Hey guys I am selling my Warrior. And I am in the market for a new toy. Don't get me wrong the Warrior rocks but I just want to try new things. I was looking at the Banshee, 400 EX and the Raptor. Around here we have some long straights, some woods, and I play around in some fields with some whoops in them. I was leaning toward the Banshee but was worried about the maintenance and how often I would have to rebuild it. So then I looked at the 400EX because my neighbor has one and it is nice but the clutch is a little weak and I didn't want to leave the Yamaha family but if it is better for my conditions I guess Honda ain't that bad. Then the Raptor crossed my mind but that is a lot for a ATV. So let me hear your opinions.

 

If you ask me with your riding situation, I would definitly lean twords the Banshee. The shee loves long straights and woods to also. As for rebuilds really couldnt tell you, i just got mine a couple of weeks ago. Love it!!!!!!!!!

 

I bought a new Banshee back in November and I love it. It will be alot different from the Warrior. Getting use to the gearing and the response of the Banshee engine will take a little time but once you master it you'll be in love. I like the 400ex and the Raptor looks like it really performs although I have never rode one. I don't think you could go wrong with any of these machines. As far as maintnence on the Banshee mine has been fine so far but again I've only owned it since November. There have been several posts on here from Banshee owners who say they have been several years without a rebuild, that sounds good to me. Just remember to buy what YOU want if you don't you'll never be happy.
"Keep the rubber side down!"

 

Iv rode the Ex-400 (w/mods) very nice quad but not enough motor for me. I really like the 2-stroke response but I don't want to twist wrenches any more than I need to. I like to warrior too, they are built like tanks, just gas and go. I do mostly trail riding, fire roads up the California foothills so I got a Raptor. My previous bike was a KX-250 and this is my first quad, I really like the Raptor but since the new model year is quickly approaching I would wait until then and see if Yamaha makes any minor changes to the quad, IE...heavier clutch springs.... But if you use good motor cycle oil, not car oil, you may not have any clutch slipping at all, I have not had a single problem.

As far as the cost for the Raptor, I plan on keeping the quad for a long time, my KX-250 was a 1987 and I bought it use in 1989. I spent $2k in general maintenance over the years, easy. I plan on keeping the Raptor stock, so besides oil, lube and filter I hope the maintenance is low. So far so good.

Wait a few months for the new model year and then get on the list for a new Raptor.
Good Luck

 

dude!!! i traded a 400ex for a modded banshee and would never think of going back. i also rode a few raptors, they are an all round great back, but compared to the arm wrenching powerband of a banshee , you will not be dissatisfied. GO WITH THE BANSHEE!!!!!

 

There's nothing like a Banshee with its two-stroke punch. If your always on the throttle then the Banshee is the way to go. The Raptor is the do-it-all kind of machine. Stock for stock it has more to offer than any other machine. 400ex; not even, I would consider the DS650 over the 400ex...!!!

j/t
01 Raptor Blk/White (stock)

 

1badwarrior-i was in the same boat 2 weeks ago,bought a raptor(still waiting for it to come in)Ruled the 'shee out real fast-did'nt feel that my riding area was good for it.Liked the price of the 400ex,but figured that within 2 weeks i would want to modify it,be second guessing myself that i should have bought a raptor.Bit the bullet,paid to much and bought a raptor knowing that i will probably have more repairs and maintance on the raptor than the ex.All i told myself is hey thats life,i wanted it i got it,i am not going to look back.Now i can't wait to get MY RAPTOR.Good luck deciding because they are ALL GOOD.

 

Hey guys thanks for your replys. It seems most of you lean toward the Banshee. But I think I am going to steer clear of the Shee. Don't get me wrong guys I agree the Banshee is one bad machine and two-strokes do rock when it come to sheer thrill. But I think I have narrowed it down to the Raptor or the 400EX. Hey Banshee owners keep the shee screaming. And you guys have one heck of a quad when it comes to excitement.

 

BlueRap,

I used to have a KX-250 as well (1999) and now have a Raptor. I was just wondering how you liked the change from bikes to quads. Would you ever want to go back to bikes? I've been looking at the new YZ250F, but I'm sure having fun on the Raptor. I guess in a perfect world, we could have one of each .

Thanks,
Bart
www.members.home.net/bartkim

 

Bird, I have a new yz250 and a raptor I love my raptor but I rode my yz for the first time this weekend and I dont even care to get back on my raptor. After being at Hillsville and doing some stepups and motoring around the track I relized why it took me so long to get into quads they will never = a bike for me. I am going to keep my quad because I'm going to race both my bike and quad but I'd say for me the bike is alot better.