STLBILL

Hi 02Shee: What is your budget? That is almost always a controlling factor. Regards, Bill

Hi guys: Well I hate to be one to "pile on" but it sounds like he went out and did it - ignoring the warning - then asked about the consequences. I enjoy helping anyone who wants to be helped. However, I must wonder if my time is being wasted. Riding on different surfaces causes the Banshee to handle differently. The only significant consequence of riding on asphalt I have observed is excessive tire wear. However screaming down an asphalt road has ancillary effects depending on the environment. You can piss off neighbors and become a hood ornament for an oncoming SUV. Hell, a Banshee, wide-open in sixth gear, could become a bumper sticker on one! Someone once asked me to consider "How does that affect you?" when I am critical of someone so let me explain. ATV riding has become increasingly political in recent times. There are those that want to stop us all because of the antics of the bad apples. We all have to be responsible and police our own ranks if we want to continue enjoying our sport. Regards, Bill

Hi guys: I have only a K&N on a stock 2003. I beat a 2001 Raptor once. He was real arrogant before the race. Afterward he said he didn't get on it hard because he just had his transmission rebuilt (defect in early Raptors) and he was breaking it in. I'd believe the story if he wasn't so cocky before he got beat. Overall I find Raptor riders to be very arrogant for no good reason. Even non-riders seem to cite the Raptor as the fastest thing out there based only on the television advertisements. Regards, Bill

Hi guys: Computers... I bought the Banshee in the Fall of 2003 as an escape from the wired world I am obsessed with. I figured maybe the Banshee would get me someplace where ordinary (non-satellite) phones don't work forcing me to unplug (pun intended). However, I damn near paralyzed myself on the 'Shee this past spring. I cannot begin to express how lucky I was. I usually ride by myself. If I had been by myself that day I'd be dead (not just paralyzed). Consquently I only ride now if I have someone to go with which isn't very often. Here in Saint Louis the drive of about 90 miles one-way to a riding area is getting kind of boring as well. I am thinking about taking up one of the hobbies I used to enjoy (in no particular order): Amateur (Ham) Radio. Bicycling - Mountain and Road. Flying (Private Pilot). Radio Control Cars/Trucks (but not planes or boats). Exploring / Playing tourist / Long drives. Hiking. Photography. Regards, Bill

Hi guys: Thanks a bunch! It looks like I'm not the first to think of this though... For some strange reason I am surprised. Oh well, guess I'll just have to piss all my money away and be the biggest. That really is what it comes down to when it's all said and done... I still think those LiteFoot tracks are bad ass looking... as long as you can stand keeping it under 35 mph... Thanks again, Bill

Hi guys: Anyone know of any utility quad sites? The thrill of going fast just isn't there since nearly paralyzing myself this spring. LiteFoot ATV tracks recently caught my eye and I'm interested in building the ultimate go-anywhere quad. Initial budget is about $12,000. I'm estimating about $7,000 for a big bore glorified garden tractor and $4,500 for the LiteFoot tracks. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance, Bill

Hi guys: I think they should replace the two-cycle engine with a nuclear powered steam turbine engine. Just the thought of a few of those ATVs on old logging roads in the National Forests should give the tree-huggers a stroke... Regards, Bill

Hi everyone: Did anyone else notice he is 14 and this is his first ATV? FelOn - Please be careful and always wear your safety gear! I was almost paralyzed this spring and I have been riding for 17 years. You have to respect the power - always! Regards, Bill

Hi guys: The V-Twin 700 is better left in the Prairie utility quad where it's torque can be realized. Regards, Bill

Hi all: I hate two-strokes! I just bought a brand new Banshee because I am sadistic and wanted to teach everyone else what not to do. Regards, Bill

Hi all: Holyman why is a two-stroke more prone to damage from loose sand in the combustion chamber? I'm guessing the higher RPM rate is a factor? It seems really unlikely the sand could travel against the natural intake/exhaust flow and wind up in the bottom end. I think it is much more likely to go with the flow and be blown out the exhaust port. However if it did meet the bottom end the wrist pin and crank bearings probably wouldn't appreciate it. Likewise getting sand outside the combustion chamber of a four-stroke - say through a valve push rod or rocker arm - would have the same terrible result. Sand scoring up the cylinder walls, plug, dome, piston and rings should have the same affect on both engine types. I guess a two-stroke could score twice as fast if you're counting RPMs or half as quick if you're counting cycles. It certainly would be more expensive and time consuming to fix a four-stroker afterward. Thanks, Bill

Hi guys: When I did it my phone rang but nobody was there. Yeah... Let's spread that rumor around on e-mail for a while. No wait! Immediately after you type it in, regardless of the result press... umm... ALT-CTRL-X to make your phone ring. Hell, if people believe Bill Gates will send them $10 for pressing CTRL-M while visiting Microsoft.com this should spread almost as rapidly! Regards, Bill

Hi guys: Doesn't California already have a "<insert color here> Ticket Riding Season" that prohibits two-strokes in the summer months? Small (e.g. <50cc) two-strokes like scale model radio-controlled vehicles and handheld power equipment will always be allowed. Unless and until all our lawmakers have groundskeepers they won't want to lug around a four-stroke or electric trimmer any more than we will. A few lawmakers will continue doing their own yard work for the enjoyment so it'll never be a complete sell. Minature four-stroke engines would be a magnitude of ten more expensive to produce and maintain for small scale "radio controlled" purposes. Not withstanding the desert riders the small amount of polution a 350cc engine produces is offset by all the trees cleaning the air where we "pollute". This basic ratio is the foundation for automotive emission testing (or lack thereof) by county in most U.S. metropolitan regions. Lastly, If the Liberals don't stop sucking they'll implode <impatiently taps foot>. Regards, Bill

Hi guys: I see a lot of the same stuff asked over and over. A FAQ section would handle this, but getting people to use it - first - is always a problem. Regards, Bill

Hi everyone: I would like to know what kind of throttle everyone is using on their Banshee's.