Just bought a banshee and need some help.

[michaelw2608]

Just bought a 2001 Banshee. Not in the best shape but I got it cheap. I thought it would be fun to fix it up. Anyways I don't know all that much about fixing ATV's and had a few questions.

 

1. Both front tires are a little bowed in. And the front left one wobbles a little. Is this just a ball joint problem? Or should I go ahead and replace all the a-arm bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings?

 

2. For some reason i can't stand the bike up to ride a wheelie. This is my first 2-stroke so I may just not be going about it right. The engine seems to be running strong (it out ran friends z400 with ease) But it seems like it is lacking some acceleration and power, again i may still be riding it like a 4 stroke. I know there are probably a million things that could cause a loss of power, but assuming I am riding the bike the way a 2 stroke should be ridden are there any simple explanations for this?

[Larry's Shee]

Welcome to BHQ! Pretty new to banshees myself. Put the front end up on something solid and start wiggling stuff to find whats loose. If its ball joints, you really need to fix it before you ride, joint failure at speed will not be pretty!! Also as for the tires if the fornt of the tires are closer than the back of the tires (toe in) thats normal if it's not excessive. If top to bottom excessive something is either worn bad or bent. Good luck with your project!!