Yesterday, i got to ride a 99 Banshee on some tight trails. 100% stock except for the tires.

I couldn't get it to go without really running it hard, beat me around a lot.

This kind of hurt my thoughts on a banshee, Maybe a warrior would suit me better. Or another blaster, mine is great on trails!

I just can't make up my mind.

I know i don't want a raptor because i can't come up with the extra money, i was getting an 01 banshee for 5,599 out the door So i can't come up with another 1,000 plus tax.

 

I own a 00 banshee. I would agree a blaster or warrior might seem easier to ride in the tight trails, but once you learn how to ride a banshee you will se that they can be much faster adn alot more fun.

 

yep, they take some work in the tight twisties. i didn't mind having to get used to it, since i like to be able to open it up when the trail straightens. i have ridden the warrior and the banshee in many types of situations and prefer the banshee because of the power on tap. you will get used to it, and you'll be a very skilled banshee rider if you keep practicing...

 

i ride a 98 banshee with toomeys and holeshots, otherwise stock. they are a handful in the woods but theres nothing like launching from corner to corner, or shooting up hills like a banshee can.

its a lot of snappy power for the woods, but like fakie said...it will really improve your skill on the bike.

 

These guys are right. It's something you'll have to "adjust" too. I know I'll get jumped for saying this but my brothers 400EX was one great trail quad.... and less than a Banshee. Just a thought.
c-ya,

 

As a former Blaster owner I understand your concern. I really enjoyed the Blaster - but was ready for more power, reverse gears, electric start, hydraulic brakes etc - so 2 years ago I bought a Warrior. I did consider the Banshee... a lot of guys from work own Banshees... They told me that they really didn't use their quads for woods riding... said that it really was better for "screaming thru the gears, tearing up the hill, and really great in the straights"... Now, 2 years later, one of them told me that he is thinking of buying a different quad because he's not happy with the Banshee in the woods.

It takes some time to get use to a new quad: There are weight, dimensions and handling differences so expect the other guy to beat you until you get use to the quad! If you really like 2-stroke power, buy a Banshee (You can always sell it if you don't like it). If money is not a problem buy a 400EX or wait for the Raptor. I am very happy with my Warrior ($4999).

 

This spring my friend got a 99 warrior from a guy that used it for about 6 months. He got the Warrior 3 new pairs of tires, DG skid plates and bumper& grab bar and all the original stuff for 3500.oo cash. I just got a 99 Banshee yesterday with Toomey pipes/ silencers, DG nerfs/skids/bumber/grab bar, twist throttle and carb upgrades and all the original parts for 4200.oo cash. The Banshee is harder to get used to riding in the trails/ woods around here, BUT when I get in the straits I'm gone. My point is this... If you have 5600.oo to spend then spend 4500.oo on something that kicks and put the rest into stocks so when you get tired of your
"like new" used bike you'll have the dinero for your next one. AND get the best you can afford and spend the time learning how to ride it!!!!

 

300ex! buy like a 94'-98', and use the money to put into the engin, you can make an excellent trail quad..it is almost GREAT stock, and with mods it will be PERFECT!

 

I haven't had my banshee very long.. but I have done some trail riding with it.. let me tell you, I wasn't really used to the power band on it, but it really helps when your screamin down the trail and here comes a jump.. you can't really slow down, punch it and it's gonna jump right.. the power band comes in handy when your riding in the middle of the pack.. when you can gas it and wheelie or pull the front end up off a jump... it's a great feeling after you've nose dived a couple times... trust me.. experienced in these kinda things lol

 

I have three riding buddies. Two on Blasters andone on a Warrior. They are completely satisfied with the machines until I ride with them on my 250r or Banshee. If you are riding in tight trails, stock pipes are very good. If you want to go aftermarket, I have heard good things about the 2 into 1 exhausts. I would rather sacrifice a little ease of operation in the woods and have that 350 twin with a six speed to tear up the open ground with.