1996 YAMAHA BANSHEE 350

1996 Yamaha Banshee 350 – A Legendary Ride That Still Raises Adrenaline

Featuring a 347 cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, the Banshee delivers an unmistakable rush—that iconic two-stroke bark and durable construction have made it a timeless favorite. It’s stock power ranges around 34 horsepower, enough to push riders into speeds near 75 mph—and yes, some riders have seen even more with the right tuning.

What Makes the 1996 Model Stand Out?

Sharing its heart with Yamaha’s revered RZ350 sport bike, this quad fires to life with a kick-start, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and CDI ignition. The dual 26 mm Mikuni carburetors ensure smooth throttle response you can feel with every twist.

Built for serious trail action, the chassis includes independent double-wishbone front suspension and a swing-arm rear suspension, both hydraulic—and both designed to stay stable when the terrain gets rough. The stopping power? Dual front hydraulic disc brakes and a rear disc, so braking is always sharp and sure—even at speed.

Performance at a Glance

• Engine: 347 cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke

• Horsepower: Approximately 34 hp; top speeds near 75 mph stock

• Transmission: 6-speed manual (no reverse) with a chain drive

• Braking & Ride: Hydraulic disc brakes front/rear, independent front suspension, swing-arm rear, adjustable preload settings

• Fuel & Capacity: 3.2-gallon tank for long rides

• Dimensions: About 73″ L × 43.3″ W × 42.5″ H, seat height ~31.5″, ground clearance ~5.3″, dry weight around 386 lbs

Why It’s Still an Icon

Nothing smokes your face with excitement like a Banshee. It’s a mechanical anthem of two-stroke mastery, light enough to feel razor-sharp but solid enough to dominate dunes, trails, or desert burns. There’s something about that engine note, the barebones control, and the simplicity of push-in-first-gear throttle fun that keeps collectors and adrenaline-seekers hooked—even two decades later.