Dear Ralph: First off, I love your magazine! I own a 2007 Yamaha Phazer FX and am considering installing studs into the track. My...

Dear Ralph:
First off, I love your magazine! I own a 2007 Yamaha Phazer FX and am considering installing studs into the track. My dealer has no advice on this subject, and when I look at the websites for the stud companies they don’t seem to show any type of tunnel or heat exchanger guards in their product lines. I know adequate tunnel and heat exchanger protection is a must-have, as I’ve seen the damage done without guards. Do I have to make my own? What’s your advice? Can I get away without tunnel protection on this model with the open tunnel? But there’s still the front exchanger, though….
Mark Chapski
Dugald, Manitoba


As is typical with all-new models, it often takes the aftermarket a couple of months to catch up with the development, prototyping and field testing of new components. And being an 80 HP model, the Phazer wasn’t exactly at the top of the to-do list for the stud companies coming into this season.
Woody’s has been telling those who inquire that they must install tunnel protection. We checked with Bender Racing (716-941-5840) and they tell us they do not yet have the protectors ready to ship, as the “open” tunnel presents problems with traditional strip tunnel protectors. The kit they’re working on should be ready for next season, as they are working through the structural changes needed (close-off panels) and the exhaust cooling. Face it, the market for performance products for an 80 HP sled in its first season isn’t that strong, yet. I have seen some independents close off the open tunnel and install typical strip protectors, but these are all one-offs. So yes, for now you have to make your own.

No comments so far.

Be first to leave comment below.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *