Restoring a 1979 Yamaha Exciter & Upgrading Suspension: Phazer Skid Swap How-To

Bringing a Barn Find Back to Life

• 💡 A 1979 Yamaha Exciter, abandoned for 11 years, is pulled from a barn with the goal of getting it running before the first snow.
• 🛠️ The sled is surprisingly clean, with a mostly intact suspension, though the windshield is shattered and the registration sticker is from 2014.
• ⏱️ The team aims to strip the snowmobile down to its chassis and rebuild it within 48 hours, highlighting Yamaha's ease of disassembly.

Engine and Chassis Teardown

• ⚙️ The engine, fuel system, exhaust, and clutches are removed efficiently, taking just over 20 minutes to get down to the chassis.
• 🧼 A significant amount of dirt, grease, and a mouse nest are discovered under the engine and seat, posing a fire hazard.
• 🎨 Bodywork includes straightening dents in the tunnel and bulkhead, and preparing parts like skis for powder coating.

Suspension Upgrades: The Phazer Skid Swap

• 🚀 The primary focus shifts to upgrading the suspension by swapping in a newer skid, specifically a Phazer or Ovation skid, for improved ride quality and travel.
• 📏 The process involves significant modification, including drilling new mounting holes and adjusting for track length differences (116 vs. 121).
• 🛠️ Multiple skids are tested and modified, with a key takeaway being the importance of proper track tension and correct mounting point placement.

Reassembly and Testing

• 🔧 The restored Exciter receives new fuel lines, a rebuilt fuel pump, and a cleaned carburetor, though troubleshooting the fuel pump proves challenging.
• ✨ After reassembly, the restored 1979 Yamaha Exciter is fired up and tested, showcasing its improved performance with the new suspension.
• 🏁 The video concludes with a ride on the upgraded sleds, emphasizing the dramatic improvement in ride quality and traction compared to the stock suspension.