Banshee price range

incognito485

Member
Jul 28, 2020
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I know there are probably alot of threads regarding this topic, but since the market changes with time, I thought I'd ask around on here. I know this isn't the Banshee forum, but I'm sure alot of you guys/gals own or have had experience with Banshees. I'm looking at a 1996 Yamaha Banshee tomorrow, which is listed at $3500. From what I can tell from the pictures, the tires look good, the plastics are gray (Maier), the seat seems to be in good condition. Seller says there is an issue with coolant leaking out of the radiator connector? cap?, it wasn't clear. I clarified that it happens immediately and not when the engine gets warm. So, what is a 25 year old (antique to me) Banshee worth with obvious radiator issues, and many unknowns? It appears that the front suspension has been completed re-done with aftermarket parts including a arm, etc. Thanks for any and all input.

Sorry I don't have pics right now.
 
First I would have to see where it’s leaking from. Search the BHQ FORUM (radiator leak at startup + BHQ)
Obviously owner doesn’t have a clue which if you have info (or BS) you could use it to your advantage.
If it starts spitting that quick I would say head gasket or O-rings depending on type of head.
Prices of all ATVs are up. Depending on how bad you want one you might consider waiting.

I would be like “It’s been leaking coolant into the cylinders and it will probably need a rebuild because it’s washed the oil off the pistons “

Maybe take a compression gauge, if it’s 125 or less, say “see It’s already worn out”

Id try jewing him down at least a couple hundred
 
First I would have to see where it’s leaking from. Search the BHQ FORUM (radiator leak at startup + BHQ)
Obviously owner doesn’t have a clue which if you have info (or BS) you could use it to your advantage.
If it starts spitting that quick I would say head gasket or O-rings depending on type of head.
Prices of all ATVs are up. Depending on how bad you want one you might consider waiting.

I would be like “It’s been leaking coolant into the cylinders and it will probably need a rebuild because it’s washed the oil off the pistons “

Maybe take a compression gauge, if it’s 125 or less, say “see It’s already worn out”

Id try jewing him down at least a couple hundred

Thanks for the reply. Nah I'm not in a big hurry trying to find one right now, just saw this one and it's local so I wanted to see it. And yeah, I'm a big fan of compression testing anything prior to coming to a decision.
 
Update ??
Sorry, got side tracked with other stuff. We came to an agreement and I ended up buying it from the guy. Compression was 125 in the left cylinder and 135-140 in the right cylinder. It ran (running off of coolant/gas), shifts, and drives. I ended up taking the head off and immediately found the problem. Somewhere down the line, someone had stripped a head stud, and decided the best idea was to drill out the head and drill a fraction of an inch into the cylinder stud hole. They then put an oversized bolt through the head into the cylinder stud hole and jb welded it all. Needless to say that redneck fix didn't work for obvious reasons. Basically there was nothing clamping down that side of the head onto the gasket. It looks like I can heli-coil it and make it work again. However, there is some noticeable play in the piston with the lower compression. And the dome on that side has scratches/gouges in it. So I'm going to pull the cylinders and see how bad/good the bottom end is.
 
Sorry, got side tracked with other stuff. We came to an agreement and I ended up buying it from the guy. Compression was 125 in the left cylinder and 135-140 in the right cylinder. It ran (running off of coolant/gas), shifts, and drives. I ended up taking the head off and immediately found the problem. Somewhere down the line, someone had stripped a head stud, and decided the best idea was to drill out the head and drill a fraction of an inch into the cylinder stud hole. They then put an oversized bolt through the head into the cylinder stud hole and jb welded it all. Needless to say that redneck fix didn't work for obvious reasons. Basically there was nothing clamping down that side of the head onto the gasket. It looks like I can heli-coil it and make it work again. However, there is some noticeable play in the piston with the lower compression. And the dome on that side has scratches/gouges in it. So I'm going to pull the cylinders and see how bad/good the bottom end is.
Pics of it, and what did you pay ? Consider doing a timesheet
https://www.google.com/search?clien...BAzYuMpgBAKABAbABAA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp Supposed to be better, even if you have to have a machine shop do it
 
Decent price !! Little time and money you’ll have a good tide

Yeah I'm hoping it will turn out ok, but I'm crossing my fingers that the bottom end still has some life in it. Anyway, I plan on pulling the cylinders off, but does anyone have experience installing a helicoil or time sert with the cylinder still on the bike? I'm going to pull it off anyway, but it looks the angle is pretty good and it's stable since it's still attached. I would obviously seal any and all avenues of shavings getting in the engine before doing it.