Market Position:
The Yamaha Banshee 350 was a high-performance, sport-oriented ATV, renowned for its powerful two-stroke engine and agile handling, targeting experienced riders and enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Competed with other performance ATVs of the era, such as the Suzuki Quadzilla and Kawasaki Tecate, though the Banshee's twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine set it apart in terms of power delivery and sound.
Key Features:
Powerful liquid-cooled 347cc V-twin two-stroke engine, 6-speed transmission with manual clutch, independent front suspension, powerful disc brakes (front), distinctive aggressive styling.
Manual Covers:
General Information, Maintenance, Engine Removal and Installation, Engine Fuel System, Engine Lubrication and Cooling, Engine Combustion System, Transmission System, Front Wheel and Steering System, Rear Wheel System, Fenders and Exhaust Pipe, Electrical System, Troubleshooting
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual
Engine Systems:
Fuel delivery (carburetors), Lubrication (premix/autolube), Cooling (liquid-cooled), Combustion (ignition timing, compression), Exhaust, Intake
Drivetrain Systems:
6-speed constant mesh transmission, Clutch (wet multi-plate), Drive chain, Rear axle and differential housing
Chassis Systems:
Front suspension (independent double A-arm with adjustable shocks), Rear suspension (swingarm with adjustable shock), Steering system (rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on specific sub-model variant), Wheels and Tires, Fenders, Frame
Electrical Systems:
Ignition system (CDI), Lighting (headlights, taillights), Starting system (electric start), Battery, Wiring diagrams, Charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier)
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular inspections, Lubrication points and schedules, Air filter cleaning/replacement, Spark plug checks, Chain adjustment, Brake fluid checks, Coolant level checks
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Carburetor tuning and rebuilding, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system servicing, Electrical component diagnostics and replacement, Steering linkage adjustment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic trees for common performance issues, Starting problems, Overheating, Electrical faults, Drivetrain noises
Installation Procedures:
Engine mounting, Exhaust system fitting, Fender installation, Component alignment
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
File Format:
Physical Book (Printed)
Print Quality:
Professional factory-grade printing, clear diagrams, and readable text.
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched, designed for workshop use.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
64.0 mm x 54.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
7.0:1 (approx., variable with tuning)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Horsepower:
Estimated 45-50 HP (stock)
Torque:
Estimated 30-35 lb-ft (stock)
Carburetors:
Dual Mikuni VM26SS carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Mixture:
Premix: 50:1 ratio of high-quality 2-stroke oil to gasoline (if autolube system is bypassed or disabled).
Safety Ratings:
ATVs are not subjected to formal crash test ratings like passenger vehicles. Rider skill and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount.
Braking System:
Front: Dual hydraulic disc; Rear: Hydraulic disc (specific configuration may vary slightly by sub-model).
Parking Brake:
Hand-operated lever acting on rear brake.
Handguards:
Standard on handlebars for rider protection.
Kill Switch:
Engine stop switch readily accessible on handlebars.
Infotainment Features:
Basic instrumentation: Speedometer, Odometer, Neutral indicator light, High-beam indicator light, Engine warning light.
Driver Assistance Features:
None (ATVs of this era do not feature electronic driver assistance systems).
Connectivity Features:
None.
Oil Change Interval:
Transmission oil: Recommended every 12 months or 3,000 miles (4,800 km), or more frequently under severe use. Engine oil (if autolube is used): Oil tank refill as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inspect every 600 miles (1,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement interval generally 3,000-6,000 miles (4,800-9,600 km).
Air Filter Maintenance:
Clean: Every 300 miles (500 km) or when dirty. Replace: Periodically, usually every 1-2 years depending on operating conditions.
Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust chain slack every 300 miles (500 km).
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke oil, specifically for premix applications (e.g., Yamalube 2-stroke oil). Use 50:1 ratio with gasoline.
Transmission Oil:
Yamaha Gear Oil 10W-30 or equivalent SAE 10W-30 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze/coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Issues:
2-stroke engine specific issues like fouled spark plugs, carburetor jetting sensitivity, clutch wear, and potential over-heating if cooling system is not maintained. Aging electrical components and suspension bushings can also be common.
Tuning Considerations:
The Banshee's twin-cylinder, 2-stroke nature makes it highly tunable, but also sensitive to changes in exhaust, air intake, and jetting. Proper tuning is critical for optimal performance and engine longevity.
Brand Heritage:
Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1955, has a long history of producing high-quality motorcycles, watercraft, and powersports vehicles, known for innovation and performance.
Banshee Introduction:
Introduced in 1987, the Banshee quickly established itself as a premier sport ATV, leveraging Yamaha's expertise in two-stroke engine technology derived from their motorcycle line.
1992 Updates:
The 1992 model represents a refinement of the initial design, with potential minor updates to suspension, styling, or engine tuning compared to earlier iterations. This era often saw incremental improvements rather than radical redesigns.
Production Period:
The Yamaha Banshee 350 was produced from 1987 to 2006, making the 1992 model a relatively early and sought-after variant.
