I also had a shee when I was in my 20's. I didn't know how much better the R handles until I bought the R. At the mx track when I was getting beat, it was by R's. Sold it and bought a streetbike. Some azz knocked it over in a parking lot and I got paid. I spent $20 on a clutch lever and had my friend that's an auto painter fix the fairing for free(along with painting an engine side cover). Bought an R with the rest of the money plus my last $100. GF was pissed. She's long gone, but the R isn't!
On a side note, I've done so many stupid things over the years that it's no wonder I hurt like so bad in my 40's. If I only rode dunes, then I could prob live with a banshee again, but working on one sucks compared to an R. Horrible chain adjustment, rear axle bearings that don't wanna stay tight and 30 mins just to take the plastic off are only a few of their great designs. I like Yamahas and own a 05 yz250, but don't want another shee. If you want one then buy one. They are pretty cheap to make pretty fast.
