updated '07 phazer or keep my '04 ski-doo mxzx 600sdi???

[jgustman]

I've stumbled across a deal to trade my current ski-doo, a 2004 mxzx 600sdi for a demo '07 phazer fx. I'm currently running into a small runability problem with the ski-doo bogging at 7400 rpm and there is a host of other people with the same issue on the dootalk.com forum, I and others believe it's a clutching issue, but others are chasing a host of other possible problems with no success for the most part. I felt the urge to trade even up at a local dealer for only a $50 doc. fee. Here's where I get uncomfortable about the trade. I know they covered the updates, but see that there are a host of other problems that need fixing on the phazer, like the rear suspension linkage, cooling fan, or taller lug track and better ski's. The way I see it I may be going backwards on this trade if I have to dump a new track, suspension upgrade, and ski's into the mix. My ski-doo is set up with no mods needed, just a clutching issue. So my question....Is it still worth trading? Please give me some opinions or other known issues with the phazer to help me decide.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Interesting deal - straight trade - ummmm very tempting!

Is the Phazer new or used? Any warranty on the Phazer (option to buy extended warranty)? Would you be getting it from a Yamaha dealer?
Have you ridden a Phazer to see if you like it? Have you considered that you will have less power with the Phazer?
I guess the track is an upgrade but not necessarily a necessity. The ski/carbide upgrade is definitely a necessity in my opinion.
Someone else can say for sure, but wasn't the fan an update that Yamaha did?

all the best in your choice, always difficult second guessing yourself,

 

[jgustman]

I should clarify, my '04 ski-doo is mint also, 1605 miles, the '07 phazer fx is new/demo with 500 miles, plus 1 year warranty from the local yamaha dealer. I heard the fan is no longer offered free, but haven't called to clarify if the dealer will do it...I'm looking at about $1200 for new skis, track, suspension upgrade, I assume...Or I could sell my sled outright and get a slightly used '08 nytro for about $800 more than the cost of phazer with upgrades......I'm having trouble giving up 40 hp for a straight trade, but reliability and fun factor seem to balance that equation out from what I've read about the phazer. I'm a little worried about the rides where we ride, mostly flat ditch riding and some river riding up to 100 mph on the river on some long runs, will the phazer hold up to 40-90 mph riding all the time and what kind of mpg will it get??? Yes, I did ride a phazer fx about 5 min. last year on a demo, thought it was quick and fun wheelies, didn't steer well, pushing a lot. A old ski-doo loyalist told me he rode a phazer 200 miles one day recently and was the most fun he has had in years and would trade the rev in immediatly if it was a straight across trade, but I don't think he knows about all the issues that need fixing...

 

[RIGIDONE]

I would trade as fast as you can, the Phazer is a sick sled and more fun than a barrel of monkey's. I dont know what bombapolayama is talking about having less power. I haven't met a 600 that can keep up with me on our type of trails. (very bumpy) do it 4 strokes rule.

 

[squirrelnuts]

I think the Phazer gets a bad rap. We've got two of them (MTXs) that are used for work (and sometimes play) with about 7000 kms between them. Not one issue that needed attention. Nothing. Just maintenance. Yeah, there are some things that could be better (rear suspension way too soft, etc) but if they were THAT bad I would have dealt with them long ago. I know some people have had bad experiences, but I think it's way overstated.

Probably no need to swap out all that stuff right off the hop; might as well run it and see how it works for you.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I would trade as fast as you can, the Phazer is a sick sled and more fun than a barrel of monkey's. I dont know what bombapolayama is talking about having less power. I haven't met a 600 that can keep up with me on our type of trails. (very bumpy) do it 4 strokes rule.

What about on straight stretches? Not keeping up on the bumpy trails is more related to handling capabilities than power I would say. But he's talking about 100mph on the 600SDI - although the Phazer is very quick off the mark, you can kiss that speed good-bye on the Phazer.
I think the Phz would be comfortable at 60mph but 90mph you won't even reach??

 

[RIGIDONE]

I would trade as fast as you can, the Phazer is a sick sled and more fun than a barrel of monkey's. I dont know what bombapolayama is talking about having less power. I haven't met a 600 that can keep up with me on our type of trails. (very bumpy) do it 4 strokes rule.

What about on straight stretches? Not keeping up on the bumpy trails is more related to handling capabilities than power I would say. But he's talking about 100mph on the 600SDI - although the Phazer is very quick off the mark, you can kiss that speed good-bye on the Phazer.
I think the Phz would be comfortable at 60mph but 90mph you won't even reach??

I am hitting 96-98mph all day long. I ride with 4 ski-doo boys all with 600's, 2 600sdi's and 2 600h.o., They always have me lead. I am doing a gear change hopfully getting me into the 102-105mph area. I also ran a mxz800 I think it was 1999 or 2000. First one to 90mph wins. I won all 4 times. He was pissed, real pissed. We dont have long straight trails in our area, I hear your trails in Canada are like super highways that is sick, ours are like back counrty roads. I have raced my buddies on the lake and they all beat me but I dont run studs to keep my rotational mass down and they were all studded. I could barley get over 40mph and i was spinning my track like crazy it was scary. I also have a few tricks up sleeve. LOL

 

[jgustman]

Now the question is...How much do you have to spend to get a phazer to run 96-98 all day long? Also what mpg do they get, sorry haven't searched that topic yet. I'm almost ready to jump on the deal, but worried about what I read about the rear suspension linkage breaking on some peoples and having to blow 400-500 bucks to upgrade it....

 

[woolyviper]

give up the 40 hp - i ride with600 and 700 polaris and keep up.

 

[cannondale27]

If I ride with daughter on back(slow) I get over 20mpg.When I am out riding with buddies I get 13mpg pretty consistantly.With free ride track on I get about 85mph on speedo 80 GPS.I do remember getting more with stock track.This sled isnt about speed.If you get the suspension setup right it is very boring riding on trails such as a railroad grade even if its whooped out a bit.Suspension is never overridden by the motor.Maybe thats a good thing.As far as running at top speed its nothing to worry about.Many times have held it tight for miles and miles.Running with 600's wont be a issue.Not going to be smoking them unless rough trail but they wont be waiting for you.

I love the fun factor of Phazer.Rougher better.
You will really like the 4st no oil smell or hassles and also the belts seem to last forever.

Do it!

 

[RIGIDONE]

I spent $1600, but sold all my old parts that were in as new condition for $700. So looking @ around $900 total give or take $100. I still get 18mpg and have not sacrificed any reliability. I deffinitly agree with cannondale27 on the belt. I am on my third season with the original belt. How awsome is that. I have never had an issue or breakdown in three years, with 2 2007 Phazers.

 

[jgustman]

Ok, what parts give the best boost in top speed/hp, also I'm kinda missing a sled that will pull the ski's on demand, and the sdi isn't set up to do that well at all. I remember when I rode a demo it seemed wheelie happy...

 

[jthomp]

I'm kinda missing a sled that will pull the ski's on demand, I remember when I rode a demo it seemed wheelie happy...

My wife and I just started riding this season and that was the first thing I noticed about our Phazer (we also have a 97 Indy 500 and a 95 Indy Lite so no comparison).
I also have friends that are thinking of selling there 00 ZL 600's to get Phazers for the fun factor.

 

[Ruckus]

Unless you are on a groomed highway or open pond there is nothing that can touch a phazer. I ride with 6's and 7's all the time and they always tell me to go first. Sure they are faster, but the other sleds can't be ridden at those speeds unless the terrain is very forgiving. I don't know what your trail/backcountry situation is like but around here the Phazer is King! I remember when I first got it all my buds "felt bad" for me. It didn't take long before I was feeling bad for them. Its like the difference between, say, and older VW GTi and an American V8. Sure the V8 is faster on the highway, but get in the twisty 2 lane blacktop and its bye bye Yank tank.

 

[QUADSCRIB]

This winter Ive gone through a formula 583 and a 600 xlt special that both were quite fast and I can tell you from what little riding I have gotten to do on my Phazer that its a HUGE step up and pretty much equal on speed though Im sure the Phazer gets to it quicker. Top that off with the suspension, E-start, torque, and just the fact that its typical Yamaha quality and Im VERY pleased with my choice!

I do think i need studs or the Freeride track seems to be the hot item on here.. enough that Im 99% sure Im gonna change it.