🏁 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE: The Ultimate Two-Stroke Legend

The 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE is the Special Edition of the famous YFZ350 Banshee. Over the years, the Banshee has earned a place in ATV history as one of the most iconic and powerful two-stroke sport quads ever made. As an off-road enthusiast, you’re probably already aware of its thrilling performance, but let’s dive deep into what makes this machine a timeless legend.

The 2005 model represents the pinnacle of the Banshee’s evolution. Known for its incredible acceleration, lightweight chassis, and aggressive styling, the YZ350 SE is a favorite among racers, dune riders, and trail enthusiasts alike. The two-stroke engine delivers mind-blowing speed, while the race-inspired suspension and handling characteristics make it one of the most fun and versatile sport quads to ride.

🔥 Powerful Engine: A Two-Stroke Beast

At the heart of the 2005 Banshee YZ350 SE lies the 347cc twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine. This engine is renowned for delivering one of the most thrilling riding experiences available. The two-stroke configuration offers a faster throttle response compared to four-stroke engines, making the Banshee quick to accelerate, especially in the low to mid-range.

Key Engine Features:

• Displacement: 347cc (Twin-Cylinder, Two-Stroke)

• Bore x Stroke: 64mm x 54mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Carburetors: Dual 28mm Mikuni carburetors with precise fuel metering

• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) for reliable and smooth spark delivery

• Lubrication: Oil injection system (premix capable)

• Cooling: Liquid-cooled system with a fan-assisted radiator to keep the engine at optimal temperatures during intense rides

• Starting System: Electric start (with kick-start backup)

The two-stroke engine in the Banshee is notorious for its high-revving nature and its ability to generate power quickly. The dual-carb setup optimizes fuel delivery, ensuring that each cylinder gets the right amount of air and fuel for maximum performance. The liquid-cooling system helps manage engine temperatures during long or hard rides, which is especially important when tackling dunes or racing at full throttle.

While the Banshee’s engine isn’t the largest in its class, the combination of its light weight and aggressive power delivery makes it incredibly fast off the line. The instantaneous throttle response is one of the most exhilarating features of this engine, offering riders that “seat-of-the-pants” feeling that only a two-stroke can provide. Whether you’re drifting through sand or tackling rough trails, the engine’s broad powerband ensures that you’ll always have the right amount of grunt to keep the fun going.

⚙️ Transmission & Drivetrain: Control at Your Fingertips

The 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE features a 6-speed manual transmission, which gives riders complete control over the power delivery. This allows for quick gear shifts, ensuring that you can harness the Banshee’s raw power when needed. The multi-plate wet clutch provides smooth engagement and disengagement, especially when riding hard through the dunes or tackling steep trails.

Transmission & Drivetrain Features:

• Transmission: 6-speed manual with smooth shifting and wide gear ratios to match various riding styles

• Clutch: Multi-plate wet clutch for smooth and reliable engagement

• Drivetrain: Chain-driven rear axle for efficient and direct power transfer

• Final Drive: Heavy-duty O-ring chain designed to handle high-performance demands

This setup allows riders to adjust gear selection based on riding conditions, ensuring that you always have the power you need. Whether you’re climbing hills, racing on open tracks, or tearing through trails, the Banshee’s gearbox offers enough flexibility to give riders complete confidence when shifting through the gears. The chain-driven rear axle is durable, lightweight, and helps keep the weight low, a key factor in the Banshee’s agility and speed.

🏋️‍♂️ Chassis & Suspension: A Race-Ready Setup

The 2005 Banshee YZ350 SE features an aluminum frame designed to be lightweight yet strong enough to handle aggressive riding, from high-speed straightaways to technical corners. The frame’s design emphasizes agility, making the Banshee a perfect quad for riders who demand precision and quick handling.

The suspension is one of the key elements that makes the YZ350 SE stand out from its competition. It is tuned for performance, offering a great balance between comfort and control, whether you’re navigating rough trails or flying through the dunes.

Suspension Details:

Front Suspension:

• Type: Independent double-wishbone suspension for precise handling

• Shock Absorbers: Dual adjustable shocks

• Travel: 8.1 inches (206mm)

Rear Suspension:

• Type: Swingarm suspension with a fully adjustable shock

• Travel: 8.9 inches (226mm)

The dual shock setup in the front and the swingarm suspension in the rear ensure that the Banshee YZ350 SE delivers a smooth, controlled ride even through the toughest terrain. The ability to adjust both the preload and rebound damping means you can dial in the suspension to your preferences for various types of riding, whether it’s aggressive cornering or handling massive jumps.

With nearly 9 inches of rear suspension travel and 8 inches of front travel, the Banshee’s suspension system can handle high-speed jumps, rough terrain, and obstacles without compromising on control. The adjustable shocks also give riders the flexibility to fine-tune their suspension based on the type of terrain they’re riding, making the Banshee ideal for both casual trail riding and all-out racing.

📏 Dimensions & Weight: Built for Agility

The 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE was designed for agility and quick handling. Its lightweight construction, combined with compact dimensions, makes it one of the most maneuverable sport ATVs in its class. The low seat height provides excellent control, especially during fast cornering or tricky trail sections.

Dimensions:

• Length: 68.5 inches (1,740 mm)

• Width: 46.5 inches (1,180 mm)

• Height: 41.3 inches (1,050 mm)

• Wheelbase: 50.6 inches (1,285 mm)

• Ground Clearance: 6.7 inches (170mm)

• Seat Height: 32.5 inches (826 mm)

• Wet Weight: 385 lbs (174 kg)

• Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons (9.8 liters)

The 385 lbs dry weight makes it incredibly lightweight compared to many modern four-stroke sport quads. This low weight ensures that the Banshee can be flipped around corners and accelerated out of tight turns with ease. The tight wheelbase of just 50.6 inches allows for great turning ability, making it ideal for racetrack-style maneuvers or navigating narrow trails.

🎨 Design & Styling: Special Edition Look

The 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE comes with premium styling elements that set it apart from the standard models. The Special Edition YZ350 SE is more than just a race-ready machine; it’s also a quad designed to turn heads.

Special Features Include:

• Bold Graphics: The SE edition features eye-catching black and yellow graphics with the YZ branding to emphasize its race heritage.

• Upgraded Components: Factory-installed GYTR front grab bars and aluminum footpegs for added durability and style.

• Quick-Release Fenders: The SE model is equipped with tool-free removable fenders, making maintenance and cleaning a breeze.

• Race-Inspired Handlebars: High-quality aluminum handlebars designed for durability and precision control.

• Lightweight Components: Several parts, like footpegs and grab bars, are made from lightweight materials like aluminum to reduce overall weight.

The YZ350 SE has a racy and aggressive appearance, with its sleek, aerodynamic bodywork and modern graphics giving it a distinctive, race-inspired look that appeals to both riders and collectors alike.

💰 Pricing & Availability

The 2005 Yamaha Banshee YZ350 SE was priced at $7,499 USD when it was released, which was on the higher end for a sport ATV at the time. However, considering the high-performance two-stroke engine, adjustable suspension, and race-ready features, the price was justified