RoicIND
Expert
I really didn't want to post this up on the general forum until I got it torn back down and make sure all the components are 100%, but I think I've found the Phazer Holy Grail... Not sure what rear suspension set up people are using or if you're still trying to improve the ride, but I've been chasing an effective rear suspension since I got the sled in 2007 and I think I've finally found it.I've always been reasonable satisfied with the sleds big bump performance, but by dialing it up, it always rode like an empty dump truck in the stutter bumps.
And before anyone jumps down my throat explaining to me in very small, easily pronounced words that there is very little 'magic' in shock tuning, I realize that. However, when you find something off the shelf that just works, why not share....
With that said:
I'd previously done all the the listed tricks (SB Center Upgrade, Polaris progressive center spring, three other re-valves on my clicker shocks ect..) but came up with my own that has proven to be a better, more compliant ride than even my custom suspended Skidoo Rev, with a wider performance envelope to boot....
What I did: Torsion spring spacers, and replace the Yamaha Shocks with a set of HPG rebuildable shocks from any SC10-III skidoo (ZX or Rev chassis from 1999-2006) with the stock ZX valving (very cheap an very abundant off of eBay...I got mine for under $120 a few years back). Both center and rear shocks are a direct bolt on (with a little fiddling with the plastic bushing at the top of the center shock) and are nearly identical in all dimensions (overall length and travel). I went with a set that I had on the shelf from a 2002 MXZ Adrenaline with a progressive center spring and simply cannot believe how well the sled responded in widening the performance envelope (vast improvement in the small stutter bumps but retained all capacity in the big bumps). I rode 200 plus miles a week or so ago with this set up on Tug Hill (Extremely bumpy environment) back to back with my Rev and for the first time thought the Phazer was riding better than my Doo.
I've now logged over 800 miles with a few little tweaks (Note: do not use the Yamaha Anti-Bottoming kit with this configuration.....It overwhelms the shock and produces an all 'spring' ride) and continue to be enamored at how well the little Phazer is now riding.
If you're over 185#'s, I'd recommend using rear torsion spring spacers to increase the spring rate (as an added bonus, it keep the rear springs from 'twisting' as the sled's static weight bears down, allowing the rear scissor arm to actually be vertical, not resting on the rear bump stops).
As for the next stage, I have a set of the Yamaha Rear Race Springs and the termination blocks that I planned on trying out this weekend....
I'll keep you posted....
And before anyone jumps down my throat explaining to me in very small, easily pronounced words that there is very little 'magic' in shock tuning, I realize that. However, when you find something off the shelf that just works, why not share....
With that said:
I'd previously done all the the listed tricks (SB Center Upgrade, Polaris progressive center spring, three other re-valves on my clicker shocks ect..) but came up with my own that has proven to be a better, more compliant ride than even my custom suspended Skidoo Rev, with a wider performance envelope to boot....
What I did: Torsion spring spacers, and replace the Yamaha Shocks with a set of HPG rebuildable shocks from any SC10-III skidoo (ZX or Rev chassis from 1999-2006) with the stock ZX valving (very cheap an very abundant off of eBay...I got mine for under $120 a few years back). Both center and rear shocks are a direct bolt on (with a little fiddling with the plastic bushing at the top of the center shock) and are nearly identical in all dimensions (overall length and travel). I went with a set that I had on the shelf from a 2002 MXZ Adrenaline with a progressive center spring and simply cannot believe how well the sled responded in widening the performance envelope (vast improvement in the small stutter bumps but retained all capacity in the big bumps). I rode 200 plus miles a week or so ago with this set up on Tug Hill (Extremely bumpy environment) back to back with my Rev and for the first time thought the Phazer was riding better than my Doo.
I've now logged over 800 miles with a few little tweaks (Note: do not use the Yamaha Anti-Bottoming kit with this configuration.....It overwhelms the shock and produces an all 'spring' ride) and continue to be enamored at how well the little Phazer is now riding.
If you're over 185#'s, I'd recommend using rear torsion spring spacers to increase the spring rate (as an added bonus, it keep the rear springs from 'twisting' as the sled's static weight bears down, allowing the rear scissor arm to actually be vertical, not resting on the rear bump stops).
As for the next stage, I have a set of the Yamaha Rear Race Springs and the termination blocks that I planned on trying out this weekend....
I'll keep you posted....
Motoman765
Expert
Yeah it's pretty much all in the valving. That's all Yamaha has to do is a lot more research on there valving setup and they would ride a lot better stock.
wayfastkev
Pro
Motoman765 said:
They can do it. They just elect to do the "CHEAP" #*$&@ way instead!!
RedPhazer
Expert
I ran the racer springs for a couple rides... they are WAY STIFF! Try them out, but I would expect you will be switching back. I did keep the racer springs though... every couple weeks I toss them on the sled and use them for riding 2 up with my chick on the back!
Its just a real shame Yamaha didnt do it right for shocks all along.I just dont get it.I have hope though.The Floats,Soqi's are pretty good.Now the Monoshocks sleds are said to have good setup last year and up.Maybe the Phazer will get chosen for decent valving next.Till then this sounds like a great option.Also knowing this info you could have someone like Deycore make you a decent shock if you just have the nonrebuildables he is around $200 a shock for FOX copies.Options are great I hope more do it.Sure makes a fun sled even funner.Thanks RoicIND!
RoicIND
Expert
Phazer
Like I said folks, I've been simply trying every conceivable combination I could come up with. The fact that Skidoo shocks fit is purely happenstance (although it does make sense since they're both manufactured by Kayuba).
This simply opens up the floodgates to fine tune EVERYONE's suspension, including those with the Base and GT models that came with inferior shocks and springs.
In my opinion, there are huge gains to be made in both arenas, SPRINGS and SHOCKS...
Oh, and for those that have asked..... I'm about 185#'s and a fairly aggressive rider.
Like I said folks, I've been simply trying every conceivable combination I could come up with. The fact that Skidoo shocks fit is purely happenstance (although it does make sense since they're both manufactured by Kayuba).
This simply opens up the floodgates to fine tune EVERYONE's suspension, including those with the Base and GT models that came with inferior shocks and springs.
In my opinion, there are huge gains to be made in both arenas, SPRINGS and SHOCKS...
Oh, and for those that have asked..... I'm about 185#'s and a fairly aggressive rider.
RoicIND
Expert
Cannon,
If you're serious about upgrading your center, let me know your body weight and I can recommend a Ski Doo color code to keep your eyes open for...
Again, they're on eBay all day long due to the sheer number of ZX and Rev chassis sold since 1999.
The only issue I can see is now Yama-Hopper riders are gong to start buying them up....
If you're serious about upgrading your center, let me know your body weight and I can recommend a Ski Doo color code to keep your eyes open for...
Again, they're on eBay all day long due to the sheer number of ZX and Rev chassis sold since 1999.
The only issue I can see is now Yama-Hopper riders are gong to start buying them up....
145# Is your center a clicker shock?I would really like to have a clicker center shock for a little more adjustment.
RoicIND
Expert
Look for any MXZ X-Package or 440x center shock then Cannon. I believe they were both clicker type....
As for the spring, I have to check the chart on the shop wall....
I'll let you know.
As for the spring, I have to check the chart on the shop wall....
I'll let you know.
Tayz588
Extreme
Great topic..my rear suspen. sucks on my GT...it just feels really bouncy and goes through the travel way too fast an easy..too soft basically. Explain these Fox "copies" from deycore. My dad had his KYB shocks fixed by them for his SRX a few years back and they kept leaking and fixing them again for free. Pretty honest company to stay with it to satisfy customers.
marpolsdofer
TY 4 Stroke Guru
Whats so hard to understand base and GT=grommed trail only! I know the trails get torn up, but the GT and Base were not disinged for aggresive riders.
The GT has a different swaybar but other than that and the shocks the suspension is identical to all the other Phazers.I dont know why everyone thinks a good shock is only for racers.My sled rides very plush.Can cruise all day or jump it and bang it through the whoops if you want.You can have both easily.
marpolsdofer
TY 4 Stroke Guru
Hey, I am running stock all season. I like the way it is mabey just few minor tweacks but I am not switching the shock out.
It just that if you classify a sled under grommed trail, I could not take it as a jump sled at all. I would expect the rear to drop at least 1/4 of its travle if it is grommed trail sled. Even if the shocks are the same but they are set diffrently.
It just that if you classify a sled under grommed trail, I could not take it as a jump sled at all. I would expect the rear to drop at least 1/4 of its travle if it is grommed trail sled. Even if the shocks are the same but they are set diffrently.
Travel is same on all.There is a certain safety margin that racers want that of course means a stiffer sled but with all the travel we have that can be in the end of travel where a casual rider probably never gets.That said none of the Phazers were designed for racing so if your happy with your stock shocks then you also are not using them for what they were intended for.Not saying I wouldnt do the same thing.I think you would really benefit from a revalve though.
marpolsdofer
TY 4 Stroke Guru
no, see the reason why I am running stock nad not revalving is becaues of this $$$$$$$, o wait I pretty much have non. Just money for going back and forth to class, pay race fee and gas there and back; hellsometimes I dont even have that. To me if the stock shock can take the abuse of a 240lb person, why cant they take a 130lb person.
