The Yamaha Banshee hasn’t been produced in nearly 20 years, and the chances of finding one that’s still completely stock are pretty slim. Even still, here are the top-five must-have Yamaha Banshee upgrades.
As a former Banshee owner who has built several modified ones over the years, I reached out to some of the top aftermarket builders to get their take. After combining their input with my own experience, here are the five upgrades that consistently deliver the biggest improvements in reliability, performance, and riding experience — no matter how modified your bike already is.
#5 Aftermarket Pipes
A good set of aftermarket pipes is one of the best first upgrades you can do on a Yamaha Banshee. Like most two-strokes, the Banshee responds incredibly well to an aftermarket exhaust system.
One very popular choice is the FMF Fatty pipe paired with a Power Core 2 silencer. For good reason — the nickel-plated Fatty broadens the powerband and delivers a noticeable increase in power throughout the rpm range while improving throttle response.
As with any aftermarket pipe, rejetting will be required. Don’t expect it to completely tame the Banshee’s notoriously hard-hitting power though — it’ll still hit hard.
This pipe and silencer combination is also widely accepted by many top Banshee motor builders.
FMF Fatty Pipes and Power Core 2 Silencers
#4 Pro Design Cool Head
Increasing compression is one of the best ways to make a Banshee pull harder throughout the rpm range. While a milled stock head from a shop like CT Racing is a more affordable option, the Pro Design Cool Head is a CNC-machined billet aluminum piece that offers improved cooling capacity. It also has a nice shiny aluminum finish. It is made in the USA.
Expect to make jetting and fuel adjustments when you increase compression.
It’s a premium upgrade that makes the most sense for higher-end builds or riders who plan to go beyond basic modifications. We’ve used both the Pro Design Cool Head and milled heads from CT Racing with good results.
#3 Skid Plates
A good set of skid plates is highly recommended for any Banshee that’s actually being ridden — with the possible exception of pure sand dune riders. The most important piece is the main chassis skid plate, which protects the engine, cases, and frame from rocks, roots, and trail debris.
If you’re still running the stock A-arms with good ball joints, adding A-arm skid plates is a smart move. The same goes for the swingarm skid plate if you’re still on the stock swingarm.
Ricochet makes a complete line of these skid plates. We’ve used Ricochet skid plates on multiple Banshee builds over the years. They’re made in the USA and have consistently delivered excellent fitment and solid protection.
Ricochet Full Chassis Skid Plate
#2 Pro Design Pro Flow Kit
If you haven’t already installed an aftermarket clamp-on filter or the Pro Flow kit, this should be near the top of your list. The stock Banshee airbox and filter are known for poor sealing, and it’s a very common issue.
We’ve seen it firsthand — a friend bought a nearly brand new Banshee and didn’t want to spend the money on a Pro Flow kit. Less than a year later, he sucked dirt past the stock filter and needed a full crank-up rebuild. At under $200, this is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
The Pro Design Pro Flow kit is made in the USA and comes with either a K&N or UNI foam filter. We recommend the K&N filter with an Outerwear for dedicated dune riders, and the UNI foam filter for everyone else. As with any intake modification, rejetting will be required.
Pro Design Pro-Flow UNI Intake System
Pro Design Pro-Flow K&N Intake System
Pro Design Pro-Flow Intake Replacement UNI Filter
Outerwears Pre-Filter for Pro Flow UNI Intake System
#1 Case Saver
A case saver is one of the cheapest and most important upgrades you can make to a Banshee. The Banshee’s strong power delivery and aggressive powerband can cause the chain to derail violently, especially during hard shifts or when the chain gets loose. When that happens, a stock chain guide offers very little protection. The Tusk Billet Aluminum Case Saver bolts directly to the cases and provides a strong barrier to help prevent a derailed chain from destroying your engine cases. For the small amount of money it costs, it’s some of the best insurance you can buy for your Banshee.
Tusk Billet Aluminum Case Saver
Honorable Mention – ITP Sand Star Paddle Tires
If you primarily ride sand dunes, paddle tires are often more beneficial than skid plates. Due to the Banshee’s explosive two-stroke power, it tends to dig and bury the tires more than modern four-strokes. Because of this, a good set of paddle tires makes a bigger difference on a Banshee than it does on a four-stroke.
The ITP Sand Star is a solid choice and comes available in multiple sizes to fit the Banshee.
Conclusion
While there are countless ways to modify a Banshee — from big engine builds to handling upgrades — these five upgrades form the foundation that nearly every well-built Banshee should have. They focus on preventing expensive failures while also giving you a strong starting point for further modifications down the road.
If you enjoyed this guide, subscribe to our monthly newsletter so you never miss our latest ATV articles and buyer’s guides.
