Questions on buying a phazer.

Telstar_2112

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I was considering buying a phazer RTX but am nearly getting scared off after reading this forum for a day. Sounds like a lot of work to get one to the stage where its a real great sled. But at least with this site I would know what to do. I am relatively new to snowmobiling so please bear with me. Some questions I have:

I am wondering about many of the common problems with starters, ball joints, airbox screen rivets, closing holes in the tunnel, ice buildup and overheating issues.

If I were to buy a brand new leftover 08 phazer RTX, how many of these problems should I expect to have already been fixed by Yamaha or the dealer? (note, the Dealer is on Long Island in NY, where there is limited snow and no trails, so I don't expect them to be experts or have done things unless I bring them up.) For example, would they cover the hole in the tunnel at Yamaha's cost or is that something you normally have to pay for? Have the ball joints been improved on the 08 or is there a recall or fix the dealer is responsible for? Any clarification is greatly appreciated.

Is there any other common problems that have been recalled or have some kind of Yamaha bulletin on that I should be aware of. I have been reading about a lot of this but many times it is not clear if any of the 07 problems would have been fixed on the 08 release.

Also, in general, do most people stud the track? I ride in central NY and there can be a lot of ice so I think I would want it. What backers are recomended, Nylon or aluminum? I wont be riding a ton of miles. I know this is a lot of questions and I'll keep reading but if anyone has any information it is appreciated.

Thanks,
Telstar_2112.
 
Buy sled-pull down front limiter strap two holes-stud track-install 6" Slim Jim Woody dually carbides-put in gas and ride away-it will be perfect
 
The whole decision depends on % on trail and the % off trail

For me covered the rear hole, installed 1.5" freeride track, installed exhaust, 4th wheel kit, low snow wheel kit, loosened limiter strap, shimmed front skis, skid plate, relocated speed pod, Installed Rox/powermadd handgaurds, uni prefilter airbox pods and dually carbides.
 
here are some updates for that sled,on the 07 anyway.
reverse update
cold start update
ball joint '' ''
fan,not sure if its an update but my dealer installed for free cuz i complained about overheating
steering post update
the hole in the tunnel is not an update,but yamaha sells a block off kit that works very well
i think there is a starter update but i never got it done
all these should be done before it leaves the dealership and they must be aware of all these updates,maybe the 08-09 are already done but im not sure
for me its been a very reliable sled and next week,it'll turn 8000 miles
i pulled up 1 hole on the strap,added dually's and never looked back,im on my 2nd set of hyfax but they are still like new,very good on gas
i read alot of negativity about this sled here but for me,i guess i got lucky cuz ive never had anything fail on it,yet.my 2 cent
 
09's for $6000 ? That sounds like a great price. I have seen 08's available locally on Long Island at that price and I didn't really look for 09's assuming they would be more and the dealers I stopped in didn't have any 09's. I ride mostly near Walton,NY which is only a few hours south of you so if you can recommend a good dealer with that price it is not out of the question to take a little road trip. I'll start calling some of my local dealers near Walton as of course it would be better to buy local. My friend may be looking as well and he lives in Syracuse.
 
When i purchased my 09 RTX i got it for $6900 with the $200 yamaha rebate. It was $7800 and the price couldnt be lowered so i just ignored the salesmens calls for a week and magically he could lower the price.

Go with the 09 cuz it doesnt have the problems the 07-08's have.
 
at any rate if its better in any way it will be if you get the 09,

the dealer that told me this was preferred power sports, his name is greg 315 699 2592 theyre in brewerton ny. nice little shop imo. i havent dealt with them yet though.
 
Thanks for the info. I do feel a bit more comfortable going for this sled. I am only on the fence since I started out looking for a used sled between $3-4K, but this always happens to me, next thing I know I am buying new. And with this warm rainy weather this week and the economy and layoffs at my work it is a scary time to lay out close to $7k once you add tax and warranty and studs etc. But you only live once and if I don't act quick I'll miss what little of the season is left!

Do you guys have a recommendation for the studs and type of backers on the stock track?

Also, if anyone has any more clarification between what fixes need to get applied to what model years it would be appreciated. I may need to get the 08 but I will make some calls for the 09's

Telstar
 
Well if you get the '08 or the '09 make you do one thing first is install the 4th wheel at the back of the skid, so your track doesn't slide off and rip it into the tensioner.
 
Telstar_2112 said:
Thanks for the info. I do feel a bit more comfortable going for this sled. I am only on the fence since I started out looking for a used sled between $3-4K, but this always happens to me, next thing I know I am buying new. And with this warm rainy weather this week and the economy and layoffs at my work it is a scary time to lay out close to $7k once you add tax and warranty and studs etc. But you only live once and if I don't act quick I'll miss what little of the season is left!

Do you guys have a recommendation for the studs and type of backers on the stock track?

Also, if anyone has any more clarification between what fixes need to get applied to what model years it would be appreciated. I may need to get the 08 but I will make some calls for the 09's

Telstar
ask your dealer,he'll tell you what needs to be done
 
Get the '08 and save yourself 1500 skrilla then cover the back hole and install a 4th wheel.
 
telstar, smithmarine in old forge has a 07 phazer gt on the floor in red.
 


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