🏁 2001 Yamaha Banshee 350 YFZ350: A Classic Two-Stroke Beast

The 2001 Yamaha Banshee 350 YFZ350 remains one of the most iconic sport ATVs ever built. Its lightweight design, aggressive styling, and ferocious power delivery made it a favorite among performance-oriented riders, and even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors. As a two-stroke engine quad, the Banshee delivered thrilling acceleration and an unmistakable sound that still turns heads.

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🔥 Engine & Power Delivery

At the core of the Banshee 350 is the 347cc twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine, which was designed to provide an unmatched power-to-weight ratio. The two-stroke engine, combined with the broad powerband, made the Banshee an absolute monster on both the track and the trail.

• Engine Type: 347cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder

• Bore x Stroke: 64mm x 54mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Carburetion: Dual 28mm Mikuni carburetors for precise fuel delivery

• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

• Lubrication: Premix or autolube oil injection (depending on model setup)

• Cooling: Liquid-cooled

• Starting System: Electric start with kick-start backup

The two-stroke engine design provided immediate throttle response and a strong mid-to-top-end pull, with the ability to rev out to higher RPMs than most four-stroke engines of the era. The result was bone-chilling acceleration and a uniquely loud, distinct engine note that made the Banshee one of the most exhilarating machines to ride.

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⚙️ Transmission & Drivetrain

The Banshee’s power was transferred through a 6-speed manual transmission, providing riders with the ability to select the perfect gear for any situation. The manual transmission allowed for precise control over the engine’s power, making it ideal for everything from aggressive cornering to high-speed straight-line riding.

• Transmission: 6-speed manual

• Drivetrain: Chain-driven rear axle

The chain-driven setup was relatively simple and highly effective, ensuring minimal weight and a direct connection to the rear wheels for efficient power transfer.

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🏋️‍♂️ Chassis & Suspension

The 2001 Yamaha Banshee was built with a lightweight aluminum frame that provided both strength and agility. Its responsive suspension setup made it a well-rounded performer on various terrains, from sand dunes to wooded trails.

Front Suspension:

• Type: Independent double-wishbone

• Travel: 8.1 inches (206mm)

Rear Suspension:

• Type: Swingarm with adjustable shock

• Travel: 8.9 inches (226mm)

The suspension system, while not as sophisticated as modern setups, was designed for hard hits and fast cornering. The combination of soft travel and adjustable shocks allowed riders to adjust for the riding conditions, whether it was tackling bumps in the trail or ripping through the dunes.

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📏 Dimensions & Weight

The Banshee’s dimensions reflect its compact, race-ready design, with a focus on maneuverability and agility.

• Length: 68.9 inches (1,750 mm)

• Width: 46.1 inches (1,170 mm)

• Height: 41.9 inches (1,065 mm)

• Wheelbase: 50.6 inches (1,285 mm)

• Ground Clearance: 6.9 inches (175mm)

• Seat Height: 32.7 inches (830 mm)

• Wet Weight: 385 lbs (174 kg)

• Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons (9.8 liters)

The low weight and compact design helped the Banshee deliver quick handling and fast acceleration, which made it perfect for aggressive trail riders, dune enthusiasts, and racers.

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🏆 Performance & Handling

The 2001 Yamaha Banshee was a machine built to perform. Its power-to-weight ratio, combined with its smooth suspension and agile handling, made it a formidable force on sand dunes, motocross tracks, and tight trails.

Powerful Two-Stroke Engine

The 347cc twin-cylinder engine generated roughly 35-40 horsepower, which was a significant amount of power in the early 2000s, especially for an ATV. Its two-stroke design meant that the engine delivered immediate throttle response and an exhilarating riding experience.

Sharp Handling

Thanks to its lightweight frame, low seat height, and well-tuned suspension, the Banshee provided exceptional handling on both flat terrain and rough trails. The quad’s responsive steering allowed for easy maneuverability through tight corners or during high-speed runs.

A High-Revving Machine

The two-stroke engine’s rev-happy nature made the Banshee one of the fastest machines in its class. Riders loved how quickly it would accelerate once the throttle was twisted, giving them the sensation of almost instantaneous power delivery.

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🎨 Design & Styling

The 2001 Yamaha Banshee featured the aggressive, race-inspired styling that Yamaha is known for. Its bold graphics, sleek bodywork, and distinctive front end made it stand out on the trails or at the dunes. Key design features included:

• Full fender coverage to protect the rider

• Iconic yellow and blue color schemes (although other colors like red were available)

• Wide foot pegs and ergonomic handlebar positioning for better control

The overall aesthetic of the Banshee was designed to be sleek and aggressive, ensuring it looked as fast as it felt.

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🛠️ Durability & Maintenance

The Yamaha Banshee 350 was engineered with durability in mind, especially considering it was often used in harsh conditions like dunes and rocky trails. The simple two-stroke engine design allowed for easier repairs and maintenance when compared to modern four-stroke engines.

Common Maintenance Items:

• Engine oil: Regular oil changes and use of high-quality 2-stroke oil were crucial to keep the engine in good condition.

• Air filter: Regular cleaning and replacement were important for maintaining proper airflow to the engine.

• Transmission oil: Regularly checking and changing the gear oil was necessary for smooth operation of the 6-speed transmission.

The two-stroke engine design allowed for a simpler maintenance schedule, though it still required consistent care to keep it running at peak performance.

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💰 Pricing & Availability

When the 2001 Yamaha Banshee 350 was originally released, it was priced around $6,500 USD, which was relatively affordable for a high-performance sport quad at the time.

Even today, the Banshee is a popular choice in the used ATV market, and prices can vary greatly depending on condition, modifications, and location. On average, a well-maintained 2001 Yamaha Banshee can range from $3,000 to $6,000 USD.