DEMO RIDES! Yamaha needs to demo these sleds like crazy!

[Frostbite]

I think Yamaha needs to fire up the semis and get these sleds to every corner of snow country.
The buzz that would be created from demo rides would increase the sales of this sled substantially.
Sign me up.

Frosty[/b]

 

[yamiman]

ditto!!!!

 

[151Viper]

I need to ride one of these.

 

[nbsledder]

I most certainly wouldn't order one without atleast trying one out.

 

[HemiOrange]

Just got back from the Monte Cristo demo. Have to say I am really impressed with the 07 lineup. They only had the mountain sleds there so I really can't judge any of the trail equip. Was my first time on the apex so that helps being wowed. Rode both an 06 vector and apex, and then both in the 07. I like the feel of the vector over the apex though all had the 162 track. The new handlebar felt tons better as I had to bend over quite a bit on the 06 in powder. Climbing, both felt right where they should be as body angle changed.
The Phazer Mtn Lite was technically off-limits so I can't offer any seat time criticism. A few of the yamaha guys had spent enough time to recognize a few areas that needed addressing before any public demo rides were conducted. The valving on the shocks was way too soft to be "safely rideable". Clutching was supposedly off as well. Both problems should be corrected by the SnoWest demo ride next week. This is the same sled that was at Mondays show back east. By the sound of it they have had very little time to dial it in. I would imagine the trail sleds are much closer to production setup.
Overall, I was very impressed with the sled. Fit and finish looked good. Seating position is awesome. Sled was easy to pull over though the shocks bottomed out when you did. The sled will be very easy to ride in the powder. The sound of the motor is way cool too. Definite ATV sound to it.
The thing to keep in mind is that this is an entry level sled. Expect 500 cc power and you won't be disappointed. You won't set any high marks or win any trail races with this sled but you'll sure have fun on it. From discussion with some of the reps it sounds like top speed is around 66 mph. Short tracks are seeing 80 mph. The general consensus on track width was that the motor handled the 14" better plus allowing a narrower tunnel.
A big thanks to everyone at the event for all the info and letting john q. tear around on the big iron. Even scored a ride on Full Throttle Powersports' MPI S/C Apex. Get out to these demo's if you can, its worth the drive.

 

[Indy]

66 MPH, are you kidding? Dam, I was hoping that this would be an awsome trail sled as well. with the extra length and all of that travel, it would just eat up the moguls, but @ 66 mph, no way.

 

[Voyagers]

Indy,
I think the 66 mph was with the Phazer Mtn lite at high elevation. The FX should go about 80mph in Indiana

 

[HemiOrange]

Yes, the shorter versions will top out at 80 mph. There may be some more speed in the clutching on the mountain lite but keep in mind rx1 mtn's top out around 85 it seems like. My old 700 RMK was hard pressed to get past 75. My impression is that on trail, the phazer will hang with just about anything out there if you are a good rider. Long straight aways will be a different story. Remember this is an entry level sled. Don't expect the world and you won't be dissapointed.

 

[Yammerhead]

The 144 x 2 is a big track for the 500 to spin. Being a mountain sled, I would assume it is geared down as well. If you wanted that sled for trails as opposed to climbing steep grades, you could change the gearing and pick up some top end.

 

[TurboVector]

Looks like I'm heading out on Friday to demo the Phazer in West, let everyone know how it works.

 

[SoCoRX1]

Yes, the shorter versions will top out at 80 mph. There may be some more speed in the clutching on the mountain lite but keep in mind rx1 mtn's top out around 85 it seems like. My old 700 RMK was hard pressed to get past 75. My impression is that on trail, the phazer will hang with just about anything out there if you are a good rider. Long straight aways will be a different story. Remember this is an entry level sled. Don't expect the world and you won't be dissapointed.

my RX1 mountain stock would do 95 and still be pulling hard but run out of room.

 

[fx-treme]

i just called old forge ny about their demo show the 25-26. they will have the phazers there but you can not ride them. they made that very clear. so i decided to go to the consumer show in burlington vt on the 21. i wanted to test one out before i bought it but seems an up close look is all i'll get. they need to let people demo these. that would seal the deal for the undecided.

 

[Frostbite]

I suppose one could go sit on a yamaha ATV and get a very good impression of what the Phazer will be like?

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... image.aspx

How close are ATV ergos to that of the Phazer?

Frosty

 

[Yamanator]

I have a buddy going to Gaylord, Mi for the Dealer Demo rides today.
He said he would call me as soon as he gets off the FX because that is what I am looking at, I will be leaving work at 2:30pm today so I will post his findings in the morning. I am hoping to hear good news about this thing. He has already been to the unvailing out west and really looked this thing over and say's that Yami has put alot of time into this thing.
I will post early tomorrow with what he has to say about the ride and the power.

 

[Yamanator]

I have a buddy going to Gaylord, Mi for the Dealer Demo rides today.
He said he would call me as soon as he gets off the FX because that is what I am looking at, I will be leaving work at 2:30pm today so I will post his findings in the morning. I am hoping to hear good news about this thing. He has already been to the unvailing out west and really looked this thing over and say's that Yami has put alot of time into this thing.
I will post early tomorrow with what he has to say about the ride and the power.