2017 Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800: Review

Yamaha’s two-stroke GP1300R was considered the cool go-to muscle craft a decade ago. Now, with the advent of supercharged four-stroke engines, Yamaha has reintroduced the moniker on its all-new GP1800. Superseding

OVERVIEW
- The new best performing WaveRunner
Pulled up along the sandy foreshore on Lake Macquarie, Australia’s biggest coastal tidal lake, the 2017 Yamaha WaveRunner line-up runs the gamut from the new entry-level EX and EX Deluxe with RiDe to this racy GP1800 duo in the Azure Blue and Torch Red metallic livery.

There are now 12 WaveRunners for 2017, but only the new GP1800 can claim pole position. Reinstating the GP moniker, which was first introduced by Yamaha on the GP 1200 in 1997, and then made famous by the GP 1300R in 2003, the GP1800 is a fittingly lively machine.

Having decamped from the saddle of the new base EX model, I donned the protective riding attire for the GP1800 test run. From behind the gleaming six-coated painted exterior lies Yamaha’s proven Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) 1812cc supercharged engine. But while this is the new super high performance WaveRunner in the range, it’s a recreational, accessible, practical ‘ski’ out of the box and blocks. Good news for us off-the-shelf buyers and riders.

That said, Yamaha isn’t shy about trading off its GP past. The GP1800 has the DNA of the legendary GP1300R and the championship-winning FZR SVHO that it now supplants. Only thanks to the relatively new VX hull, agility and turning ability leave both those old platforms in their wake. You can really hook into the turns here and riders with reworked GP1800s will be hitting the wet track in 2017.

Introduced in 2014, the SVHO engine already has serious form on the national race circuit, with Yamaha Australia boasting 19/21 wins in 2014, 17/21 in 2015, and wins in the Enduro Nationals in open class and stock class, and showroom stock, which is basically out of the factory with sponsons, ever since. That’s pretty much how we rode them — stock standard, out of the box, still a bit tight.

While the GP1800 supplants the FZR and FZS in that FZ Series, and while it has the more nimble VX hull that we drive in this VX Limited with three-cylinder TR-1 engine and this VXR with HO engine, the GP1800 is the only supercharged WaveRunner with a hull constructed from the NanoXcel 2 hull material.

A high-compression moulded material, NanoXcel 2 is light but strong, giving a 11-13kg weigh saving over the FZS and FZR, and the same weight as the VXR eben with all the ‘bolt-ons’ for the supercharging and, ultimately, 80 more horsepower.

As I drove it on Lake Macquarie, this 348kg three-seater race-inspired WaveRunner offered exciting acceleration, great agility, but also accessibility. I even experienced some stomach-dropping motion sickness after a session of banking turns. That says something in itself. Don't drive and chorizo. But don’t just take my word for it.

Professional WaveRunner rider Mitch Wayt strutted his stuff around the cans for all to see. He says the GP1800 is going to be a highly competitive new performance watercraft in 2017.

"The FZs were fast but they don't want to corner in the chop, whereas the GP1800 really likes to bank hard. As soon as they arrive in Australia, I think that’s January, I will be riding the GP1800 on the national circuit for 2017.

"Out of the whole WaveRunner range it's the bee’s knees and by far the best performance craft in the line-up. Performance-wise, it’s streets ahead of any WaveRunner that has gone before it. But you can still ride it socially," Wayt enthuses.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- A value proposition for a GP muscle craft and three seater
The GP1800 retails for $20,999, plus you’ll need about $1500 for a trailer, then you have safety gear and regos to buy. Dealers in most states were offering drive-away GP1800 rigs with the works for about $22,500. That’s good value for a high-quality high-performance WaveRunner.

The GP1800 has some great standard features including RiDE — the twin-trigger or dual-throttle reverse and deceleration system that’s as intuitive as the brakes on a pushbike — plus electric trim which let you carve a deeper path, as I did on the test day when the wind filled in and chop needed, err, chopping.

The upgraded appearance of the GP1800 stems from the use of colour-matched grips and fork details, the two-piece cut-and-stitched race seat — really very comfortable, I might add — the custom Hydroturf mats in the footwells, and the race blue and red hulls that pop in the sun.

On top of this, the GP1800 has the common WaveRunner remote-controlled security system with Low RPM mode. At the push of a button, you can control both Low RPM mode and Security mode. Security mode simply immobilises the WaveRunner from unauthorised use, whereas Low RPM mode limits performance for novice riders, while improving fuel economy.

The 70lt fuel capacity is another key feature that, coupled with the economical four-stroke engine in the light but strong VX hull, gives an impressive range these days. Official factory figures say 143km at 57kmh and 129km at 67kmh.

A feeling of quality also pervades the GP1800s, while engine access is nice and direct for servicing. All this is backed by a three-year standard warranty, too.

DESIGN AND FEATURES
- A GP performer with touring comforts
The GP1800 looks fast with its decals and two-tone styling, but it’s also got some real ride comfort and design intelligence. That’s apparent in the RiDE system, but also the consideration for things like all-important storage.

The GP1800 has an impressive 93lt of storage via a deep bow bonnet, a removable watertight rear bucket under the seat, and glove box with twin drink holders. While it goes like a rocket, this is a very comfortable performance ‘ski’ for cruising.

Either way, the wide window on the multifunction LCD screen lets you easily read trim levels, speed and revs at-a-glance while on the throttle, while the revision mirrors and forward cowl add the aerodynamic looks and help cut the wind.

Then there is the option of towing. The fold-down rear-boarding step and stern hook assist this role and clambering back aboard should you come a cropper. The bolstered three-person sports racing seat feels comfortable and reassuring during one-up rides, but I would also say observer duties and family flings.

As with most Yamaha products I’ve experienced, independently I might add, the engineering is a highlight. The ergonomics of the GP1800 also mean you just meld into the WaveRunner and find you’re not fighting the machine so much as working with it.

As we said, this is an out-of-the-box three seater with accessible race-inspired performance.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- The versatile VX hull with great power-to-weight
The SVHO uses a 1.8L supercharged four-cylinder engine with the high volume 160mm pump using a eight-vane impeller, forged pistons for added strength, and open-loop cooling, which Yamaha reminds you is the industry standard and time proven. Just flush it out after use and you’ll be right.

That engine power in the NanoXcel 2 hull material, which is the lightest material available in the WaveRunner range, gives an impressive power-to-weight ratio and 28 per cent better numbers that the three-seater competition which, in the comparo presented to us by Yamaha, was the Sea-Doo RXT.

The use of NanoXcel2 over NanoXcel in the VXR hull has shaved 20kg. This saving is then offset by the extra weight of the supercharger, drive gears, cooler piping, larger oil cooler, bigger pump and intercooler to arrive at the same weight as the VXR. Yet, you have 80hp more, ie, 260-265hp on the GP1800 v 180-185hp on the VXR.

The VX hull has been designed so can do everything, but in this role it offers true tacking thanks to the strakes, good lift and buoyancy in the bow, a fine entry that you can trim-in to slice the waves, but soft bow chines to reduce pounding. We have now ridden this VX hull right across the line-up and like it.

Although the company doesn’t talk horsepower, the supercharged 1.8L four-cylinder engine with 160mm high-pressure pump produces around 265hp, though unofficially been said to be closer to 300hp. That coupled with the light NanoXCell2 composite hull construction delivers the class-leading power to weight that excites the moment you board the stable craft.

ON THE WATER
- Driving the GP1800 is a tactile experience
On the throttle, you can really feel the acceleration, the G Forces in the turns, and respond to that power how you see fit. Coupled with the sportier looks, the performance is streets ahead of the FZs that weren’t big on hooking into aggressive turns.

At the same time, the deep footwells let you gain purchase with your feet, while the handlebar grips stayed in place and added to the sense of security during our ride. The seat was a great fit, too.

With the same basic weight, the VXR was known to do 0-50 km/h in 1.8 seconds. Only this is the supercharged not high-output version of that four-cylinder 1812cc engine, with plenty more acceleration. I couldn’t confirm this in numbers or GPS readings during our fleeting test ride, other than to add there is as much speed as you need in a stock ‘ski’.

On the flat runs, the best I could pull was a recurring 110km/h. That seems to be only about two klicks less than overseas riders, leading me to think I’d get there with a bit more out-trim, perhaps less fuel, maybe a run-in engine. Anyway, let’s just say the GP1800 is a weapon and will be a great platform for racers to rework.

VERDICT
- Five key points I took home from my GP1800 ride
The first thing that struck me here was the hull agility. I have driven the VX hull a fair bit now, but on this day, in this particular mood, on a flat lake, I was leaning down low in the turns and really banking hard on this new supercharged GP.

Second, the SVHO 1.8L supercharged engine is time proven, a beautiful bit of engineering, and agreeably smooth, especially coming off the three-cylinder TR-1 engine, which has a coarser note.

For three, let’s not forget engineering and engine access here. Yamaha builds a very nice ‘ski’ and is mindful of future maintenance and the need to access the engine, automatic bilge pump, and so on. The standard three-year warranty is a biggie, too.

Four, with RiDE twin trigger-controlled reverse and deceleration and
electric trim, you are aboard a sophisticated, intelligent, adaptable
‘ski’. Dock, decamp and adjust your ride for the conditions. I’ve said
it before, but the nose of these craft doesn't dive in and get you wet
when you apply the ‘brakes’. RiDE is refined deceleration.

Last but not least, this high performance recreational three seater is just a pleasing performance craft in every which way. It is not a one-trick pony. There’s top speed, snappy acceleration, terrific agility, great comfort, mindful ergonomics, decent storage and sharp looks. It’s race inspired but recreationally accessible. Fast, fun and friendly is a great catchcry. Get on it.

LIKES
>> Great performance and turning from the supercharged SVHO engine and VX hull combo
>> RiDE deceleration and docking trigger system and electric trim adds intelligence to the ride
>> Yamaha’s signature refinement and finish ensure the GP1800 look hot
>> Accessible high performance befitting of the GP1800 tag

NOT SO MUCH
>> There are two colour combos, but perhaps more colours and graphics would help personalise these great ‘skis’
>> The GP1800 isn’t so much a groundbreaker as a great combo of existing WaveRunner elements and technology

Specifications: 2017 Yamaha GP1800
Price as tested: $20,999 (plus trailer, rego and on roads); about $22,500 drive away with rego and safety gear
Length: 3.35m
Beam: 1.22m
Weight: 348kg
Hull Construction: NanoXcel 2 Hull and Deck
Fuel: 70 litres
Capacity: 1-3 persons
Storage: 93.2 litres
Engine: SVHO Yamaha marine engine, four-cylinder, four-stroke, supercharged, 1812cc engine with 160mm eight-vane high-pressure pump,
Warranty: The VXR comes with a three-year factory warranty

Supplied by:
Yamaha Australia
For more information, go to www.yamaha-motor.com.au/products/watercraft