Well, not to offend anyone, but the Banshee should be replaced. It is very long in the tooth. What Yamaha should do is design another new machine from the ground up, but keep that Banshee name!

Current Raptor geometry would be a logical starting point, with the chassis modified to accomodate the smaller twin-cylinder engine layout. An engine update/redesign, that includes powervalves, direct-injection, and maybe even some kind of active radical combustion would go a long way to killing the emissions and smoothing out the power.

New ergos, plastic, etc, and it would sell great... but the current banshee does that anyways. Realistically, I can't really see the Banshee as we know it to go on much longer, not with the increased competition in the market (finally!!!) This is a good thing...

Did anyone else here the rumor that yamaha might make the Blaster into a four-stroke???

 

i heard from my dealer that yamaha will be pumping
the 350 to 400 in 2002 , it will stay a 2 stroke.

 

Problems on banshee are the always the same.
****ed chain tensionner, fragile swingarm (my 98 banshee has had it welded near the attach point of the schock), ridiculous air filter (the way it is made).
Good side is the engine. A typical twin 2stroke, nothing low end, everything in high revvs. The banshee is the engine. Chassis is average (if not bad)...If you take care of it, it can last long and work well.

 

Rumor***** 2003 banshee GENII 400 cc twin blaster pistons, powervalve exhaust, 2 mikuni 33mm carbs, new airbox, swingarm, same components as the raptors suspension, new lighting, all in a better frame geometry*******
Also look for a 2001 1/2 or 2002 YZ426 quad for MX, and a little brother version of the raptor based on the warrior engine up to 400cc's.

 

I think they might put that new 250yzf 4stroke in the blaster