This page outlines the history of WaveRunner. Show
Development sprung from the challenge to create a craft that offered "Accessible fun on the water for all" The WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T) launched by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in 1986 has come to represent the personal water craft (PWC)class, appreciated by marine fans for the easy control from a sitting position and excellent maneuverability. The history of the aquatic motorcycle, called the PWC, is relatively long, with a vehicle that could be called the PWC point of origin shown in a French patent magazine some time around 1930. A range of aquatic vehicles were invented in the U.S. between 1954 and 1960, and in 1974 the PWC was launched on the market, but it would be some time before it was thoroughly established as a leisure vehicle. The power ski: A boat-shaped hull fitted with an engine. The key feature was quick turns enabled by ski-like agility. Testing the tandem model prototype. Both stability and maneuverability were achieved with a shallow V-shaped , double chine hull. While Yamaha had been steadily accumulating technological expertise in the areas of boat design and construction since 1960, the conceptual focus for the design of the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) differed to that of existing models. The method adopted for the design and manufacturing process was therefore a repetition of the following steps: prototype creation, trials and verification. At that time,
a variety of models were tested as prototypes, but it was the power ski with its outstandingly high maneuverability, that was selected for presentation in the U.S. This power ski, with its boat shaped hull, was equipped with a 25- horsepower engine manufactured by Yamaha and a 15-horsepower jet pump produced by another company. Because the power ski with its simple handlebar steering control had ski-like agility and had performed favorably in trials carried out on Lake Hamana, those involved had
great expectations for it as a new-genre product. Test-run of MJ-500T (foreground) and MJ-500S (background) The PWC became an overnight marine leisure trend with the event of the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) that made riding fun accessible for all. Of the MJ-650 series released The WaveRunner (Marine Jet), "A craft offering accessible fun on the water for all" was a conceptual departure from existing PWCs, and one that was well received by marine fans, both in Japan and also on the world stage. The features of the MJ-500T – ease of control from a seated position and high maneuverability that enabled tandem riding – were features that were practically synonymous with the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) of the time. The MJ-650 series that followed was developed based on these two MJ-500 models, but of this series it was the world's first three-seater model, the MJ-650TL, that gained the most popularity. This model was designed to enable three people to experience the same level of performance as a solo rider, with no loss of control
characteristics, maneuverability, or exhilaration. The design concept – "A water vehicle offering light-hearted fun on the water for everyone" – provided the impetus to design the large-sized WaveRunner (Marine Jet) that captured the imagination of WaveRunner (Marine Jet) fans. The GP1200 proved overwhelmingly popular as a runabout model that crossed over the racing and leisure genres. The updated GP1200R and GP1300R models have been refreshed with new technology such as Y.P.P.S. and Y.S.S.S. designed to reduce the environmental impact. With the release of the MJ-1100VN, the three-seater model in 1996, a great advance was made in the up-sizing of the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) 1986WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T)Yamaha released the WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T), the world's first sit-down type open stern production PWC. This is the model that created today's PWC market. As an agile craft that many people could enjoy with a sense of assurance, it sent shockwaves through the small watercraft industry. 1987WaveJammer 500 (Marine Jet 500S)The WaveJammer 500 (Marine Jet 500S) debuted as the world’s first sit-down type solo riding PWC. The combination of a fixed steering column and small hull made this an extremely agile model. Its concept would later be carried on by the WaveBlaster models. 1990WaveRunner III 650 (Marine Jet 650TL)The WaveRunner III 650 (Marine Jet 650TL) was released as the world’s first 3-passenger PWC, featuring a larger hull and high-performance engine. With truly pleasurable running performance and great stability, it started a new rage and became the predecessor of the later family models. It became a standard that is still seen on the water today. Its reverse drive was also a first. Super Jet 650With the SuperJet 650, Yamaha made itself a presence in the stand-up model category. 1992WaveRunner VXR650 (Marine Jet 650TX)The WaveRunner VXR650 (Marine Jet 650TX) was released as the deluxe model of Yamaha's tandem series. While the same size as the initial WaveRunners, the adoption of a new concave hull design gave it sharper turning with reduced slipping. 1993WaveBlaster 700 (Marine Jet 700TZ)The WaveBlaster 700 (Marine Jet 700TZ) made its debut. With a motorcycle-like ride that let riders enjoy sharply banked turns, combined with its powerful engine, this model won the hearts of sports-minded riders. At the races it dominated the sport class competition. This is a model that still has many devoted fans today. 1994WaveRaider 700 (Marine Jet 700RA)The WaveRaider 700 (Marine Jet 700RA) was released. PWCs entered a new era of speed racing, and runabout type models with "V" hulls became the standard. 1995WaveVenture 700 (Marine Jet 700VN)The full-sized 3-seater model WaveVenture 700 (Marine Jet 700VN) debuted. Because this was a model that beginners could ride with assurance even in fairly rough waters, it became a hit at beaches with PWC rentals. This year the WaveRaider was also upgraded with a 1100cc engine for the increasingly high-speed PWC scene. 1996WaveBlaster IITo help more people enjoy the fun of riding a PWC aggressively, the WaveBlaster II was released with a powerful 760cc engine and a hull designed for even greater stability. 1997WaveRunner GP 1200The GP1200 was released as a runabout model with awesome performance. With the most powerful engine in the industry and a compact body designed for great agility, this model stole the hearts of riders who loved real speed riding. 1998WaveRunner XL 1200The XL1200 debuted as Yamaha’s top model in the full-sized 3-seater category. It won popularity for its unbeatable combination of a powerful engine, a hull that delivered both great running performance and stability and contemporary styling. This model expanded the world of PWC sports to include touring, towing sports and family riding. 1999The SUV1200 debuted as the world’s first 4-passenger PWC. With stability like no PWC before it and handling freedom that belied its size, this model became an industry legend. It further expanded the world of PWC enjoyment to long-distance touring. 2000WaveRunner GP 1200RThe GP1200R debuted with a 155 hp engine and newly designed hull and body. Its unsurpassed running performance and gorgeous design won it the crown as leader of the muscle craft. It quickly became the must-have machine for the performance-oriented rider. 2001WaveRunner XLT 1200The XLT1200 debuted as a re-designed version of the XL1200 Ltd. with a completely new front look. This was a model that made many performance-minded customers look to the 3-seater category for the first time. 2002WaveRunner FX140The FX140 was released as the world’s first 4-stroke engine PWC. Its smooth engine feeling, clean exhaust and great fuel economy revolutionized the world of PWCs. It also became popular for its new hull design that provides good stability even on rougher waters. 2003WaveRunner GP 1300RRaising the displacement of the highly-acclaimed 1200cc engine and adding fuel injection and a high-performance catalytic converter, Yamaha introduced the GP1300R as a revolutionary muscle craft that offered both performance and environmental friendliness. This model made Yamaha the leader in environment-friendly models in both 2- and 4-stroke PWCs.An FX Cruiser version of the FX140 with hip-support seats was also introduced. 2004WaveRunner FX Cruiser High OutputThe FX High Output and FX Cruiser High Output appeared with higher performance 4-stroke engines. With these models the much talked about 4-stroke models entered the high-performance arena. Yamaha 4-stroke models are now praised throughout the industry for their smooth-running engines, great reliability and outstanding hull performance. 2005WaveRunner VX DeluxeThe VX Sport and VX Deluxe are released with the aim of getting more customers to experience the wonderful performance of 4-stroke engine models by offering an irresistible combination of high quality and an affordable price. The engine is a masterpiece of engineering based on the proven high-performance 4-cylinder engine used on the FX High Output models. Combined with a new-design hull, this model opens new horizons for the PWC. 2006The flagship model FX Cruiser High Output appears with improvements that further heighten its unique cruiser concept and a boldly impressive new colored hull. A number of new features like the sporty analog meter panel accentuate the new world of cruising pleasure this model offers the rider. 2007WaveRunner VX CruiserTo the worldwide best-selling VX series we add the new model VX Cruiser with a newly developed "Cruiser Seat." The excellent sense of fit that the riding position of the seat provides makes it possible to experience the fine handling performance of the VX hull even more fully. 2008Yamaha's flagship combines a 1.8 liter supercharged engine that is compact and yet the largest in the industry with a NanoXcel SMC body that is 25% lighter than earlier SMC hulls to carve out a new age of WaveRunner. It is loaded with
electronic control functions such as cruise assist to aggressively add extra value as a cruiser model. 2009Yamaha invented the light, smooth-turning hull for the pursuit of sports
riding. We coupled it with a 1.8 liter Supercharged engine to increase the excitement of riders on the water. Then we took stand-up riding position concepts and added revolutionary telescopic steering. 2010WaveRunner VX SportThe world's best-selling PWC since their debut in 2005, VX Series has been renewed for 2010. Yamaha has kept the industry's best fuel efficiency and the quality, and upgraded its premium look with newly designed deck and black hull. The VX Sport is the best machine to simply enjoy riding with excellent cost performance. 2011WaveRunner VXRThe VXR was first released using a VX hull which utilized the ultra lightweight material "NanoXcel" and was powered by a 1.8L High Output Engine. Out of all existing
runabout models, the VXR laid claim to the lightest body in the industry. 2012The FX Cruiser SHO and FX Cruiser HO now come with an all-new body lineup. The remarkably lightweight and longer NanoXcel hull offers better handling and is able to deliver the most stable ride so far, while the
instantly activated mechanical neutral enables the craft to start in place and move easily around built up areas. The craft’s Theater-Style Cruiser Seat is an invitation to a flawless 3 – passenger luxury riding experience. 2014YAMAHA SVHO ENGINE 2015RiDERiDE is the World’s First Handlebars with Dual Throttle Controls, an ultra-intuitive control system. 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. NanoXcel2For 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. 2016Go for 30th Anniversary special site.The 2016 was the 30th Anniversary of WaveRuuner. WaveRunner VXAll the styling of more expensive watercraft makes the VX one of the best-looking personal watercraft in its class. Features Yamaha's innovative TR-1 High Output 3-cylinder Marine engine and RiDE for a value-packed ownership experience. 2017WaveRunner EX DeluxeThe EX Series is designed for buyers seeking an affordable entry into the sport of personal watercraft, but demand the durability, reliability and quality that only Yamaha can deliver. WaveRunner GP1800Born out of Yamaha’s deep race heritage, and designed for closed-course racing and experienced high-performance enthusiasts, the new GP1800 is the quickest, fastest, most precise handling WaveRunner that Yamaha has ever designed. 2019WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHOThe luxury performance personal watercraft series returns with an all-new deck and hull design, the industry’s first color touchscreen instrumentation, self-draining footwells, and an innovative multi-mount system that makes affixing accessories to the FX a snap. WaveRunner EXRThe high-performance EXR is the most powerful and lightweight Rec Lite watercraft in 2019. Powering the EXR is three-cylinder TR-1 HO marine engine that comes with a modified engine control unit (ECU) that increases horsepower by ten percent compared to the rest of the EX line. 2021WaveRunner SuperJetThe SuperJet returns all-new from the ground up to
challenge a new generation of standup riders with a torquey Yamaha’s award-winning, three-cylinder, four-stroke TR-1 marine engine. This compact, lightweight 1,049cc engine delivers the exhilarating acceleration that standup riders love throughout engine RPM range. And for novice riders, there is now a L-MODE that reduces engine performance of the SuperJet to 85 percent or approximately 40 miles per hour. The VX Series is all-new, delivering improved ergonomics with deeper, wider, self-draining footwells and a new seat profile. This new seat design improves knee grip and overall comfort, especially for smaller size riders. For 2021, the Yamaha GP Series is virtually all-new with a new deck design, tilt-adjustable race inspired handlebar design, Connext helm control with 4.3 inch multi-color LED display, the industry’s first Auto Trim function with Cornering Control and Launch Control modes, a new hull liner that moves the craft’s center of gravity for added agility, and a new intake grate and upgraded jet pump for class-leading acceleration. Under the waterline are a redesigned intake grate and upgraded jet pump for better hook up and quicker acceleration. Also new is a redesigned hull liner and repositioning the weight of the fuel tank. The craft's new Center of Gravity enhances the GPs' nimble handling and agility. 2022WaveRunner JetBlasterNew to the Yamaha WaveRunner
line in 2022 is the fun and exciting JetBlaster that delivers a playful, exciting riding experience like no other sitdown watercraft before. The luxury FX series returns with significant
enhancements that further distance from its competition. New features include a 7" or 5" full-featured infotainment system with a glass color touchscreen, premium factory-installed audio speakers, and Drive Control with Auto Trim that allows the operator to set and save preferred trim modes for performance or comfort riding. How Fast Is Wave Raider 1100?The top speed of a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 was 57 mph under ideal conditions.
How fast is a 1995 Yamaha Waverunner?1995 Yamaha WaveRaider 700 Deluxe top speed: 50-51 mph (dual carb, SMC hull)
How fast is a Yamaha Wave Venture?The lively twin cranked out 80 HP at 6,250 RPM and ensured a top speed of 45-47 mph under ideal conditions. The maximum fuel consumption of the WaveVenture 700 was 9 GPH at full throttle, so its 13.2-gallon fuel tank offered about 1.5 hours of riding time.
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