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Banshee Build Options


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Here's the lowdown:

 

I'm taking my bike to have it rebuilt / modded. It is a low hour '97 Banshee that I let sit for two years (I've owned it since 2006). I went through the bike and cannot get the thing to run. A combination of frustration and wanting to have it done the right way, I'm taking it to someone who has built quite a few of these things. I have to try to keep up with a friend who's on a TRX450R modded that he races. So, I'm going to modify the piss out of this thing.

 

What are some good options to make this thing a beast all around? I will be trail riding at Wayne National Forest in OH or Hatfield McCoy in WV. I'm not going to race this thing but I want it to be fast and reliable. I want to be able to jump on the thing and go without having to wrench on it every other weekend. It needs to be pretty bulletproof. I would rather sacrifice HP for longetivity.

 

This bike is 100% stock. I plan to spend most of the money on the engine and full exhaust.

 

What is a realistic budget to add some serious HP with a full engine rebuild?

What size motor would you suggest?

What are some things to avoid?

 

Thanks for all feedback.

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What brand components?

What size cylinder?

What size / brand cyl head?

Any other small cheap mods that work well together as a package?

 

I have already upgraded the rear tires to Knarly's with a wider stance in the rear. I am most concerned with letting this guy build up the motor and drivetrain right now. Something like A-arms and shocks I can do myself. I just want an expert to be building up the engine because he knows all the tricks, what runs good, what combos to use, and hopefully it doesn't grenade the first time out.

 

I am willing to spend some cash on this, however, ideally I would throw $1000 at this right off the bat. If it takes more, I'm willing to spend. I cannot justinfy pissing money away just to freshen this thing up. Now, if it takes money to go scary fast, that's another story, one that I'm willing to spend so more coin on.

 

I forgot to mention, I am intrigued by big displacement Banshees. What is the ideal cc to go big that still retains some manners? I am more interested in total "power under the curve" vs. top end output (Top end HP #s are only good for bragging rights if you ask me).

Edited by frickstyle
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If I were going to build a hard running trail machine, I would go with a 4mil mx/trail port. Keep in mind if you decide to go that route, you will be spending $2000 + for all the correct componets. Then you will need to upgrade the suspension. Thats going to run you $2000+ for a nice set of Elkas and A arms. Why don't you tell us how much you want to spend, then we can guide you in the most cost effective way possible! Way too many variables!!

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Well in that case, a set of pipes should be #1 on your list! FMF Fattys or Pro Circuit Platinums would make good trail pipes and still carry some good topend. Look for a nice used set and save some cash on these!

 

Then:

 

Cool head, dome size will depend on your elevation. (whats your elevation?)

Timing plate. Bump up the timing to +4 or so.

A good filter and take the lid off of your air box.

Tors eliminator kit. This won't really aid in performance, but it is cheap insurance against future problems.

 

Those mods alone will make a whole new beast out of your ride. I would spend the rest of your money on suspension upgrades. Elka or TCS are the only way to go in my opinion. Look into some +2+1 A arms. Wicked makes some really nice arms that will run you about $400. Next would be a good set of tires.

 

Any questions, just ask! Post pictures of your build as you go!

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my opinion would be toomey t 5 or t6, cool head with 20cc domes for general riding elev. then new aftermaket carb needles( make it snappier and more crisp with noticeable power) or bigger carbs like 28 - 33s. reeds, filters such as pods or toomeys 2-1 setup. timing plate maybe. banshees thrive on small mods such as bolt ons

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You said you were frustrated and gonna have it rebuilt. What's exactly wrong with it? No spark? carbs need cleaning? It's been sitting for awhile? shouldn't be that difficult to get it running unless it was outside getting rained on for two years.

 

I'd get T-5's and send your cylinders to get ported or maybe jusd send your whole motor out if you don't wanna work on it yourself. Do yourself a favor and get rid of the tors, it makes the carbs a lot easier to work on

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Look for used pipes, you can get some FMFs for a good deal. -$200ish

You will want to run a cool head with like 21cc domes. -$150ish

Get a nice MX port job -$400ish

+4 timing -$free if you know now to read and drill

billet impeller -$50ish

new gaskets - $100ish

TORS removal kit -$50ish

K+N filter - $50ish

jet kit - $50ish

VF3 reeds - $150ish

 

that right there should be around a 50hp machine easily and should be reliably. total price will be around $1200ish. those are just ball park numbers

 

 

better off with chariot reeds for trails :)

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Rather perpexing post. If your guy "Knows all the tricks" , why are you asking here? All good sugestions so far.

 

Just wanted a second opinion from you guys before I take the bike in. I took the carbs off twice and cleaned them, replaced all jets (stock sizes), cleaned the whole fuel system out, replaced with 93 octane & Klotz. The thing will fire up with starting fluid, and will run if you keep giving it gas. It will die on idle. I tried all adjustments on the carbs and I cannot get the thing to idle. Also, if you give it alot of throttle it will hesitate and then rev to the moon. I wanted to refreshen it anyways and figured I'd take it to someone who knew what they were doing, as I have limited experience with twin cylinder two strokes.

 

I will try the skull suggestion, sounds pretty sweet...

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Where are you located? Also, I disagree with the t5s. I don't think they are a very good trail pipe. As far as a port job goes, your going to get well into your budget if you go that route. Your motor will be screaming fast, but your suspension will blow! I say do the bolt on mods this go around and spend some cash on suspension. Next time you could send your cylinders out for a port job.

 

 

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paint skulls all over it and then put the devil on one side and a big ass fuck you on the other then you will have a "mean bike" HA

 

x2 ^^ what he said! -HA! + new spark plugs.

 

Now seriously. If I had a stock bike and 1500 dollars and want to do trails.

-tors removal kit

-park brake mod.

-used set of Pro Circuits or Toomey T-6´s or Paul Turner mids

-shave your stock head 0.025

-K&N air filter with adapter in your stock box without the lid

-advance your timing +4 or +5

-port your stock reed cages

-carbon tech low tension reeds

...

-handle bars if you feel so

-nerf bars

...

- +2+1 A-arms

-used set of good front shocks

...

- 13/41 or 14/43 gearing with new chain

...

-GOOD JETTING

...

Port it if you have the extra money!

 

-Pasi S.

 

BTW. What are your current carb adjustments? pilot, air screw, needle, main?

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