Banshee vs. YFZ450

[Doodle]

Well I've been kicking around the thought of getting a new YFZ450. I have a stock '99 shee that still runs great, but I really need to do some work to it to make it faster like pipes, porting, etc, etc. Everybody has been telling me how fast the 450's are and how well they handle. I briefly rode one down at the dunes several weeks ago, and I was impressed with the power, I just didn't like the fact there isn't the typical powerband "kick" I get with the shee. As I'm still deciding what to do I was wondering how much more reliable a hi-performance 4-stroke is compared to a 2-stroke. I know alot of people get 4-strokes for their reliability, but it's my contention that the "newer" 4-strokes will have just as much maintainace as a 2-stroke. I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I rebuilt my top-end last spring with help from this forum and help from my friend's. It wasn't that hard. I would think tuning a 4-stroke may be harder? I dunno know. I'd like to get some opinions before deciding what to do.

[FIRST BANSHEE]

If you ride mostly dunes stay with the banshee.2-strokes are easier to work on for me. Theres no valves, no chains. none of extra parts on 4-strokes. Acouple of months ago dirtwheels compared a new banshee,yzf, and raptor.they said the banshee is still king of the dunes. Mods on a banshee are easier to get more h.p for less $ and stay together. If your going to ride trails or track the yzf may be better because of the user friendly powerband.

[hamuel]

just because what do people mean by 2-strokes need alot of maintainace ??????

[locogato11283]

i do less maintenance to my banshee than i do my 450. gotta change the oil in the 450 all the fuckin time. id rather have banshee than 450.

[BenBB]

When you think about it, the big difference is the motor itself; I mean comparing the two you still have alot of the same maintenence stuff. Jetting, coolant, drive chain, air filter, brake pads, etc. etc.

 

Periodic maintenence on a 4-stroke is gonna be engine oil & oil filter, and adjusting the valves. God help you if you need to replace the spark plug.

 

Periodic maintenence on a 2-stroke is gonna be mixing oil & fuel, and changing the tranny oil. Jetting may be a little more sensitive but depending on where & how often you ride, and your mods, but it may not.

 

Seasonal or major maintenence on a 4-stroke is gonna be piston rings and/or piston, possibly timing chain, and possibly a valve job.

 

Seasonal/major maintenence on a 2-stroke is a topend, and maybe reeds.

 

Comparing a YFZ450 to a Banshee I think is gonna be pretty close in terms of complexity, because you have two of everything on a Bansh, but the thumper is alot more complex (valvetrain primarily). In terms of cost the 4-stroke may have an edge, but not a significant one. When you compare complexity AND cost to make it faster, the 2-stroke is the clear winner...