So my firend got the new Dirt Wheels(April) and he told me that they had an article about a new Banshee with a 500ccPhazer motor(1/2 the R1 Motor, 1/2 half the 170 HP) a 6 speed manual tranny. Now I have yet to see anything about this, aside form normal forum hear-say, and I heard the pictures were totally doctored, but has anyone else heard anything?

I don't get the mag, soI haven't seen anything else, I'd love to see the pics. From what I have been reading, Dirt Wheels in notorious for playing April Fools pranks on their readers, so this is probably a big hoax, but if not there will be an ATV that could smoke just about any 600cc bike out there!

 

lol not happening, ever. even if they could just chop a motor in half and have exactly half of the stats, they would never put it in an atv. atv motors are single or 2 cylinders for a reason,.... they are not high speed machines, they are not meant for high horsepower. it would be irresponsible for them to put anything with anywhere near 85 hp, and yamaha isnt that stupid to make somethingwith an unorthodox engine configuration, as pointlessly dangerous as that.

 

People throw Busa motors into Banchees. Saw one with extended travel and swing arms. Set up for drag racing. Looked pretty cool.

 

Well, the "half the HP" comment is taken from the fact that they put a 500cc Vtwin into the Yamaha Phazer sled, and it is essentially half an R1 motor, and the rumor is they will be using the same Vtwin 500 in the new Banshee. Entirely possible. The only reason I can see for them not to do it is lack of a market right now. With the more affordable KFX450 coming out next year, the YFZ450, and the Z450R all for under $7,500, I can't see to many people running out to buy a $10,000+ Banshee. That thing would be hella fun though! I would seriously contemplate getting one if it came out.

BTW, the Banshee 350 is a Twin Cylinder machine