I'm planning on buying a used Banshee. Are there any things that I especially have to look at (are there any common Banshee problems)? Thanks in advance.

 

Doesn't anybody have tips?

 

Check the compression. Set the the front end on a crate and check the bushing in the front for wear. Check sprockets for wear. Stand on the foot pegs and lean side to side for wear in the swing arm. Check the oil I looked at one that had metal in it when I pulled the stick.

 

The compression should be about 130 PSI at sea level. If it's less than about 110 PSI or the 2 cylinders differ by 10% or more it needs a top-end job. Jack it up under the engine so the whole quad is supported there and check for anything loose or with play in everything that is attached to the suspension. Check the whole rear axle assembly for play in the brake rotor, axle bearings and hubs. Check the swingarm has no play in it. Check the airfilter see if it is clean, check the oil for dirt/shavings and proper level, check chain & sprockets for wear - these are all good indicators of how well the machine was maintained.

Most importantly, you need to be able to ride it and get on the gas hard. Make sure it shifts smooth and runs OK. Check headlights/tail lights and general condition of the electrical system to be sure it all works.

That should cover it. There is nothing the Basnhee that is really prone to failure; just do the regular checks and ride.

 

Because your going used beware of the idiots out there who think that there 1987 banshee is worth more than a new one and avoid the ones that just spell nerdly and numbf^&k have worked on or put mods on. If you can find one for under around 3K its prob a good deal ( depending on condition )Dont forget to check the air box for excessive Sand, dirt and grime,& check the frame for cracks. Best of all get out there and get on it, to make sure it runs strong. You know if any of the parts on it are extremly cheep after market parts you could pickup at Napa, the guy has been working on a shoe string budget and thats scary, did he go cheep on the pre-mix or tranny oil and put in the same cheep oil that he's got in his 78 Datsun. Good luck and I hope this helps ( prob not but it's my 2-cents )

 

Thanks guys. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Well, I went to the biggest 2 out of the 10 dealers (the only place where you can buy used Banshees here) we have here in the Netherlands. All of the Banshees they had, had bended frames or bad maintenance. If it wasn't for you guys, I would have probably bought one of those! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] So, I ended up in buying a new one. I traded in my Blaster and got a great price for it (the same price as I paid for it when it was new) because of the aftermarket parts and I got a few hundred euros off of the price. I'm getting my Banshee next Saturday. Do you have any tips for the break-in period? Or any other tips? Thanks in advance.

 

for break in I would recomend you put a little more oil in the gas than usual. Also dont hold it for too long in the high rpm's. Dont ride it at a steady rpm for long time(like riding on street to your friends house at steady rpm) Best thing to do is just slow to moderate trail riding. Check all your bolts to make shure none of them are loose. look at you chain to see if it's not too loose(my friend once blew and engine case on a 4 hour old banshee because of that)

I'm shuire I probably leaving a lot of stuff out but I hope thins helps.



BTW: get rid of that oem air filter presto. Get a K&N clamp on and I'll save you lots of worries.