LT5001987:

My first two stroke was an 89 Quadzilla but I had A LOT of engine failures. I switched to Banshees and have been building mine for the past 11 years. I have a Desert Race Banshee set up and it is built for ME, both suspension and engine.

I rode a 2004 DS 650 Baja over T-day at Olgiby and it handled better than my modified Banshee. I will be picking up my DS 650 Baja tomorrow from a new, highly motivated dealership in Fountain Hills. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Now the stock engine on the DS will need some pepping up compared to my built Banshee, but that will give me something to do for the next few years.

Riding the DS 650 felt A LOT like a Quadzilla. If you like the Quadzilla, you will like the DS.

I'm going to the dunes next week and I'll let you know, although I won't have paddles as I have to wait 5-6 weeks for my sand tire rims. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

By the way, I live near Higley & Broadway, we need to meet up and going riding. Check out www.ridingarizona.com .

 

Thanks to all for your replies.

One thing that is common in this thread is that everyone here seems to like their machine. This doesn't surprise me, but what surprises me is that no one here regrets getting away from their previous machine. It will take a lot for me to get rid of my 500 because I really like it. But it is time to move on.

azsandrider- small world isn't it? I see you on ASA board, ridingarizona board, here, and you live about 5 minutes from me. I live at Recker and Mckellips.

Yes, we should go riding sometime. I went to Glamis back in November but haven't been back since. Went to Rolls over new years. I will probably try to buy a used DS650, but if I buy a new one I may go to Fountain Hills to meet who you bought from.

 

I had an LT 500 and now a DS X. No regrets. The DS flys real well and the suspention is GREAT. The biggest thing I like better on the LT was cornering. I seldom know what the DS will be like thru a turn. The LT was always confident. As for weight and maybe size; the DS feels alot smaller riding it than just sitting on it.

 

When I decided to get a quad I wanted to get the best LT500 I could find. This was in 1999. Then I saw the Ds announced and had to have it. It feels kike a heavier LT with a suspension kit. One of my friends used to have a LT and I loved it, especially for its size. Although people of all shapes and sizes ride DS's you'll find that many are something like the DS, big and heavy. Present company included. The DS and LT were the only quads that I really fit well on. The reliability on these machines has to be the highest amongs its peers. LT's were great quads but seem to have a set lifespan and some were a real disappointment when they first came out in 87. The first one I ever saw literally blew up every weekend for months.

 

wow you guys must be heavy and strong to pull ds at 3-4and even 5 gear to a wheelie
im a small guy 125 pounds.... i have a stock ds the highest gear i pull it for wheelie was 3!
and i used the clutch... push the clutch add full gas and release it ....
you saying you can use gas only with no help from the clutch to get your ds up in 3-5 gear...
im amazed
maybe cuz i have a stock 01 ds...
dunno but its wierdd

 

Hellrider, strap another 125lbs on your rear and you'll get a clearer picture.

 

the ds is an awesome machine youll be happy with it

 

The DS is great. Never once have they ever had to go to the shop unlike our raptors. You will not regret buying one. Sean

 

You need the tvi race head & 720 kit[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

i guess your right... im only 125 lbs and stock ds...
shouldnt make a wheelie at 3-4-5 gear....
3 maybeee sometimes .... rare...