2010 Yamaha Phazer MTX Review

Let’s not kid ourselves here, there really isn’t all that much changed on Yamaha’s 2010 version of its Phazer MTX powder play sled. Ah, heck, the key to this sled for changes is two graphics packages: orange and black or Yamaha black with blue.

Be that as it may, the 2010 Phazer MTX remains a serious consideration for basic bucks getaways to flatland snow areas, especially the marginal groomed areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. At just over 500-pounds, the Phazer MTX should be easy to maneuver in the backwoods. It may not have the power to lift you over a 15,000-foot mountain, but its twin cylinder Genesis 80 should be completely fine to slog through flatland terrain.

This sled reminds us of the old “light-footed” Ski-Doo Elan. We say reminds us, not that the 2010 Phazer MTX emulates that ancient backwoods rowboat. The Elan’s secret was its great length of rubber track to its overall length. The latest Phazer MTX spins 144-inches of track length. Granted it’s only 14-inches wide, but the 2-inch lugs will grip and get you out of most trouble. And, while that Yamaha-clutched Genesis twin may be a high revver, you should be able to easily modulate its performance thanks to its computerized fuel injection. Add in the easy throttle pull on those injectors and you have a sled that responds quickly, quietly and precisely when you venture off trail.

Off Trail

We like the fact that the Phazer MTX not only sits tall but it is narrow enough to quickly tip side-to-side to direct around a fallen branch or squeeze over a snow-covered stump. You can kneel on the narrow-topped saddle or place a boot on the runningboard and another on the rear deck while gripping the handlebar strap so you can snap the sled around in the bush.

We especially like the fact that the Phazer comes with Yamaha’s curved handlebar, which gives you added grip off trail or nice control for pulling through tight turns.

The things that we don’t like about Yamaha’s Phazer models in general are assets for flatland bushwhacking. The basic Phazer tends to be a bit tippy on groomed trails. But that works in your favor off trail where you want to rotate the sled from side to side or slip around a ditch side. Yamaha calls this “flickability.” We call it good handling on this long tracker.

You will need to be a bit careful when planning off-trail trips and running in clear cut wooded areas. The Phazer’s double A-arm front suspension is open to damage from debris hidden in the snow. The miniscule bumper may keep you from butting some things, but it’s pretty worthless when sliding nose deep in unknown territory.

Yamaha has chosen to enclose the rear portion of the MTX exposed chassis. This will reduce snow thrown up on the runningboards and will help you secure sure footing in deep off-trail riding.

Modest Power

The Phazer MTX will give you adequate performance with up to 80 ponies getting to the Yamaha YVRC driver. Based on off-road motorcycle technology, the Phazer’s Genesis 80FI engine measures 499cc, utilizes three intake valves to maximize fuel-air ratios, and throws its exhaust rearward, under the seat. This means the little twin can be placed far back in the engine bay where it helps center the sled and rider mass for very good backcountry movement.

Controlling the front-end travel is a set of high-pressure gas shocks with a coil spring wrapped around them for added control. Travel ranges up to 8.7 inches in the front. The rear suspension gives you more than 14-inches of travel to bounce over rough terrain as you break trail. Yamaha’s ProMountain 144 turns the Phazer MTX into your choice of deep snow lightweight challenger or a bump-bridging unit for groomed trail running. KYB shocks on the suspension arms control the sled’s travel.

Ironically we find that both the Phazer MTX and its two-up sibling, the Venture Lite, are our favorites in the Phazer line. The extra track makes them more amenable both on and off trail. We find the regular Phazer models to be just too darn short and squirrelly for our tastes. The power delivery seems better suited to the longer track models, too. Go figure!

Interesting Design

The Phazer MTX utilizes some of Yamaha’s exclusive diecast construction techniques along with tubular frame construction and a stamped aluminum tunnel. The overall effect is interesting. The sled consists of ATV-like poly-panels that fit into the design on the sides and front. Access panels on either side can be accommodated via pins, but replacing the panels can be a chore in really cold weather.

Like the bigger Yamahas, the Phazer MTX comes with an easy-to-read gauge mounted in the center of the handlebar area. Handwarmer settings and such can be read on the call-out screen. The speedometer reads big and easy, but you will want to familiarize yourself with the sled’s owner’s manual to understand the many variables available in the gauge.

The MTX comes with a small windscreen, which is better than nothing. Rest assured, Yamaha has an accessories catalog designed to satisfy any rider.

As a four-stroke, the Phazer MTX features electric start and a mechanical reverse. The hydraulic brake is very efficient.

This sled is a bit plodding on groomed trails as you tend to sit high and the somewhat narrow feel of the sled exacerbates the extra track length. Off trail, those negatives become instant pluses. The sled goes from tippy to quick reacting.

If you want a long-track Phazer for the trail, get the Venture Lite. If you want to break trail to a cabin, your favorite backwoods fishing hole, or just spend a day wandering the backcountry, the Phazer MTX makes a great companion. For one-up trail riding on groomed trails, there are better options. Like we said, this is a great choice for off-trail exploring in a forest or backwoods riding where nimble handling counts more than power.

Related Reading
2010 Yamaha Venture Lite Review
2010 Yamaha Apex MTX Review
2010 Yamaha FX Nytro MTX SE 162 Review
All Things Yamaha on Snowmobile.com

2010 Yamaha Phazer MTX
Engine	Yamaha Genesis 80FI; 499cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled; 43mm Keihin throttle body electronically controlled fuel injection
Horsepower	80-plus
Drive	Yamaha YVRC variable ratio clutch
Front Suspension	Yamaha wishbone; 8.7-in travel; HPG gas shocks
Rear Suspension	Yamaha ProMountain 144; 14.3-in travel; KYB gas shocks
Length	125.7 in
Width	46.8 in
Height	45.8 in
Ski Stance	38.0 in
Track	14 x 144 x 2.0
Weight	515 lbs (estimated based on 2009 model year)
Fuel Capacity	7.0 US Gal
MSRP	US$8,099.00