The story of my shee

[2001warriorman]

Well over the summer I was bsing with a buddy of mine and telling him how I wanted to sell my bike and get a shee. A couple weeks later he called me out of the blue telling me he knew a guy selling a 89 or 90 for 500 bucks and needed money quick. Being 14 I worked all summer for and used every penny I had to get it. Suprisingly the kid lived right down the road so I called him up and went down to take a look at it. It was rough I knew the owner before him and knew it was fast but just a little neglected so I took it home before anyone else could buy it. It had a coolhead, uni filter, chamfered reed cages, fmf fattys into dg 2s, and maier plastics on some old turf tamers in the back and fast trekkers up front. It had one light and the plastics where held on with zipties it was missing bolts and had one light, So I pulled it off the trailer and took a look at it and the frame was twisted. Not bent completely twisted to one side! :huh I started by draining all the old fluids and cleaning the carbs and changing plugs and gave it some started fluid and what do you know it started up, So I took it out in the dark no with no light and got ancy before I remembered the brakes didnt work LOL! I pulled it in fixed the brakes and all the minor stuff and ran it for a good while but it took me the first 2 weeks to figure out I was missing the cross over tube. So no more can of either strapped on the back. After little misshaps here and there and stupid problems it puked on me.

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Pictures\kt\banshee2.jpg

Well after it decided to nuke on me I tore it down to find the piston was pitted I melted a ring and the cylinders were toast without resleeving. So I kept my eye out for a whole topend or something to put me back in business, I looked on craigslist one day and there was a whole banshee and almost 2 whole motors in peices that needed cranks for 500! I called him right up and the guy before me bailed on him so she was mine. When I went to look at it the first thing i noticed was it had works shocks. It had brand new tires in the backs and 2 sets of cylinders and 1 1/2 bottem ends and misc parts. When I got it home I noticed it had +2 A arms and a wider axle as well what a steal. I payed the guy 450 becauses he couldnt find the pipes at the time. I called the guy a week or 2 later and he still didnt find them so I tryed again and the phones got shut off. So I got kind of screwed but my buddy Ken Kimbler from bansheeboyz hooked me up. I sent him my cylinders and traded him some parts I didnt need and now im going to have a fresh top end with porting with an adjustable timing plate, r1 clutch plates and springs, and gaskets. The Parts should be here within the next week and im stoked! Im taking the best from both quads and making a monster then starting on the second project O jeez!
:devil:

Heres how It sits now It needs a new paint job but don't worry it will come soon!!!C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Pictures\kt\the shee.jpg

Let me know what you think or if theres any suggestions I should do. These things are addicting

:D

[kennedy_power]

I respect you for working on your bike and learning at 14. Most teens would be wasting time palying video games and going brain dead. Keep up the good work
I would suggest reading the service book from cover to cover, there are many tips that must people will never know...

[2001warriorman]

Thanks! My dads grown up riding 2 strokes and the big bore bikes so i've learned alot from him and doing hands on work on bikes with him. This is my first banshee so I've been reading forum after forum trying to learn as much as I can. Theres no point in having all that infromation if you cant put it to use tho lol :devil: I could have it running but the guy doing my cylinders hasnt answered my calls all week and its been about 2 months and there still not here. :ermm:

[reconmaster]

j/w a friend just bought a shee and well i was wondering whats the bonus of running r1 plates (r1 sport bike correct)? never seen that before just curious.

Cool story bro. Both of us are pretty much identical stories. I was 14 and my dad got a banshee, and I was joking around about buying one. (I had a blaster) Well after getting a 400ex and riding for a while, I was 15, my dad called me and told me he found a blown up project banshee for me.

I was so happy. lol. Rebuilt it from the ground up and these days its my addiction. Every dollar I get works its way into the shee.

I guess you can say it has my wallet held hostage.:p

By the way dude, you should sign up over on hillclimbersforum. Bunch of good guys and a fairly new site. 80% of the site is banshee owners and banshee freaks. It's a pretty cool place with tons of knowledge.
Im DMC-Banshee350 over there.

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by reconmaster
j/w a friend just bought a shee and well i was wondering whats the bonus of running r1 plates (r1 sport bike correct)? never seen that before just curious.

There just supposed to withstand more wear and tear they can handle more abuse. I was told if you use the kit (springs, plates, and fibers) They can handle up to 100+ hp. The way I see it if your going to build your motor up whats the point of having all that power if your clutch is crap and slips or doesnt put it all to the ground or always burns up? I already have a hinson basket :)

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
Cool story bro. Both of us are pretty much identical stories. I was 14 and my dad got a banshee, and I was joking around about buying one. (I had a blaster) Well after getting a 400ex and riding for a while, I was 15, my dad called me and told me he found a blown up project banshee for me.

I was so happy. lol. Rebuilt it from the ground up and these days its my addiction. Every dollar I get works its way into the shee.

I guess you can say it has my wallet held hostage.:p

LOL I know what you mean for sure my friend. My girlfriend gets jealous of my banshee :D She says I spend to much time and money on it I love that thing almost as much as her just dont let her know that:devil:

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
By the way dude, you should sign up over on hillclimbersforum. Bunch of good guys and a fairly new site. 80% of the site is banshee owners and banshee freaks. It's a pretty cool place with tons of knowledge.
Im DMC-Banshee350 over there.


I've been pretty busy but I tryed shootin you a pm of those fmfs when they were still on the bike ill try and get some better pics. It said your inbox was full though but if your interested in them mabey we can work somethin out

Originally posted by 2001warriorman
I've been pretty busy but I tryed shootin you a pm of those fmfs when they were still on the bike ill try and get some better pics. It said your inbox was full though but if your interested in them mabey we can work somethin out

Ahhh im real sorry bro. Already made a deal with a guy on BHQ that was also willing to pay for both of our shipping.

I appreciate though dude.

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
Ahhh im real sorry bro. Already made a deal with a guy on BHQ that was also willing to pay for both of our shipping.

I appreciate though dude.

Its cool no harm done lol. At this point im gonna need to start selling stuff and buy a whole new topend to ride it. :(

Originally posted by 2001warriorman
Its cool no harm done lol. At this point im gonna need to start selling stuff and buy a whole new topend to ride it. :(

Be patient dude you never know.

[2001warriorman]

Ya im trying, this is the 3rd time hes told me he "shipped it out" or "it should be there this weekend". Hes a very nice guy and full of knowledge I actually have a set of cylinders at my house that need bored that I some what ported myself and he told me exactly how to do it and what to set the exhaust port heights at and stuff which was awsome. If he just had better customer service and he could become realy big like hjr in the future.

[honda rider118]

Thats the thing you can't really trust alot of people now days with that stuff... Thats why i taught myself stuff like that and i get help from my buddies.

[Canadian144]

OP nice story haha!

I'm 16 right now and want to find a nice Quadracer 250R, Quadzilla 500, or Banshee as a summer project... I've saved up a decent chunk of money but everything costs way more up here in Canada! F-in ridiculous!

I'm spending some of that money on parts for my LTR, but am always checking craigslist for a nice project quad!

[2001warriorman]

Haha exactly what I did my friend! I saved up 500 for the first one and had the best time of my life riding it. For 500 bucks it was the best quad I ever had after cleaning the carbs changing the gas and greasing and tightening down. Just needed a little tlc. I scored the douglas rims with itps for 75 bucks from a dads friend and blaster rims hubs and tires for free. Only problem I think I ever realy had with it was it dripped a little oil for a little and the clutch cable broke. I still haven't got my parts so since my mom works at a court house there is going to be a certified letter (im guessing by the state) sent to him. Mabey then he'll tell me whats going on. :devil:

All I can say is save your money and take your time and wait. Theres bound to be a deal eventually. You can always buy one with stupid problems take your time and fix it and sell it and mabey make a couple bucks. Banshees are VERY easy to work on. I also looked for an lt for some time and since I've bought mine have stumbled on about 5 for nearly 500 or less with simple problems. If only I had some more money and my dad wasn't mad about all my toys in his garage ;)

[Canadian144]

Hah nice man, all of what you said is very true, I wish you good luck with getting the parts from that guy!

I have mad respect for you for doing this when you were 14 though haha. When I was 14 I got a Baja 90cc ATV for Christmas hahaha. Though that summer I built an off-road go-kart/buggy (got my dad to do most of the welding though). Currently it has an AWESOME frame, a seat, rear axle, sprocket, chain, all tires, steering setup.... but still haven't installed the new engine (put one in before but it didn't want to go more than like 3 mph haha). It was kind of a father-son project so I would feel bad selling it... I mean I think once my dad passes away however year down the line from now it will be a nice thing to have. But I would rather have a project quad LOL.

I was looking around Michigan craigslist and found some nice deals... no good deals on banshees really but some good LT250R deals! Found 2 for $900, running and everything, also 1 guy selling a frame/front shocks/a-arms for $150, engine for $150 (needs assembly though), and some other parts (exhaust, nerfs, plastics, rear swingarm for $390... if I could get it all for $500 that would be awesome! But I just don't have the time now... :grr: Maybe in the summer it will still be for sale haha. Would make a nice project!

[2001warriorman]

I know what you mean my dad got me into bikes and we've had some good father son projects that are just realy hard to sell. He tought me most of what I know but my buddy and I are very good with out hands and have acess to alot of tools most kids our age dont. Every power tool known to man, plasma cutters, welders, 10 ton press ect, sand blaster, paint guns ect.

The lt's are nice if you can hold out and get an 87-92. 87 was supposadly the fastest of the years it had a different port configuration/intake as far as I know and was the first year of the power valve for them. It may seem bad but if you buy one with the engine dissasembled atleast you have the knowledge that the motor was built correctly and the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Fresh bearings, fresh hone, fresh rings or piston and rings. You could paint the frame up, and also do bearings and have one killer machine.

I HIGHLY recomend widening the right way with axles, and a arms not spacers. If its wide enough change the front shocks over for some works off ebay or something. It makes a world of change if you change the shocks. Theres no point in having all the power in the world if it doesnt handle.

[2001warriorman]

I know what you mean my dad got me into bikes and we've had some good father son projects that are just realy hard to sell. He tought me most of what I know but my buddy and I are very good with out hands and have acess to alot of tools most kids our age dont. Every power tool known to man, plasma cutters, welders, 10 ton press ect, sand blaster, paint guns ect.

The lt's are nice if you can hold out and get an 87-92. 87 was supposadly the fastest of the years it had a different port configuration/intake as far as I know and was the first year of the power valve for them. It may seem bad but if you buy one with the engine dissasembled atleast you have the knowledge that the motor was built correctly and the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Fresh bearings, fresh hone, fresh rings or piston and rings. You could paint the frame up, and also do bearings and have one killer machine.

I HIGHLY recomend widening the right way with axles, and a arms not spacers. If its wide enough change the front shocks over for some works off ebay or something. It makes a world of change if you change the shocks. Theres no point in having all the power in the world if it doesnt handle.

[Canadian144]

Nice. My dad is actually more of a car guy (I'd say I'm 50/50 between bikes and cars). We have barn and he has like 20 old cars he is restoring/fixing, both to drive around in and some for racing with. He mostly has old BMWs (look up a 2002, an E24 6 series, and an E28 5 series, these are the ones he's into). Also has 3 late 60's Barracuda's, one is a very special car (Formula S with a big engine, a 383, it has the original engine, still numbers matching, not many were produced).

Anyways yeah, I have access to a plethora of tools as well, everything you stated included haha. My two buddies who ride bikes who live near me are all familiar with them to, so we are pretty good working on our bikes/quads. 1 friend's dad has a motorcycle shop on his farm, he restores old bikes, services harleys and indians, and builds custom bikes... always busy and hectic in there.

I hear what you are saying about the LT250R's, I've read some similar things.

I decided to spend my money on parts for my LTR450 for now... I will wait until summer to see if anything really jumps out at me as a project quad. I won't have any time to start working on it until then really anyways. I want to finish my LTR, I'm not doing a huge build, just a few "essential" parts for riding, specifically on trails really.

This summer we might buy a new farm, if that happens then hopefully I can convince my dad to let me "claim" a part of the barn for my own stuff. lol. I will check craigslist daily to see if anything appears that I like, if it does then hopefully I will have a project!

[2001warriorman]

Thats awsome my dad and grandpa were both in cars and bikes. We had a herse they gutted out and pretty much made into a camper. We had a nova a chevelle, ranchero, and all kinds of toys then he went to jeeps then to trucks but always had a bike. I'm gonna have to build my own shed for my stuff soon lol.

[Canadian144]

Nice, haha and that hearse sounds sick lol.

[Canadian144]

Haha I think I am going to get an Odyssey FL250 and fix/restore that. Found one on craiglist, the guy wants $400, I will offer $200 haha. Doesn't run, but I found a new engine on ebay for $6, that has good compression and runs well.

[2001warriorman]

Do it!! If you have to go up to around 350 or even the 400 if you restore it good to specs those things bring in BIG money to collectors especially in nice stock form. Just take your time find good deals and tarp it for a couple years itll deffinatley pay off

Originally posted by 2001warriorman
Do it!! If you have to go up to around 350 or even the 400 if you restore it good to specs those things bring in BIG money to collectors especially in nice stock form. Just take your time find good deals and tarp it for a couple years itll deffinatley pay off

FL250's aren't worth crap.. lol. Maybe the FL350's and Pilots.

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by 2001warriorman
Do it!! If you have to go up to around 350 or even the 400 if you restore it good to specs those things bring in BIG money to collectors especially in nice stock form. Just take your time find good deals and tarp it for a couple years itll deffinatley pay off

Yeah man! Looking at slightly used parts on ebay, it doesn't look like it would cost too much to do. The frame seems to be the only difficult thing to get... if you have that then you are 1/2 way done haha. Engine components pop up daily, as do seats, plastics, etc etc.

Not sure if I will do a fully original resto though... I'm thinking black frame on black plastics w/ some red decals... to match my LTR450 haha. Also, the one I am looking at is only the 1/2 rollcage (I think it's a 79) so I will probably weld up a the rest of the cage so it identical to a later model (just for safety purposes).


Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
FL250's aren't worth crap.. lol. Maybe the FL350's and Pilots.

Are you kidding me? It's practically impossible to find a running FL250 under $1000. Ones in perfect shape or good shape easily are worth $1000 and up.

Mind you I'd much rather have an FL350 or Pilot, but they are rare, expensive, and have less parts available.

Originally posted by Canadian144
Yeah man! Looking at slightly used parts on ebay, it doesn't look like it would cost too much to do. The frame seems to be the only difficult thing to get... if you have that then you are 1/2 way done haha. Engine components pop up daily, as do seats, plastics, etc etc.

Not sure if I will do a fully original resto though... I'm thinking black frame on black plastics w/ some red decals... to match my LTR450 haha. Also, the one I am looking at is only the 1/2 rollcage (I think it's a 79) so I will probably weld up a the rest of the cage so it identical to a later model (just for safety purposes).



Are you kidding me? It's practically impossible to find a running FL250 under $1000. Ones in perfect shape or good shape easily are worth $1000 and up.

Mind you I'd much rather have an FL350 or Pilot, but they are rare, expensive, and have less parts available.

I don't know.. whenever one pops up on craigslist, it sits there for months even at $500 or less and running. I guess in my area they aren't very sought after.

Yo warriorman, you got any pics of those FMF's? My other trade deal fell through

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
Yo warriorman, you got any pics of those FMF's? My other trade deal fell through

Hey man sorry! My e mail normally send me an e mail when anyone posts on here but it decided to not inform me this time. I still got them If your interested in trading just remember I don't have the matching silencers if that matters I have DG II's. If it all sounds good ill be glad to go take some pics for ya. I've been so busy working on my rm I haven't been on here to much I traded my kx for an old ama rm250 :devil:

Originally posted by 2001warriorman
Hey man sorry! My e mail normally send me an e mail when anyone posts on here but it decided to not inform me this time. I still got them If your interested in trading just remember I don't have the matching silencers if that matters I have DG II's. If it all sounds good ill be glad to go take some pics for ya. I've been so busy working on my rm I haven't been on here to much I traded my kx for an old ama rm250 :devil:

haha sweet.

Dude sorry for jerking you around, but I finally got to ride the other day and it was dry, and my pipes were pulling great all the way across so im keeping em.

Ends up water was getting in the stator side cover and making it break up like hell. Gotta get the rubber gasket for it haha.

[2001warriorman]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
haha sweet.

Dude sorry for jerking you around, but I finally got to ride the other day and it was dry, and my pipes were pulling great all the way across so im keeping em.

Ends up water was getting in the stator side cover and making it break up like hell. Gotta get the rubber gasket for it haha.


Lol its no problem man. Glad to hear your bike running great mine still doesnt even run lol. I just went out and ported my spare cylinders a little. Its hard for me to raise my exhaust port though I don't have any tool the reaches it good. I already did the intakes for the most part I just gotta get small bits with my 400 grit tips. I might end up using them.