2004 Yamaha Banshee

🏁 2004 Yamaha Banshee 350 — A Two-Stroke Icon

The 2004 Yamaha Banshee 350 stands as one of the last models before Yamaha discontinued the Banshee in 2006. By this time, the Banshee had already earned its place in history as one of the most legendary two-stroke sport quads of all time. The Banshee 350, with its signature 347cc two-stroke twin-cylinder engine, had already become a staple for riders who craved exhilarating performance and unmatched speed, especially in wide-open areas like sand dunes, dirt tracks, and trail riding.

As Yamaha’s final iteration of the Banshee, the 2004 model captured all the aspects that riders had come to love over the years: raw power, lightweight handling, and impressive speed. Known for its high-revving engine, the 2004 Banshee represents the pinnacle of Yamaha’s two-stroke quad design before the ATV world started transitioning to four-stroke engines.

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🔧 Engine and Performance

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

• Bore x Stroke: 64mm x 54mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Carburetion: Dual Mikuni 26mm carburetors

• Transmission: 6-speed manual

• Final Drive: Chain

• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

• Starting System: Kick-start

💥 Unleashing Raw Power:
The 2004 Yamaha Banshee 350 is all about high-performance power. Its two-stroke twin-cylinder engine delivers an exhilarating ride with instant throttle response that only a two-stroke can provide. Whether you’re revving it through the dunes or powering through trails, the 347cc engine is perfectly balanced to give the rider a mix of aggressive acceleration, top-end speed, and nimble handling.

What sets the 2004 model apart from other quads is its lightweight design combined with the high-revving powerband of the two-stroke engine. The Banshee’s engine loves to scream, delivering that signature high-pitched whine as the RPMs climb. The high compression allows for a rapid power surge, giving the rider that thrill of instantaneous acceleration—a defining characteristic of Yamaha’s Banshee line.

When the throttle is pinned, the dual Mikuni carburetors let the engine breathe freely, delivering an incredibly responsive and raw ride. This, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, gives riders complete control over the gearbox, allowing them to shift gears as needed to adjust to different riding conditions and terrains.

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🛞 Suspension and Handling

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

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

• Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc brakes (front) and single hydraulic disc brake (rear)

• Tires: 21 x 7-10 (front), 20 x 10-9 (rear)

🎯 Impressive Agility and Stability:
The 2004 Banshee‘s suspension is perfectly suited for riders looking to handle tough terrain, whether in the sand dunes or on dirt tracks. The front suspension consists of independent double A-arms, offering a smooth ride over bumps and uneven surfaces while still providing precise steering and handling. With 9.1 inches of travel, the front end can take on jumps, ruts, and obstacles without feeling too stiff or harsh.

In the rear, the swingarm with mono-shock suspension is engineered to absorb the force from landings and rough terrain, giving riders a great combination of comfort and control. With 8.7 inches of travel, the rear suspension balances comfort with stability, ensuring that the quad stays planted even when you’re pushing it to its limits.

The hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear offer excellent stopping power, whether you’re slowing down from high speeds on the sand or preparing for tight turns. This ensures that the Banshee remains responsive and stable when it matters most.

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🎨 Design and Aesthetics

The 2004 Yamaha Banshee features the classic Banshee styling that has become iconic over the years. The design of this quad blends aggressive lines with functional elements that reflect its racing DNA.

• Iconic Twin Exhaust Pipes: The dual exhausts are one of the most distinctive features of the Banshee. They not only give the quad its signature sound but also help boost the performance. These pipes help evacuate exhaust gases quickly, ensuring the engine operates efficiently at high RPMs.

• Bold and Aggressive Body Lines: The Banshee’s bodywork is both sleek and muscular, emphasizing the quad’s high-performance nature. With sharp edges and wide fenders, the Banshee looks ready to take on any challenge.

• Graphics and Color Schemes: In 2004, the Banshee was available in striking color combinations like Team Yamaha Blue, Red/White, and Black/Yellow, with bold graphics designed to reflect the sporty, high-performance nature of the machine. The aggressive fender design and bright decals make the Banshee stand out on any terrain.

• Ergonomics: The seat height and overall rider position are designed to be comfortable and agile. Riders of all sizes will find the Banshee’s seating arrangement to be comfortable for long rides, while also offering a great balance of control when throwing the quad around on tight corners or in jumps.

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🛠️ Aftermarket Mods and Tuning

The 2004 Banshee 350 is a modder’s dream. One of the reasons the Banshee has stayed so popular for years is its incredible potential for customization. Whether you’re aiming for more horsepower, better handling, or just want to make your Banshee stand out, the aftermarket scene for this quad is vast and diverse.

Some Popular Modifications:

• Exhaust Systems: Upgrading to a FMF or Toomey T5 exhaust system is one of the first things most Banshee owners do. These exhausts improve power delivery, enhance throttle response, and give that loud, two-stroke scream that enthusiasts love.

• Big Bore Kits: 421cc, 472cc, or even 535cc kits are common upgrades for riders looking to get more horsepower and torque. These kits increase the displacement of the engine, allowing for even greater top-end speeds and faster acceleration.

• Carburetors: Upgrading to 34mm or 38mm PWK carburetors can help ensure that the engine receives the correct air-to-fuel ratio, especially after bigger mods like exhaust systems or big bore kits.

• Suspension: Many riders choose to upgrade the stock suspension with custom shocks and longer swingarms. These mods are especially beneficial for those looking to race, ride in dunes, or handle rougher trails.

• Wheels and Tires: If you’re tackling dunes, sand paddles are an essential mod. For dirt riding, riders often opt for beadlock wheels and high-traction tires to improve handling and durability.

• Porting: Performance porting is a popular modification that improves the flow of exhaust gases and intake air. This increases engine efficiency and results in more horsepower at higher RPMs.

The beauty of the Banshee is that the aftermarket support is so robust, you can literally turn it into whatever you want—whether you’re after a fast dune machine, a drag racing beast, or a custom off-road showpiece.

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💰 Market Value

As of today, the 2004 Yamaha Banshee 350 remains a highly sought-after model. While Yamaha no longer manufactures the Banshee, its legendary status ensures that used models, especially in good condition, continue to hold strong value.

• Stock Banshee (Good Condition): $4,000 – $6,000

• Restored or Modified Models: $6,000 – $12,000 depending on the upgrades

• Collector’s Items (Low-hour, all-original models): $7,000 – $12,000

As these quads become more rare over time, they will likely become even more valuable, especially to collectors and enthusiasts who want to preserve the legacy of the Banshee 350.