Phazer / Phazer GT

Yamaha indicates the base Phazer ($6,399) is aimed more at younger, rough trail riders, where the Phazer GT ($7,199) is more aimed at Trail Performance, thus the “GT”, or “groomed trail designation” and comfort-tuned suspensions. The most obvious difference between the two are the shocks; the base Phazer has gas cell dampers all around, where the GT upgrades you to aluminum-body HPGs all-around with a slightly lower ride height and a different sway bar for flatter cornering, along with the push-button reverse and a decent windshield as standard issue.
The best way to describe the Phazer is it feels like a 475-pound 80 HP REV that steers easier and is a slightly more relaxed seating position (not quite as far forward). The overall balance is very good, it’s not tippy or pitching through the bumps, it rides and feels about like you’d expect from a rigid-tube frame chassis. The power is thicker on bottom and through the middle than you expect, and it’ll pull our big guys up over 70 MPH. Fun, fun, fun. It is likely rather cold, as there isn’t much up front to protect you, but the GT adds some wind deflectors. The balanced suspensions, flickable responsiveness and instant throttle response are exciting, yet not intimidating. Most anyone can throw a leg over one and feel comfortable in a short while, no getting used to it. Absolutely the coolest new sled of the year. Maybe not for everybody, but Yamaha will sell a freakin’ ton of them. Maybe more.