BANSHEE QUAD BIKE

🏁 Yamaha Banshee Quad Bike — The Two-Stroke Legend

The Yamaha Banshee—a name that resonates in the off-road world as the ultimate two-stroke quad. First released in 1987, this lightweight, high-revving ATV had a twin-cylinder engine that made it unstoppable in dunes, on trails, and in drag races. Known for its powerband that screams at high RPM, the Banshee became the go-to machine for riders who wanted to go fast, loud, and have an absolute blast while doing it.

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🔧 Engine and Performance

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

• Bore x Stroke: 64.0mm x 54.0mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Carburetion: Dual Mikuni 26mm carburetors

• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

• Transmission: 6-speed manual (with no reverse gear—just pure sport)

• Starting System: Kick-start (classic, right?)

• Final Drive: Chain

💥 The Banshee Experience:
This quad wasn’t just about being fast—it was about being raw. You twist the throttle and feel that instant power kick in. It’s not just quick off the line, but also has a smooth, insane mid-to-top-end powerband that feels like it’s going to launch you to the moon. The twin-cylinder two-stroke engine is incredibly responsive, and that high-pitched scream from the exhaust at 7,000 RPM and above will make your heart race every time.

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

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

🏞️ Riding Feel:
The Banshee’s handling is sporty, designed for high-speed action. It’s not made for super tight, technical trails or rock crawling, but when it comes to open terrain—especially dunes, flat-out trails, or open fields—this thing is a blast to ride. The suspension is built for speed and the aggressive nature of two-stroke power, making it surprisingly nimble for a quad of its era.

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🎨 Styling & Look

The Banshee has one of the most iconic designs in the world of sport quads. Its aggressive stance, wide fenders, and sleek bodylines have made it a fan favorite for years. It looks fast just sitting still.

• Plastics: Bright, vibrant colors were used for the body panels, and depending on the model year, you’d see color options like Team Yamaha Blue, Red, Black with flames, or even limited edition graphics that make the Banshee even more collectible.

• Exhaust: The twin exhaust pipes hanging off either side is one of the most recognizable features of the Banshee. When you fire it up, you’ll know the sound immediately—there’s nothing else like it.

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🧰 Aftermarket Potential

The Banshee’s aftermarket scene is HUGE. Whether you’re looking to build a dune monster, a drag racing legend, or just a custom project, this quad offers endless modding opportunities.

Some popular mods include:

• Exhaust upgrades (Toomey T5, FMF, Shearer, CPI pipes for that sweet two-stroke sound)

• Big bore kits (426cc, 472cc, or even 535cc)

• Larger carbs (34mm to 38mm PWK carbs for better fuel and air)

• Porting and high compression heads for more horsepower

• Suspension upgrades (wider A-arms, longer swingarms, custom shocks)

• Custom wheels & tires (beadlock rims, sand tires, MX knobbies)

🛠️ If you want to take your Banshee to the next level, there’s no shortage of aftermarket parts to give it insane horsepower, better handling, or just make it look like a showpiece.

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💰 Collectibility and Market Value

As of 2025, the Banshee is highly collectible, especially the earlier years like 1987–1990 and the final 2006 model. Well-maintained, low-hour Banshees are now rising in value.

• Stock/clean Banshee: $6,000–$10,000

• Fully built or custom models: $10,000–$20,000 (depending on mods and quality)

• Collector-grade: Unmolested, low-hour models can fetch $12,000–$25,000 or more, especially if they’re in mint condition.