i'm trying to decide which one of these to get what do you guys think???

 

I'm having thoughts of possibly buying one of these machines as well. I like the styling of the Raptor much better than the Banshee, but the Raptor is $500 more and will be extremely hard to get according to the local Yamaha dealers. Plus its a four stroke so you have to worry about oil changes, where as the Banshee is a two stroke and oil changes aren't a concern. The Raptor is supposed to be faster and putting out speeds in the mid 80's where as the Banshee puts out speeds in the mid 70's. They are both fast! Not sure what I'll do, will be looking for something once I sell my 99 Scrambler 400 and unless Polaris has a new sport machine for 01 then I will probably be looking at a Honda or Yamaha.

Mitch
99 Scrambler 400
(For Sale)

 

From what I heard the raptor wasn't in the 80's. In the review on this site, they said it was very close in races with the banshee. Also, on another site they said the top speed was like "70+ mph". Oh well, thats still fast. But I bet the powerband on the banshee still has a harder hit to it. I bet the Raptor will be better in the woods and on the MX track, though. If I had to pick it would banshee, but thats my opinion. Well later dudes,Kenny

 

banshee, nothing has the kick like a 2 stroke. also, give yamaha some time to work out the bugs in the new "thing" they developed..

 

I'd go with the Raptor. Better handling, made to beat out even the Banshee. Plus you dont have to rebuild the topend like you would on a Banshee! I just like 4 stroke reliability, thats all. So I would get a Raptor, if I had 7 grand! Guess I'll be stuck with my Warrior for a while!

 

Mark3, all speculation aside I would tend to go with the raptor. 4 strokes require LESS maintenance not more as somebody suggested. Also, the Raptor is a more modern design and has electric start and reverse. Electric start is no big deal to me but reverse is awesome. I don't care where you ride, you will want reverse. besides $500 is nothing when you are already talking $6000. Now having to wait on one, well that would suck.

 

I don't know why you guys think the banshee is so unreliable. I have a 92 banshee with Toomey pipes. I mix my fuel 40:1 with MC1, change the transmission oil every 10 - 20 hours or ridding, and make sure the air filter stays super clean, and I haven't had any problems. I just recently pulled the top end so I could put in Vitto's pistons. The barrels look fine. I could see very little wear. 8+ years without a rebuild ain't not bad.
As long as you don't go crazy with your motor mods, a banshee will be very reliable. I wouldn't go Raptor just because you're worried about reliability.

 

I like 'em both. I have the first Black & White Raptor that comes in locally, and my little bro' just got a new Banshee last week. It was my first time riding a Banshee...and I was very impressed. Im sure, as with all quads, certain TLC for the make and model is always needed. If you know the trouble spots, just take care of em as needed, and all will be well usually.(who knows though, anything may happen to any make)

I chose the new 660R , because the design was built to handle great "and" fly like a bullet. But the most incredible aspect of this quad to me is the fact that you get all this, and its within 20 lbs of the Banshee. That is great. Im sure you will like either - it is your choice, just get what ya want...and youll love it.

 

MMMmm. that is tuffy .. NOT!!!!!!!! Raptor!!

 

hey mitch wile you dont have engine oil in a banshee you still have tranny oil to change