1997 yamaha phazer ss

When its highest-ranked categories are fit and finish and fuel tank accessibility, both of which only rated 6.5 out of a possible 10 points, you begin to see that after 13 years the once cutting-edge Phazer is now just very ordinary.

Is it that the Phazer lacks in quality? No, our test riders scored fit and finish well. And when it comes to the drivetrain, the Yamaha-built 485cc fan-cooled twin is one of the most durable around. Technologically, it has reed valves and dual Mikuni carbs that are light on the throttle thumb. It's a solid performer.

But the years are showing on the Phazer SS, which, over the past few seasons, has remained basically unchanged aside from its name and its boldnew graphics. In comparison to other brands in the econo-sports sled mix,the latest Phazer is totally average in throttle response and engine and clutch response.

As deep-snow machines, the new series of lightweight Cats and Ski-Doo Summits have surpassed the Phazer. As a trail sled, the Phazer, with itsTelescopic Strut Suspension up front and hobby horse ride at the rear, has been surpassed by all but the lowest-priced econo-sleds with venerable suspensions.Ski-Doo's better priced Formula SL ($4,349 versus the Phazer's price of$4,849) comes with a long-travel rear and a more precise handling DSA front suspension.

Though its externally mounted two-stage telescopic strut with progressive springs on the front may look cool, the Phazer's six inches of travel ranks as just average for a front suspension. Accordingly, our test riders only gave the front suspension's ride a 4.75.

On the tail end, the middle-of-the-trail Phazer scored exactly five points out of a possible 10 with our testy staff. While considered average, the modified ProAction link system is quite capable thanks to its 7.8 inches of travel, but it still ranks below other sleds in the fan-cooled sportclass.

The one rating section in which the Phazer SS scored consistently high (comparative to the rest of the sled) was accessibility under the hood.Our riders appreciated the relatively convenient access to spark plugs,oil and fuel tanks. These rated at 6.0, 6.25 and 6.5 respectively.

However, two of our test riders were severely critical of the hot foot syndrome they experienced when riding the Phazer in nearly 40-degree temperatures out west this past spring. One rider angrily declared this "totally unacceptable" in a modern-day snowmobile. This is not a new problem with the Phazer. Placement of the exhaust pipe and the heat transferred from it can make the right footrest totally unusable in certain riding conditions. In warm weather, operating the sled at near wide open throttle - when climbing steep hillsides in wet, soft snow, for example - you cannot maintain a normal foot position on the right footrest without permanently fusing your rightboot to the running board. Considering how much time and effort Yamaha invested in making the 1997 Vmax series ergonomically sound and rider friendly, our test riders were unwilling to cut the Phazer any slack. This is totally unacceptable in a 1997 model snowmobile.

Lest you think Yamaha has done nothing to the Phazer, let's give the company a little credit. The Phazer SS enjoys the benefits of a semi-block pattern track, which measures 15 by 121 inches.

We know there are a lot of you who truly love this sled. After all, this is the sled that in its day rated number one for quite a few years. It was the sled that Arctco targeted when it introduced the Prowler. Now, though,the warts are showing. If there was a price advantage to the Phazer we could endorse it on value, but Yamaha has shown us that there is a new breed of Yamaha snowmobiles, and we figure that a fan-cooled version of the new lightweight Vmax would be a good choice to continue the old Phazer name into the new century.

1997 Yamaha Phazer SS

Overall Height: 47 inches
Overall Length: 105 inches
Ski Stance: 38.6 inches
Engine: Yamaha 485cc, piston reed valve, fan-cooled twin
Clutch:
Primary: 3 Swing Arm; 8.3 inches
 Secondary: Torque Sensing; 10.8 inches
Suspension Travel:
 Front: Two-stage telescopic Strut with progressive springs, 6.0 inches
 Rear: Modified ProAction Link; 7.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 8.2 gallons
Key Features: Self-adjusting mechanical brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, tach, odometer,trip meter, fuel and oil gauges, halogen headlamp. Optional: electric start
Retail Price: $4,849 (base)
  $5,249 (electric start)
Riding Impressions:
 "Still a fun ride, but it's looking dated and it lacks breakthrough technology."
- Dave Hakensen, Test Rider