Hey Everyone, I own a 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 4X4 and I love it, but a lot of my friends own 400EX's and Banshee's and after riding their quads a bunch I've decided to get a sport quad. I've ridden both quads, and I like both, but I can't decide on one. I love the Banshee, but I don't know if I want a 2-stroke or not. I do a lot of trail riding and jumping and hill climbing. I don't care about not having reverse, so its one of these 2 quads for me. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Kyle

 

Since you have ridden both quads the choice is really up to you. I too have ridden both machines and I do like both of them. I never thought I would say I'd rather own a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke a few years when talking sport atvs, but the 400ex is an all around great machine. It may lose to a Banshee in a drag race or playing in the dunes but doing anything else I feel the Honda is far superior. Besides, electric start sure is nice.

Good Luck

 

I can't honestly say I'v ridden a 400EX, but I have ridden a 300EX.

Some of the arguments against the Banshee is that some people seem to think it is hard to keep it in its power band, but I haven't found this to be the case. The transmission is a close ratio and to me, it seems that the gears are close enough together that often times, there are 2 gears that would work fine.

Yes, electric start is nice, but I'd hate not to have a backup. My Banshee usually starts on the 1st or 2nd kick and is easy to do so.

The susupension on the 400ex is supposed to be a little better for the track.

The Banshee is far more powerful and cost much less to increase the power compared to the 400's 4 stroke.

Ultimately, it's up to you.

 

96 Banshee here and I love the power the 2 stroke puts out. I have rode 4 strokes all my life and the Banshee is my first 2 stroke. For me I just like riding a BIG chain saw...Hehe

BatMan

 

You can't really compare a 400EX to a Banshee. BANSHEE! No need to say any more.

As Forest Gump would say...That's all I have to say 'bout that.

 

I agree with all the others. Both quads are top of the line in there own ways. Since you have a four stroke all ready. I would get a two stroke? I had a four stroke (98 Warrior) sold it to buy a Banshee. I have no regrets. My Banshee has given me no trouble in the 2 years I've owned it. If you are keeping the Big Bear you have a back up if the 2 stroke breaks. My opinion go two stroke!

 

I've got a 2000 Big Bear also. But I bought mine after I got the Banshee (which is still my favorite). My friend has 400EX and I've rode with him a lot. I have rode his 400EX and my opinion is that the Banshee is definately more exciting to ride, but I think the 400EX is probably easier to ride. On the Banshee, you definately have change gears a lot when doing high speed woods riding, but that's part of the fun.

Even though they say that two strokes require more maintenance, I think they are easier to work on than 4 strokes. I'm no mechanic, but I've put in weisco pistons, rebuilt the clutch, installed pipes, and rejetted several times.

By the way, did you get the Real Tree camoflauge plastic on your Big Bear? I did, and I found out that there is a defect with this plastic that makes it brittle. Yamaha is apparently working on fixing the problem. They will replace the plastic for free after the problem is worked out, or give you standard plastic.

 

You got to be kidding. YOu have a Big Bear and you're even thinking about 2 stoke -- stick with the 4 stroke - Honda makes a much more superior 4stoke anyday - and you'll love the powerband - prob as smooth as the one you ride now.
Besides - engineering on Banshee is old - hasnt changed in years - Honda makes a more superior suspension . and even though it may be slightly slower - and i say slightly -because I have drag raced in the desert guys on stock Banshee's and the top end - i 'whoop their buts... but that I will leave to you - you'l see what i mean.
both stock - Honda is by far the best. Ride one - youll see what i mean !

 

I'm fortunate enough to own a Banshee and a 400EX. In my opinion the Banshee is much more fun to ride . Nothing else gives me the thrill like that 2 stroke twin does. It may also depend on what kind of riding you do. I think the 400EX is easier to ride, and the Banshee does take a little more work (shifting and clutch feathering), but you are rewarded with awesome power and the sweet music of it's engine. I have done a 2 into 1 pipe and a head mod to mine and it works so fine in the woods. I love the Banshee and the 400EX is now my girlfriends ride.

Bruce
2000 Banshee
99' 400EX
99' Wolverine

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Thanks for replying! I already bought my '98 Ceet Banshee!! I love it, I like it a lot more than the 400EX. I love the 2 stroke power and the 6 speed tranny!!

CeetBanshee