I wouldn't mess with the gearing. Trust me you won't use the extra top end. I would pipe, filter, and rejet. Maybe some reeds. That will be a WORLD of difference. You'll keep up with the 450's no problem and if they are not piped probably beat them in a drag if you can get traction. From there I'd get some aftermarket rims and tires. It will give you a couple of inches for stability which the 'shee needs.

 

toomey t-5 pipe and jets, k&n pod filters,boyessen or vforce reeds,TORS eliminator kit,adjustable timing plate set to like +4, wiseco pro lite forged pistons, and some trail porting and you can say bye bye 450s, definitely do the big 3 first pipe,filter,jets.

 

my 96 had no problem beating 90% of 450s and it had t-4's +4 timing, milled head, no lid and no jetting( atleast no fine tuning, we just threw 300 mains in it) fockin ran good for 80+ hours and when we tore it down to port it it was spotless on the inside and the bore & pistons was perfect

 

I disagree on the pipes not giving you more top end speed. You need to change the gearing, i.e. sprokets. I used to race desert and we ran 15 front and 40 rears. I got clocked on the dry lake bed at 88 mph. Note that the lake bed is very loose gravel type of bed. Lot of wheel spin. Once we got off the lake bed the bike would grab the dry clay power line road and pickup about 10 mph. The banshee I raced had lots of $$$ in suspension but the motor was stock. Other than FMF Gold series pips and Boysen reeds. We jetted with jet sizes at 290. I still have both of my banshees and they blow away any 450 around. One note that with running 15 front with only pipes, it has a hard time getting up to full speed in sandy wash like conditions. Hard flat road it screams

 

Well if it is of any interest to any of you banshee riders, I just set mine up for XC and have a lot of parts for sale. Vito's fat bastard pipes, both intakes, carbs, boost bottle, and on and on. If you need anything, let me know and I will see if I have it.

 

pipes will increase top speed because the banshee stock will not rev out in 6th.. plus i think it revs higher with pipes