I have to agree with sandman & 86atc250r I am 35 years old and am very lucky to be alive the key word being lucky. When i was 14 there was not a bike that I thought I could not ride. I was racing my dads cb750 all over town and my friends kz900 135mph through town.I get the shakes thinking about IT . sure I raced motocross 1977 xr 75 but im a little guy 5.5 150lbs. my point is dont let your confidence overcome your abbility. Always be aware of what can happen .you can die just as easy on a blaster as you can on a banshee! With all that said. I bought my first quad six months ago. YA it was a blaster when I left the parking lot it was on two wheels. the only way you can diss on the blaster is if you havent rode one.And if you havent rode one you obviously dont know what you are diss,ing on I put on an f&f gold fatty, with power core II spark arrestor becuse i ride in the state forest K&N filter with outerware
boysen reeds
white bros 35mm carb kit
sprocket specialist 14 tooth frnt spkt
white bro boost bottle
BRAKES?????? who cares????

 

fo

 

on mY first qaud (trike) a atc 70 I did ok on but it was my first dirt bike I had trouble with. I wasn't used to a clutch so I just revved it up and dropped the clutch and it sat me on my but then I got scared and wouldn't ride it anymore. so one day I worked up the courage and took it easy and putted around in big feild and got the feel of the bike then I gradually improved and got going a little faster. I was about 8 at this time and the dirtbike was an XR 75. know that I think about it a 14 year old begginer should ride a badger or something to get used to a qaud then get a blaster to get used to a 2 stroke. if you are not familar with a qauds balance and controls and how to ride a clutch U should never be on a banshee. remeber ride red, ride smart wear a helmet and remember ride hard (for your ability)

 

Banshee's are a blast, but they might be a handfull. Iv'e been riding quads for about 16 years and my first was a brand new 1983 Honda 185S. When I was 14 I beleive I had a ATC 200X and then about 16 I got a Warrior, then Banshee's, 250R's and Tectate-4's followed. Anyway, if you want a two stroke the Blaster would be my first choice, but the Blasters from what I've heard are not that reliable. I would suggest a nice 300EX or Mojave (unless you are mechanically incline or want to pay for rebuilds all the time). I think the Banshee is great second machine but, most first time riders will appreciate at soild 4 stroke. Or get the Warrior and size wise you won't out grow it.

 

A beginner shouldn't be on a Banshee or 250R. I rode a TRX125 from 10 to 16 years old when I could finally afford to buy a 250X on my own. Then is was stolen and I got a 300EX. Now I'm on a 330R and won every race last year by half a lap over second place. Point being, yes a blaster doesn't have the Banshee power or handling, BUT THATS THE IDEA FOR A BEGINNER... If you start out on a smaller less powerful bike, you learn all the basics of how to control the quad better (Hence beginner) and when you ride against more powerful machines it teaches you how to use all the power you have to go fast. For 5 years I would try my best to keep with my brother on a 250R when I rode the 125, then when I got on a stock 250X/300EX I never placed under 4th against race built 250R's and Banshee's in TT style of racing. Now that I have a 250R and have the same power and handling as everyone else, they see me only when I lap them (I raced my older brother who is very fast for the first time last year and he finished in 2nd place 14 seconds behind me)...

My point being, is I strongly feel that starting out on an underpowered bike was the best thing I could have done, because I was never afraid of the quad so I would push it to it's limits. Thus that riding style I learned back then is now natural instinct as far as how I ride. For example, after my first MX race last year where I totally walked the B class at a track where nobody knew who I was. I was told by many racers and parents that I was in the wrong class and I have natural talent that few have. Eventhough it was my first time racing a 250R and racing MX, my lap times were as fast as the top five A riders with allot more experience than me (Although a veteran racer wanted me to stay in the B class for a season to gain some experience before moving up so I took his advice). To put it into perspective, these riders all race nationals and the first round at Georgia this year the 1999 A class champ from our track was in 4th in the Pro-am 250 class until he tired and finished 7th overall against the top pro's in the country, and all season long my lap times in the B class were right with his last season. And he is fortunate enough to have several race quads, be able to practice everyday at his own practice track, whereas I never once touched a track last season if I wasn't racing on it.

My point of all that is, if I would have started on a 250R or Banshee, I'm positive I would not be the level of rider I am today, because I'd probably never have learned to really push a quad as I am now able to. Plus I was never afraid of what I rode, and that can affect you big time. If your first quad has so much power that it can make you even a little bit afraid to give it too much throttle or push it too hard, then you are on the wrong machine and it will take you longer to gain that extra edge...

Sorry for the long post, but I just hope my experience will help some people make the right decision when it comes to what they can really handle. Because Now I ride a very powerful 330R, it doesn't scare me because I know how to properly use all the horsepower it puts out, and I totally enjoy just riding it to it's fullest.

So my advice, start from the beginning on a Blaster or 250X/300EX, and as you gain experience and/or ability move up from there. You will enjoy riding without constant fear of being overpowered, and I feel that you will enjoy riding the more advanced quads much more as you grow or learn into them in the future.

Sickman

 

see, xlea? what did i tell you about the posts advising against a banshee as a first quad? you must remember, these people all have great experience and mean well when they advise against the novice buying a machine like a banshee. it boils down to this: get your parents involved in the decision, ALWAYS wear a helmet and protective gear and NEVER ride beyond your means. (this last mistake can be accompished on a blaster OR a banshee). so....i still recommend a banshee if you cover all those bases.

the banshee was my first quad and ridden responsibly, it's always been a blast....

have fun.

 

My first bike was a Honda 70 Trail bike! i never did wreck it.

But the first quad i rode i wrecked! when i was 13. It was a 87 250x. I wasn't real used to the clutch. I nailed it, dumped the clutch and was on my back with a quad on my chest!

I'd say, if your parents will let you get a banshee. Get one, and just take it easy! Move up! Once you get your first bike, it's hard to convince your parents to let you move up.

 

At age 14 with no experience I can tell you the Banshee will be a handful. Also I remember myself at age 14. Maintence on an ATV, Never heard of it!!!
All I did was gas & ride! My suggestion would be then to buy a 300EX. I know you Yamaha guys will say "Honda????" But let's be honest Hondas are super reliable. Mine was... Gas & Go. Remember not only is the Banshee a lot to ride, a real high performance quad needs maintence too. A 300EX would require less of that than a Banshee. At age 14 I didn't want to tinker with my quad I just wanted to be able to hop on and ride anytime. Hondas are great for that.
c-ya,

 

im 15 and i have been working on my bikes since i was 9, before 9 i was learning from my dad. I guess i was lucky cause i never blew an engine

Going to pick up a banshee today!!
97 banshe red and black alba seat and graphics, fmf pips which look pretty old but ill put toomeys on when i get the money. Axle moves a bit and control arm bushings need replacement but i am getting it for 3100 !!!
needs back tires too. you should see the plug thats in it, 6 plugs in 1 hole on the side wall lol!!
looks awsome, runs great!!