What is the next step up from a Phazer II ? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

TopGunAndSon · 02-21-2008, 12:38 PM

I bought a used 92 Phazer II for my teenage son, and I like it as much as he does actually, but I need more speed and acceleration. What Yamaha model would you recommend that I step up to? And along with that, could you give me some particular years that are better than other years and how much I could expect to pay for one? Thanks.

COOKSTER · 02-21-2008, 12:50 PM

The possibilities are limitless, all depends on how much you want to spend. If you want somthing cheap and of the same vintage as your Phazer II, the next step up would be the Exciter II. You gain 85cc and liquid cooling in an sled thats very similar to the Phazer II, lots on the market too. Make sure the track is in good shape or deduct at least $400 on the value of the sled.

Jaded · 02-21-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopGunAndSon

I bought a used 92 Phazer II for my teenage son, and I like it as much as he does actually, but I need more speed and acceleration. What Yamaha model would you recommend that I step up to? And along with that, could you give me some particular years that are better than other years and how much I could expect to pay for one? Thanks.

The next step up for Yamaha would be the Exciter. The Phazer is a 480cc fan cooled machine and the Exciter is a 570cc liquid cooled machine. Suspensions, chassis and design is pretty much identical. I've owned both and the Exciter has quite a bit more amount snap when you ask for it. Very dependable rides. Not much for suspension, just like the Phazer. After that would be the 600 Mountain Max. Better suspension, different design altogether but still a very nice sled.

TopGunAndSon · 02-21-2008, 10:42 PM

I can pull the Phazer off the trailer by myself, which is one thing I really like about it. With the Exciter being liquid cooled, is it a lot heavier?

And the Phazer tops out about 73 with me on it (over 220 pounds). How much faster is the Exciter?

Thanks for the info!

IRONDOG · 02-21-2008, 11:33 PM

Forget the Exciter- jump right to a 1997 or newer V-Max, far superior to the older strut suspension machines and you can buy them for $1000 if you look around.
Jerry

COOKSTER · 02-22-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRONDOG

Forget the Exciter- jump right to a 1997 or newer V-Max, far superior to the older strut suspension machines and you can buy them for $1000 if you look around.
Jerry

Im going to Michigan to buy my next sled. A 97 V-Max would cost over 2 grand where I live

Jaded · 02-22-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopGunAndSon

I can pull the Phazer off the trailer by myself, which is one thing I really like about it. With the Exciter being liquid cooled, is it a lot heavier?

And the Phazer tops out about 73 with me on it (over 220 pounds). How much faster is the Exciter?

Thanks for the info!

I don't know the exact specs on the weight but I would estimate the difference to be about 30 lbs more, give or take 10 lbs. As for the speed, I had mine up to about 90 mph, with more available but why.....
As for the comment about the V-Max, Irondog I guess missed the point of the question. I could tell you lots of other sleds that are faster than the Phazer too but that isn't what you asked. You wanted to know what a step up from the Phazer is. The V-Max is a bigger, heavier sled. It is fast, but will use twice the fuel the Phazer and Exciter do and if weight is an issue for you, well steer clear of the V-Max. They are no doubt good machines, but totally different application.

a guy · 02-22-2008, 01:20 PM

One Sled...
1993 Exciter 2 SX (only year it was made)
93ish hp. Super cheap fun and reliability, Updated rear suspension(for the time) I am 6"5 at 240lbs. I'd like more room but bar risers will fix that cheaply. It's light!!!!

As mentioned above go over the sled for wear and tear. THe drive section must be checked out. Other than that if you have it serviced initially and maintain it you'll get years of trouble free good times!!

Good luck

Out..
Greg

IRONDOG · 02-22-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaded

I don't know the exact specs on the weight but I would estimate the difference to be about 30 lbs more, give or take 10 lbs. As for the speed, I had mine up to about 90 mph, with more available but why.....
As for the comment about the V-Max, Irondog I guess missed the point of the question. I could tell you lots of other sleds that are faster than the Phazer too but that isn't what you asked. You wanted to know what a step up from the Phazer is. The V-Max is a bigger, heavier sled. It is fast, but will use twice the fuel the Phazer and Exciter do and if weight is an issue for you, well steer clear of the V-Max. They are no doubt good machines, but totally different application.

I didn't miss the point at all- I just gave him the best advice. I never even considered speed. The Exciters had their day as did all the pogo stick Yamahas- the '97 and newer V-max are far from being a heavy pig, they are the lightest in their class and are superior in every way to any Exciter. For what little bit of difference there may be in price between a good Exciter and any '97 and newer V-max there is no question that the trailing arm V-max is would be the better choice.
Jerry

SnowRida · 02-22-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRONDOG

'97 and newer V-max there is no question that the trailing arm V-max is would be the better choice.
Jerry

TSS (pogo stick)? No trailing arms here to mess up on rocks or what ever?

TopGunAndSon · 02-23-2008, 09:48 PM

I appreciate all of your input. I guess the lightweight, gas mileage, and dependability would have me lean towards an Exciter II.

IRONDOG · 02-23-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopGunAndSon

I appreciate all of your input. I guess the lightweight, gas mileage, and dependability would have me lean towards an Exciter II.

You should try a '97 or newer Yamaha with the trailing arm front suspension- you would never want to go back to an Exciter I guarantee you. The Exciter is noticeably heavier that the Phazer as is any liquid cooled sled. The Yamaha 600 with it's flat slide carbs gets much better mileage than the Exciter with it's 38mm round slides. Yamaha builds the most dependable engines, I see fewer of them here in my shop than any other brand. The Yamaha Exciter 570 and the V-Max 500 and 600 actually share the same basic crankshaft and cases. It's a buyer's market right now, a 1997 V-Max 600 with electric start and reverse just sold for $1100 here by me in Michigan.
Jerry

sparky302 · 03-08-2008, 04:19 AM

I think to get 90mph you have to regear the exciter it tops out at about 75mph