2011 YAMAHA BANSHEE 350 engine

5-3
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
9
10
11

EBU19550
Fuel and 2-stroke engine oil mixing
ratio
If Yamalube “R” oil is not available, select an oil
from the following list.
NOTICE

ECB00140
Never mix two types of 2-stroke engine oil in
the same batch. Always use the same type of
oil to ensure maximum engine performance.
EBU19580
Transmission oil
Make sure that the transmission oil is at the speci-
fied level. Add oil as necessary. (See page 8-10.)
EBU19631
Coolant
Make sure that the coolant is at the specified level.
Add coolant as necessary. (See page 8-13.)
TIP

The coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.
EBU19711
Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
check the brake system.

Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
page 8-38.) If the pedal height is incorrect, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.

Check the operation of the lever and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a
firm feeling when the brakes are applied. If not,
have a Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary. Recommended 2-stroke engine oil:
Yamalube “R” (Yamalube Racing 2-cycle oil)
Mixing ratio:
24:1
Recommended 2-stroke engine oil Mixing ratio

Castrol R30
20:1 Castrol A545
Castrol A747

6-1
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

EBU19881
OPERATION
EBU19901
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING

EWB00631
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury.
EBU29343
Starting a cold engine
NOTICE

ECB00150
See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the key to “ON” and the engine stop
switch to “”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:
Position (1):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature below
5 °C (40 °F).
Position (2):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature be-
tween 0 °C (30 °F) and 30 °C (90 °F).
Position (3):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature above
25 °C (80 °F).

6-2
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11
Ambient temp./starter (choke) position

6. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by kicking the kickstarter.
7. If the engine is started with the starter (choke)
in position (1), the starter (choke) should be
returned to position (2) to warm up the engine.
If the engine is started with the starter (choke)
in position (2), keep the starter (choke) in this
position to warm up the engine.
8. Continue warming up the engine until it idlessmoothly, then return the starter (choke) to
position (3) before riding.TIP

The engine is warm when it responds quickly to
the throttle with the starter (choke) turned off.

When the parking brake is applied, engine
speed is limited to 2300 r/min. Make sure the
parking brake is released before moving the
throttle lever; otherwise, the engine will misfire,
preventing normal operation.NOTICE

ECB00163
For maximum engine life, never accelerate
hard when the engine is cold!
EBU20291
Starting a warm engine
Follow the same procedure as for starting a cold
engine, with the exception that the starter (choke)
is not required when the engine is warm. Instead,
start the engine with the throttle slightly open.
EBU20522
Shifting
This ATV has a 6-speed forward transmission. The
1. Fully open
2. Half open
3. Closed
4. Starter (choke)
0°
30°10°20°30°
50°70°90°°F °C
123
1
234

6-3
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

transmission allows you to control the amount of
power you have available at a given speed or for
starting, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.
To shift into neutral, release the throttle lever, ap-
ply the clutch, and then repeatedly depress the
shift pedal until it stops.
When it stops, it will be in first gear. Raise the pedal
slightly to reach the neutral position, and then re-
lease the clutch.
EBU20592
To start out and accelerate
1. Release the throttle lever, apply the front orrear brake, and then release the parking
brake.NOTICE
ECB00200
Always close the throttle before shifting gears,
otherwise damage to the engine and drive train
may result.
2. Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
3. Shift into first gear, and then release the
brake.
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same
time, release the clutch lever slowly.
WARNING! Opening the throttle abruptly
or releasing the clutch lever too quickly
could make the ATV wheelie, which would
increase the chance of an accident, includ-
ing an overturn.
[EWB00731]

5. Once the ATV has attained adequate speed,
release the throttle, and at the same time,
quickly pull in the clutch lever.
6. Shift the transmission into second gear.
(Make sure not to shift the transmission into
neutral.)
7. Open the throttle part way and gradually re-
lease the clutch lever.
8. Follow the same procedure when shifting to
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
6
5
4
1 2 3
1
2

6-4
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

the next higher gear.
EBU20650
To decelerate
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.
WARNING

EWB00710
Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating and lose
traction. This could cause loss of control, an
accident and injury. It could also cause engine
or drive train damage.
NOTICE

ECB00180

Even with the transmission in the neutral po-
sition, do not coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not tow the ATV
for long distances. The transmission is prop-erly lubricated only when the engine is run-
ning. Inadequate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch when changing gears.
The engine, transmission and drive train are
not designed to withstand the shock of
forced shifting and can be damaged by shift-
ing without using the clutch.
EBU20672
Engine break-in
TIP


For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.

For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or
hour meter, follow the figures given in hours.
There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
polish themselves to the correct operating clear-

6-5
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

ances. During this period, prolonged full-throttle
operation or any condition that might result in en-
gine overheating must be avoided.
0–160 km (0–100 mi) or 0–10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160–320 km (100–200 mi) or 10–20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine through the gears freely, but do not use
full throttle at any time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICE

ECB00220
If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
EBU20722
Parking
When parking the ATV, shift into first gear, stop the
engine, apply the parking brake, and then turn the
fuel cock to “OFF”.
1. Button
2. Parking brake lock plate
1
2

6-6
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

EBU20865
Parking on a slope
WARNING

EWB00851
Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, shift into first gear, stop the engine, ap-
ply the parking brake, and then block the front
and rear wheels with rocks or other objects.
Never park the ATV on hills that are too steep
to walk up easily.
1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the front
brake, shift into first gear, and then stop the
engine.
2. With the front and rear brakes applied, apply
the parking brake.
3. Release the front and rear brakes.
4. Turn the fuel cock to “OFF”.
EBU20910
Accessories and loading
EBU20921
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your ATV is an important
decision. Genuine Yamaha Accessories, which
1. Locked position
1

7-3
1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
10
11

handling and performance characteristics. Take
the time to learn the basic techniques well before
attempting more difficult maneuvers. Become fa-
miliar with this ATV at slow speeds first, even if you
are an experienced operator.
Not recommended for children under 16 years
of age.
WARNING

EWB01390
A child under 16 should never operate an ATV
with engine size greater than 90 cc. Use by chil-
dren of ATVs that are not recommended for
their age can lead to severe injury or death of
the child.This ATV is designed to carry the operator
only – passengers prohibited.
The long seat is to allow the operator to shift posi-
tion as needed during operation. It is not for carry-
ing passengers.
WARNING! Never carry a
passenger. Carrying a passenger on this ATV
greatly reduces your ability to balance and
control this ATV. You could have an accident,
resulting in severe injury or death to you and/
or your passenger.
[EWB01401]

Apparel
Always wear the following to reduce risk of injury in
an accident: