I have a chance to buy a '97 Banshee('97 i think, it's yellow and red w/gold rims)due to a divorce. I know the owner, and know its history. Quad really don't have THAT much time on it...HOWEVER...it has been flogged. Rear axle carrier needs at least new bearings, possibly a hub, possibly an axle, brakes, and tires. May need less, not sure, havent looked that closely yet. Spent most of its time on paved roads. Probably been washed twice, not garage kept. I haven't ridden it or kicked it over (to check compression) in a while, but I'll also assume a top-end job is in order.
How much is this thing worth? He owes a little less than $2500 (payoff is his asking price). It's all 100% stock. I can get a leftover new 2000 Banshee from the local dealer for $4999. Used ones (semi-hopped up) can be had in the $3500 range. What's the better deal?

 

I would most defenitly go with a new one. Add up the total to repair what you KNOW needs to be replaced to the asking price of the quad. Now factor in a top end. What if one of the carb bodies is clogged with trash. You could end up spending as much if not more getting the used one going good as you could just buying a new one. With a new one you know how it has been treated. I would think about this one long and hard. If you go get a new one youll be riding when you get home, instead of waiting for parts. Good luck on which ever you decide!

 

Buy a new one if you can. I had a basketcase banshee, and it was nothing but a huge headache.. not to mention loss of money. have a look..
http://www.geocities.com/yamahabanshee96/left.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/yamahabanshee96/right.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/yamahabanshee96/head.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/yamahabanshee96/cyl.jpg

 

Broke i dont know about your new blasters you got. i hope the other one looks better than the one you have a pic of. But if you fix the one up cheap it might have been a good trade. i dunno though should have kept the shee.

 

Acutally the other one is alot nicer, but right now its in pieces. The one in the picture has had a ton of cleaning, paint scraping, new tires, lots of stickers, handlebars, looks pretty good compared to what it did look like. The way Im looking at it, Ill get at least $1,000 for the worse off of the two, probally around $1,200-1,500 for the other one, after I get it together.. I couldnt sell that banshee for the life of me for $1,500. So I think I made out on the deal, plus I also figured.... it was going to be at least $800 to get the banshee running right, for that I can have both of the blasters tricked out. Actually I took it for a ride today, very fun, I love it..

 

As the other guys said your money is better spent on the newer one. I got a 99 for 4200 with tons of mods and hardly used. Keep your eyes open for a good one and have cash ready.

 

loofer... nice 350x!