Yamaha Banshee 350

The Banshee 350, manufacturer designation YFZ350, is a two-stroke All-Terrain Vehicle produced by Yamaha. It was manufactured in Japan and sold in the United States from 1987 to 2006, and holds the distinction of having the longest production run of any ATV. The Yamaha Banshee continued its production in Canada until 2008 but is still sold in other countries (noted below) to this day. The Banshee utilized a unique power plant, a non-powervalved version of Yamaha's RZ350, giving it a distinctive sound and power that earned it a devout following in the ATV community. This was among the fastest sport ATVs ever produced, and reigned supreme until the YFZ450 was created to replace it in 2004.

The engine, as well as most major components were basically unchanged from 1987 until 2006. The exception being the changed front suspension from j-arms to a-arms in 1990. The rear wheel hubs had the same bolt pattern 4/115mm bolt pattern all years, except 1989 and 1990, when they changed it to 4/156mm. Because of this Warrior, Raptor, and YFZ450 rims and wheels will also fit a Banshee. Most parts will fit any year and are interchangeable including: the plastic fenders, rear brakes, seat, radiator, front and rear shocks, axle, hubs, lower a-arms, gas tank, cylinders, head, cases, crankshaft, carbs, petcock, tires, skid plate, coil, flywheel, transmission, shift forks, air box, air filter, handlebars, shifter, levers, swing arm, tie rods, impeller, pipe hangers, steering stem, bumper, grab bar, sprocket, rotors, reeds, head, side covers, kick starter, clutch, intake boots, and even the exhaust.

The electrical had 4 generations 1987-1994, 1995-1996, 1997-2001, and 2002-2006. Yamaha kept the same basic electrical schematic, but they changed the wire plug connectors on the on/off switch, the key assembly, the CDI box, the stator, and the taillight. In 2002 the electrical was updated to include a brake light and changed connector styles to accommodate the added switches for the brake light control.

One of the most popular modifications for a Banshee is changing the exhaust pipes. By simply changing the pipes, you can gain up to 20% more power! Usually people accompany this with a new aftermarket air filter. Another popular feature to add power is porting and polishing the cylinders. As with ALL two stroke engines, rejetting the carbs is a must whenever a modification changes the combustible airflow through the engine. Failure to properly rejet the carburators for any of the aforementioned modifications will result in engine failure.

The suspension was a weak point on this ATV, mostly because it wasn't updated since the 1980s. To combat this, many people add aftermarket a-arms that are wider and farther forward (+2+1), a wider axle, and aftermarket shocks. Without a doubt, the Yamaha Banshee is one of most revered and respected ATVs to this day.

Specifications

Engine

350cc

• Type: Liquidcooled, two stroke, twin cylinder, Parallel, reed valve Carburetion - 39 Horsepower
• Wet weight: 375 pounds

Wheels/Tires

• Front Wheel: 10x6.0
• Front Tire: 21x7-10
• Rear Wheel: 9x8.5
• Rear Tire: 20x10-9

Generations

Differences between model years are minor, including color combinations, upper "J-arms" on early models (1987 to 1990) followed by "A-arms" on subsequent models, the addition of a brake light in late production machines (2002 and on), and minor differences in electrical connector styles.

1990: Rear bearing carrier was revised to carry 3 bearings, instead of the previous 2.

1992: Chain slack adjustment was revised.

Post 2006 Production

Despite being discontinued in the United States after 2006, Banshees were still sold in Canada for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Additionally, the Banshee is still available in the following markets:

• Yamaha Motor Europe (2009 Banshee 350 Page)
• Yamaha Motor Australia (Under ATV Sport)
• Yamaha Motor Argentina (Banshee Page)
• Yamaha Motor Mexico (Banshee 350 Page)