Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/719034
14 • September 6, 2016 • Powersports Business PWC www.PowersportsBusiness.com with removing the subcowling in less than two minutes (six bolts) for easy engine access. "This model is going to last for years," said Watkins, now in his 23rd year with the com- pany. "It'll last as long as any watercraft we've ever built. It's over $1,000 less than our lowest priced model we had last year, and it performs every bit as a good and better." As for the all-new GP1800? It's replacing the old FZ series. And when someone tells you prior to a test ride to get ready before you pull you throttle, it's wise to do so. We're talking a new kind of confidence-inspiring fun. I did manage to see the start of a number that began with a "7" on the speedometer, but a big old grin across my face prevented me from seeing the number on the right. The power-to-weight ratio rears its beautiful head from the get-go, and it's all you can do to not stop, simply to see once again how quickly it gets you moving. "It comes from a world championship-design history of the original GP back in the mid- 1980s," Watkins said. "This thing is truly that good. It makes you feel like a hero at high speed." Here's a look at the all-new additions to the 2017 lineup: EX SERIES ENTERS REC LITE The EX models (EX, EX Sport and EX Deluxe) are shorter in length, lighter in weight and more affordable than any three-person Wave- Runner that Yamaha has offered in the past. A benefit for consumers is that the EX Series features a 13-gallon fuel tank, nearly double the capacity of competitive models in the rec lite category, the company said. It's powered by the TR-1 three-cylinder marine engine. The 1049cc power plant is 40 percent smaller, 20 percent lighter and provides better fuel economy than Yamaha's previous four-cylinder MR-1 engine. An all-new hull design delivers excellent sta- bility for one-, two- or three-up riding and tow- ing, and responsiveness and predictability for one-up riding. It's also ready to pull towables. The EX Sport, meanwhile, includes mechanical reverse, a rebounding step, mirrors and advanced graphics. The EX Deluxe adds Yamaha's proven RiDE system (pull the left lever to decelerate/reverse, pull the right lever to accelerate and release both levers for neutral), which continues to attract new riders. Also part of the package are metallic paint and a two-tone cut and sew seat. The EX hits the market with a retail price of $6,599, with the EX Sport at $7,599 and the EX Deluxe at $8,599. ALL-NEW GP1800? HOLD ON TIGHT! Also new to the 2017 WaveRunner lineup is the GP1800, an all-new machine designed for closed-course racing and experienced, high- YAMAHA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 The 2017 WaveRunner EX Deluxe offers the RiDE system, as well as metallic paint and a two-tone cut and sew seat. The mid-tier EX Sport upgrades to mechanical reverse, not found on the base model, a reboarding step, mirrors and advanced graphics. See Yamaha, Page 15