i currently own a 03 z400 (looking to add power to)and im in the market for a new bike, im still gonna keep my z cause i love how it rides on the trails but i have no idea what direction i wanna head towards, my z would proabaly be my reliable bike so ive kinda looked at banshees all brands of 450's (particularly ltr's and yfz's) and then there the good old raptor 700r. just about every 450 will outhandle/outperform a raptor in just about any riding condition right? then at the other perspective a shee with some work will rape 450's and raptors in some conditions. what do you guys think i should go with or atleast lean to so i have an idea.

 

It all depends on where you ride. If you ride mostly trails I would stick with a 4 stroke. If you have wide open riding areas like sand dunes Then the 450's or the Shee would be great. I personally would keep a Z400 over a Raptor, but that is just me. I'm sure there are alot of people who would disagree with me.

 

You didn't specify your riding conditions!

The Shee was ok in its day and it for sure has a thrilling powerband, but the frame/suspension never did match the power/speed of the engine. I say we retire this venerable old machine, and let it die a natural death! There are so many great 4-strokes now, what's the sense in returning 20 years back in time to an archaic design?

You already have an excellent trail quad, so why buy the 700 and just end up with yet another trail quad????

So, that leaves one of the 450's or the KTM 525.

 

Don't forget about the best machine out there the DS450. I heard it is turning some heads out thier on the tracks....

 

the raptor beats the 450s when all the way upgraded in drag races. the banshee when upgraded all the way will get the raptor and the 450s in a drag race. the ktm525 is a brand new bike and whould not buy it, it is also way to much $ and any other 450 can beat it with the same ammount of $ in it. agree with everyone else abotu getting a raptor 700 because you already have a good trail bike. so my suggestion is if you are looking to drag a bike out get a banshee and if you are look for a fast desert/track bike i whould get a ltr450

 

you got a good reliable trail bike, so why not go with a modded banshee. not only is the banshee fast, it smells good too.

stay away from 1st year bikes.