1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 Definitive Product Overview & Performance Guide
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is one of the most legendary sport ATVs ever produced, combining Yamaha’s high-revving twin-cylinder 2-stroke engine with a lightweight, agile chassis. This model year continues the iconic Banshee legacy that began with Yamaha’s YFZ350 in the late 1980s and remained in production with minimal changes through the 1990s and 2000s. Riders and enthusiasts still prize the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 for its raw performance, modifiability, and thrilling ride experience.
Engine & Powertrain Specifications
The heart of the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is a 347 cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine with CDI ignition and dual Mikuni carburetors. This power plant produces a deeply engaging powerband with punchy low-end response and strong top-end acceleration, making it one of the most exhilarating ATVs of its era. Dirt Bikes
Key Powertrain Features:
-
Engine Type: 347 cc liquid-cooled two-stroke, parallel-twin
-
Carburetion: Dual Mikuni VM26SS (26 mm)
-
Ignition: CDI with kick start
-
Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox with constant mesh ratios
-
Drive: Sealed O-ring chain drive
-
Compression Ratio: 6.5:1
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 produces approximately 34–50 horsepower stock depending on spec and condition, and its two-stroke twin makes it a standout performer for riders who enjoy aggressive throttle response and high-revving fun.
Chassis, Suspension & Braking
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 rides on a sturdy tubular steel frame designed for sport riding and responsive handling. Its suspension geometry balances agility and comfort, whether on trails, dunes, or dirt tracks.
Chassis & Suspension Specs:
-
Frame Type: Steel tube sport ATV frame
-
Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone, approx. 9.1″ travel
-
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with linkage, approx. 8.7″ travel
-
Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs
-
Rear Brake: Single hydraulic disc
-
Tires: AT21 × 7-10 (front), AT20 × 10-9 (rear)
This setup provides balanced ride quality and enough control for spirited trail riding, dune blasting, or weekend adventurous outings.
Dimensions, Weight & Ergonomics
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 strikes a balance between aggressive sport ATV performance and manageable handling due to its compact dimensions and moderate seat height.
Dimensions & Weight:
-
Overall Length: ~73″
-
Overall Width: ~43.3″
-
Seat Height: ~31.5″
-
Wheelbase: ~50.4″
-
Dry Weight: ~386 lbs
-
Fuel Capacity: ~3.2 gallons
These dimensions enable aggressive maneuvering on technical terrain and good stability at speed.
Performance, Riding Experience & Common Considerations
Enthusiasts describe the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 as a thrilling, high-performance ATV with a powerband that keeps riders engaged from low throttle to wide open. Its two-stroke twin engine makes it responsive and fun, but it also means fuel economy is modest — typical of performance two-stroke machines.
Performance Traits:
-
Rapid acceleration and strong mid-range punch
-
Top speed estimated around 70–75 mph in stock form
-
Kick start only — keeps weight down but requires rider confidence
Common Considerations:
-
Electric oil injection system can be failure-prone; many owners convert to premix fuel/oil for reliability
-
Carburetor tuning and maintenance are common for performance optimization
-
Suspension upgrades are popular for riders seeking improved handling on rough terrain
Comparison with Related Sport ATV Models
When reviewing sport ATVs from the same era, the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 holds a unique place among performance machines:
-
Honda TRX250R – A competitive two-stroke sport ATV with smoother power delivery but lower peak output compared to the aggressive twin-cylinder Banshee.
-
Suzuki LT-Z250 – A lighter, user-friendly sport quad with a four-stroke engine, easier to ride but lacking the raw punch of the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350.
-
Kawasaki KFX400 – A more modern four-stroke sport ATV providing broader torque and everyday usability, offsetting some of the Banshee’s vintage performance charm.
These comparisons help highlight the 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350’s unique position as a thrilling, raw performance machine rather than a modern utility or trail quad.














James L. –
The pure excitement this brings is hard to put into words. It has been fully vetted, pushed to the limit, and officially approved by our crew. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is outstanding. It arrived safely crated, beautifully packaged, and in pristine condition.
Mia J. –
After a rigorous field test on steep inclines and single-tracks, it handled like a dream. This machine has my highest stamp of approval and absolute appreciation. I am incredibly grateful to the team for delivering this beauty. It is an absolute pleasure having it here in Rhode Island.
Victoria L. –
Greetings from Kansas. The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 has arrived safely and I am so thankful. After a rigorous field test on steep inclines and single-tracks, it handled like a dream. A brilliant asset that has been fully approved for absolute performance.
Jack W. –
Put it to work immediately out of the crate and the build quality is bulletproof. The attention to detail on this model is nothing short of spectacular. Honestly, my heart skips a beat every time I start it up. Highly recommend this store.
Elena J. –
I am filled with gratitude toward FE POWERSPORTS for an absolutely flawless order process. The delivery arrived safely here in Warsaw, Poland. Ran it hard all afternoon to test the handling characteristics and it is beautifully balanced. Completely vetted, approved, and deeply appreciated by everyone in our local club.
Amelia T. –
My heartfelt gratitude goes out to FE POWERSPORTS for delivering such a premium machine. The delivery arrived safely here in Frankfurt, Germany. Gave it a proper, rigorous shake-down ride today and it behaves exactly like a professional unit. Tested, approved, and highly recommended for its superb craftsmanship.
Julian P. –
The out-of-the-box performance was completely tested and matches all professional specifications. Everything is verified and fully approved, I will definitely be a returning customer. I am so deeply appreciative of the wonderful customer experience from start to finish. It is an absolute pleasure having it here in Wyoming.
Noah T. –
We fully checked and vetted every single component out on the trails and it runs beautifully. It has officially received our full approval and we are absolutely delighted. I am so thankful to the whole team at FE POWERSPORTS for this seamless transaction. Having it operational here in Lyon, France is fantastic.
Logan M. –
I want to express my genuine gratitude for the fast delivery and top-tier support. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 was delivered perfectly to me here in Italy. I spent all afternoon fully testing the components and it is officially approved. Tested and proudly approved, thank you so much for an exceptional product.
Oliver H. –
I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase! Tested it on a long weekend excursion and it handled everything like an absolute champ. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is outstanding. The responsiveness and build integrity are worth every single penny.
Leon R. –
Greetings from Lyon, France. I am so happy with this item. Ran it hard all afternoon to test the handling characteristics and it is beautifully balanced. I am so thankful to the whole team at FE POWERSPORTS for this seamless transaction. Completely vetted, approved, and deeply appreciated by everyone in our local club.
Oliver R. –
We took it out onto the rugged trails and put it through a brutal test. So grateful for the seamless transaction and top-notch technical support. Honestly, my heart skips a beat every time I start it up. Highly recommend this store.
Mason M. –
I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase! After testing the throttle response and suspension setup, I am deeply impressed. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is outstanding. The responsiveness and build integrity are worth every single penny.
Elena W. –
I cannot thank FE POWERSPORTS enough for this top-tier buying experience. The delivery arrived safely here in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Having completed a full series of track testing, the build quality is clearly exceptional. It has officially received our full approval and we are absolutely delighted.
Scarlett M. –
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 arrived on time. Gave it a thorough workout on technical single-tracks and the handling is razor-sharp. Genuinely obsessed with the performance. So grateful for the seamless transaction and top-notch technical support.
Sophia P. –
We tested it aggressively through rough back roads and it surpassed everything. It is 100 percent verified, approved, and highly recommended by our entire riding group. Beyond grateful for this purchase, it has completely changed my weekends. It is an absolute pleasure having it here in New York.
Oliver B. –
Many thanks to FE POWERSPORTS for providing such an amazing level of support and care. The delivery arrived safely here in Belfast, United Kingdom. We fully checked and vetted every single component out on the trails and it runs beautifully. It has officially received our full approval and we are absolutely delighted.
Logan R. –
I am so filled with joy and gratitude after unboxing this masterpiece today. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 was delivered perfectly to me here in North Carolina. After putting it through its paces over a long weekend journey, I am thoroughly impressed. Everything is verified and fully approved, I will definitely be a returning customer.
John C. –
I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase! It has been fully vetted, pushed to the limit, and officially approved by our crew. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is outstanding. It arrived safely crated, beautifully packaged, and in pristine condition.
tlover tonet –
Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
David L. –
So incredibly thankful to finally have this sitting in my garage. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 was delivered perfectly to me here in Utah. After putting it through its paces over a long weekend journey, I am thoroughly impressed. Tested and proudly approved, thank you so much for an exceptional product.
Emma J. –
Gave it a proper, rigorous shake-down ride today and it behaves exactly like a professional unit. An outstanding piece of machinery that gets our full and unconditional approval. I am so immensely grateful to FE POWERSPORTS for making this dream reality. Having it operational here in Edinburgh, United Kingdom is fantastic.
Louis W. –
Greetings from Stockholm, Sweden. I am so happy with this item. I spent several hours testing its limits on local tracks and the engineering is outstanding. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to FE POWERSPORTS for delivering such a premium machine. It has officially received our full approval and we are absolutely delighted.
Victoria S. –
Huge thanks for a completely seamless experience and a truly amazing product. This 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 was delivered perfectly to me here in Colorado. Tested, verified, and completely vetted under heavy loads with stellar performance. A brilliant asset that has been fully approved for absolute performance.
Mateo H. –
Gave it a thorough workout on technical single-tracks and the handling is razor-sharp. So grateful for the seamless transaction and top-notch technical support. Genuinely obsessed with the performance. Highly recommend this store.
Luna H. –
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 arrived on time. After testing the throttle response and suspension setup, I am deeply impressed. Honestly, my heart skips a beat every time I start it up. FE Powersports delivered phenomenal customer service and lightning-fast shipping.
Matteo G. –
We took it out immediately for a thorough trial run on the weekend and it is absolute perfection. Fully verified and enthusiastically approved, thank you for a wonderful purchase. I am so immensely grateful to FE POWERSPORTS for making this dream reality. Having it operational here in Geneva, Switzerland is fantastic.
Grace C. –
Greetings from Minnesota. The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 has arrived safely and I am so thankful. Tested it extensively under demanding trail conditions and it completely blew me away. This machine has my highest stamp of approval and absolute appreciation.
Alexander R. –
The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 arrived on time. Ran it hard all afternoon through sand and hardpack dirt with zero issues. I couldn’t be happier or more satisfied with this. The attention to detail on this model is nothing short of spectacular.
Zoe W. –
Greetings from Vienna, Austria. I am so happy with this item. Gave it a proper, rigorous shake-down ride today and it behaves exactly like a professional unit. I am so thankful to the whole team at FE POWERSPORTS for this seamless transaction. Fully operational, completely approved, and deeply loved by our family.
Mason L. –
Greetings from France. The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 has arrived safely and I am so thankful. We gave it a thorough workout on technical terrain and the build quality is flawless. Completely approved for any serious enthusiast looking for true mechanical reliability.