New to Banshees and looking to buy one... what bad stuff should I be on the lookout for?

[black_z]

As the title states, I'm new Banshees(four wheelers in general, really) and I'm looking to buy one pretty soon. What should I keep an eye out for when looking them over? And what about the costs to fix known problems?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[alf44]

Welcome to the hq. everything and anything you need too know you will find here. Best advice i can give is be patient and build your bike for one type of riding. dunes,trail,drag etc. It is possibal too have a well rounded banshee but it is gonna cost. Be prepared too open that wallet. This is an addiction for sure.

Make sure too use us site sponsors when you need parts, service, or just some advice. Good luck and have fun.

[87sheerips]

1. Do a compression test to give you an idea on the condition of the top end. If stock(ish) you should see somewhere in the 120psi range. These testers can be found at Sears.

 

2. Stand up, grab the bars, and give the bike hell back and forth, etc... See where its loose. The front ball joints are a common failure part. Also the swingarm bearings and pivot tube see a lot of wear too.

 

3. Check the chain, and the engine cases by the front sprocket. There is commonly case damage here from a thrown chain. This usually does not leak, or cause further issues, but its cosmetically bad. Also make sure the chain tensioners int he back are in good condition.

 

4. Go over wiring and make sure nothing is hacked up. Check to make sure the lights and kill switch work of course.

 

5. Check air filter for proper installation. If there is a bunch of dirt in the carbs, for instance, I wouldn't want it! (Or hammer him down on the price lol)

 

6. Use common sense. Hang out here on HQ for a bit and do some homework. U can usually find a banshee on here to suit your needs for less than it would take for you to build one yourself. A lot of good deals out there and you came to the right place to begin your search!

 

Welcome to the HQ

[black_z]

Thanks for the welcome guys! Are ball joints expensive? I checked on all the bearings and hubs and stuff and it doesn't look like it would cost much to replace everything.

[Velislide]

Thanks for the welcome guys! Are ball joints expensive? I checked on all the bearings and hubs and stuff and it doesn't look like it would cost much to replace everything.

 

Take a close look at the A-Arms, from every angle. Top down is a good one to look at, if ones pushed back a little, they hit something at one point. Also loook for any bends in the frame rails, if anything is bent, thats a big chunk to knock off their asking price. Also take weight off the front wheels, and spin them by hand, and listen to the bearings, shouldnt hear anything, should be dead silent pretty much as the wheels spin. Hard to do the rear axle as the chain will make noise, but see if you can feel how well it spins, easy way to check the bearings.

 

Take a look at the handlebars, if they are bent at all, it was rolled at one time, another chunk to knock off the price. And of course, check the compression. You dont wanna buy a quad and have to rebuild it after 4 hours of riding.

 

Also, buy a Clymers Manual for Banshee's. I've never touched a banshee before, picked one up in a million pieces, and putting it back together myself! With almost all new parts or used in great condition, its a lot of fun, and easy to work on, especially with he Clymers Manual, they are VERY easy to understand.

[kawiking]

good post by 87sheerips... ask the owner to do compression check ... should be atleast 110 and above , if not.. you are lookin at a new top end.thats new pistons,gasket and bore job . find out what yr it is.. and if it still has a stock crank.

 

if owner says it has motor work done.. find out what. if he says its ported... find out by who. if ts the guy down the street.. might stay away or get a lower price. if its a bad port job .. u are lookin at a new set of cylns and top end.

 

look at frame for any bends or cracks, also look at the cases by the rear sprocket (shifter side) see if the cases have been cracked my a chain coming loose. sit on it and make sure rear shock isnt blow .

 

see how many kicks it takes the owner to start . if its 10 .. prob should stay away .or less $$

 

let us know what it looks like and we will try and help. if u could post a pic, thatt would help aswell

[black_z]

Thanks for the help guys!

Edited December 22, 2009 by black_z

[WINDYCITYJOHN400]

If the add says "100 MPH banshee" or "100 HP banshee" or "Crazy fast banshee... beats everything...not for beginers" or if they tell you how much HP it COULD make if you just ran alky..........just stay away and move on to the next add. LOL.

 

Seriously though...I start by asking what jet size they are running. If they don't have that info on the tip of their tongue, then they may not have jetted this motor correctly nor even know how. (You don't even have to know what your talking about, you'll figure out from the tone of his answer if HE does.) Compression checks are a MUST. (Know what pressure you WANT to see before you go. Don't listen to the sellers input.) LOL. I advise you also inspect the frame at the back where the rear grab bar bolts on. That section of frame should run straight from under the seat. (pull off the plastic in the rear if you have to) Many banshee's are bent up in the back real bad from hard wheelies. You can get alot in a starter quad for $1,800 if you wait for a deal. Or you can buy a nicer machine and get some real high end parts in the $3,500 range. Otherwise, if price is not that big of a deal.....just watch for sale postings where half the members post with comments like "Sweet ride, wish I had the cash to grab that deal" or "I've sceen this quad in person and it rips". Best answer is "I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS BIKE HASN'T SOLD YET!?!"

Don't believe the old line.."this state doesn't issue titles for quads"

If you could ever borrow money to buy it...then it would have had a title.

If you don't get a title...run the numbers through the police data base! BEFORE YOU GIVE THE MONEY OVER! Bill of sale doesn't prove ownership, it only proves payment.

Good Luck with your Banshee shopping.