Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/379417
PWC Yamaha has introduced a new way to RiDE with the first dual handlebar throttle controls for personal watercraft. The features include: Innovative dual handlebar throttle controls Patented bucket design Optimized for the power and weight of each WaveRunner personal watercraft More fun and better control There comes a time in every industry when a new innovation springs to life that completely changes the game. Think about what automatic transmissions did for automobiles, or High Definition for television. For 2015, the same can be said for the personal watercraft industry with the launch of Yamaha's new RiDE technology, the most significant enhancement to PWC in the last 30 years. RiDE changes everything people know about riding and operating a personal water- craft. In fact, it is a first for any motorized vehicle because it features the world's first handlebars with dual throttle controls. RiDE is ultra-intuitive. Pull the right hand lever to go forward, pull the left hand lever to slow down and go in reverse. Let go of both levers and the watercraft is in neutral. There is no shifting or clicking to switch between gears. The patented bucket design ensures maxi- mum control at all speeds. When engaged, water is forced out the sides of the bucket, allowing the operator to maintain complete directional control. RiDE 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 expe- rience 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 appro- priate level of acceleration or deceleration to maximize control. PSB Yamaha WaveRunners offer a new way to RiDE 40 • September 8, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com 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 decel- eration 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." ALL-NEW VX SERIES 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 han- dling hulls Yamaha has ever designed. Featur- ing 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 displace- ment 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, three-passen- ger, 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 condi- tions 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 fea- tures never before seen in this price range before. And if you want all the features and technology plus a performance edge, there are the VXR and VXS, which continue to prove their race-bred DNA on the champion- ship podiums of closed course racing." For 2015, Yamaha introduces NanoXcel 2, a nanotechnology-engineered material that is even lighter than the previous version while maintaining the structural integrity the mate- rial 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 light weight of the new hulls and decks. NanoXcel 2 reduces the weight of the 2015 Yamaha FZ and FX SVHO models by 35 and 46 pounds, respectively, making NanoXcel 2 hulls, decks and liners the light- est in the industry. The 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner line includes Luxury Performance models FX Cruiser SVHO, FX SVHO, FX Cruiser SHO, FX SHO, FX Cruiser HO and FX HO; High- Performance models FZR, FZS, VXR and VXS; Value models VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe and VX; Entry models V1 Sport and V1; and the Solo SuperJet. PSB YAMAHA CONTINUED FROM COVER The 2015 WaveRunner lineup includes a new hull and deck for the VX models, including the VX Deluxe.