I desert ride mostly with older guys who ride Banshees. They grew up during the era when the Shee was the hottest thing around, and haven't caught on to the fact that there are a bunch of new 4-strokes out there now. My Z is lightly moded (header, muffler, K&N, vented airbox lid, Works suspension), and they are having to work real hard to keep up with me!! Any time the trail is even slightly technical or whooped out, the Shee suspension falls flat on its face. Our EX has the same mods, and I can beat them in the technical stuff, but not out on the straights.

 

All it takes is $300.00 worth of camshaft and high compression piston to beat a Z. I destroyed two piped Z's at the sand drags with mine this past weekend. They even had the advantage. I was on the stock Otsu's and they were on paddles. They got the holeshot, then I did a fly-by around mid 3rd gear. And I steadily pulled away after that.

Ross 416 piston $125.00
Stage II Hotcam $129.00
Boring and gaskets $65.00