Banshee or 400ex, Which to get??

[Dynofox]

My dad and I are thinking of going in together on either a used banshee or 400ex. We would be buying the quad so he would have something to ride when he wants and so I have something other than my Z to ride. The quad would be used for trail riding by both of us. I'm used to riding my Z and his last quad was 10 years ago when he raced a modded 250 quad racer. Which do you think would be the better choice? I like the idea of the banshee since it's been around for so long it will be easier to find a cheaper used one and the power is much better than the ex. If I had the money we'd get a yfz 450!

[Dynofox]

One other question; i've heard the banshee can be a handfull in the woods, would it be any harder to control than my modded z?

[200xman]

I was riding a Banshee this weekend with a fresh stock topend, FMF fatty pipes and jets, and straight hauler paddles and it would pull the front tires up in 4th when it hit the powerband. I think a banshee would be too much for the woods.

[TimSr]

Both are bargains right now, new or used because of the new model releases, and both would probably work out fine. Its wise to gear low for the woods for either one, and more critical on the Banshee so you can keep the revs up and keep it cleaned out, but they both very wide turning, and neither has reverse so I dont see any real advantage to one over over the other. The STOCK 4 stroker has a lot more bottem end, and that might be a consideration if your woods riding invloves hillclimbing. The Banshee can be tuned for awesome low end as well. I too have heard the Banshee is a "handful" or "too much" in the woods but Im clueless as to what that means, or in what way. Its no harder to maneuver than the other large sport quads, including my 250R, and the throttle response will not be nearly as radical as your TriZ, beacause of a heavy front end and excess power being disipated through wheelspin instead of wheelie. This is just my personal experience riding Banshees in the woods.

[cmracer15]

Are the trails open in the woods? where u could ride at a moderate speed? ( 2-3rd gear 1/2+ throttle)..i would go with the banshee, Especialy if u have alot of open areas, but if the trails are tight and require slow speeds, id go with the 400, you will have nothin but trouble tryin to keep a banshee running going 5 mph for 2-3 hours. Mainly the fact of it bein a 2 stroke.

[J.D.]

Like Tim said, gearing it low can solve the 5mph issue.

[ATC crazy]

I would get the 400ex if the trails are tight. On the Banshee, you have to constantly "feather" the clutch to keep the power coming. It's very hard on the clutch too. The 400ex just feels right at home in the woods...perfect egronomics, handling, and suspension...and thats the strong points a quad needs through woods with roots and rocks littering the trail. (My Foreman kills me on the rough stuff :x )

[Wickedfinger]

My Banshee was a royal pain in the ass in the tight woods I ride in. Nothing but constant throttle blipping and clutch feathering. Do yourself a favor and go with the 400EX.

[Bill X_R]

I don't have much saddle time on either one, But I would go for the Shee with the exception of I thought the handling was terrible...I can't really explain it...I just know I didn't like it. I'm sure if I was able to log some more hours on it I would have grown to adapt to it. The 400 is great handling quad, but I in my opinion is low on power...I like something to "HIT" and hit hard, when you gas it. They will spin the trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro out of some tires, but hey, isn't that half the fun? Rippin stuff up! Find both quads your willing to purchase...Then just be up-front with the dude (or chick...got to be P.C.) and have your cash in hand, so he knows your not just lookin for a joy ride...ride both quads and buy the one you guys like!

Keep us posted!

Dynofox<----The most level headed 21 yr old, I've ever met!

Keep us posted!

[YTZ250#1]

for trail riding I'd have to say the 400 would be your best bet.mine was
great,with a dyno jet kit they have plenty power to get you any where.they also handle better than most quads.

[Bill X_R]

with a dyno jet kit they have plenty power to get you any where

I thought Iread in Dirt wheels that a pipe and jet kit only added like 1 more hp to a 400? I'll have to look tonight to see if I was dreaming or something.

[350Xccelerator]

if you go trail riding you should get the EX

[ATC crazy]

with a dyno jet kit they have plenty power to get you any where

I thought Iread in Dirt wheels that a pipe and jet kit only added like 1 more hp to a 400? I'll have to look tonight to see if I was dreaming or something.

Yes, you're dreaming.

[Bill X_R]

with a dyno jet kit they have plenty power to get you any where

I thought Iread in Dirt wheels that a pipe and jet kit only added like 1 more hp to a 400? I'll have to look tonight to see if I was dreaming or something.

Yes, you're dreaming.

No actually, I don't think I was!

SOURCE:

Dirt Wheels Feb 2002

[ATC crazy]

Actually, I was right in a way. At 3500 RPM the stocker puts out 10.2HP. The Pro Circuit pipe at 3500 RPM makes 15.9HP. Thats a 5.7 HP gain. AND the CT makes 16.3 at 4000RPM compared to the stockers 11 or 12 (I'm only guessing the stock HP at 4000RPM based on the 3500RPM tests)
This is from the March 2001 issue.

They should try the Snuff 'R' Not end cap on the E-Series...I bet it would put out some more ponies then.