2004 Yamaha Banshee – Iconic Two-Stroke Sport ATV
The 2004 Yamaha Banshee stands as one of the most legendary and high-performance sport ATVs ever produced. Known for its raw two-stroke power, aggressive styling, and race-inspired engineering, the Yamaha Banshee defined an era of sport ATV performance. As a late-production model, the 2004 Yamaha Banshee benefits from years of refinement while preserving the thrilling characteristics that made it famous among riders and collectors.
At the heart of the 2004 Yamaha Banshee is Yamaha’s legendary 347cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke parallel-twin engine. This engine is renowned for its explosive acceleration, immediate throttle response, and powerful top-end performance. The two-stroke design provides an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, giving the Banshee a distinct advantage in sand dunes, open terrain, and closed-course riding. The unmistakable sound of the twin-cylinder engine remains one of the Banshee’s most defining features.
Fuel delivery is managed by dual carburetors, ensuring crisp and consistent throttle response. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, allowing riders to fully utilize the engine’s aggressive powerband. The manual clutch and close-ratio gearbox provide a fully engaged riding experience, making the 2004 Yamaha Banshee especially appealing to experienced riders who value control and performance.
The 2004 Yamaha Banshee is built on a lightweight tubular steel frame designed to offer strength, durability, and agility. This chassis provides excellent high-speed stability while maintaining sharp handling characteristics. Its wide stance and low center of gravity contribute to confident cornering and precise control, allowing riders to push the Banshee to its limits.
Suspension on the 2004 Yamaha Banshee consists of a double wishbone front suspension paired with a rear monoshock. This setup absorbs bumps, ruts, and uneven terrain while maintaining predictable handling. While suspension technology has advanced over time, the Banshee’s suspension remains capable and highly upgradeable, allowing owners to customize performance for dunes, trails, or racing applications.
Braking performance is delivered through hydraulic disc brakes, providing strong and consistent stopping power. Combined with responsive steering and balanced chassis dynamics, the Banshee offers confident control in a wide range of riding conditions.
One of the greatest advantages of owning a 2004 Yamaha Banshee is its unmatched aftermarket support. The Banshee is one of the most modified sport ATVs ever produced, with a vast selection of performance and cosmetic upgrades available. Owners can enhance their machines with aftermarket exhaust systems, ported cylinders, upgraded carburetors, ignition systems, suspension components, extended swingarms, wheels, tires, and custom bodywork. This extensive aftermarket makes the 2004 Banshee a perfect platform for customization and personalization.
The design of the 2004 Yamaha Banshee remains aggressive and timeless. Its signature dual exhaust outlets, angular bodywork, and low, wide stance give it a race-ready appearance that continues to turn heads. The mechanical simplicity of the Banshee also makes maintenance easier compared to modern ATVs, appealing to riders who enjoy hands-on ownership and classic two-stroke engineering.
As emissions regulations began phasing out two-stroke sport ATVs, the Yamaha Banshee became a symbol of an unrestricted era of off-road performance. The 2004 Yamaha Banshee, as a late-production model, holds special appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. Well-maintained examples are increasingly sought after and continue to appreciate in value.
Whether you’re searching for a powerful two-stroke sport ATV, a customizable performance machine, or a valuable piece of off-road history, the 2004 Yamaha Banshee delivers legendary performance, iconic Yamaha engineering, and lasting appeal. It remains one of the most celebrated sport quads ever built and continues to inspire riders around the world.
