2003 Yamaha Banshee

🏁 2003 Yamaha Banshee 350 Overview

By 2003, the Yamaha Banshee was already a legend. Originally released in 1987, the Banshee stayed true to its roots all the way until 2006 in the U.S. The 2003 model is part of that modern classic era, when Yamaha was keeping the two-stroke flame alive in a four-stroke-dominated world.

This was a time when the Banshee had matured—refined styling, dependable performance, and a massive aftermarket following.

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🔧 Engine & Performance

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

• Bore x Stroke: 64.0mm x 54.0mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Carburetors: Dual Mikuni 26mm

• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

• Starting System: Kick-start

• Transmission: 6-speed manual

• Final Drive: Chain

💥 The twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine is what makes the Banshee iconic. It revs like a banshee (hence the name), delivers a crazy mid-to-top-end power hit, and sounds like a snarling beast. While it lacks the low-end torque of modern four-strokes, it more than makes up for it in pure adrenaline.

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🛞 Suspension & Handling

• Front Suspension: Independent double A-arms, 9.1 inches of travel

• Rear Suspension: Swingarm with mono-shock, 8.7 inches of travel

• Brakes (Front/Rear): Dual hydraulic discs / Single hydraulic disc

• Tires (Front/Rear): 21 x 7-10 / 20 x 10-9

🎯 The Banshee handles best in wide-open spaces—sand dunes, drag strips, desert trails. It’s not as nimble in tight woods, but with the right mods (like +2 A-arms, aftermarket shocks), it becomes a much more versatile machine.

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⚖️ Specs

• Wheelbase: 50.4 in

• Seat Height: 31.5 in

• Ground Clearance: 5.3 in

• Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons

• Dry Weight: ~386 lbs

That low weight and quick-revving motor gives the Banshee a killer power-to-weight ratio, especially compared to four-stroke quads of the same era.

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🎨 2003 Styling

In 2003, Yamaha gave the Banshee:

• Sleek, updated graphics

• Clean body lines

• Color options like Team Yamaha Blue, Black/Red Flame, and Limited Edition white/silver

The plastics, frame color, and graphics were fresher and more modern than older models, giving the Banshee a sharper look without straying from its aggressive roots.

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🔧 Mod Potential

Ask any rider—no ATV is more mod-friendly than the Banshee. Popular upgrades for the 2003 model include:

• 🔊 Toomey T5, FMF, or CPI pipes

• 🌬️ Bigger carbs (PWK 33–38mm)

• 💥 Porting, Cool Heads, stroker cranks

• 🛞 Aftermarket suspension, wider axles

• 💎 Powder-coated frames, billet parts, custom graphics

Whether you’re building for dunes, drag, MX, or just showing off, the 2003 Banshee is a perfect platform.

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💰 2025 Value (Market Watch)

A clean, mostly stock 2003 Banshee is currently valued around:

• $6,000–$9,000 (well-maintained, clean)

• $10,000+ (low-hour or collector-grade)

• $12,000–$20,000+ (fully built show/dune/drag builds)

Prices keep climbing, especially for unmolested or well-restored versions. It’s become a collector’s dream.