I wouldn't go so far as to say a 450cc Banshee would toast everything. When you start getting into modifieds, there are plenty of beasts bigger than a 450 Banshee. Heck, there have Banshees up to around 650cc's. I've seen 750+cc triple cylinder two strokes, running methanol or alcohol, 250R frames with GSXR1100's that have been bored out to 1300+ cc's running nitrous that could easily do 130mph cranking out over 200 horsepower.

There's always going to be something bigger, badder, faster or better than what is out there or what you own. What's the point?

The "new" Yamaha looks like they bought a DS and slapped some Banshee parts on it. Look at it really closely and compare. Heck, it looks like yellow is showing under the blue paint. The rear fenders have the same cut as a DS, the nose looks like they removed the headlight and cut a big hole in it and added horizontal slats to it. Looks like a Banshee trailing arm and a Warrior taillight.

As far as that beast hitting production, don't expect it before the Cannondale. Probably some time the end of 2001, if they really push it. Any sooner and I would really question how "new" and "innovating" it really is.

Laters,
CRT_Leech