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Hey, I am very new to ATVing. I want a fast machine. Do you think that the Banshee or maybe 400ex would be too much for me to handle? I get the basic idea of shifting, pull in the clutch and pull up with the toe to shift up. Isn't this correct? I want a quad that I can be happy with its stock power for a long time. Just because the Banshee has a lot of power I can still go at a moderate speed also, right? Please enlighten me. I don't want to kill myslef if I get one one these. I just want to know the basics of sports quads and sport riding. Oh ya, how much do you think I can get a new 2000 Banshee or 400ex for when the 2001's are out? Thank you all

 

I certainly would not advocate you getting a Banshee as your first quad. For one thing, like most 2 strokes, it must be kept on the pipe to run efficiently which means shifting at the proper rpms. The Banshee has a very eye-opening "hit" when it gets on the pipe and could be a problem for a novice like yourself. I think you'd be better served with the 400EX as the upper limit of your choices.Its power is way more tractable, being a 4 stroke & altho 27HP isn't all that much it makes very good use of it. You can upgrade it later if you have a need for more speed.
Lest you think I"m predjudiced toward the 400EX, I'm a very satisfied owner of a Warrior. Maybe that's another option for you.

 

I would not buy a Banshee if I were you. The Banshee has a powerband like a lightswitch. It's either off or fully rippin'. There is no in-between. Your post states you are new to ATV'ing. I assume this means that you are new to ATV'ing in general. Or have you ridden utility type ATV's in the past and are making the jump to sport quads? The 400ex is a great machine - although if you are a true beginner I would suggest a 300ex, Mojave, or a Blaster. Riding a sport ATV is more than just shifting gears. In my opinion it takes many months if not years to truly learn how to handle a sport quad. They have characteristics unlike any other vehicle and they take time to master. Start small and work your way up. Doing otherwise could spell disaster. Our sport has been plagued by too many people who get on machines they can't control and subsequently become a statistic.

 

I relize some may make fun, (those who are uninformed) but I went with, and recommend getting a Polaris. I got a 1999 Soprt 400 last year and I love mine, it has plenty of power and speed, no I can't keep up with Banshees, but the 300ex, and Warriors have to keep up with me, I havent rode with the 400ex. The Polaris are automatics, the same as snowmobiles. Some hate the auto, they say it gets wet and you can't go. Well the trans is all inclosed the breath tube is seat high, so as long as you stay out of 3 foot water holes, your fine. A good thing is that you are never in the wrong gear, you dont have to think about anything but going down the trail. Second, you'll save about $2000. If you deside that some day you do want to keep up with those Banshees, there are at least 3 very good companies out ther that can help you tune the Sport/Scrambler from 36hp to over 65hp, depending on how far you want to go. Oh and buy the way, the Scrambler comes in 2wd or 4wd. Go to the Polaris part of the Forum and ask about it. There are two Sport 400 owners there that have their bikes set up so no banshee can touch them. Good for the beginer, and has room to grow.

Bruce L. Hall
99 Sport 400

 

I tend to agree. I myself have a Scram400 4x4 and love it to death! It depends on what type of riding you do and who you ride with. I do a lot of mud with family so I went for a 4x4. The 2-stoke is super modifiable too. A banshee would probably lose me in the dunes but in the trails my Scrambler is pretty amazing. Plus no gears to shift. Gas and go!
But if shifting is your thing go for another brand. Just don't try and ride over your capabilities. I have seen much tooo much injury because of inexperience and trying to go to fast to quickly...Have fun!

 

Good points guys. I myself am looking at getting a new 2x4 400. My current ride is a 87 250r. It is super fast but is not enjoyable as a trail quad, and thats what i mostly ride now. I think the 400 is one of the best deals out there right now.

 

NO BANSHEE. Banshee requires much more care and effort in it. I like the 400ex, but ask yourself if you can do without the reverse. So then if you say you need a reverse, and many do, look at the 300ex. But, 400ex, may be COOL for you.

 

I say go for it. If you want something fast, go for the Banshee and then you don't have to buy another machine when you gain experience. Just remember that 2-strokes are like on-off switches and take it easy for a while. The Polaris is also a great machine because of its ridability.

 

BLH & XPlor,
I agree with everything you guys said. The auto is awesome. The weight of the Scrambler is too much though. But as long as you don't have arms like a 4th grade school girl it's OK.