2000 yamaha phazer

Sled sales have declined more than 30,000 units since 1997. Yet, in that same time, Yamaha has seen its market share increase. What's up with that?

First, a cynic might say that Yamaha had slipped so badly since its days at the top in the 1980s, that any sales would improve market share. We can't agree with that.

Second, in that period of time, Yamaha has thoroughly revamped its product line, become extremely price competitive with exceptionally well constructed sleds, and begun to capture dissatisfied owners of other brands.

Going into the new millennium, Yamaha exhibits growth in what has been a declining snowmobile market for the past two seasons. After spending a winter with the all new Phazer, we can understand why Yamaha's market share is expanding and we can fully appreciate the Phazer's appeal as well. It is symptomatic of why Yamaha is capturing snowmobiler interests.

The Phazer is a fan-cooled Vmax made better with some very minor refinements for the year 2000. The 485cc Yamaha trail sportster shares the same stiff chassis design as liquid-cooled Vmax models.

The differences between the 2000 Phazer and its 1999 predecessor are slight- but important, and quickly account for the $100 bump in suggested retail price for this season. Refined and recalibrated gas bag shocks are standard all around, just as in the pricier liquid-cooled Vmax 500. The suspension gets an upgrade for durability, consisting of four rear idlers and six row drivers. It also gets the easy adjustment feature on the ProActionPlus rear suspension. If you've ever adjusted the ProAction suspension without this feature, you'll know it was worth the extra few bucks to have it.

And so is the rheostat control on the handwarmer. Only Yamaha has this feature. We wish others would copy it as it gives you complete control of the temperature range on the bars.

If you think of the Phazer as a slightly less potent, less expensive and lighter Vmax, then you've got your head right. Compared to the liquid-cooledVmax 500, the Phazer weighs in at 465 pounds versus 472 pounds. The Phazer has heavier steel skis, but the same nine inches of front travel and 11.5 inches of rear comfort.

As you'll note from the Phazer's light throttle pull, nimble handling,Vmax-like styling and rider friendly ergonomics, it gets easy to explain why Yamaha is gaining new friends and more sales. It's a great buy.

2000 Yamaha Phazer 500
Overall Height: 48.4 inches
Overall Length: 108.7 inches
Weight: 465 lbs.
Ski Stance: 42.1 inches
Engine: 485cc axial fan-cooled, piston reed Yamaha twin
Exhaust: High volume pipe
Clutch:
Drive: YVXC 3 swing arm
 Driven: YVXC tourque sensing
Suspension Travel:
 Front: Independent, trailing Arm, stabilizer bar, gas cell shocks, 9 in.
 Rear: ProAction Plus, gas cell shocks, 11.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic disc brake, hand and thumb warmers, speedo, trip meter, tach,mid-height windsheild, steel skis, carbides.
Retail Price: $4,499