Phazer Lady
Newbie
Hello everyone : )
I know it is summer, but I noticed my husband getting the sleds out from the corner of the shop. So I feel like I need to do something here soon!
I must be honest, we bought my 2007 Phazer last year, because my husband wanted 4 strokes for us (our neighbors have them). I like that it doesn't smoke, its quiet, it has electric start, it sounds nice, has a nice big windshield, and the hand warmers are nice. But, compared to my old Ski-doo 550 it handles awful!! It always wants to tip over, and, the handlebars shake left to right REALLY bad when we ride down the roads. In the meadows and when there is more snow, its ok.
So I Googled and found this site. I wont know too terribly much about your advise. But, I can then tell my husband that Ive at least tried to make the snowmobile better before giving it up! He will put money into it, where as I suppose I would want to sell it and get another 550 or something.
I hope there are people on here in the summer!!
I appreciate anything you can help me with!
Thank you
Lindsey
I know it is summer, but I noticed my husband getting the sleds out from the corner of the shop. So I feel like I need to do something here soon!
I must be honest, we bought my 2007 Phazer last year, because my husband wanted 4 strokes for us (our neighbors have them). I like that it doesn't smoke, its quiet, it has electric start, it sounds nice, has a nice big windshield, and the hand warmers are nice. But, compared to my old Ski-doo 550 it handles awful!! It always wants to tip over, and, the handlebars shake left to right REALLY bad when we ride down the roads. In the meadows and when there is more snow, its ok.
So I Googled and found this site. I wont know too terribly much about your advise. But, I can then tell my husband that Ive at least tried to make the snowmobile better before giving it up! He will put money into it, where as I suppose I would want to sell it and get another 550 or something.
I hope there are people on here in the summer!!
I appreciate anything you can help me with!
Thank you
Lindsey
soul_hammer
Expert
Try dual runner skies for the darting and as for it being tippy welcome to rider forward, you can lower they suspension but you will never be able to just turn the bars you have to put some body english into it.
Well to be truthfull I would agree with your initial impression, sell it and get a nice 600ho ski doo renegade or something simular it will be easier to steer and less tippy no matter how much money you thow at the Phazer..
Now if you want advice this would be my list of things to look at.
1 - A-arm bushing, lift the front end of the sled up with a jack, check the upper and lower A-arms for play in the bushing, most have loads.. Replace bushings with yamaha "oilite" bushing, they are metal instead of plasic and will last the liftime of the sled. This will adress partially (or mostly) the shaking handlebars
2 - The steering linkage have loads of joints and too much play in them. There is a guy on this forum that sells a kit witch solves this by replacing the bushings in the lower steering linkage. Loads of us has bought the kit from him (UP bushman) so if you can turn your handelbars and there is too much movment of the handlebar before the skiis starts to move (again with the front end liftet) you should go for this upgrade
3 - The tippiness is hard to overcome.. Be an active rider, upgrade the shocks if you want to spend some § or go with the JRE?? spindles that actually lower the front end and gets some of the tippiness away.. You wont get rid of it unfortunetly..
4 - Skis.. they help with bite not tippiness but can possibly help you... Would not go this route if I had not done all above..
I have done all of the above and I'd say its a tippy sled, it definitly has it's own personality and If your not into how it handles now your not going to be able to change it to an extent that I would think you would be happy with it.. I'v grown used to it's style but you need to really handle the sled activly for it to work well
Now if you want advice this would be my list of things to look at.
1 - A-arm bushing, lift the front end of the sled up with a jack, check the upper and lower A-arms for play in the bushing, most have loads.. Replace bushings with yamaha "oilite" bushing, they are metal instead of plasic and will last the liftime of the sled. This will adress partially (or mostly) the shaking handlebars
2 - The steering linkage have loads of joints and too much play in them. There is a guy on this forum that sells a kit witch solves this by replacing the bushings in the lower steering linkage. Loads of us has bought the kit from him (UP bushman) so if you can turn your handelbars and there is too much movment of the handlebar before the skiis starts to move (again with the front end liftet) you should go for this upgrade
3 - The tippiness is hard to overcome.. Be an active rider, upgrade the shocks if you want to spend some § or go with the JRE?? spindles that actually lower the front end and gets some of the tippiness away.. You wont get rid of it unfortunetly..
4 - Skis.. they help with bite not tippiness but can possibly help you... Would not go this route if I had not done all above..
I have done all of the above and I'd say its a tippy sled, it definitly has it's own personality and If your not into how it handles now your not going to be able to change it to an extent that I would think you would be happy with it.. I'v grown used to it's style but you need to really handle the sled activly for it to work well
Try putting a set of pilot 6.9 skis on. They are wide and will help tipping . If you don't do that put the ski spacers to the outside to widen ski stance.
Phazer Lady
Newbie
This is great guys!! Yes, its "darting" when I go down the roads. It grabs grooves that other sleds have left and I just get sucked into them. Sometimes its real bad, others its not so bad. I did find the FAQ section on here, and read about "shimming" and "three point" skags (Im assuming these are the same as carbides) to help eliminate "darting".
Is this good money spent? How much is this to do?
And my husband has mentioned widening and/or getting wider skis for it. Again, is this good money spent?
Im just trying to get my ducks-in-a-row before he comes home tomorrow, because I know these snowmobiles are hot on his mind right now!
I want to either fix up my Phazer, or sell it I guess. I love the Yamaha because it doesn't burn oil and stink, but its sure hard to ride :/
Thanks again,
Lindsey
Is this good money spent? How much is this to do?
And my husband has mentioned widening and/or getting wider skis for it. Again, is this good money spent?
Im just trying to get my ducks-in-a-row before he comes home tomorrow, because I know these snowmobiles are hot on his mind right now!
I want to either fix up my Phazer, or sell it I guess. I love the Yamaha because it doesn't burn oil and stink, but its sure hard to ride :/
Thanks again,
Lindsey
soul_hammer
Expert
I would do the ski's for sure a good set make a big difference. Just remember it takes body english to ride it well but turning down the spring pressure on the shocks will help some of the tippyness.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2009
- Messages
- 3,564
- Reaction score
- 88
- Points
- 1,483
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- 2009 Phazer RTX
Making sure the skis are set with the proper toe out helps a lot with darting. Snowtrackers have eliminated darting completely for me.
phazerwi
Extreme
The first thing you need to remember about the Phazer is that it is't like most sleds....you can't just sit on it and turn the handlebars...errr, most times anyway.
When going down a straight stretch, you should be able to get away with doing that, but in corners, you have to lean and push. What I mean is that you need to lean to the same side you are turning and push down with your foot on the footboard on the same side you want to turn.
It seems to need this much more than most sleds....it took me a couple years to learn just how much it needed it. Now I love the sled...almost sold it, but decided to try a couple more things. This is what I did to make mine my favorite sled to ride and I am not very aggressive on the trails most times. Most were cheap mods, on the track change was pricey. If you decide to do the track and dually's, you will have to mess around with ski pressure on the shocks and the center track strap to get the "bite" right for the skis and turning. You'll need snow for this!
I left stock skis on, but put Woody's dual runner 6" carbides on them. Not to expensive, made night and day difference when combined with below.
Move ski spaces to outside to widen ski stance. no cost
Removed stock track and put on 1.5" freeride track. Pricey
Bought and installed front end bushing kit. This got rid of a lot of play in the handlebars. Can be bought on this forum or from Schmidt Brothers Motor Sports, google them. Not too expensive
Clutch kit from Schmidt Bros to help smooth out the clutch engagement. Not too expensive but worth it.
Softened rear springs so it sat lower when riding, you might want to do this before you adjust the front springs for bite....it will affect it too. no cost
If I was riding aggressive and it corners....sometimes I will slide as far forward on the seat as I can and still steer. Doing this along with leaning to the turn side, will make it really steer sharp.
That's my novel on mods for the phazer.....I'm not a big grease-monkey or wrench head....whatever they call those guys that like to mod things a lot, so, if I can do these things.....you guys should be able to. The only thing I paid for was the track change....I left that to the big boys.
my two cents.
don't give up yet, just try a couple of things from above and drive it like you own it.
When going down a straight stretch, you should be able to get away with doing that, but in corners, you have to lean and push. What I mean is that you need to lean to the same side you are turning and push down with your foot on the footboard on the same side you want to turn.
It seems to need this much more than most sleds....it took me a couple years to learn just how much it needed it. Now I love the sled...almost sold it, but decided to try a couple more things. This is what I did to make mine my favorite sled to ride and I am not very aggressive on the trails most times. Most were cheap mods, on the track change was pricey. If you decide to do the track and dually's, you will have to mess around with ski pressure on the shocks and the center track strap to get the "bite" right for the skis and turning. You'll need snow for this!
I left stock skis on, but put Woody's dual runner 6" carbides on them. Not to expensive, made night and day difference when combined with below.
Move ski spaces to outside to widen ski stance. no cost
Removed stock track and put on 1.5" freeride track. Pricey
Bought and installed front end bushing kit. This got rid of a lot of play in the handlebars. Can be bought on this forum or from Schmidt Brothers Motor Sports, google them. Not too expensive
Clutch kit from Schmidt Bros to help smooth out the clutch engagement. Not too expensive but worth it.
Softened rear springs so it sat lower when riding, you might want to do this before you adjust the front springs for bite....it will affect it too. no cost
If I was riding aggressive and it corners....sometimes I will slide as far forward on the seat as I can and still steer. Doing this along with leaning to the turn side, will make it really steer sharp.
That's my novel on mods for the phazer.....I'm not a big grease-monkey or wrench head....whatever they call those guys that like to mod things a lot, so, if I can do these things.....you guys should be able to. The only thing I paid for was the track change....I left that to the big boys.
my two cents.
don't give up yet, just try a couple of things from above and drive it like you own it.
porkchop
TY 4 Stroke Master
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2010
- Messages
- 1,219
- Reaction score
- 107
- Points
- 788
- Location
- Central NY
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- Nytro Nation
Welcome to the Phazer crowd, good group of folks here 
Agreed, gotta have some body english to ride it.
My Wife refuses to ride mine after a couple of the tippyness feelings, not for everyone but once you get seat time and learn how to get it turning easily they are alot of fun.
Give it a chance.....
Agreed, gotta have some body english to ride it.
My Wife refuses to ride mine after a couple of the tippyness feelings, not for everyone but once you get seat time and learn how to get it turning easily they are alot of fun.
Give it a chance.....
Mooseman
I'm not all knowing. Post your question in forum.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2009
- Messages
- 4,021
- Reaction score
- 1,039
- Points
- 1,733
- Location
- Greely, Ontario
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- '07 Venture MP (gone)
'07 Phazer FX (gone)
'09 Phazer GT (gone)
'10 RS Venture GT (My current ride)
'10 Nytro FX (son's)
- LOCATION
- Greely, ON Canada
I once saw someone call the Phazer the "motocross of snowmobiles" so it has to be ridden like it. Like all sleds, some things can be done to improve it but it ain't no luxo sofa with a track. My wife also refuses to ride the Phazer as well as my MP (except as a passenger).
Phazer Lady
Newbie
yamahas said:
Ive tried, but cant seem to figure out what "snowtrackers" are?
Apparently Im now keeping my Phazer weather I like it or not. So, improving it is now my only option!
We are looking for a new trailer now too : )
Here is my cool moment of last season! haha!!
soul_hammer
Expert
Nice picture. I would suggest spending some time "learning" how to ride it, as well as doing the mods listed above.
Just remember to steer with the gas not the skiis in loose snow..
I changed my helix and secondary spring to Schmidbros stage II kit and that lowers the engagement and makes the ride less jerky witch for the money is super nice!
But Iäd still stick with my list of thigs.. Get all steering play out firm up the fron end a-arm bushing and just give her hell with the thumb
I changed my helix and secondary spring to Schmidbros stage II kit and that lowers the engagement and makes the ride less jerky witch for the money is super nice!
But Iäd still stick with my list of thigs.. Get all steering play out firm up the fron end a-arm bushing and just give her hell with the thumb
Lindsey -
Welcome to TY. Forgive me if you've already stated this, but which model Phazer do you have? From your avatar photo, it looks like you own an MTX, which would make sense given your location.
If that's correct, you should know that a 144" track with 2" lugs will normally be a little squirrly on hardpack trails ... which I'm guessing you ride only to get you to some off-trail riding spots.
As others have pointed out, the Phazer requires more than average rider input in order to get it to respond. It's not a point and shoot sled. That said, there are some known wear items that do affect handling ... and there are things you can check to determine if these items need to be addressed.
One of the most common is excessive steering play. To check for this, sit on your sled, grab hold of the handlebars and turn them just until the skis begin to move in the same direction. Note how much movement occurs before the skis begin to turn. Do the same thing in the opposite direction. If there is a lot of movement in the bars before the skis begin to turn, you likely have excessive steering play and need to address it in order to reduce the darting you describe while on hardpack. The Phazer has several steering bushings that are made of plastic, and they do wear out. Once worn, the effect is increases or excessive steering play described above, which can only be remedied by replacing the old bushings with new ones. Most have chosen to replace them with oilite bushings instead of the OEM plastic parts because the oilites last longer. Replacing the bushings requires a fair amount of disassembly, but it doesn't require any special skills to do the job yourself.
This is only one area where worn bushings can affect handling (A-arm bushings are another), so give your sled a thorough inspection before deciding to start taking things apart. A little time spent on this now (before the snow flies) will not only improve handling, it will also provide you with a more intimate knowledge of the mechanical aspects of your sled, so that when something seems amiss, you'll be better equipped to diagnose the problem. Again, don't give up on the Phazer just yet ... it really is a good sled that you will grow to love riding given a little more seat time.
Best of luck to you.
Welcome to TY. Forgive me if you've already stated this, but which model Phazer do you have? From your avatar photo, it looks like you own an MTX, which would make sense given your location.
If that's correct, you should know that a 144" track with 2" lugs will normally be a little squirrly on hardpack trails ... which I'm guessing you ride only to get you to some off-trail riding spots.
As others have pointed out, the Phazer requires more than average rider input in order to get it to respond. It's not a point and shoot sled. That said, there are some known wear items that do affect handling ... and there are things you can check to determine if these items need to be addressed.
One of the most common is excessive steering play. To check for this, sit on your sled, grab hold of the handlebars and turn them just until the skis begin to move in the same direction. Note how much movement occurs before the skis begin to turn. Do the same thing in the opposite direction. If there is a lot of movement in the bars before the skis begin to turn, you likely have excessive steering play and need to address it in order to reduce the darting you describe while on hardpack. The Phazer has several steering bushings that are made of plastic, and they do wear out. Once worn, the effect is increases or excessive steering play described above, which can only be remedied by replacing the old bushings with new ones. Most have chosen to replace them with oilite bushings instead of the OEM plastic parts because the oilites last longer. Replacing the bushings requires a fair amount of disassembly, but it doesn't require any special skills to do the job yourself.
This is only one area where worn bushings can affect handling (A-arm bushings are another), so give your sled a thorough inspection before deciding to start taking things apart. A little time spent on this now (before the snow flies) will not only improve handling, it will also provide you with a more intimate knowledge of the mechanical aspects of your sled, so that when something seems amiss, you'll be better equipped to diagnose the problem. Again, don't give up on the Phazer just yet ... it really is a good sled that you will grow to love riding given a little more seat time.
Best of luck to you.
Phazer Lady
Newbie
My snowmobile is a 2007 Phazer "mountain model". I think it does have the 144" track. It had 880 miles on it when we got it, but I rode it about 4 times. So it may have perhaps a 1000 on it now? The handle bar slop is there as you mention. Certainly more than my husbands Apex, but it doesn't seem crazy?
Here is where I stand as of Sunday night. We are making my skis wider, installing some wedges or "shims" on top of the skis, and installing some double edged carbides.
From what I have discovered here on TY, this will make the steering more difficult at slower speeds, but will help with the darting. He said we will check the "toe" of the skis also.
I ride the roads from the house, or from the truck to the higher mountains where we usually find meadows and stuff to play around at. Its messing around in the hills where it always tips over. But you guys are right, because my husband can ride my snowmobile and do just fine. It makes me so mad! haha!! I think I just need to be more aggressive on it.
Im not sure which brand of carbides is all. I wanted to order them myself to show some initiative, but I know he will do it now when he gets home tomorrow : (
I did order a red sticker kit, and white ski loops for it! Oh, and a windshield bag.
I have to admit, this is actually kind of fun preparing for the winter season! Finding a place to talk about your exact snowmobile is really cool too!!
Here is where I stand as of Sunday night. We are making my skis wider, installing some wedges or "shims" on top of the skis, and installing some double edged carbides.
From what I have discovered here on TY, this will make the steering more difficult at slower speeds, but will help with the darting. He said we will check the "toe" of the skis also.
I ride the roads from the house, or from the truck to the higher mountains where we usually find meadows and stuff to play around at. Its messing around in the hills where it always tips over. But you guys are right, because my husband can ride my snowmobile and do just fine. It makes me so mad! haha!! I think I just need to be more aggressive on it.
Im not sure which brand of carbides is all. I wanted to order them myself to show some initiative, but I know he will do it now when he gets home tomorrow : (
I did order a red sticker kit, and white ski loops for it! Oh, and a windshield bag.
I have to admit, this is actually kind of fun preparing for the winter season! Finding a place to talk about your exact snowmobile is really cool too!!
