Well, after 500 miles of riding the fx in varied conditions, it was time to do the dreaded oil change and install the Freeride track. My first impression of the machine, as far as maintenance goes, was there is some really cool engineering here. I like the way the chaincase is part of the frame casting. I like the way the driveshaft comes out. Cool. Then as I got deeper into the project I was appalled at the complexity of the beast. Specifically, the amount of small parts and the way this is bolted to that- is bolted to this- is bolted to that...................well you get the picture. As far as the oil filter goes, I think it would have been a good idea for the engine development people to have lunch with the frame development people at least once a week. I used the age old automotive method of pounding a screwdriver through it and it turned right off. The location makes this a once every two year thing for me. Oh wait, I never keep a sled longer than two years anyway. Saved! I had to heat the engine drain bolt and shock it with a hammer in order to remove it, and even at that it made me nervous- whew. As far as the track change goes, usually I tip my Cats onto their sides, making skidframe removal rather easy. On this sled that procedure is not an option unless you want the oil to occupy the airbox. OK here is th list of my perceived issues-
Front torque arm welds concern me. The welds appear to have very little penetration. I would like to cut one apart and look. I'll wait until I break it.
Zerk on lower link of rear scissors. WTF! You know what I am talking about.
Shock valving is too soft, specifically low speed compression- that is low shaft speed folks.
Front suspension spring rate is too soft.
Welds were not cleaned properly before painting.
No #*$&@, I have had probably 50 pounds of ice in my tunnel. No issues on extreme hard pack- just fresh snow and powder. I would be surprised if this sled saw any factory development miles on anything other than hardpack, otherwise the Yamaha engineers are stupid.
Stock track is worthless except on very firm snow.
Hyfax wear issues. My Firecat had no issues under the same conditions that were causing my Phazer hyfax to melt.
To much compression braking. Yamaha needs to take a page out of Honda's CRF book and reduce compression braking. Or maybe use a system similar to Cat's. You can learn to ride with it but I believe it would be a better machine with less.
Too much body roll in corners. It could use a larger anti sway bar.
Handwarmers are marginal at best.
The track noise from this machine is LOUD. Not sure if this is from the open tunnel or what but I am going to go deaf!
Clutching is not very good except on hardpack, specifically the secondary. Sorry guys, I talked to Team and they will not be making a secondary to fit. I would like to try a progressive helix, maybe a 40-36 or something in that range. Unfortunately there is only a 37 and a 39 available. Backshift is horrible climbing in soft snow. These clutches are from the leftover parts bin........
When I was done working on the sled I walked over to my '06 CF7 Sno Pro and lifted the hood. All I could do was stare at it. I will never bitch about working in the confines of the laydown motor ever again. Ever. That sled is a model of simplicity compared to the FX. And I complained about the BS involved with changing the lower A arm on the CF. Whatever.
OK, my bitching is over. I will say when I go riding, and I have four other machines representing three brands none over two years old, I always gravitate towards the Phazer. There is something about it. It is not the lightest or the most powerful. It is not the best handling. But, it is fun!
Front torque arm welds concern me. The welds appear to have very little penetration. I would like to cut one apart and look. I'll wait until I break it.
Zerk on lower link of rear scissors. WTF! You know what I am talking about.
Shock valving is too soft, specifically low speed compression- that is low shaft speed folks.
Front suspension spring rate is too soft.
Welds were not cleaned properly before painting.
No #*$&@, I have had probably 50 pounds of ice in my tunnel. No issues on extreme hard pack- just fresh snow and powder. I would be surprised if this sled saw any factory development miles on anything other than hardpack, otherwise the Yamaha engineers are stupid.
Stock track is worthless except on very firm snow.
Hyfax wear issues. My Firecat had no issues under the same conditions that were causing my Phazer hyfax to melt.
To much compression braking. Yamaha needs to take a page out of Honda's CRF book and reduce compression braking. Or maybe use a system similar to Cat's. You can learn to ride with it but I believe it would be a better machine with less.
Too much body roll in corners. It could use a larger anti sway bar.
Handwarmers are marginal at best.
The track noise from this machine is LOUD. Not sure if this is from the open tunnel or what but I am going to go deaf!
Clutching is not very good except on hardpack, specifically the secondary. Sorry guys, I talked to Team and they will not be making a secondary to fit. I would like to try a progressive helix, maybe a 40-36 or something in that range. Unfortunately there is only a 37 and a 39 available. Backshift is horrible climbing in soft snow. These clutches are from the leftover parts bin........
When I was done working on the sled I walked over to my '06 CF7 Sno Pro and lifted the hood. All I could do was stare at it. I will never bitch about working in the confines of the laydown motor ever again. Ever. That sled is a model of simplicity compared to the FX. And I complained about the BS involved with changing the lower A arm on the CF. Whatever.
OK, my bitching is over. I will say when I go riding, and I have four other machines representing three brands none over two years old, I always gravitate towards the Phazer. There is something about it. It is not the lightest or the most powerful. It is not the best handling. But, it is fun!
