This one is different.
This custom Yamaha Banshee started life as a 1990 J-arm chassis and was transformed into a seriously unique hybrid build powered by a 1990 Honda CBR 600cc sport bike engine. The result is a clean, well-thought-out machine that combines the lightweight feel of a Banshee with the screaming power of a high-revving inline-four street bike engine.
This build came into our shop on consignment, and it definitely turns heads. The fabrication work was done very nicely, the fit and finish are clean, and the setup works surprisingly well. It has the look and feel of a true custom build, not something quickly thrown together.
Here are some photos, followed by more info.
The Story Behind This Build
Several years ago, a Re-Do Banshee customer purchased this J-arm chassis from us and decided to build something completely different. Instead of a traditional twin-cylinder Banshee engine, he grafted in a 1990 Honda CBR600F “Hurricane” engine and converted the chassis to A-arms along the way.
The owner did an impressive job tying everything together. The frame was modified cleanly to fit the 600cc engine while still maintaining good serviceability. The lower section of the frame was redesigned with removable side brackets, allowing the engine to drop out from the bottom when needed.
This isn’t just a wild engine swap. It’s a thoughtfully assembled custom build with a lot of fabrication and detail work throughout.
Engine & Performance 💨
At the heart of this machine is a 1990 Honda CBR600F inline-four engine using the factory Honda cooling system, carburetors, air box, exhaust header, and exhaust routing.
The exhaust flows underneath the engine and exits cleanly out the rear, giving this build a very unique sound and appearance.
The Banshee plastics were modified to incorporate the Honda temperature and RPM gauges where the factory fuel tank would normally sit. The “Special Edition” graphics feel pretty fitting for this one.
1990 Honda CBR600F Engine Specs
- 598cc liquid-cooled inline-four
- 16-valve DOHC
- Approximately 85 horsepower
- 43–44 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed transmission
- Keihin carburetors
- High-revving sport bike power delivery
Back in its original Honda Hurricane chassis, these engines were known for balancing strong top-end performance with reliability and smooth street manners. In a lightweight Banshee chassis, it creates a completely different riding experience.
Build Details 🔧
Chassis & Suspension
- 1990 Yamaha Banshee chassis
- Originally J-arm, converted to A-arm
- Alba +2+1 front suspension
- +8 rear swingarm
Exterior & Controls
- Aftermarket 2008 color orange and black plastics
- Race-cut front fenders
- LED headlights
- Modquad front bumper
- ProTaper handlebars
- ASV brake and clutch levers
- Modquad thumb throttle
Fuel & Drivetrain
- 2.5 gallon aluminum fuel tank mounted under the seat
- 530 link chain (vs Banshee 520 link)
- 80-tooth rear sprocket
- 12 or 13-tooth front sprocket (it's a bit hard to see).
Wheels & Tires
- Alba beadlock wheels, front and rear
- Armat MX Ripper front tires — 20x6-10
- Armat MX Ripper rear tires — 18x10-8
A True One-Off Build 🏁
We see a lot of Banshees come through the shop, and this is definitely one of the more unique builds we’ve had here. It’s clean, well executed, and packed with personality.