Just bought 09 Phazer, some newbie questions.

[Telstar_2112]

I just bought an 09 Phazer with 150 miles on it. I have been reading on here to learn about what may need to be done and what to watch out for. It seems as if many of the issues were on 07 and 08 models but I have a few questions that it would be great if someone can answer. Please bear with me if they are complete newbie questions. I don't mind reading to learn but many times it is not clear which model years have the issue.

The snow was still marginal so I have not had it out on the trail yet so not sure how well it handles as is, stock.

For 2009 compared to earlier models:
Are the skis still an issue, with pushing, or has Yamaha improved them?

Is a skidplate recomended for the 09's? I do not see any of the engine showing from underneath but do not want to have problems since I do plan to ride off trail sometimes.

Have the handwarmers been improved? They seem to be working fine, but then again it was 38 degrees F.

Are there still chaincase issues?

What about the ball joints, is there still an issue there or were tehy improved?

How do tunnel protectors work? I read about using old Hyfax but I could not figure how that would keep a stud from flying through the heat exchanger if it came loose. Are they needed on an 09 Phazer if I stud it?

Why are so many people switching over to a freeride track?

If there is anything else besides checking the oil and coolant level that is an absolute must do before going out the first time please advise.

TIA,
Telstar.

 

[woolyviper]

skis are junk - replace them

skid plate is your call

handwarmers are good

not aware of any chaincase probs

ball joints were fixed in 08 with a bulletin

don't stud it - put on the freeride - single best upgrade.

go get a yes warranty for it and ride the crap out of it.

 

[fraolib]

with the stock track it just spun alot and when u are going and let off the throttle because of back shift the a$$ end gets really squirly and thats not a good feeling if your going fast. the freeride fixes that for the most part. stud protectors dont protect any studs if they get ripped out when a stud gets ripped out its because your spinning which means that stud is on the bottom side and it just spits it out the back stud protectors hit the track and stop the studs from going up any higher and hitting the tunnel or heat exchange

 

[fraolib]

and yea for the most part stock skis are garbage i have them still because i dont have the money for new ones but i did move the spacers to widen the skis out and that made a huge difference w the tipiness and have 6in deuce bars probly the best u can get out of the stock skis

 

[phaze5]

i followed rigidone and he has the free ride, lets just say i am glad i have a bigger gear,
than he does,

because next time when we ride, i may have him filming me lol, ice chunks galore,

very nice track to blind your buddies too, i guess if ya can't see ya can't pass

i would armor her up if ya freeride

 

[cannondale27]

I really like my Freeride also.Stock track has no traction and I was getting stuck in ditches all the time.No problem anymore.That said Freeride does affect your handling alot since back end is almost always hooked up and much harder to slide.Top speed a little is lost.

 

[Telstar_2112]

Thanks, Is the reason the freeride so much better just because the lugs are deeper or are there other reasons too? Those things are pretty pricey so I think I'll have to forgo a new track for now.

Someone mentioned not to stud it, I know there is a lot of debate about this but I have seen some very steep, narrow, ice covered trails through the woods where I ride so I think studs is something I want. Keeping the stock track and adding 96 studs, would I notice any significant improvement in hook up and braking in the packed snow, or only on the ice?

Telstar

 

[spike337]

I ride on very hard packed and sometimes icy conditions. I have the stock track with 96 studs down the center. Works fine. My last sleds were SnoX 440s with a big lug track, and there is no question that is the way to go, but that also costs money, and part of the reason i bought this Yamaha was to quit putting some much time and money into it. I finally put some skis on it, should've done that in the dealer parking lot! I would do skis first.

 

[Telstar_2112]

Thanks, Sounds like a plan, studs and skis to start. Skis look like awfully simple things, I am surprized there is so much difference. Is there any general consensus as to which new skis give the biggest bang for the buck? I do mostly rough trail and some off trail.

 

[fraolib]

i dont have them but i really like slydogs there on my step dads sled and a guy that i ride with has them both sleds are rev mxzx and their awesome the powder hounds i think are the ones they have

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Thanks, Sounds like a plan, studs and skis to start. Skis look like awfully simple things, I am surprized there is so much difference. Is there any general consensus as to which new skis give the biggest bang for the buck? I do mostly rough trail and some off trail.

The slydogs are a big improvement - much stuff written on them on here. Better flotation and the ease at which they steer compared with stock skis is great. You can also get custom colours to jazz up the look. As for the skid plate it is important to protect the oil drain plug from damage - the plate is sometimes a nuisance for causing ice build-up around the steering linkages though. There are some aftermarket float plates (larger than the skid plate) available so I don't know how good they are wrt icing.

 

[fraolib]

i have i think its a skinz float plate. i do get ice build up but never enough to cause any problems