2024 Yamaha WaveRunner range revealed
Yamaha has pulled the wraps off the changes coming to its WaveRunner personal watercraft range, including a new engineYamaha has announced the changes it will introduce for its 2024 WaveRunner personal watercraft line-up, including a new naturally aspirated 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine that will power its high-output jet skis.
The new 1898cc four-stroke engine replaces the 1.8-litre version introduced to the WaveRunner range in 2006 as part of the introduction of the supercharged FX Cruiser SHO high-performance jet ski.
Yamaha says the new engine, rumoured to produce around 200hp, replaces the roughly 180hp 1.8-litre one fitted to the FX Cruiser HO, FX HO, GP1800R HO and VX Cruiser HO models, producing “quicker and smoother acceleration and higher top-end speed”.
“This is achieved through the engine’s increased displacement, optimised intake and exhaust paths, and a 10 per cent larger throttle body for more power and torque,” Yamaha said in a statement announcing the new models.
The 1.9-litre engine was developed alongside a new top-loader intake grate for the FX HO and VX HO models that Yamaha claims provide improved pick-up and acceleration.
Here is how Yamaha’s 15-model WaveRunner line-up will change for the 2024 model year.
FX Series
Yamaha has announced the FX Cruiser HO and FX HO models will be the first in the luxury-focussed jet ski range to use the new 1.9-litre high-output engine and intake grate.
Meanwhile, the multifunction touchscreen used on these models has been redesigned after introducing a larger 7.0-inch Connext interface previously only used on the flagship FX SVHO models that provides what Yamaha says is a “cleaner look and improved visibility”.
Recognising that more than one rider will use this PWC in a number of different ways, the Drive Control modes have expanded to include Economy, Towing, Performance, Comfort and Custom settings.
Hinting at what is likely to come, Yamaha says the flagship supercharged FX SVHO models will continue to use the 1.8-litre engine rather than adopt the new one.
The FX Limited SVHO, FX Cruiser SVHO and FX SVHO models will not be changed.
GP Series
Yamaha’s hardcore jet-ski model range has had a change of name and a disparity in performance.
The Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R HO is rebadged as the GP 19HO and features the new 1.9-litre naturally aspirated high-output engine.
Meanwhile, the flagship GP1800R SVHO will now be known as the GP SVHO, powered using the carryover supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. It will still be available in the choice of two colour options, blue or black.
VX Series
The WaveRunner VX Series is the more affordable segment of Yamaha's recreational jet ski range.
The only change is to the VX Cruiser HO, which jumps to the new 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, while the lower performance, 1049cc-engined VX Cruiser and VX Deluxe carry over.
EX and Freestyler Series
Yamaha has flagged that its entry-level EX Series and Freestyler Jetblaster (sit-down) and Superjet (stand-up) models will receive only colour changes for the new model year.
Related: Jet skis of the 2023 Sydney International Boat Show
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