autolover3 Posted October 25, 2015 Report Posted October 25, 2015 Hey guys, just joined! First off a little background info. Couple years ago I had sold my 07 YFZ450. I loved the machine, great power and feel. Did harescrambles, some arenacross, and ditch banging and what we call in north dakota the "desert" some sand trails etc... Had to go to college and just didn't have time to ride or funds to upkeep at the time. Now for you guys, I am in the market for another quad now that I'm done with college. I've never owned a 2 stroke but have ridden some friends cr125's. I have always thought banshees as badass machines. and started throwing the idea around instead of another 450. I have been creeping the forums on aftermarket stuff etc for ideas too. I found a 1987 Banshee on a local sale site. $1400 asking price. Has pro circuit platinum pipes, v force 3 reeds, pretty much new tires and overall looks like a nice quad. I am planning on going and looking at it this weekend and I want some input, things to look at or watch out for on a banshee such as common problems. Would 1400 be a fair price for a 87'? Here is the link.... http://www.bismanonline.com/hazen_nd/relisted_1987_yamaha_banshee_yfz350 Performance wise i see a potential problem. I am used to the handling of a 450 but I adapt quickly whether it be our rancher farm 4 wheeler, lil brothers 300ex, or buddies raptor 700. I see stellar is the go to for front suspension for j arm upgrades, would extended j arms, widened and lengthened rear end with some good shocks be competitive against a 450? I consider myself a agressive rider on all terrain types except mx tracks since we dont have any quad friendly tracks locally. I am 6 foot 2 and 205 lbs and I dont see power wise the banshee coming up short for my liking lol TIA! Quote
lil Doobie420 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 thats a fair deal i guess. get ready to pay another 3k in suspension if u want it to ride anywhere near a 450 Quote
wayne_smith97 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 Looks like a decent deal. Welcome and by the way, these banshees become an addiction. Quote
Bennett131 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 I hope you don't have any other hobbies... Quote
wayne_smith97 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 I hope you don't have any other hobbies... Translation: kiss all your spare time and extra funds good bye. In a good way. 1 Quote
autolover3 Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Posted October 26, 2015 thats a fair deal i guess. get ready to pay another 3k in suspension if u want it to ride anywhere near a 450 Thats what I was afraid of haha. But hey, gotta pay to play. But the way I look at it initial price 450 vs shee, the shee I'm saving alot with the going prices of 450s around here. But for the time being I think I'll be ok with a stock handling banshee. I really wanna feel the 350 stroke powerband! Now that I look at the pics again, to me it looks like those shocks aren't stock are they?? Looks like a decent deal. Welcome and by the way, these banshees become an addiction. Thanks! ya same with anything that has tires and engines to me! I hope you don't have any other hobbies... shhhh... Translation: kiss all your spare time and extra funds good bye. In a good way. I enjoy putting time into my favorite hobbies! Quote
ClaudeMachining Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 Welcome to tbe shee world! Dont forget that the stock shee engine will outperform the stock frame/suspension already. That's why people will tell you to put money on the suspension/handling before anything else. 1 Quote
Strm Trpr Posted October 26, 2015 Report Posted October 26, 2015 Welcome to the BHQ!! Go look at that 87, ride it and see what you think. Personally I'd wait to find a newer a-arm bike. Especially if you're an aggressive rider. The j-arms will wear out bushings and possibly ball joints faster and can potentially bend easier if abused with airing it out or even aggressive trail riding. I've seen and ridden Stellar j-arms, and they're alright. They PnP'd real nice on my buddies 89. Call up Larry at Fireball Racing for j-arms if you have to have this particular machine. Either shop will set you up. Tell either shop you want to run Raptor 700 tierod ends. They're 12mm rather than puny stock 10mm crap. And FWIW, you can get front and rear stage 3 Elka shocks for ~$1300. J-arms for around $600. Heavy Duty Gusseted Swing arm from Fireball Racing w/carrier for around $650. Tusk +4 axle for $200. Quote
autolover3 Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Posted October 26, 2015 Welcome to the BHQ!! Go look at that 87, ride it and see what you think. Personally I'd wait to find a newer a-arm bike. Especially if you're an aggressive rider. The j-arms will wear out bushings and possibly ball joints faster and can potentially bend easier if abused with airing it out or even aggressive trail riding. I've seen and ridden Stellar j-arms, and they're alright. They PnP'd real nice on my buddies 89. Call up Larry at Fireball Racing for j-arms if you have to have this particular machine. I think for now, being it will be my first 2 stroke and I'll have a slight learning curve to get used to. The stock suspension should work till I can pony up for full suspension upgrade. The price of this one is what has me, I have a new superduty and snapon box im currently paying off. I just really want to get back into riding, and have my own banshee! I do understand saying wait to find a a-arm bike, but it seems banshees are hard to come by around here also. Either shop will set you up. Tell either shop you want to run Raptor 700 tierod ends. They're 12mm rather than puny stock 10mm crap. I will definantly try to remember that! And FWIW, you can get front and rear stage 3 Elka shocks for ~$1300. J-arms for around $600. Heavy Duty Gusseted Swing arm from Fireball Racing w/carrier for around $650. Tusk +4 axle for $200. That right there sounds perfect IMO Quote
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