The Tunnel Close-Off found on 2009 Yamaha Phazers prevents the ice and snow build up problems of the previous year

One of the more common complaints about the 2007 Phazer models was the open tunnel appearance and the amount of snow and ice that would drool out and collect on the running boards. Yamaha knew this, and added snow skirts for 2008. This only served to slow down the snow and ice build-up on the running boards. Late word is Yamaha will be closing off this open area on all Phazers for 2009, and eliminate the rear snow skirt as well. Any questions about exhaust cooling should now be answered.

Some (not all) of the FX Nytro models get a new tapered tunnel to replace the deeper tunnel, still found on the FX Nytro RTX and FX Nytro. This new tapered tunnel is found on the XTX and RTX SE models. This places the running boards at a steeper 11-degree angle as well. This new lightweight, narrow tunnel simply looks better.

Very little has changed on the 2009 Apex and RS Vector models. That goes to show how well they perform. Perhaps the most significant improvement is the addition of a new rear heat exchanger at the top rear of the tunnel. This extra extrusion replaces the previous crossover tube from 2008, and increases the cooling capacity of the Apex and RS Vector models. This change should help keep the temp light from coming on, providing more consistent engine cooling and greater customer satisfaction.

All FX Nytro models (except the MTX) get an all-new front suspension for 2009. Yamaha found their FX Nytro riders didn’t really want the exact same front end as their race sled, so they tamed it down some to improve customer satisfaction. Ten things were changed, including new shorter a-arms, tie rods, spindles, and ski rubbers. End result is far less bump steer, a 4-degree reduction in caster angle, 15mm more “trail” for a slower steering response,  and improved stability and predictability. Steering is more predictable and consistent, it corners flatter, and darting and hunting is reduced. Bottom line, you can now ride faster with more confidence. The difference truly is amazing.

This is a touring-tuned version of the Genesis 130 FI engine found in the FX Nyytro. Displacement of the 3-cylinder is the same 1050cc as the Nytro, but this engine is built for low-rpm, high-torque touring needs. It is NOT the Nytro engine. There’s a different stator, different cams, different exhaust and better fuel economy. It has unique intake and exhaust timing, with far less exhaust duration and overlap. It makes 6 HP more than the carbed 120, but has much broader torque. Fuel economy should be slightly better than the carbed 120, and this engine is over two pounds lighter. Power delivery is smooth and linear, well matched to the RS Venture GT package. Downside? It costs more than the carbed 120.

With the conversion to the Apex-style rider-forward chassis for 2008, the main differences between the Apex and Vector models are simply the engine size and power. Just like the Apex, you can get a “base” RS Vector, a RS Vector GT, an LTX and a RS Vector LTX GT. The GTs get the premium Ohlins shock package for the ultimate in ride quality and adjustability. All models are powered by the three-cylinder 973cc carbed Genesis 120 for value and economy. Cosmetically, they even look like an Apex. And, like the Apex models, they all get the new rear heat exchanger to increase cooling capacity. Again, the best ride quality is found in the LTX GT.

Yamaha has plenty of MTX mountain-specific models to choose from. Options include the 150 HP Apex MTX with new aluminum HPG shocks (rear and center) to the 130 horse FX Nytro MTX with its more aggressive riding position, also fitted with new HPG shocks in the rear suspension and the same front suspension geometry as 2008 that works well in the mountains, to the 80 HP Phazer MTX. Once again, the Phazer MTX also gets new HPG shocks in the rear suspension. Yamaha mountain riders wanted less bottoming and better suspension performance, so they got it!

Yamaha enjoys great acceptance in this segment, and now you have three Ventures to choose from; the Phazer-inspired 80 HP Venture Lite, the RS Vector-inspired RS Venture, and the new Apex-inspired Deltabox II platform RS Venture GT. This new sled brings the ergos of the Apex platform, but more importantly gives you the option of a touring-tuned 120 FI engine derived from the FX Nytro. Fuel economy is better than the carbed Genesis 120, with hard top storage and an adjustable backrest. It is the ultimate 4-stroke cruiser from Yamaha, with styling that reminds you of an R1 sport bike. There’s even extra features on the Apex-style gauge, telling you when to change the oil.

Phazer models still come in three packages. The base “Phazer”, the groomed trail calibration “GT” and the “Phazer RTX”. The base model is now black and orange with  gas-cell shocks all around and no reverse or windshield. The red and black GT has gas cell shocks in the rear with piggy-back shocks and dual clickers up front with a tall windshield, making this the premium trail sled in the Phazer line. The RTX has a more aggressive suspension calibration, adding Fox FLOAT air shocks up front and a clicker in the rear for bottoming resistance. All Phazers will have the hole in the tunnel  sealed off for 2009, and the rear snow skirts will be eliminated.

Apex models feature the four-cylinder 150 HP fuel-injected Genesis 150 FI, one wicked engine that runs and runs and runs. You can again get a standard Apex, an Apex GT with more features, a rough-trail Apex RTX, and a longer tracked Apex LTX. For the best ride, the Apex LTX GT adds the Ohlins set-up from the Apex GT for the ultimate Apex ride quality (our favorite). All get a new rear heat exchanger to increase cooling capacity. All Mono Shock suspensions were improved for 2008, so the 2009s deliver great ride quality on the trail.