Getting Ready to pull trigger on new 2014 phazer XTX...please advise

[flyinghigh]

Would be my first 4 stroke and first Yamaha

Test road a 2011 RTX, was really impressed with handling, acceleration and "fun" factor. Only have ditches to ride here, so top speed is rarely over 40-45.

They did not have the xtx out of the crate, but I want the longer track for the deep snow we get in our ditches and the 1-3 ft of powder in the meadows (when you can find them) here in the flatlands of the Midwest.

Questions....will the longer track and larger skis be much different from the 2011 RTX I just rode? Can I get heavier torsion springs as I weigh 265 geared up? Is the handlebar higher on the xtx than the RTX? If not, can I get a couple inch extension without having to extend cables? Should I extend the warranty to 5 years for $800? How much off list should I expect to get for a 14 vs a 15? What kind of mileage should I see pounding ditches and given my weight? Is there any reason I should NOT get this sled?

I am coming off a Polaris 2012 shift 550 136 fanner btw...

Thanks very much...

 

[Creeksider]

I owned a 2010 since new. Here's my breakdown on it,

Pros;

- Nimble and handles great
- Excellent fuel economy
- Snappy low to mid range torque
- Light feel


Cons;

- Lack of storage space. Requires lots of aftermarket bags
- Oil filter, spark plug and other important access requires a lot of plastic, sensor, vacuum line removal
- Wear a warm suit, it's a chilly ride
- Winded on top end
- Deafening 25MPH hum noise coming from the track area. It drives me f$#@g crazy

From 2014 to 2015 I'd go at least $1200 to $1500 below MSRP. Yamaha may have rebates for last years leftovers
I found my 2010 in 2012 for $3750. (last one and wanted it gone)

Read the fine print on warranty. I heard some if not no labor is covered. I'm not too sure on that one.

Yamaha builds a great product. No company is without their flaws, but I staple my life on that machine every time I go out. (solo rider)

I run a short skid, but MTX I've seen has no windshield, wider skis and of course longer track.

 

[flyinghigh]

Creeksider, which model of phazer did you get? That is a heck of a price on any version....wow.

 

[Creeksider]

I got the FX model. AKA Phazer GT. No doubt they're $$$$ but look at any Yammy 4 stroke, they retain value like nothing else out there. No doubt I'll be keeping mine for a while. Small in size, modest power and cheap to insure. Everything I'm looking for in a sled.

 

[Gone Blue]

I have an 09' RTX that I stretched to 144" with tipped up rail extensions. The stretched sled does not feel any different throwing it a around than it did as a shorty. The difference in performance was amazing as the thing hooks up and goes as a long track. So I would say the only difference you might feel is a little more push in the corners depending on snow conditions but other than that they should feel real similar. I added a 2.5" Lake Effects pivot riser to raise my bars. All Phazers have the same bar or riser height. 2.5" is the max height you can go without extending cables. G.B.

 

[flyinghigh]

Really appreciate this feedback guys...you helped me make up my mind. Sent an email to the dealer with my offer...will see if he accepts. Thanks alot for helping provide the confidence to move ahead.

 

[flyinghigh]

got it bought...thanks so much!

 

[Gone Blue]

got it bought...thanks so much!

Cool, hope you enjoy your new ride. G.B.

 

[cannondale27]

That 14 has almost everything we have all done. Should be awesome!

 

[canoehead]

If you want more spring you can always put on X-Click spring cams. They have a 4th and higher lobe to create more torsion and they're cheap. If you got the XTX you'll love it. Ditch pounding fun for about 75-85 miles to a tank. Dependable, reliable and you'll never come home smellin like you just sat behind a Diesel exhaust pipe.

 

[flyinghigh]

Does that mean you can't get 100 miles out of a tank? I thought these got 15-20 MPH....just wondering.

 

[canoehead]

You might but you'll be on vapours. My wife gets about 150 kms (93 miles) maximum to a tank.

 

[tapeworm49]

I managed to get 97 miles out of my 2012 RTX last season and it still had fuel left. Of course that was on decent trails. I got mine as a leftover in February of this year i have 200ish miles on it and absolutley love the thing. I came off and srx so having suspension alone was a nice feature lol.

 

[flyinghigh]

well...if I can last 100 miles on a tank, that will make me happy. sounds like everyone is a bit different. Will be interesting to see the diff between 87 and 91 non ethanol...ethanol gas always produces less mileage because it takes more of it to make the same power. Fortunately I found a local source today for 91 non ethanol and we have several 87 non-ethanol. Lower octane should burn slower, but the manual says I need to run 91 in it...so we will see.

 

[Snowmixer]

Speaking of ethanol-free gas, I ran across this site when looking for gas for my chainsaws a while back, it may be of some use when looking locally!

http://pure-gas.org/