Yamaha launches 2019 WaveRunner line … and unveils its hot new EXR model

Yamaha shows why it’s still the world’s favourite watercraft.

By unveiling exciting new models and innovative upgrades across the WaveRunner Series for this season, Yamaha clearly demonstrates its continuing ambition to stay at the very top of the global watercraft market.

Two main themes drive this season’s model changes. First, the consumer demand for even more affordability and value-for-money fun, driven so successfully by the introduction of the VX Series and last year’s remarkable EX line.

Secondly, to take full advantage of Yamaha’s ever-growing range of advanced technical exclusives and industry-first features, by including more and more of them on the less expensive models. Like the revolutionary RiDE™ system, the remarkable electronic throttle and drive control systems, with their many associated features, the electronic trim control for instant shifting on-the-fly – and the remote security system. More 2019 model WaveRunners will have these great features as standard.

According to owners, it’s the presence of impressive and advanced technical features like these that really makes the difference when it comes to choosing a watercraft – giving them the assurance that they are buying the best of the best – packed with the sort of innovation and enjoyable performance.

New models and upgrades announced across the line-up.
All four of Yamaha’s flagship FX models have been completely re-designed with sleek new hull and body shapes that not only incorporate the company’s very latest technical developments and user-friendly features, but which also offer significant performance improvements.

An all-new model for 2019, the EXR takes the ‘affordable performance’ concept to a new level, with its greater speed and even more agile handling.

In the high-performance and competition sector, performance-enhancing technical changes have been made to the exhilaratingly quick VXR and to the latest version of the legendary and super-fast GP1800, the faster-than-ever GP1800R.

So now for the details …

1] The FX Series – our latest-generation flagships
Probably the biggest news story within the release of the 2019 WaveRunner line-up concerns the latest-generation of the 4-model FX Series. The all-round capability and sheer quality of these flagship machines was always exceptional. Now, after a complete re-design in many key areas and the adoption of even more of the very latest high-tech systems and features, it’s fair to call it outstanding.

It all starts with the new aerodynamic styling of the gunwhale, which fully reflects the much-admired heritage of the FX but gives it a fresh modern, look. Appearance though, is only a small part of this story. Driving these latest machines is now a whole new and rewarding experience, with electronic control functions that range from the revolutionary RiDE™ system to the cutting-edge electronic throttle system with its Reverse Traction Control, Cruise Assist, 3-position No Wake Mode … even the magical Yamaha electronic trim system for shifting on-the-fly.

On your first acquaintance, you may find that many of these stunning new technical features remind you of the sort of advanced facilities you would expect in a modern car. Take the industry-first CONNEXT colour touch-screen for instance. It delivers clear concise information and lets you interact with your machine and control it, in a really practical and helpful way; or the new Multi-Mount system that means you can take your music speakers along with you – or your GPS/fish finder – or your cup of coffee … securely mounted to the great-looking body of the new FX.

Talking of the FX’s great-looking body, that too has changed for the better, with aggressive graphics and striking new colour choices for all four models. So has the hull, which is a new-generation design that promises more comfort, better dynamic stability, ‘neutral’ steering and more predictable handling.

Of course, a watercraft of this luxurious standard must be easy to get on and off when you’re enjoying swimming and water sports. So the stern of the latest FX now has a softer, wider and deeper re-boarding step and dual grab handles. Not to mention the other the ingenious footwell drainage system.

Last to be mentioned here, but by no means the least important, is the generous new level of storage, some of it watertight – like the extra large glovebox and integral removable canister for small personal items – that has been thoughtfully incorporated in these new FX models.

All in all, the stunning new FX strikes another blow for supreme excellence in this demanding market. As we’ve come to expect from Yamaha!

2] The hot new EXR
The EX Series has been applauded around the world as the watercraft line that has genuinely broken new ground in terms of affordability and true value for money.

Now the even faster, even more fun-packed EXR joins the family. It’s a powerful, sporty machine, yet incredibly versatile and very easy to handle. The list of unique features includes its new hull and body design, crafted from the latest ultra-lightweight NanoXcel2 material, delivering faster speeds and acceleration as well as agile handling – and our cutting-edge RiDE™ technology, the intuitive, simple-to-use control system which has already revolutionised watercraft riding for owners of our premium models.

A further glance at the specification shows a host of new and exciting advantages built into this new “pocket-rocket’ WaveRunner. A large, 50 litre fuel capacity for longer fun-time, easy-to-read multi-function colored LCD meters, a comfortable 2-tone seat for riding solo or with friends, practical storage, a strong towing hook, well thought out and convenient re-boarding facilities – and to ensure you make a good impression, stylish colours and a bold graphics scheme complete the picture.

Despite its remarkable affordability, the DNA flowing through the veins of the EXR is pure Yamaha – high-end technical innovation, world-beating engineering and supreme reliability.

3] GP1800R and VXR performance ramped up yet again
In the demanding world of competition and among the huge community of performance-minded watercraft enthusiasts for whom outright speed and performance is – almost – everything, these two iconic WaveRunner models deliver the pinnacle of riding pleasure. For these people though, no speed is really ever quite fast enough. No cornering ever quite tight enough!

So for 2019, yet more performance improvements have been introduced, with new race-inspired ride plates and top loader intake grates, giving both models even sharper and more agile handling, together with better hook-up in rough water and super-tight cornering ability. The GP1800R already has the latest super-lightweight NanoXcel2 hull, but now this remarkable material is also used for the hull of the VXR, giving it the very same advantages of even better acceleration, speed and handling.

Of course, looking the part matters too, so their striking new colours and graphic schemes will ensure these impressive machines stand out in any company.

In summary – the Yamaha WaveRunner line-up for 2019

FX SERIES – Leading the way is the flagship FX Series that combines exhilarating performance levels with ultimate luxury. This impressive 4-model line-up has a very exciting all-new design and technical features list.
VX SERIES – Yamaha’s 14-model line-up also includes the four fully-featured, yet value-packed VX Series models. They offer remarkable all-round capability, with economy and reliability.
EX SERIES – The 4-model EX Series brings an amazing level of affordability to this class of watercraft, with gutsy performance, easy handling and economical running costs. The exciting, all-new EXR joins the line-up this year, with an impressive range of value-for-money features normally only to be found on premium models.
GP1800R and VXR – The mega-performance, supercharged GP1800 is the undisputed star at the head of the pack and in demand worldwide, alongside its sister high-performer, the VXR. Both these models get performance upgrades for 2019, for the occasion the GP1800 becomes GP1800R.
SUPERJET – The unique and unmistakeable SuperJet stand-up machine, yet another Yamaha legend of the racing world, is exclusively for competition use, and is as much in demand as ever.
All the WaveRunner models at a glance …