Yamaha Banshee Continues to Rev Up ATV Enthusiasts

Aug 10, 2023

The Yamaha Banshee, a dune-loving quad manufactured in Japan from 1987 to 2012, is still considered one of the most popular ATVs out there, even among newer models.

From the beginning, Banshee drew enthusiasts to its driver’s seat with a combination of a two-stroke twin-cylinder and non-power valve system found in Yamaha's RZ350.

The Banshee was available in the United States from 1987 to 2006, in Canada until 2008, and in Australia from 1998 until 2012.

Today, the six-speed, high-performance Banshee 350 remains a top draw for enthusiasts long after its discontinued - and for good reason.

The Banshee’s ability to perform, combined with its ease of maintenance, modifications, and structural integrity over the years, has only been outdone by the fun it provides on sand and dirt alike.

Yamaha Banshee 350 Built to Fly

Considered to be one of the best quads for modifications, maintenance, and after-market parts , the Yamaha Banshee 350 also has a reputation for being the solid and long-lasting ATV of choice for sand dune exploration.

The Banshee’s powerband will often make riders fly off the seat while holding on to the handlebars and thrill them by cracking the throttle on a twin-cylinder 2-stroke.

Engine and other specifications include:

• 347cc engine displacement
• 386-lb. weight
• 2-stroke twin with reed valve
• 64 x 54 mm bore and stroke
• 6.5:1 Engine Compression Ratio
• 34 HP
• Liquid Cooled
• Dual Mikuni 26 mm carburetor
• CDI ignition
• A Kickstarter
• A top speed of 75 mph
  

The absence of an electric starter and the fact that Banshee has no reverse gear are noticeable spec omissions, but that doesn’t deter fans.

The combination of engine and transmission specs deliver what makes the quad remain attractive - it's sheer power from an incredible powerband that requires a bit of skill and practice to achieve a remarkable sweet spot. Since its introduction, this power is what makes Banshee the ultimate roller-coaster ride among sport ATVs, and one of the best high-performance two-strokes ever made.

Banshee Maintenance and Modifications

• Another reason enthusiasts remain driven to Yamaha Banshee is its easy maintenance and consistent design, which also makes it easy to modify.
• Dirt, dust, and sand can get into their small engines and be destructive, so maintenance on Banshee’s air filters is vital. No worries, though, as oil and filter maintenance are easy if you have basic mechanical skills needed even for Raptor 700, YFZ 450, or Honda 450R ATVs.
• Some tips to keep Banshee riding hard:
• Keep air filter sealed and clean every other ride
• Use wax (not oil) to keep chain lubricated
• A premix of oil with premium gas should be used to lubricate cylinders and crank since it is a two-stroke, as opposed to adding oil to the crankcase for a four-stroke quad
• Use a separate aftermarket oil that is specifically made for two-stroke transmissions
• Invest in a good manual

Fortunately, the Yamaha Banshee has not had many changes from the original to the 2006 version, which makes not only maintenance but modifications a little simpler.

Banshee can be modified to fit any rider, but common mods include:

• Suspension upgrades
• Widening rear track with an extended axle to increase stability and traction
• Replacing the standard clutch basket to dissipate heat from clutch
• Adding enhanced brake and clutch levers for better control
• Steering stem updates Banshee, with its consistent design, can be customized to suit a variety of styles and preferences, and a bonus is that aftermarket parts are widely available.
  
  

Yamaha’s Long-lasting Adventure ATV

Banshee owners won’t have trouble finding aftermarket parts to maintain their ATV. Suppliers like Vito’s Performance offer countless ways to keep the machines running, modifications obtainable, and fun lasting for just as long - if not longer- than some of the modern 4-stroke quads.

Banshee has the structural integrity to perform an79d4d a long history of meeting the expectations of its countless fans and electrifying riders more than a decade after being discontinued. This quad is built for dunes, easy to maintain and customize, and has the stats to prove it. Banshee is sure to be a favorite of off-road enthusiasts for years to come.

Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. While we specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, we also carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, as well as the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance or call (248) 969-9168.