History of the Yamaha Banshee

Since it's discontinuation from the U.S. market back in 2006, the
Yamaha Banshee has only risen to even more popularity; being a favorite for sport quad riders and 2-stroke enthusiasts alike. But what lead to the creation of this ground breaking machine? In this video, Chase gives us a lesson on the Banshee's long history and how this legend came to be.
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[@texlittle2709]

Who would agree, one of the best quads ever made!

[@ric2267]

That would be the yfz450.

[@jerodTSI]

Still have more fun on my 01 shee then the 06 450

[@ric2267]

@@jerodTSI Do you ride trails alot?

[@jerodTSI]

ric226 I ride trails and power lines mostly.

[@jerodTSI]

Still think they are the two best quads ever made.they scratch all the different itches!

[@trailblogger]

Banshee is the only quad in history that can sport the Barbie purple fenders and still look straight bad ass

[@27Zangle]

The Blaster did an okay job sporting purple and yellow / gold - if memory serves correctly.

[@jamesharryman1770]

TrailBlogger wrong! Ltr450 definitely pulls it off

[@TheImtoomuch]

No. The Banshee looked just as stupid with those colors.

[@27Zangle]

@@TheImtoomuch - Why the hate?

[@fatnfurious9171]

@@27Zangle I think hes mad because hes still riding his blaster

[@I53-624]

if you have been on a banshee, you have experienced the true meaning of life.

[@karolis1397]

there is no true meaning of life, its just go to school, graduate. go to college. graduate, get a job. Spent your whole life being miserable and then when you get old enough, you get that sweet release of death.

[@bernie.209]

Been wanting to ride one for the longest time

[@bubblessamsquanch6478]

@@karolis1397 I see someone has not ridden a banshee

[@shaunmurray8132]

in my experience on a banshee, I have never been closer to death.

[@thejudgefrom69]

I have and I miss them both like they are my own children

[@DoRC]

"doesn't cost much to upgrade". Famous last words....

[@discontinued8502]

I have 1800 in my engine alone, doesn't cost much he says

[@jake42ner]

Compared to a 4 stroke I think he meant

[@thatonescrambler]

it's Yamaha, ya either got money to piss away or ya yearn for perfection

[@jagsekhon9956]

Michael Dashkovitz I spent over 6 grand on my raptor 660 2001 and I just got it 2 months ago I would prefer spending money on a banshee instead

[@thatonescrambler]

@@jagsekhon9956 my '01 yz125 is giving me money probs but i blame the jeep

[@JimBoomer]

Love that you guys covered the RD/RZ 350s! That is a huge part of their history too :)

[@Icutmetal]

I’ve always been a Honda guy and had a pair of 250R’s at one time and still think they are the better overall machine, but have always wanted a clean Banshee. I remember my mom working at a local dealership when I was a kid and watching a promo video of the Banshee in a Baja race. Such an iconic look and so much fun to ride.

[@kyleolin3566]

I ride bike, but never turn down an opportunity to ride a Banshee. The powerband is something else

[@randallharris3667]

96 with a lil over 70hp, can't wait to pass the torch to the grandson.

[@350greenS10]

Hey RM-ATV/MC! I have a 1996 Banshee with a ton of mods FMF Sst Pipes & powercore 2 silencers HJR port work Milled head Wiseco pistons Hot rods crank VForce4 reeds Barnett clutch Advanced timing Alba racing a arms Elks suspension. These quads are an absolute blast! Thank you for keeping tons of parts in stock for me and for making these awesome videos!

[@normestits3317]

When I was a teenager in the 90's, I had a banshee. Have had a yahmaha of some sort in my garage ever since. 98 vmax 2017 FZ-09.

[@nastysoda9212]

I miss my banshee so much, had a '96 banshee, rode it every day after school at our local trails.I feel like I was raised more by the banshee then my own parents. I would replace parts as the stock stuff broke and eventually had a badass race quad.

[@2StrokeBanshee]

My dad bought one brand new and its his favorite quad he has, I just love the sound of the 2 stroke engine it has in it!

[@kidsnkarz4556]

We had a couple of banshees, we used to have 5 total but ended up selling we had 2, 4 mil built drag bikes and we had 3 semi stock banshees

[@johnmichaels6302]

Love them so much I still have my 89 with Trinity stage 4 top end my dad bought one for me when I was 11 years old I'm 37 now my older brother has one dad bought when he was 15 and he is totally redoing brand new everything it's almost finished can't wait to hit the throttle true 4 wheeler icon ever

[@MrShack246]

i have a 87 banshee that my brother and i are working on completely restoring. my dad is the original owner and the engine has been locked up for nearly 8 years now. sick bike, cant wait to ride it!

[@boojon2]

The Banshee was a machine in its own league, no other quad really like it. i really do miss this sport so much! havent rode a quad in about 6 years last 1 being a raptor 700

[@alexodette8245]

Ive owned a 1996 Banshee since I was 11 years old. I have not rode it for about 5-6 years, ill be going through it and adding some more mods. I now have a place with a garage and Im picking it up from my parents place this weekend!! So stoked ill keep you guys posted on the progress.

[@Sonny2299]

Progress?

[@simonandersen-vx1cm]

this cant be real

[@tommyryan5509]

392 banshee 1996 thing is a beast , I would never give it up love them , as time gets older they are starting to get harder to find love the look sound and the power that it has 💯🔥🤯

[@rmatvmc]

Finding one that hasn't been modded out in good shape is tough! Thanks for watching-Chase

[@jamesgeorge6551]

My friend bought a '91 model brand new, and after a few days, were riding it pinned wide open on a long country road, and the local sheriff had been called, he clocked my freind at 93 MPH, told us to keep it off the pavement, because there's no speed limit on the dirt. I'm surprised we survived. It has an extended swingarm, 12.5 to 1 compression and runs on methanol with lectron carbs now, mostly at Silver Lake sand dunes.

[@WestCoastRoller]

Good video to capture the history of one of the most popular sport ATV's ever produced. I ride a 4 mil 421 ported serval and love it for dune riding. This is my fourth Banshee!

[@rmatvmc]

Your fourth!? That's awesome :) This project was my first time riding one at the dunes.-Chase

[@Gonecheenin]

I owned a '87 and a '98 at one point. Loved those things and loved riding them! I got old enough that riding them actually started hurting me, so I went ahead and sold them both. They still have a special place in my soul though and I do miss them at times - especially that low hours, clean as hell 1998 - that thing even still had the factory pistons & rings in it!!!!

[@rmatvmc]

It's not too late to get another! Did you watch our build we did yet?

[@guyanesejarred]

More videos like this please!! Great video, you guys are the best!

[@02_twin79]

I have a 2002. Stock stroke, first oversize bore. Longer needles to open up the mid-range and stock head shaved 0.025". Pro Circuit pipes with shortened spark arrestor silencers. Stock jetting with no intake mods. +10 swing arm. 15 tooth front and 43 rear sprockets ( 2.86 ratio). I reworked the front suspension to accept 450R shocks. It is a great all purpose bike. The longer needles make the power very manageable for unfamiliar riders. You can putt around all day long and never foul plugs but it still opens up quite proper for a Banshee. The shaved head paired with the sparky silencers give it nice back pressure for a crisp, solid bottom hit.

[@danielyesluh1139]

I own a 1987 white and red Banshee with flat slide carbs ,FMFs gold series with turbine 2 core silencers set up for ice with a full lonestar rear. Extremely fun!!!

[@GijsHuijbers]

Had an 06 , built supermotard for street, white plastics, license/papers, +3 swingarm, vforce reeds, dmc 916, R6 shocks all around, 255 rear tires and 195 front on all black itp ss rims... serious beast

[@andrewhowell6584]

Learned so much , had no idea the history behind the bars haha , keep up the great content

[@danw9946]

I subscribed to you guys just for the simple fact the last week has been all banshee vids pretty much lol. Love my banshees

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you like the videos! Thanks for tuning in.-Chase

[@3076gds]

I own a 1991 Banshee, I purchased it when I was a freshmen in Highschool in 1993. I have, a Ricky Stater re coiled Stater, with baja lazer lights, Toomeey t5 stainles pipes and Silencers, ported, polished, wiesco piston and reeds, bored once over, trinity racing cool head, white brothers boost bottle, 46mm carbs, open air box with K&N filter, original plastics and seat......run 105 octane leaded race fuel....ussually VP. It still looks and runs like a screaming bat out of hell.......it was my dream bike in high school and have never been able to let her go.

[@thefors4ken162]

I was actually thinking about buying one just worried about how “finicky” they can be. I’ve got a damn fine mechanic here in Baton Rouge and he kind of gave me the spill on em. He’s told me numerous times once I get it running like a top I’ll never forget the ride.

[@inkdcanadian5976]

I just bought a 2001 Banshee this morning..upgrades would be... toomey t-5 pipes , v-force reeds, boost bottle, k&n filters , bored 20 over, twist throttle and aftermarket handlebars 🔥🔥🔥

[@rellaracing]

How's that banshee coming along. I just bought a 2001 my self with cool heads/ flm pipes, bored 30 over. Only have road it on the street. But that thing is stupid fast...

[@wallace13690]

I have a Stock 2001 Yamaha banshee in blue plastic white stickers. I bought it 10 years ago it is AMAZING. It might be showing its age a little but its still fast and a blast to ride.

[@nick8Dxx]

Ive got a 1997 Banshee. So far she's got a durablue axle and carrier, powder coated frame, K&N filter with outerwears, boyesen reeds and cages, Alba racing long travel a-arms with a set of yfz450r shocks that were rebuilt and revalved for me, stainless brake lines front and rear, yfz450 front master cylinder and lever, procircuit pipes and silencers, protaper clutch lever and perch, protaper bars, acerbis hand guards, and a DG front bumper.

[@ocraz3o]

Just picked up a 89 banshee today so happy 🥰

[@garden0fstone736]

How much you paid? I’m lookisn’t right now wanna get a fair price

[@steiger256]

80s were a good time. Suzuki LT 500 Quadzilla. Yamaha Banshee, And my all time favorite 88 Honda 250R And 86 Honda ATC 250R 3 wheeler. The Banshee sold way more units than the other two, But there all great machines. Great video. You should also do one on the Fatcat and big wheel dirt bikes from the 80s.

[@branon6565]

steiger 256...I prefer my 86 Honda 250R ATC over both those other bikes, it's ported polished jetted with a cobra kit, exhaust, 2.5' spacers on the axle....I got the motor fogged and it's in storage right now...in fact I should break it out, it's been quite awhile actually....

[@slammedncammed9657]

I have a 02 banshee, and I %100 agree, everyone should hop on one, it’s the ride of a lifetime

[@rmatvmc]

Right?!

[@austinroberts5255]

I have a 91 with a ported and polished fresh motor toomey t5 pipes and toomey intake system also have alba +2+1 a arms love that bike

[@buckeyebanshee]

Love my 2002 XC built banshee purpose built for XC/GNCC racing.

[@Yohnie125]

Love your guys stuff, bought some nerf bars and a front bumper and they are great quality

[@stevetremblay9323]

I got 2007 banshee (im from canada) with fmf pipe and good porting i love banshee

[@mariomessinese5287]

Grew up on a 93' Shee @ age 11 that my pops bought new . Fun quad 😎. Mods - basically stock , FMF woods pipes , pro-design pro flow air filter system, roll design arms 2+2 w/works rezzy's .

[@luismiguelgarza4246]

My banshee has let me fall about twice pretty bad but man oh man it's hard to control the power, banshees are a hell of a bike !

[@daveslife]

B.A. Nice History lesson. Well done video. I cant wait to see all of your how too videos. Hope you get a huge following. I have a 96 Banshee and the only thing I have changed is the top end with Wisco Pistons, Tors delete, Clutch, and Pro Taper handle bars. Fun to ride when the carbs working right. Having issues.

[@Skelly_22_]

Get a lectron?

[@tuthebarbarian9696]

I bought my banshee for $350 bucks needed the carbs cleaned. All I have done to it is just some FMF gold series pipes and a two into one intake with a 38mm PWK, I lost some top end with the two into one intake but gained a bunch of bottom mid and its much more easy to tune than two carbs.

[@acidicadhd4912]

One time me and my friend were riding on some ttr225’s and we found three guys with banshees and I remember when one of them let me ride theirs. Best riding experience ever

[@Boostedblackbird_]

2005 banshee stretched 10’’ and a 10mil drag ported cub. haven’t been able to ride it yet, still waiting on parts for the build

[@bg8283]

Owner of a 1995 Banshee I received for Christmas 1996.

[@oz8402]

Awesome first quad I rode. Scary fast!

[@cbr600rrturbo]

Just got done fixing up my 99 Banshee most of the parts I got from RM, so far it has fmf exhaust,jet kit, k&n filter,v force reeds,boost bottle,yzf shocks & extended a arms

[@rmatvmc]

Nice! If you write a product review for the website, you can upload pictures of your banshee for people to see when they look at those parts. Thanks for watching.-Chase

[@stevencarter3290]

I have a 2001 Shee with a 421 Serval Cub. Thing is absolutely wicked.

[@ephenj]

have a1987 yamaha banshee with the J arms crazy stuff absolute blast to ride.

[@mr.channel6467]

Greatest quad I’ve ever ridden, thing would coast on the sand

[@1991tommygun]

Love the banshee, have an all original 03, build from start to finish is cool thanks

[@aldiwanimotors8939]

kzbin.info/door/JhKD0RlVTdvi_5-TbSmekQ

[@Jasonkartracing]

I just sold three blasters to come up with the money to build a banshee. I just bought a running motor for 800 and a rolling frame for 800. Add another 500 in parts and I`m going to have my banshee going. Right now I`m wondering what color I`m going to go with, I`m thinking black frame with yellow plastic already came with gold wheels

[@Princeofsp215]

I have a 1999 and a 2005 Special Edition. The 99 is a built 4 mill with porting and Toomey T5's and my 05 is stock with vforce 4's and Toomey T5's.

[@seanc8054]

i dunno what it is about this particular quad that gives me this feeling like in my soul, i dunno anything about quads, or racing or anything, ive never even sat on a quad before, but i want this one, i want this quad

[@JonathanSanchez-wx5io]

I got the banshee 350 and I’m going riding tomorrow with it

[@b-ybeenhim6051]

I have a 2006 banshee and a 2018 yfz450r. They both are fast,different types of power,but riding that banshee is like riding on air. It should be for as many types I rebuilt it 😂. Gotta love it 💯

[@Skelly_22_]

Ik they’re both 2 totally different bikes but what one would you get as a main rider?

[@hvacexplained9341]

I just like to say this video of yours is very accurate and interesting... I don’t see too many of these in South Western Pennsylvania where I ride but I’ll tell you one thing it’s definitely an Eye and Ear catcher on the slag dumps!!! I bought a 100% stock 2001 Yamaha banshee found out of Michigan at a Dealer. The engine has never had work done to it! I’ve changed tires, brakes and grips. I’m 5 foot 11 I weigh 150 LBS there is no need to do any serious modifications for me. You have to remember this was one of the worlds fastest production quads ever built at one time!!! I’ve climbed hills that these massive four stroke utility quads are unable to do just because there’s a difference between “Slow torque vs Quick momentum”

[@childishbark3084]

i want a banshee soooooooooooo bad. Been looking for one for ever

[@mickricke3762]

The Irish mythological Banshee was a female spirit that if heard screaming gave warning of death or impending doom usually to those who hear it.

[@Rossn8er]

Hah yeah that sounds about right. Omg awesome!

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Hence the name😄

[@randallharris3667]

Nothing screams in the night like the Banshee woman going up Oldsmobile

[@colinsunday9149]

Just bought a 08 last year.. bike is absolutely gnarly cool heads piped gold series . Twist throttle .. my dream as a kid I now own lol

[@colinsunday9149]

@Five hundred 20s they made them till 08 in Canada

[@JDRTRM]

Still have mine after 21yrs . Owned since 1998. It’s a 1994 the darker purple . Poked and Stroked 4mil with many other mods .! Frame, Tranny internals and Plastics stock still . Love it and will not get rid of it or any of my other Toyz !!

[@garethforward3750]

Excellent video guys, I’ve got a 2001 banshee road legal, hella fun! But we don’t have them dunes in the UK 😂😂

[@kemptonslawncare8219]

Thanks! I am getting one now.

[@joellajuett1060]

At 51 years old. I have been a Banshee rider exclusively sense late 80's. Nothing else compares !! Currently ride : 2006 bored 0.30, T5's, 28 mm carbs w/260 jets,( VP C12 Fuel) Hinson clutch, Lowered and widened, -2 swingarm, flat track tires. Go fast, Turn Left !!

[@rmatvmc]

Sounds like you've got that think dialed! -Chase

[@jasonwulff8341]

Love the banshee videos.

[@darendewitt4274]

I just sold my 2001 Banshee for about $4000 and it had all the bells and whistles.In 2008 i won district 17 stadium cross championship. The 2 things i noticed most of all on the stock machine was the shocks sucked and the braking was very poor.When i installed a set of ELKA 3 way adjustable piggy back shocks and front duel piston calipers from a 06 yfz450 I started winning races. Thanks for the video ,better late than never.

[@rmatvmc]

That's awesome to hear! Yeah, the breaks are pretty underwhelming, but I think that's to be expected on older ATVs like the Banshee. And yes, the shock upgrade I'm sure makes a huge difference. When I rode this banshee at the dunes, If i wasn't in perfectly smooth sand, it was a rough ride to say the least.-Chase

[@Snags243]

Holy crap you actually made a banshee history video! Thank you!!

[@montefiveforty1]

Had a 87 and a 89,best looking/sounding quad ever.

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Had an all stock,oem 89. Wish I still had it😖

[@montefiveforty1]

@@yamaharaptor01able Ditto

[@jamesrobert7155]

Ozzy damn near killed himself on one! Smoking fast right out of the box!!!

[@rcmikeklein5512]

ridden too many bikes to list,,,, my 2006 banshee "the best" and 2020 still got it

[@floyd398]

Hey rocky mountain! I have a 2006 white Banshee bought on showroom floor modded with: Dmc Alien pipes Janssen 2+1 a-arms G-force +4 axle Noss machine cool heads 21cc domes Elka suspension Renthal bars Vforce 3 Reed valves and more. Will never ever sell my Shee. Thanks for doing the review!

[@rmatvmc]

Dang, that thing sounds like she's a beast! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jacksondaniels8169]

I miss my 01 dearly. Ported and polished, Toomey T5 exhaust, reed valves. My Oregon dunes beast. 😓

[@joshbushey5857]

I have a 1987 with an a arm conversation, 4 mil, t5 pipes. Things a monster. I can never not own a banshee

[@hom9016]

All you need is a fresh gas and a firm kick , my 2009 Banshee was collecting dust for 2 years and when I want to have fun , it delivers

[@davidbauknecht3185]

Just rode my buddy’s the other day.. INSTANTLY LOVED IT!! Hunting to build/buy one for myself. Do the 4 mil Stroker upgrade(s) as well!!

[@garden0fstone736]

You ever get one? I’m also looking

[@davidbauknecht3185]

@@garden0fstone736 Not yet.. Life keeps getting in the way. Plus, I'm still monetarily affected by COVID and trying to bounce back from that loss of consistent income! But I definitely WILL be acquiring/building one as soon as financially viable for me to start the project... They are very tough to find, unless you want to drop quite a bit of $ on a "turn-key n' go" bike. Those are out there!

[@chasehuelsmann5911]

2004 special edition (white & ruby pearl metallic) fmf fatty pipes, cool head 21cc domes, +4 timing. Run klotz! It’s the best oil for the banshee. Use their flex drive 30 for the transmission.

[@TerrickHarden]

This was a dope video. I honestly would have never thought RMATVMC would be making it.. A wonderful surprise I must say.

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching-Chase

[@brandonwilding6361]

You just wait >:)

[@rmatvmc]

@@brandonwilding6361 ummmm, for what?

[@TerrickHarden]

@@rmatvmc 😂😂

[@Brenkeeno]

Awesome! 🤙

[@lukepaul2882]

Sick video of a sick bike! I Love everything Yamaha.

[@trigger8152]

What bike?

[@lukepaul2882]

Trigger the Yamaha banshee

[@akira5982]

What bike lol

[@223ko]

Nice video

[@shaunmurray8132]

I know a guy that has two brand new 2012 model banshees still sitting in their original shipping crate unassembled, straight from the Yamaha factory.....god its a awesome site to see. wish they were mine.

[@CountryKidProductions]

Banshee’s were discontinued in 2006... 🤣

[@shaunmurray8132]

@@CountryKidProductions WRONG! still sold here in Australia long after 2006....shows how much you know!

[@dwainmartinson8534]

I have a 994 mill 397 stroker. That I just built and I don't think I'll ever buy another kind of two stroke. From the looks to the sound they are badass

[@beaucemotocross57]

Love Banshee ❤ next video history of CR 500 please !

[@JohnnyRebKy]

If they made a new 500cc twin cylinder banshee I’d buy one tomorrow! I grew up in the sport quad days and it’s sad to see them all go.

[@jackdaniels8751]

I still have my ‘87 and still looks and runs great. Bought a Raptor 660 when that first came out and the center of gravity was just way too high.

[@SnikendeDopapir]

I have one 1997 (year color matching) with T5 pipes, else stock. Another 1999 with FMF fatty pipes and ASR extended a-arms. Banshee is the best ATV ever.

[@ericmulholland4841]

I used to have an 87OG, bor 52 over. Thing was a monster!! I've also ridden the RZ 350, and RZ 500, both monster's! The 500 was almost as quick as my 02 R1 in 2nd and 3rd gear. They just don't make Em like they used too!

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Please do a 250r version of this

[@lomasck]

I was out riding my Honda 350X 86 model last Sunday in Lancelin Dunes Perth Western Australia when I met up with 2 Yamaha Banshee Quads.One was a 2012 Model in New condition.I hope to catch up with them again & perhaps swap bikes for 15 minutes or so.Just a bit worried I may get hooked & have to buy one.

[@billh6062]

I have a 2001 Yamaha Banshee . I bought it like a year ago off a used car dealer the guy who owned it told me his business partner bought it new in 01 and never road it I guess his wife got mad so it sat for 18 years in his garage when I got it ...It had no scratches and was brand new I lifted up the seat and no dirt ...he started it up but it ran rough. So I got it home rebuilt the carbs and put a boost bottle on it she fired up on the first kick and to this day always starts on first kick....I got to say I got a really good deal and couldn't be happier..I want to upgrade the pipes everything is gone stock. Its fast power bands a tight Love riding it on fields and trails...

[@Ratkill9000]

I have the Banshee baby brother, the Blaster. Sure it's a thumper 200cc 2 stroke, but it's still fun to ride.

[@thedukeofconway4209]

Yep those blasters 200cc’s pump out like 20hp and I’m 250 and mine hits 47mph with mods

[@whoknew9236]

had back one then, great fun quad actually where i live quads are street legal the only thing that botherd where the top speed. but to play and ride to the forest it where a perfect atv with alot of fun

[@mattseliger1]

A thumper is a 4 stroke...Blaster is a 200cc 2 stroke with oil injection

[@Ratkill9000]

Everyone I've talked to, will still call a single cylinder a thumper regardless the number of strokes.

[@Lookout4the3rdrail]

Thank You.

[@NetoBanshee]

nice video bro

[@ebuff57]

I don't own, but I drove one. Nice and quick!

[@dalion9765]

Hello 👋 what is the biggest Banshee out there. I'm planning on getting me one and looking for one. Thank you and great video

[@Burke-gf7yh]

I have a 1992 banshee white/ turquoise fully stock bar the tommy t5 pipes on her imported to uk from the usa in looking on doing a full engine rebuild any ideas of what brand i could use!!!!

[@clarkieboy9007]

Can you do a review on this banshee I want to see the whole of it if possible 😫😀😀😀

[@sharplespaul]

I had the privilege of owning a 1984 rz350......Sick machine!!

[@ArtPop]

Hej latam na takim sprzęcie od 2009 roku przez ten czas zrobiłem sprzęgło i wymieniłem opony, startowałem na niej w zawodach kilka razy. Jest to naprawdę najlepszy quad na świecie. Pozdrawiam z Polski. Mam kilka filmów z banshee w roli głownej.