ATV Television Test - Here's our test from 2006 on the incredible Yamaha Banshee. SEE ALL OUR OVER 700 REVIEWS @ www.ATVTV.Com/ CONTACT ME at DougMeyer@ATVTV.Com
The Banshee will always be king of quads in my book. I have never seen another model that has been beloved, modified or raced more than the legendary Banshee.
Gary Jones (born April 22, 1952 in Southern California) is an American motocross racer. He won the first 3 AMA 250cc Motocross National Championships riding three different brands of motorcycles, a feat that has never been repeated. The next year, the AMA introduced a 250cc and a 500cc outdoor national championship. Jones won the 1972 title on a Yamaha, becoming the first 250cc U.S. Motocross National Champion. He also finished second to Brad Lackey in the 500cc class. .
The Quadzilla is a big machine. The Banshee far more toss able. Kinda like a formula car versus a trophy truck. Both great fun but very different. Probably easier to gets parts for the Banshee as well.
@jakers388 Way different machines! The 250R is quick handling and smaller feeling. The Banshee is more long-legged and faster. But you'll love either one. Just get a clean one or you'll be working on it all the time.
In 1972, he was a member of the first team to represent the United States at the Motocross des Nations. The following season, he accepted a job riding for the Honda factory racing team and successfully defended his 250cc crown riding the Honda CR250M. In 1973 he would ride for the newly formed Can-Am team and went on to win his 3rd consecutive 250cc national championship.
@ATVTVCOM I understand, but are you talking about the engine or the frame geometry? I plan to redo the front end completely and widen the whole quad. I was more concerned about power. However I read an article in Dirt Wheels magazine and they had found a EFI kit for the Banshee that isn't too expensive. I would probably install that if it makes any difference.
Dont get me wrong, I love riding my Banshee but riding at the same pace it gets about half the gas mileage of my YFZ450, and handles nowhere near as well. The Banshee was a great quad, but I think it belongs to an era that came and went. Although the prospect of a new Banshee with a 500 twin 4-stroke from one of Yamaha's snowmobiles looks tantalizingly appetizing.
@ATVTVCOM hey well i just bought a banshee thats been rebuilt with wiseco pistons and stuff but i love it.how long do you think a full tank of fuel last?
All these machines have been modified and that can very well mean less reliable. The proof is in the 'rebuilt engine' in the LTR! Unless those machines are really clean, if you want a reliable machine (that's still plenty fat!) look for a stock one.
@jakers388 That's right. It's really a decision you'll have to make for yourself...I had Banshees, but I preferred the sand dunes and the deserts to the tracks.
Alright so I've got a Trx450r and can't stand it. I was wondering if it would be worth it to trade for a Yamaha Banshee. My plan is to do some Mx racing which sounds crazy to do on a 2-Stroke but I've seen it done by someone. However, I've never really ridden a 2-stroke ATV and I don't wanna end up with another quad I have to try and sell. This one's pretty modded out and it's an 04. Thanks
@maracuja363 Two TOTALLY different machines - the Banshee a very high-strung performance 2-stroke, and the Wolverine a mild 4wd trail bike. Iguess a Banshee would easily beat a BF or Grizz in a drag race or around a track. Or though the dunes.
@ATVCOM yeah,I know all this but thats why I was thinking about it since banshees are faster but only a little,not a lot and the 250r has its great handling and power,I'll just have to look into it
@blitch7722 but i can you should look foward to getina newer model dew to all the mods and upgrades availible. The newer banshees have updated frames and are easy to handle thanks to modern technology. If you have anymore question I would be proud to help. SavageLife404
hey i was thinking on buying either a 2001 Banshee that is port and polished with tons of motor work or 2008 banshee with 21cc domes . or maybe even the. i hate to say it but a 2007 ltr450r port and polished with a brand new rebuilt engine (all used quads) (and all within 1500$ of eachother). which do you think is the most reliable machine that i wont have to worry about fixing and just have fun ? i like to ride pretty hard but not abusive
i had a chance to buy a new one before they quit making them. Someone told me you had to rebuild the engine basically once a year so i bought a new Honda 400Ex. I wish i had looked into it more because i still want a banshee. Is it true they have to be rebuilt so often???
@BWRProductions Most 2 stroke quads are more set up for the dunes and going fast, your best bet for more power and great handling for mx racing would be a Polaris Predator 500, at least in my views. It's hard to click "Post" though, cuz i'm a 2 stroke extremist lol
@ATVCOM whats better for trails some mud and some water but not alot,the banshee or the trx 250r?Because I really want a powerful 2 stroke but is good for all of this.
Don't know the stock horsepower figures. A stock YFZ450R is a much better handling ATV with much better power delivery. It's a lot better for the dunes. (Don't get me wrong, the Banshee is an incredibly fun duner but overall I would prefer the YFZ). PAddles are a personal call. We all prefer no paddles around here.
@JISINSANE3 The BAnshee and the 250R will go down in history that's for sure! I feel sorry for any of the 'new kids' that never had the chance to take one of them for a blast through tHe sand dunes!
The banshee is an excellent bike if yer into 2 strokes like myself. The shee stock is pretty fast at approx 75 for a 350 and with all 'older' technology its fun. personally im a huge fan i have 2 so far and have never rode a faster quad. Ive ridden the fastest stock production atvs but nothin beats the power quickness looks the aftermarket parts and the smell of a nasty little 2 stroke screamin out some racin fuel fumes
Man that thing looks very fast in the dunes. im still a young kid but 2006 dont seem so bad to me if i ever had to get it i could easily probably find a second hand then just rebuild and replace pieces for it to be new.
@omarlekphet alot more maintenace on my z 400 haveing to shim the valves every weekend got old...??? but i loved the rollon 4stroke power of the z just to much work on it..i guess any high performance motor has its upkeep
@BWRProductions Geometry and powerband both are far less favorable on the race track. You could do all kinds of work to the Banshee but you'll still have an old machine up against the newest technology.
lol i have never heard anyone say anything bad about the banshee. in my opinion that was some great engineering by Yamaha never seen a bike on youtube where noone has said anything bad about (haha)
@BWRProductions While the Banshee would be pretty good in the dunes and the desert, it wouldn't be that good against the newer crop on MXers on the track.
go by what atv you like the most as well as what make these quads diff 2 stroke is more maint. but simple 4 stroke is less maint. But more parts to fix or repair or upgrade as far as power a 2 stroke is faster it produces more hp and is designed for higher rpms while the 4 is good at all ranges of rpm but lacks the powerban of the 2 stk and especially the shee think about what skill of a rider you are and decide what type of riding you are gonna do
Dated... Yes and no. I like the Banshee much more then the Honda sport ATV's. Banshee has the biggest following of any ATV out there. Made them for many many years with the same design. Hey why change a good thing! I did shed a tear when they stopped making them. I really cried when they were trying to make it a 4 stroke!
got two 8500 a piece 2008 we got them in Canada theyre the badest of the bad if u ask me my brothers with Toomey racing sound bad ass after all absolute great machines
it's funny to see a company's youtube account responding to heckling comments. very unprofessional. either way, I love Banshees and at 60 years old, Gary's still ripping.
The Banshee will always be king of quads in my book. I have never seen another model that has been beloved, modified or raced more than the legendary Banshee.
+Oneshotup Perhaps the only other quad more modified and raced would be the Honda 250R.
+ATVTV that's def a contender I guess it is truly personal preference. Both were truly legendary machines
Oneshotup fourtrax 250R the greatest quad ever
I wish they would bring the banshee back into production
Beast of a bike love the banshee one of if not the best quads ever made that's just me tho
Blame the government. The 2-stroke Banshee no longer was able to meet the EPA regulations the government has imposed on vehicles.
@jcumiford14 It's a 2-stroke! They are an old engine and very sensitive. They require top-end rebuilds. But it's a 2-stroke!
just cant beat the sound and power of a modded Banshee!
@98Mpower Good point! Up until now all our 'older' tests are from the year when the machines were new.
Gary Jones (born April 22, 1952 in Southern California) is an American motocross racer. He won the first 3 AMA 250cc Motocross National Championships riding three different brands of motorcycles, a feat that has never been repeated. The next year, the AMA introduced a 250cc and a 500cc outdoor national championship. Jones won the 1972 title on a Yamaha, becoming the first 250cc U.S. Motocross National Champion. He also finished second to Brad Lackey in the 500cc class. .
The Quadzilla is a big machine. The Banshee far more toss able. Kinda like a formula car versus a trophy truck. Both great fun but very different. Probably easier to gets parts for the Banshee as well.
@Brian500R Noise is indeed one of the biggest issues we have. Never can understand what's wrong with a quiet machine ;-)
2-Strokes too hard to make meet the EPA pollution rules....So the real question is why an ATV needs to meet smog requirements ?
Glad to help. Had experience with both.
Then why do we still have 2 stroke dirtbike??:(((
Very good question.
@Muddrman300 2-strokes were too hard to make meet the EPA emissions.
"Was" king - "still" an absolute blast to ride through the dunes!
@rocky2win Seat height is pretty close to each other. Not real sure of your question but if you fit one, you'll fit the other...
@jakers388 Way different machines! The 250R is quick handling and smaller feeling. The Banshee is more long-legged and faster. But you'll love either one. Just get a clean one or you'll be working on it all the time.
@jewls135 I'm sure there are some very clean used Banshees out there someplace!
In 1972, he was a member of the first team to represent the United States at the Motocross des Nations. The following season, he accepted a job riding for the Honda factory racing team and successfully defended his 250cc crown riding the Honda CR250M. In 1973 he would ride for the newly formed Can-Am team and went on to win his 3rd consecutive 250cc national championship.
@ATVTVCOM I understand, but are you talking about the engine or the frame geometry? I plan to redo the front end completely and widen the whole quad. I was more concerned about power. However I read an article in Dirt Wheels magazine and they had found a EFI kit for the Banshee that isn't too expensive. I would probably install that if it makes any difference.
There's probably a scrap pile a mile high somewhere of stock Banshee pipes. I've NEVER in my 18 years seen one with stock pipes. Ever. Ever.
@dvxrider4lifee I believe they are still made in Japan and exported to countries that don't have the strict EPA guidelines like the US does.
Dont get me wrong, I love riding my Banshee but riding at the same pace it gets about half the gas mileage of my YFZ450, and handles nowhere near as well. The Banshee was a great quad, but I think it belongs to an era that came and went. Although the prospect of a new Banshee with a 500 twin 4-stroke from one of Yamaha's snowmobiles looks tantalizingly appetizing.
@kxlover26 The Banshees are reliable but require a lot more maintenance than a 4 stroke like the 400EX
@ATVTVCOM hey well i just bought a banshee thats been rebuilt with wiseco pistons and stuff but i love it.how long do you think a full tank of fuel last?
Great Video. I love my 2005 Banshee!
@XxAndrew130xX I don't know about 'best!' but certainly one of the most fun!
All these machines have been modified and that can very well mean less reliable. The proof is in the 'rebuilt engine' in the LTR! Unless those machines are really clean, if you want a reliable machine (that's still plenty fat!) look for a stock one.
@jakers388 That's right. It's really a decision you'll have to make for yourself...I had Banshees, but I preferred the sand dunes and the deserts to the tracks.
@rocky2win God question. There were several riders if I remember correct.
as i recall the banshee still king of the hill
@165427 Yes. BAnshees are at the far other end of that spectrum.
Bring the banshee back for 2016. Aluminum frame, 450cc. That would be good!
Alright so I've got a Trx450r and can't stand it. I was wondering if it would be worth it to trade for a Yamaha Banshee. My plan is to do some Mx racing which sounds crazy to do on a 2-Stroke but I've seen it done by someone. However, I've never really ridden a 2-stroke ATV and I don't wanna end up with another quad I have to try and sell. This one's pretty modded out and it's an 04. Thanks
@maracuja363 Two TOTALLY different machines - the Banshee a very high-strung performance 2-stroke, and the Wolverine a mild 4wd trail bike. Iguess a Banshee would easily beat a BF or Grizz in a drag race or around a track. Or though the dunes.
It's a lot of fun too!
How about saying that the Banshee is still a great ATV for the dunes;-)
@CrimsonBloodStar 2-strokes too expensive to make meet the EPA requirements.
@ATVCOM yeah,I know all this but thats why I was thinking about it since banshees are faster but only a little,not a lot and the 250r has its great handling and power,I'll just have to look into it
I was gunna get a kx 250 but since all my friends are buying 4 wheelers, i might as well get a banshee!!
@omarlekphet A twin cylinder, high performance two-stroke. Yep, it's got maintenance written all over it....
@blitch7722 but i can you should look foward to getina newer model dew to all the mods and upgrades availible. The newer banshees have updated frames and are easy to handle thanks to modern technology.
If you have anymore question I would be proud to help.
SavageLife404
I just got off a 2006 Raptor 700... Now I want to try out a Banshee will I be disapointed ?
Dear soon to be President Trump: BRING BACK THE BANSHEE!!!!!
Which one do you think is more reliable and well rounded? I know a 2 stroke requires work anyway, but it seems like the banshee would be less reliable
@ATVTVCOM yeah probably... but just to be one of if not the only ones who has a 2010 banshee in the U.S.
hey i was thinking on buying either a 2001 Banshee that is port and polished with tons of motor work or 2008 banshee with 21cc domes . or maybe even the. i hate to say it but a 2007 ltr450r port and polished with a brand new rebuilt engine (all used quads) (and all within 1500$ of eachother). which do you think is the most reliable machine that i wont have to worry about fixing and just have fun ? i like to ride pretty hard but not abusive
i had a chance to buy a new one before they quit making them. Someone told me you had to rebuild the engine basically once a year so i bought a new Honda 400Ex. I wish i had looked into it more because i still want a banshee. Is it true they have to be rebuilt so often???
@thumper54505 They stopped importing them into the US due to EPA issues
Thanks for the input
do you prefer the yamaha banshee or the yamaha yfz 450 and which one is better in the trails
@BWRProductions Most 2 stroke quads are more set up for the dunes and going fast, your best bet for more power and great handling for mx racing would be a Polaris Predator 500, at least in my views. It's hard to click "Post" though, cuz i'm a 2 stroke extremist lol
i got a question.if you take the exhaust tips off the pipes and run it like that will it damage the pistons or anything on the motor.
@ATVCOM whats better for trails some mud and some water but not alot,the banshee or the trx 250r?Because I really want a powerful 2 stroke but is good for all of this.
The Quadzilla is a big machine. The Banshee far more toss able. Kinda like a formula car versus a trophy truck. Both great fun but very different.
Fastest 2 stroke ???? Na !!! Lt 500 quadzilla .... Fastest 2 stroke engine out the box (why does nobody remeber this )
Great quility!
@jcumiford14 Not sure what you are talking about. Do you mean the spark arresters from inside the tips? Don't do it!
i got the 2003 limited edition and its soo much fun!
@live2ski550 That 'guy' is Gary Jones, 4 time U.S. Motocross Champ. You tell him...........
@350greenS10 Perhaps the only sound that's better is that of a pop-off valve waffling.
How would you compare this machine to an lt500? One day I'd like to buy 1 of the 2 but I've never rode or seen either in person
Don't know the stock horsepower figures. A stock YFZ450R is a much better handling ATV with much better power delivery. It's a lot better for the dunes. (Don't get me wrong, the Banshee is an incredibly fun duner but overall I would prefer the YFZ). PAddles are a personal call. We all prefer no paddles around here.
@BattyBitz But that's what make's us so 'special'!
Not exactly a waste as without the commercials we would not have be able to produce this video...
best quality
doesn't over in Austria the made banshees up till 2012 because I saw on Google a 2012 banshee
@ATVCOM I'll pribably pick the 250r even though parts are more rare in case
@JISINSANE3 The BAnshee and the 250R will go down in history that's for sure! I feel sorry for any of the 'new kids' that never had the chance to take one of them for a blast through tHe sand dunes!
It is my understanding that all you can get now is a red tag registration - not for use on public lands.
what would u say the range of a banshee would be with a stock gas tank?
@ATVTVCOM but was he on a 2 wheeler or 4?
Do you prefer this atv over a 2005 yamaha yfz 450?
Haha like an hour give or take. But mine's modified and it has a lot bigger jets than stock so it might last longer stock.
Good job on your video I liked it very much!
@ATVTVCOM
Put the Banshee motor in a YFZ450 frame,
then buy the brand new trail cub motor called the Serval.
80hp with power bottom to top.
@blitch7722 you can get a stator from ricky stator for about 125.00
i wish they still made them
Reply quick! I'm goin to trade for a 1997 banshee. I'm traden my 2000 stock 400ex. Any major probs wit a 97 banshee?
The banshee is an excellent bike if yer into 2 strokes like myself. The shee stock is pretty fast at approx 75 for a 350 and with all 'older' technology its fun. personally im a huge fan i have 2 so far and have never rode a faster quad. Ive ridden the fastest stock production atvs but nothin beats the power quickness looks the aftermarket parts and the smell of a nasty little 2 stroke screamin out some racin fuel fumes
@sexybeast10ish Our pleasure.
Man that thing looks very fast in the dunes.
im still a young kid but 2006 dont seem so bad to me if i ever had to get it i could easily probably find a second hand then just rebuild and replace pieces for it to be new.
@robbiebobbie111 Or is it the green freaked hippies?
he said the strongest 2 stroke ever this guy must have never rode a lt500r zilla
bike is still made and is imported to alot of parts of the world but not in the usa
They didn't stop making them, you can still buy them in several countries or continents, like europe.
@omarlekphet alot more maintenace on my z 400 haveing to shim the valves every weekend got old...??? but i loved the rollon 4stroke power of the z just to much work on it..i guess any high performance motor has its upkeep
@BWRProductions Geometry and powerband both are far less favorable on the race track. You could do all kinds of work to the Banshee but you'll still have an old machine up against the newest technology.
Do they still make them over seas??????
lol i have never heard anyone say anything bad about the banshee. in my opinion that was some great engineering by Yamaha never seen a bike on youtube where noone has said anything bad about (haha)
@BWRProductions While the Banshee would be pretty good in the dunes and the desert, it wouldn't be that good against the newer crop on MXers on the track.
2-strokes don't easily meet the new emission's standards for off road vehicles.
go by what atv you like the most as well as what make these quads diff 2 stroke is more maint. but simple 4 stroke is less maint. But more parts to fix or repair or upgrade as far as power a 2 stroke is faster it produces more hp and is designed for higher rpms while the 4 is good at all ranges of rpm but lacks the powerban of the 2 stk and especially the shee think about what skill of a rider you are and decide what type of riding you are gonna do
Dated... Yes and no. I like the Banshee much more then the Honda sport ATV's. Banshee has the biggest following of any ATV out there. Made them for many many years with the same design. Hey why change a good thing! I did shed a tear when they stopped making them. I really cried when they were trying to make it a 4 stroke!
y did yamaha stop making the banshee?
ok then the yfz is better in the trails right?
got two 8500 a piece 2008 we got them in Canada theyre the badest of the bad if u ask me my brothers with Toomey racing sound bad ass after all absolute great machines
@dmaheryfz450 We get a couple hours of hard riding through the dunes!
love em baddest 2stroke ever made
it's funny to see a company's youtube account responding to heckling comments. very unprofessional. either way, I love Banshees and at 60 years old, Gary's still ripping.