Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., today introduced its 2015 line of WaveRunner personal watercraft highlighted by Yamaha’s new RiDE dual throttle handlebar controls for forward and reverse; the first complete rework of the best selling VX Series in a decade, and Yamaha’s next generation NanoXcel material for its SVHO models.

World’s First Handlebars with Dual Throttle Controls

RiDE is an ultra-intuitive dual throttle control system now available on Yamaha FX and VX Series WaveRunners. Pull the right hand throttle lever to go forward, pull the left hand throttle lever to slow down and go in reverse. Let go of both levers and the watercraft is in neutral. The right and left throttle levers can work together at speed to let the driver dial in maximum control over their ride.

RiDE utilizes a patented bucket design that forces water out the sides of the bucket, whereby acting as a virtual rudder that keeps the watercraft tracking in the direction the driver intended.

The throttle system is controlled by a Boat Control Unit, or BCU, that is specifically tuned at the factory to account for the power and weight of each model. This ensures a completely smooth experience whether riding around a dock in close quarters or taking a turn at full speed. The BCU is also programmed to understand driver input and intention when both levers are pulled simultaneously, applying the appropriate level of acceleration or deceleration to maximize control.

“RiDE has been in development for years with the goal of forever changing the way people experience a personal watercraft,” said Scott Watkins, product manager for Yamaha’s Watercraft division.  “Simply creating a deceleration mechanism wasn’t enough.  We wanted a new technology that drivers would use all the time on their watercraft, and RiDE is just that.  It’s a technology you will use the entire time you ride.  There’s never been anything quite like it.”

Read more about RIDE on the global Yamaha Waverunner site:

http://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/waverunner/ride/

All-New VX Series WaveRunners

For 2015, the boating industry’s best-selling watercraft line gets its first complete rework in a decade.

This all-new platform for the VX, VX Deluxe and VX Cruiser includes features and technologies, including RiDE, that have never been seen before on a value priced watercraft. The high-performance VXR and VXS also get the new platform redesign and RiDE.

The redesign of the VX models include a new hull and deck design that takes styling cues from Yamaha’s flagship FX Series. The striking new deck with masculine hard-edged lines now includes integrated mirrors, refined cockpit ergonomics, a two-piece seat design and a larger stern platform.

Under the water line is one of the best handling hulls Yamaha has ever designed.  Featuring modified hull strakes, softer bow chines, and a new keel shape; this new lightweight NanoXcel hull delivers excellent stability for three-up riding and towing, and precise responsiveness and predictability for thrilling one-up riding.

The new NanoXcel hull design works exceptionally well with the higher displacement 1.8L Yamaha marine engine that powers the high-performance VXR and VXS.  Together, this combo makes the VXR and VXS more potent on the closed course than ever while maintaining its standing as the most affordable high-performance models on the market today.

The introduction of the all new, feature rich VX, VX Deluxe and VX Cruiser makes room for Yamaha’s new full-size, 3 passenger, entry-level WaveRunner series priced for the most budget-conscious buyers. The new Yamaha V1 and V1 Sport are the perfect choice for buyers who might otherwise be interested in a pre-owned watercraft.

Fun, versatile, and durable, the V1 and V1 Sports are constructed from Yamaha’s high compression molded SMC material that has been proven in demanding, salt water conditions for years. These units are powered by the tried and true 1052cc Yamaha marine engine.

“For the entry level and first time buyer there has never been a better selection of watercraft than we are offering in 2015,” said Bryan Seti, general manager for Yamaha’s Watercraft division.  “If you want the easiest way to get your family on the water, there’s the new V1 and V1 Sport.  Moving up, the new VX platform offers technology and features never before seen in this price range before.  And if you want all the features and technology plus a performance edge, there’s the VXR and VXS, which continue to prove their race-bred DNA on the championship podiums of closed course racing.”

Next Generation NanoXcel Hull and Deck Material

For 2015, Yamaha introduces NanoXcel 2, a nanotechnology-engineered material that is even lighter than the previous version while maintaining the structural integrity the material has come to be recognized for.

To create NanoXcel 2, Yamaha engineers innovated at the microscopic level using a combination of “nano” clay and glass micro-bubbles to develop a new stronger resin that uses less material. The glass micro-bubbles used in NanoXcel 2 are smaller and stronger than other filler materials, contributing to the strength, rigidity and lightweight of the new hulls and decks.

NanoXcel 2 reduces the weight of the 2015 Yamaha FZ and FX SVHO models by 35 and 46 lbs respectively, making NanoXcel 2 hulls, decks and liners the lightest in the industry.

The 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner Line at a Glance

Luxury Performance         

FX Cruiser® SVHO™

FX® SVHO™

FX Cruiser SHO®

FX® SHO®

FX Cruiser® HO

FX® HO

High-Performance 

FZR™

FZS™

VXR

VXS

Value 

VX Cruiser™

VX™ Deluxe

VX™

Entry 

V1 Sport

V1

Solo

SuperJet™