I went to Glamis this weekend and while we were heading out to "The Wall" my Banshee started losing power, I thought I was in the wrong gear at first, but on the next dune I went down I gave it a blip of throttle and hear the engine rattling/clanging... i slowed to get a better listen and then say some smoke vapors for the left side of the cylinder head. I stopped immediately and the engine died, the guys I was riding with pulled up and immediately saw the problem... the radiant hose connection to the right side of the bike came off. My motor had overheated to the point where it no longer was able to run. I can kick start the bike and it idles fine, but once you give it gas it doesnt have any power.

Does anyone have any insight to make a guess how bad the motor is?

 

Well, you probily fried the rings and pistons. You might need your cylinders bored now also. Your cranK is probily ok, but check it out.

 

basically an engine rebuild is in order sounds like...

 

sounds like u need a new top end. while its apart why not throw in a stroker. then u will need new carbs to feed that mill. why not get new pipes to match the port work and such to make her really scream. just dont let the wife find out it wasnt all necessary.

 

It currently has Trinity Racing Stave IV engine work on it, thats why its so dissappointing to lose the motor right now. It ran very strong, and was very fast.

 

pull the top off and take a look. change the pistons/rings and see what happens. if it idles, than i dont think you smashed ur low end.

 

oh, and since u say there was smoke from the side of the cylinder head then i'd say a new set of head gaskets is in order.

 

Ok sounds good, doesnt sound like its going to be too bad after all. I am going to take it in this week after I find a good shop in Phoenix that does good/reliable engine work on Banshees.