so i took my bike out today for the first time this year, went out to the local sand pit, and there was a ton of people there. So anyways, one of them was on he new yamy 450, and let me try it out, my oppinion.. very nice bike. It rides a million times better then a stock banshee, (obviously gas shox are the way to go) and pulls in sand like my bike on pavement.. first few gears, i couldnt believe how hard it pulled, but it falls on its face in fth gear, it definately could use some more top end.. definately not faster than a stock banshee top end, cant wait to see the aftermarket goodies for it.. the only downfall, the seat is crazy hard.. which is understandable since it is a race ready bike, but should come with the option of a softer seat.. you know to keep the gf happy!!! LOL --JK--