as mods go, why does a Raptor need mods if it can "smoke an ex" in stock form? The underpowered, and thumbs down suspension of the EX is still winning.
Fact is, you can have all the power you want, but you have to get it on the ground, that is why the little 400 is doing so well. If you don't have the suspension perfect for the power you have, more power will make the problem worse. You cannot add power as a crutch for suspension problems. I am not saying the raptor has problems, but it certaintly does not have the suspension to handle the power it has and make it effective.

 

I second that. It sucks too, because I work at a yamaha dealership during the summers! Lots of raptor problems comming in, mostly carb problems. Thats expected for a first year machine though. Yamaha has good warranty department too. The darn things just too expensive for me! Plus I would probably just kill myself with 660cc.

 

RyanH.,
Well....? Did you decide on what to get? Did you get some test rides?

 

Not yet still working on it. Might be a while due to a new money situation. I did ride the banshee one more time. MAN WHAT A POWER HOUSE! I was very impressed with the power. I haven't had a chance to stop by Honda yet. Will let you know as soon as I ride the 400ex.

 

i dont have personal experience with either,but some friends of mine have both.one that has the banshee says its too heavy and not good for trail ridding or climbing,but good for racing.other friend has 400ex and says its a good all-around quad,only work hes done to it was put a larger carb on it.he rides this thing all the time and hasnt had any trouble with it

 

cool thanks for the input. I will probably go for the 400ex ,but will need to save some money for a while. New expenses have appeared for me to pay.