As we all know, the Banshee has been around for a long time, in looking at its stats I notice that its suspension travel is on par with current production Sport ATV's and it appears to have a lower center of gravity. How does the Banshee handle and ride in comparison to the newer Sport ATV's?

I had read some comments in one review where they stated that the Banshee was still quite popular and posed the question, "how much more popular would it be if they updated the suspension." This left me to believe the newer ATV's have a better ride, despite the equivalent travel.

Another thing I question, its price. The Banshee lists for more than some, such as the 400EX and Z400 and these have electric start and reverse (Z400 - KFX). They have made their money for R&D, I am surprised at its list.

 

The banshee's got good travel and it has a plush ride IMO but it doesnt handle the best because its long and narrow, The banshee is still very popular and will be in the years to come, it could greatly benifit from a suspension uprgade but if they are discontinued due to emissions regs in 2006 there is no point to it, but i mean who wouldnt want a banshee that would handle like a 250r and have the banshee horsepower?????? ide buy 3 if they did that but its not going to happen....... As for the price consider that the motor is a Twin Cyl. 350 that costs a few bucks to make ya know.......

 

Thanks for the reply. I looked up the dimensions of the Banshee and the 400EX for comparison, they are quite close. (I chose the 400EX as it is regarded as a good handling ATV, correct?)

Banshee:
L x W x H - 73.0" x 43.3 x 42.5
Seat height - 31.5
Wheelbase - 50.4
Ground clearance - 5.3
Lbs. 386

400EX:
L x W x H - 72.2" x 45.3 x 43.7
Seat height - 31.9
Wheelbase - 48.4
Ground clearance - 4.3
Lbs. 375

 

I went from a 400ex to a banshee and I am surprised at how well it handles. Everyone raves about the EX but the Banshee actually jumps as good or better. I ride 99% sand (RM250 for everything else) so I may not be as objective as someone who rides their quad for everything but the Banshee is the best choice for me. If you want power, with a few modifications the Banshee is the king and no they don’t handle as bad as some would like you to believe. I also believe that most people are going to customize their quad so consider what you are starting with and go from there. Try as I might I could never get my EX to run in the sand as well as a Banshee.

 

Do they lay down a serious smoke screen?- YES
Are they loud and obnoxious?-YES
Do they have 1980's suspension?-YES
Are they a good all around bike?-NO

But as much as I hate them lets be honest they flat fly!! The advantage also is that they are roughly 20 years old so there is a huge number of aftermarkets and mods which keeps the prices on them much more reasonable than the new quads. They are however a top speed bike, so they rule the drag strips and the sand hills. If you want to ride them other than up a sand hill there isn't a comparison in them and the newer quads. Finally god only knows that if they can keep the 2 strokes out of Yellowstone, it ain't long till they are gone forever. GOD BLESS THE SIERRA CLUB!!!?????????????

 

"Are they loud and obnoxious?-YES"
Are you kidding? Still the sweetest sounding ATV I've heard!

Not lookin' for a fight Hoss, have you ridden one? Just curious as you didn't list any experience.

 

Don't own one . Father in law has one, 2 brotherin laws have them. One of which has a lonestar frame and is built for flying in the sand. Fun? Yes, but like I said take them of of the sand hills and sand drags and they are difficult at best. So much so that they use them only for sand and went to a Suz. 250 and Honda 250R for playing away from the sand. I broke ranks and went raptor. As good as the shees in the sand? No Better everywhere else? HELLLLL YESSSSSSSSSSS

 

screw the sierra club, i wish they would die.........