I ride often with a friend who has an eleven year old on a Phoenix. I can remember fiddling with every bike in our group out on the trail, except the Phoenix!!! We've had several conversations about how much of a workhorse it has been. We ride in alot of mud and it does very well (stuck alot, but mostly because of rider inexperience). My nine year old (on a Sportsman 90 now) will probably get the Phoenix as a hand-me-down from our friend and I won't hesitate to put him on it. My friend has kept the stock tires on this thing (cheap Duro's) and I would change that immediately, probably for some Holeshot HDs or similar for mixed riding.

The motor is built by Aeon, the same company that Polaris has used for years to supply engines for the Predator 50/90, Scrambler 50/90, and Sportsman 90.

 

I feel better. My is a 2005 leftover. Was there a recall on the etc. Do you think I should tell the dealer about this before I pick it up..

Thanks for input..

Steve

 

Yeah sounds to me I have the Polaris Lemon. I have had the Phoenix a year now and with the recalls and work I have had replaced: The stator, the CDI, starter, the carb, all engine seals, after that the plug by the oil filter started leaking, (that took 2 months to get a replacement) There is a hose on top of the engine (replaced 3 times)
then the head started leaking.

I had the backfiring issue, I had the shifting issue, I had the starting issue. They replaced the rear hosing since it was shipped "dry" and then gear oil kept coming out the vent hose. I had the front light "pop" out several times when I hit a hard bump.

Its terrible on any incline, it cannot climb hills, at the dealer they saw me actually push it up the ramps...it wouldn't do it. That is when the mechanic came over and said these are a POS.

I'm serious when I say I will not even give it away, I want no-one to have any of the problems I have had. I like my Phoenix.....in the yard covered (for 6 months now)......RIP......Best $3200 lawn ornament I ever bought..

 

I had a regulator rectifier problem with mine - warranty took care of it .

The plastic is attached rather cheaply , I wish that was better .

I am not all that down on the machine - the 2006's have some updates .

I will say this - the engine is solid - the factory pounded the tar out of them on the dyno . The engine will hold up .

You can pick up a new '05 for about $2600 now . I wouldn't be all that affraid of one . Just make sure you have a good dealer to buy from .

Rick

 

i have no idea about any recalls. mine was bought used with no warranty. i know there has been a lot of people who have the backfiring issue but no one ever gave a reason why. mine is completely cured from backfiring and cold starting. the shifting into gear is a not a problem for me but i know its not how its supposed to work. the etc switch could be fixed right with a bushing to take the slop out the shaft. i can live without it myself. only thing i did other than that was to drill some holes in the end of the muffler behind the spark arrester. it seemed to make the engine a little more throttle responsive.

 

i ride with someone who has a 05 pheonix..it backfires alot and is a hard starter as well, alot broke on it too thats not normal wear and tear...id say a trailblazer would be a bit better thats just my opinion

 

tell your friend to remove the etc switch from the throttle housing and he will think he has a whole new atv.

 

What is the etc switch.....Is it easy to remove.. Thanks

 

I thought I heard a radio ad today, 05 phoenix 2100. 05 atp 500 5300.

 

the etc switch is a safety device that keeps your engine from running if your throttle sticks. just take the cover off the top of the throttle assembly on the handlebars. the switch is held in by 1 phillips screw. take out the screw lift the switch out. the switch has 2 wires going to it.just leave it hanging outside the housing where it cant touch anything. ETC stands for electronic throttle control. i guarantee the backfiring and hard to start will disappear.