Yamaha has revolutionized fun on the water with its innovative personal watercraft (PWC). Our principles are founded on a continuing desire to produce value that moves people, and are based on the evolving wants and needs of our customers. We strive to build a corporate culture that encourages enterprise, innovation and creativity.
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. Between 1954 and 1960, the PWC was launched on the market, but it would be some time before it was thoroughly established as a leisure vehicle. In the late 1970s a great variety of these kinds of reduced-size small boats and motorized surfboards that had been manufactured overseas began to appear on waters in Japan.
And then in 1980 the establishment of the legal framework was set in motion, albeit gradual, with promulgation of the "Special standard for aquatic motorcycles" regulating water craft. Since then, Yamaha has been at the center of a wide range of industry efforts, supporting development of marine leisure related laws and conducting safety and educational initiatives as part of our role as a manufacturer of all things marine related. Our engineers at Yamaha played a central role in safety-related performance testing for the formulation of this "Special standard for aquatic motorcycles", and it goes without saying that the engineers became captivated by this new craft for roving freely on the water.
It was then that they had a vision of designing an original PWC themselves one day. Perhaps it could even be said that this was the moment that the key concept for the WaveRunner (Marine Jet), "a craft offering safe, accessible fun on the water for all" was born. At the time, the size of the domestic PWC market was only about 100 craft a year, and as a business opportunity it was an unknown quantity. However, the people in charge of the project convinced the company to take a chance on the future of the craft.
Early Innovations and the WaveRunner
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. Neil Kobayashi, the "WaveRunner Papa" invented the WaveRunner® in 1986, forever changing how people access and enjoy their time on the water.
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The power ski: A boat-shaped hull fitted with an engine. 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.
Unfortunately however, the American test rider for the presentation was over 100 kg and 1.8 m tall, and was not even able to get on the board. Even before the performance of the power-ski had been evaluated, a large question mark had already been drawn over the marketability of a power ski designed, as it were, for a Japanese body shape. Based on this experience, the designers threw themselves into product development with the concept of a totally new craft which could be navigated "more safely, more enjoyably, and was responsive".
The world's first seated tandem type was unveiled at the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show in 1986. This was followed by the domestic release of the MJ-500T (WaveRunner) in November of the same year, and a January 1987 unveiling of the single-seater MJ-500S (Wave Jammer), which had the same inimitable maneuverability.
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 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.
It was around this time that the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) users began to form two distinct groups: the leisure users and those with a taste for racing. The size of the market has increased hand-in-hand with the enrichment of the domestic market lineup, and Yamaha have come up with a variety of initiatives to increase public awareness about Marine Jets and the different ways of enjoying the water. These include the establishment of the "Marine Jet Club" for Marine Jet owners and the "Marine Jet Jamboree" events held for their benefit, and active involvement in safety education activities through the establishment of the PWC Safety Association.
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Evolution Through the Years
An important turning point in the up-sizing of the Marine Jet was the shift from a 2-stroke to a 4-stroke engine from 1995. In May 2002 Yamaha launched the world's first low-emission PWC featuring a 4-stroke engine: the FX-140. Almost a quarter of a century on from the first prototype, the WaveRunner (Marine Jet) has come to represent PWC craft.
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.
Key Models and Their Impact
- 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.
- 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.
- WaveRunner III 650 (Marine Jet 650TL): 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.
- 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.
- WaveVenture 700 (Marine Jet 700VN): The full-sized 3-seater model 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.
- GP1200: Released as a runabout model with awesome performance.
- 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.
- 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.
- FX140: 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.
- GP1300R: Raising 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.
- 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.
- FX Cruiser High Output: Appears with improvements that further heighten its unique cruiser concept and a boldly impressive new colored hull.
- FX Cruiser SHO: 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 SuperJet: A Stand-Up Legend
After several years of market domination by Kawasaki in the late 80s, Yamaha threw their name in the mix by introducing the first-ever Yamaha SuperJet in 1990. The “square-nose” SuperJet was the first generation SuperJet, and went on to be one of the most loved. Chris “The Kid” MacClugage was one of the first athletes to showcase the Yamaha SuperJet squarenose at the Pro level.
The SuperJet is a stand-up type personal watercraft (PWC) made by Yamaha Motor Corporation. Part of Yamaha's WaveRunner line of watercraft, it was introduced in 1990 and has become one of the most successful stand-up personal watercraft ever made.
Yamaha SuperJet - history and an offer.
All SuperJets, including the engine, are hand-built in Japan. There are four engine generations spanning 1990-1993, 1994-1995, 1996-2020, and 2021-present, and four hull generations spanning 1990-1995, 1996-2007, 2008-2020, and 2021-present. All generations have an upper and lower hull constructed from SMC (sheet molded compound).
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It’s first major update came in 1995, when Yamaha upgraded to a 701cc engine. While the hull remained exactly the same, this motor upgrade was the boost the PWC needed to surge into the racing world. Rick Roy proving the versatility of the Yamaha SuperJet.
The SN SuperJet was also extremely popular in the freestyle division, completely replacing the Kawasakis that were formerly dominant in all areas. The Yamaha SuperJet became a staple in the freeride and freestyle community, opening up a new market for aftermarket performance.
The first round nose SuperJet was introduced in 1996. As the industry continued to progress, Yamaha saw the need for a more stable ride with the ability to handle well at high speeds. The introduction of the 2008 SuperJet was the first time the hull itself had seen a change since 1990. These changes sealed Yamaha’s place as a tough contender in the racing world.
On August 12, 2020 Yamaha released the new 2021 SuperJet. This is the first complete redesign from the ground up since the introduction in 1990, and marks 30 years of SuperJet history. However, Yamaha made engine and chassis changes to the SJ700 for 1996, so appropriately an amendment code was added and a 1996 model has the designation SJ700AU, and in 2002 they increased the amendment by one to ‘roll over’ the letter years so the designation is SJ700BA. The model year 2018 has the designation SJ700BT.
The 1995 SuperJet received an all-new 701cc two-cylinder engine. The last two-stroke powered SuperJet (produced by Yamaha Motor and hand-built in Japan) has been visually the same since 1996.
Purchasing a SuperJet new from a dealer starting in 2011 will usually require a license from IJSBA as they are classified as a "competition use only" watercraft, partly due to stringent EPA regulations for two-stroke engines. An annual membership from IJSBA is $65 for the first year as of May 2018, with renewal at $60 per year, if desired. These memberships can be purchased from the dealer in most cases.
The new bottom hull has incorporated side sponsons (similar to adding "Blowsion tubbies") onto the hull. The impeller was updated to a newly designed geometry and made from stainless steel for the first time, in comparison to the previous aluminum design that remained the same throughout 1990-2007. The new impeller design offers large improvements in hookup as well as reduced pump cavitation.
The prop driveshaft was changed to a constant diameter over the entire length to increase stiffness, versus previous years in which it is necked down to a smaller diameter in the center section.
For 2016, the SuperJet SJ700BR is available in two new color options: Pure White with Orange & Blue or Pure White with Black. For 2020, the SuperJet SJ700BV is available in the same 2018-2019 colors: Pure White with Blue & Green stripes. However, the name was changed to White with Blue.
Rumors and speculation swirl around the introduction of a fourstroke SuperJet that’s set to debut in 2021 to compete with the widely popular SX-R 1500 four stroke standup. The two-stroke Yamaha Super Jet has been the single most-selling personal watercraft of all time. It’s popularity stayed strong throughout years of changes within the watercraft industry.
Key Specifications of the 2021 SuperJet
- The 2021 SuperJet has been completely redesigned from the ground up.
- The TR-1 marine engine weighs 160 lbs and is 30"L by 21"W by 19"H inches in size, producing 100 hp.
Timeline of Yamaha WaveRunner and SuperJet Models
Here is a timeline highlighting key models and their introductions:
| Year | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T) | World's first sit-down type open stern production PWC |
| 1987 | WaveJammer 500 (Marine Jet 500S) | World's first sit-down type solo riding PWC |
| 1990 | WaveRunner III 650 (Marine Jet 650TL) | World's first 3-passenger PWC |
| 1990 | SuperJet | First Yamaha SuperJet |
| 1996 | Round Nose SuperJet | Introduction of the round nose SuperJet |
| 2002 | FX140 | World's first 4-stroke engine PWC |
| 2021 | SuperJet | Complete redesign of the SuperJet |
The Yamaha TR-1® marine engine is the pinnacle of engine innovation. Yamaha set out to build a more powerful engine than its predecessor, while also making it smaller, and lighter. The TR-1® motor achieves just that. Connect to your WaveRunner like never before. The engine cover is also one of the first Yamaha-manufactured parts to include plant-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin. The engine cover is also one of the first Yamaha-manufactured parts to include plant-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin. This 1898cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, 16-valve High Output Yamaha marine engine provides quicker and smoother acceleration and top speed.
Yamaha'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. Yamaha 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.
The 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. This new package refines the speed and agility of the model even further.
All the styling of more expensive watercraft makes the VX one of the best-looking personal watercraft in its class.