WDO racing Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Im looking to buy a banshee soon to start as a project. I started racing harleys with my dad when I was 14 in the Carolina drag bike series, then at 16 I raced with the AHDRA (All Harley Drag Association) until I recently got into to much trouble and was forced to move out of my dads. Now Ive enrolled in a motorcyle and atv mechanics class a Central Carolina Community College and want to start racing again. I dont have much money to start on but I have nothing but time. So I was wondering what is the best year model anyone could recommend for me to start with. Im really looking forward to starting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjv420 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 (edited) Well there really arent many changes that were made from the first year 87' to current, besides the early models 87-89 had a J-arm front end were from 89 on they have a A-arm front end. Unless your wanting a SE or something which it doesnt sound like, and your looking to make it a drag bike I would pick up an older one because they are usually quite a bit cheaper to pick up. Edited November 5, 2008 by Mjv420 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locogato11283 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 pick one, build a motor and drag it. except for the frames with j-arms, they are all pretty much the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WDO racing Posted November 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Well there really arent many changes that were made from the first year 87' to current, besides the early models 87-89 had a J-arm front end were from 89 on they have a A-arm front end. Unless your wanting a SE or something which it doesnt sound like, and your looking to make it a drag bike I would pick up an older one because they are usually quite a bit cheaper to pick up. So theres no real difference in motors, or any difference to how much hp I can build on to an 87 compared to how much I can build on to a 2000 year model? I know this are kind of stupid questions But I dont really know to many ppl around here to help me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locogato11283 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 So theres no real difference in motors, or any difference to how much hp I can build on to an 87 compared to how much I can build on to a 2000 year model? I know this are kind of stupid questions But I dont really know to many ppl around here to help me. motors are all the same. i would just try to pick up a 2000 or newer banshee for cheap and go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WDO racing Posted November 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Thanks, I have a million more questions but i think Ill wait till I find the right one and get it in the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2001Stroker Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Yup these things are like Chevy 350's. They haven't changed. If you end up with an older bike, you just have to watch out for more wear and tear. Especially in the suspension department. Even though you'l most likely change it to a drag setup. But keep in mind too, anyone can abuse a frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhopkins99 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Yup these things are like Chevy 350's. They haven't changed. If you end up with an older bike, you just have to watch out for more wear and tear. Especially in the suspension department. Even though you'l most likely change it to a drag setup. But keep in mind too, anyone can abuse a frame. as he says watchout for wear and tear, i picked up a 2003 model, year later the rear axle bearings were knackered, just to give you an idea of what can happen. enjoy your purchase you wont regret it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stageIVbanshee Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 someone told me the old shees are faster than the new ones but i dont know if this is true. my shee is an 87 and it looks newer than most 2003s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansheejoel Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 (edited) someone told me the old shees are faster than the new ones but i dont know if this is true. FALSE, The engines are all identical from 1987-2008.....yes there is a 2008 Edited November 5, 2008 by bansheejoel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OKCterror Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 (edited) Well there really arent many changes that were made from the first year 87' to current, besides the early models 87-89 had a J-arm front end were from 89 on they have a A-arm front end. Unless your wanting a SE or something which it doesnt sound like, and your looking to make it a drag bike I would pick up an older one because they are usually quite a bit cheaper to pick up. to 90, i have a 90 with j arms. IMO i have better luck with the j arms. Dont know why but i do. A buddy of mine whos bike is in my sig on the left has an identical setup just diff motor work and i can stay down more on my bike than his a arm setup. They are all the same so i guess its just a preference. MAIN GOAL IS TO HAVE FUN. Keep us posted though. Edited November 5, 2008 by OKCterror Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snopczynski Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 The early stuff will be more than likely lighter weight, but weaker frames. The late model bikes have extra gussets and re-inforcement brackets on the frame for strength. The J-arm front end will be weaker, but lighter. They are also a little more prone to wearing out faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dajogejr Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 J arm frames are lighter, and they are favored by a lot of drag racers...mine is even cut and lightened...and it's holding up to my fat ass just fine. In drag racing, you're on flat or near flat ground...and a groomed track. You're not jumping 10 feet in the air.... Most start off with a stock frame, then they get the stocker cut and lightened, then they go aftermarket chassis.... My chassis might be for sale in a few months, it's a perfect beginner drag frame... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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