For 2009, Yamaha unveiled the new FZ SHO WaveRunner model - the start of an era that would change personal watercraft and watercross racing forever. The FZ hull went on to be one of the most popular & successful watercrafts of all time, winning countless World & National Titles and still winning races till this day.
For 2017, Yamaha unveiled the new GP1800 SVHO WaveRunner - an instant success across the world. The GP1800 became so popular so fast that dealerships across the nation couldn't keep them in stock as they flew off the showroom floor. They also flew around the race track, as it quickly claimed National & World titles in it's first year out.
Now, for 2019, Yamaha has unveiled another redesigned flagship model - allow me to reintroduce the Yamaha FX SVHO.
With a completely redesigned body and hull combined with some exciting new features, the 2019 FX is looking like the next step in evolution for personal watercraft.
The new top deck is bold and aggressive, fitting to the performance under the seat. With the redesign hull you can expect a whole nother level of stability and predictability in rough conditions, with the added comfort and luxury the FX line has become known for.
New features includes the first LCD touchscreen featured on a PWC. Yamaha's Connext screen offers system info, customized features, and the new Drive Control technology.
Also new is the RAM Mount System, which allows you to mount amenities such as wireless Bluetooth speakers and a Garmin fish finder.
Overall, whether you're looking for luxury & comfort or performance & wins, the new FX WaveRunner design looks like the new standard on the water.
Also updated for 2019 is the GP1800, VX, and EX models.
The Yamaha GP1800 is now the GP1800R - updated to satisfy the racer inside all of us. New ride plate and intake grate designs offer more performance and handling straight out of the crate.
Also new is the colorways.. A black upper deck with red bottom and complemented with red graphics gives a unique spin on the classic color combination. The timeless Yamaha Blue is accented with a yellow pop on the new graphic kit.
The Yamaha EX also is now donning the 'R', as the lineup for the sporty PWC includes the EX, EX Sport, EX Deluxe, and EXR.
The EXR is a high-performance, powerful, and lightweight Rec Lite watercraft that will be extremely popular in it's own right.
Powering the EXR is Yamaha’s award-winning, three-cylinder TR-1 HO marine engine that comes with a modified ECU that increases horsepower by ten percent compared to the rest of the EX line. I might know someone else that can get a bit more than a 10% gain on top of that too..
The EXR becomes the most affordable WaveRunner to feature Yamaha’s high-performance, super-lightweight NanoXcel 2 hull and deck material. It will only weigh 540 pounds, which is 60 pounds lighter than the EX Deluxe.
It also features a top-loader intake grate and a 40mm pump extension for more agile handling and performance. The power to weight ratio with the 'R' model upgrades will certainly make it one of the most affordable and enjoyable crafts on the market.
Finally, the industry’s best-selling high-performance runabout - the Yamaha VX series. The VXR returns in 2019 with similar updates as the GP1800, with an upgraded top-loader intake grates and race-designed ride plates for sharper and more predictable handling in choppy water.
The biggest addition to the VXR though is the NanoXcel 2 hull. The NanoXcel significantly reduces the overall weight and you will feel it with improved acceleration and top end speed.
“With the 2019 performance upgrades, we took designs that were proven on the race course by the best riders in the world, and made it something customers can get right out of the box,” said Scott Watkins, Yamaha Watercraft’s WaveRunner product planner and PWC legend. “The result is a whole new character to these WaveRunners, that recreational riders and racers alike will find fuels their desire for ultra high performance experiences on the water with unbelievable handling.”
Overall, the excitement is at an all time high for the Yamaha WaveRunner line. The GP1800 has been consistently dominant in closed course, endurance racing and on rec lakes around the world. The FX has a brand new bold & exciting design with features never seen before. The ever popular EXR and VXR models continue to improve upon a strong base and will be better than ever.
Rev Your Hearts indeed, we're just getting started