Why no Phazer Trapper edition?

[Mike K]

I currently ride a Venture lite, I wouldn't consider anything other than a 4 stroke for durability reasons. I use my sled just like my quad (no hill climbing). I see Skidoo offering the new Tundra LT ACE at 505lbs and when I look at the specs I think "Why doesn't Yamaha make one like this". I mean their 80hp engine already offers 20 more HP. If only it came with some flotation, you know a 16 wide long track and some decent skis. Since they are no longer offering the Bravo there is a hole in the line up. The only criticism I have of mine is it's a bus (but perfect for packing my young kids).

Maybe this has already been done to death on here with all the mountain guys trimming down 15" 151 tracks to fit but why is this not a factory option. It seems to be the most common mod here. As a really big guy the 14" (sinker) track isn't really an option I would consider.

For the trapper/utility crowd

-light weight (500lb Target)
-16x153 1"3/4 paddle (lower gears)
-Wide Skis (like Simmons Gen 2)
-Narrow stance (For trees and side hills)
-Optional venture lite style wind shield
-Option cargo rack with exhaust turn out
-High Flotation skid plate option

Perhaps I have it wrong thinking this would be a seller, what do you guys think?

 

[woolyviper]

probably a very small demographic and too far from the core business they are focusing on.

 

[Mooseman]

There is one that is close to that. The Venture Multi Purpose. Basically the same as the Lite except it has a 16" wide track, wider VK style skis and lower gearing. There is also the Viking with the 20" track. Only problem is none of them are under 500 lbs.

I have the MP and it actually floats well. Haven't done any real off-trail riding with it yet but I once hit a huge drift on the trail and it just floated on top of it like it wasn't even there.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

There is one that is close to that. The Venture Multi Purpose. Basically the same as the Lite except it has a 16" wide track, wider VK style skis and lower gearing. There is also the Viking with the 20" track. Only problem is none of them are under 500 lbs.

I have the MP and it actually floats well. Haven't done any real off-trail riding with it yet but I once hit a huge drift on the trail and it just floated on top of it like it wasn't even there.

I don't think the MP is available in the US though. Wouldn't be real difficult to modify the VL to meet those specs - but it is heavy (I don't know the wt) and feels even heavier to manoeuver.

 

[Grimm]

A Yamaha weighing less then 500 lbs?

 

[Mooseman]

Yeah. "Yamaha" and "light" are two words that don't go together

 

[Ruckus]

 

[Mike K]

Yeah, I'm aware of the MP, I'm kind of surprised they offer it actually since the lite is so similar. Of course I prefer the specs of the MP to the lite. I just see all the guys on here trimming 15" tracks for the Phazer to get a tiny bit more width. I think a 16x153 2" as a factory option on a Phazer would sell, or at least room to stuff one in. Of course it would need a lower gear set to spin that track.... The skis could be added later.

But I am new to sledding so I don't really know a lot yet or have much skill. I have found my sled to be pretty heavy though in my limited experience. It must be since Yamaha is too ashamed to admit how much they weigh in any of their stats. Guess I'll rent a few different ones this year and see how gutless that 600 ACE feels.

 

[Mike K]

Reading my post it sounds bad, I quite like the feel of my VL, just not when the snow gets fluffy and deep. That's when I look at Karl's mods and think they look like a good idea. Just surprised a wide long track is not factory offering on the Phazer is all.

 

[Mooseman]

It is kinda weird that the MP is not offered in the US. Maybe not enough demand? I transformed mine closer to a Lite by adding a rear seat although 2010 and up MP's come with the rear seat now.

Yeah, I look at the Phazer's 14" track and think it's narrow but then it is smaller and lighter than the Ventures. This will be our first season with it so will know how it handles later on. Of course adding width to accommodate a wider track would incur more weight. Pretty much a double edged sword.

I find the flotation on mine is great. This season I'm hoping to take it out to our cottage for some serious trail breaking and lake running . It carries both me and my wife with ease and we're no lightweights. I'm 300lbs and her, well... I once had to tow my son's Doo, who was carrying a passenger of his own. So, I was towing the sled, had the passenger with me and my 170lbs son on the sled being towed. No sweat! Another time I forgot the parking brake on another Doo being towed and didn't even notice for 10km.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Yeah. "Yamaha" and "light" are two words that don't go together

Sure they do, as in "Venture Lite"