The Yamaha Banshee 350 is among the most popular port quads of all time. This iconic Yamaha ATV is well-known for its wide range of applications, but it’s mainly used in some type of racing because of its power.
Here’s what you need to know about the Yamaha Banshee 350.
Contents
About the Yamaha Banshee 350
The Yamaha Banshee 350 is a 34 horsepower ATV well-known for being lightweight and a proven performer. Yamaha Motor Company manufactured the ATVs from 1987 to 2006. Yamaha stopped producing Banshees in 2006 due to economic conditions.
However, even today, most biking enthusiasts find it hard to release their Banshees due to their comfort and great satisfaction. The Banshee 350 is referred to as a classic sport ATV by collectors.
Specs & Features
Engine
The Yamaha Banshee 350 is powered by a 347cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled two-stroke engine. The Banshee engine lacks a reverse gear or electric starter, but it’s still a great quad to hit trails with. Although it lacks an electric starter, the engine is very easy to kickstart.
It has perfect engine and transmission specifications that make this ATV attractive to most bike enthusiasts.
The power of this Banshee 350 can be described as an incredible powerband that requires getting its sweet spot. Not every new rider or beginner will hit that sweet spot instantly.
Ignition
This ATV comes with a Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) kick-starter system with an auxiliary mechanical recoil starter. The Banshee 350 also needs a 12V 1.2 ah, 210-CCA YTX14AH-BS battery, not including the mounting accessories and wire harness.
Tires
For the best riding experience, the ATV’s tires should be Tubeless Dunlop KT877 AT20x10- rear tires and Dunlop KT851A AT21x7-10 front tires. The front and back tires should have a tire pressure of 30 kPa.
You should not exceed the range of 3.9 psi/27 kPa when airing tires. The maximum pressure when seating the tire beads should be 36 psi/ 250 kPa.
Drivetrain
The Yamaha Banshee 350 is controlled by a six-speed constant mesh transmission. It’s equipped with a wet, multiple-disc manual clutch system. It has a primary helical gear with a final reduction of 2.929 (41/14) and a reduction ratio of 2.869 (66/23) on both rear and front. What’s more, the gearshift is operated with the left foot.
Brakes
Banshee’s engine braking system comprises a right-foot-operated single hydraulic disc brake and a right-hand-operated dual hydraulic disc brake that offers sufficient stopping power.
Suspensions
The front shocks of the Banshee 350 come with five-way preload adjustments permitting 230 mm of travel. The rear suspension has a link/swingarm suspension with mono-cross shocks, allowing 220 mm of travel. This suspension design allows for smooth handling.
Lighting
The Yamaha Banshee 350 has two 30 watts Krypton headlights placed on the front fenders. They use multi-reflector lenses for maximum light distribution. It also comes with 21 watts brake light and 5 watts taillight. If you’re looking for improved visibility, especially at night, you can change the stock bulbs to LED lights.
Weight capacity
The dry weight of the Banshee 350 is 385.8 lbs, and the curb weight is 42 lbs. The maximum loading capacity, including the cargo, rider, and accessories, should be 220 lbs. The ATV has an overall dimension of 73×43.3×42.5 inches, 5.31-inch ground clearance, 50.4-inch wheelbase, and 31.5-inch seat height.
Top speed
The Yamaha’s figure for Banshee 350 is 65 mph. However, some bikers have recorded runs as high as 85 mph. Type of gas, altitude, weather, engine condition, wind direction, and tuning are crucial variables that impact the speed of the ATV. A good baseline for how fast the Yamaha Banshee 350 can run stands at approximately 75 mph stock.
Pricing
The Banshee 350 has a price range of $2,000 to $3,200. However, the price depends on individual factors, including the maintenance history and condition of the vehicle.
Known Issues
Engine Problems
One of the main problems of the Banshee 350 is a bad coil. This issue is more rampant with the 1995 Banshee models, but it can occur in any model version or year. Crain main seals and throttle cable also tend to get damaged, leading to low power, difficulty in starting, and weird idle.
FAQs
Are Yamaha Banshees good for trail riding?
The Banshee is designed to handle dunes and dirt but may not be the best for trail riding. The logs, rocks, and bumps you’ll come across on trails demand a high-quality and well-tuned suspension. Some biking enthusiasts have complained that the Banshee lacks a top-notch suspension.
What’s better, Banshee or raptor?
The Banshee and the Raptor are very close in performance. However, this depends on your type of riding. The raptor is a great choice if you like trail riding, but both are equally good in drag/dune racing.
Is banshees a 2 stroke?
Yes. Banshees utilize two-stroke twin-cylinder engines.
Conclusion
Although the Yamaha Banshee 350 is not the most modern quad out there, there’s something special about this two-stroke ATV that modern ATVs won’t be able to replicate. What makes this quad the undisputed king of off-road ATVs is the excellent sliding ability, lively transmission, and long-travel suspension.
