2022 Yamaha WaveRunner FX range receives major overhaul
Yamaha has unveiled larger than expected changes for its flagship personal watercraft model seriesYamaha has unveiled sweeping changes to its FX WaveRunner series – the flagship three-seater personal watercraft range that is the largest in its fleet.
At a glance, it looks like today's model range with new colours. However, this is the biggest change to the Yamaha FX series since this generation arrived in the 2019 model year.
Key updates include a switch to a thicker, heavy-duty “SMC” fibreglass hull to appeal to offshore riders and surf lifesavers.
Technology updates include factory-fitted audio speakers for the first time, built-in navigation, voice control (when stopped) and smartphone charging ports, to appeal to recreational users.
Other changes include a new ride plate and repositioned sponsons (that have moved 50mm forward) to help bring the nose up to improve fuel economy and, potentially, deliver a dryer ride – though few people ride a jet ski in the hope of not getting wet.
As before there are five models, starting with two non-supercharged 1.8-litre units called the FX HO and FX HO Cruiser. The latter "Cruiser" edition gains tiered seating and dock tie-down cleats in the top deck.
Then there are three versions powered by a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder: FX SVHO, FX SVHO Cruiser, and FX SVHO Limited.
Both FX HO models come with a 5.0-inch glass digital touchscreen display, while FX SVHO models come with a 7.0-inch display – larger than the 4.3-inch touchscreens used across the range previously.
The new high-resolution screens are full colour and include navigation capability once optional maps are bought and loaded.
There is also the capability of “geo-fencing” tech, which can set a digital boundary for novice riders, alerting them via the instrument display once the boundary is reached.
The FX now has a GPS-based speedometer rather than relying on engine revs or a paddle wheel in the ride plate.
The large 16.5-litre centre console includes LED lighting, 12V power, a USB charge port, and a rubber pocket for smartphones.
There are also two rope tie hooks on either side of the handlebars.
The extra equipment has led to price rises of $1725 on the 2022 Yamaha FX HO models and $1925 on 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO models.
The 2022 Yamaha FX HO (in white, grey and pale blue) costs $22,599 not including trailer and registration (up from $20,874).
The 2022 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser (in charcoal and pale blue, with tiered seating and cleats on the top deck) costs $23,599 not including trailer and registration (up from $21,874).
The 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO (in pale blue and white with red flashes) costs $27,199 not including trailer and registration (up from $25,274).
The 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO Cruiser (in black, dark bronze and pale blue, with tiered seating and cleats for the top deck) costs $28,199 not including trailer and registration (up from $26,274).
The 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO Limited (in black, dark blue and yellow, with tiered seating and cleats for the top deck) will cost from $28,399 not including trailer and registration (up from $26,474).
Yamaha Australia is briefing dealers today about the 2022 Yamaha WaveRunner line-up after the range was unveiled in the US overnight.
The personal watercraft market is usually held up by shipping delays out of North America in the lead-up to summer. So far, dealers have been advised to not expect showroom stock in significant numbers until early 2022.
The range update includes the wider roll-out of built-in audio entertainment systems as standard for all three GP1800-R models, all five FX models and one VX model.
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