CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 24, 2016 – Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., today introduced its 2017 WaveRunner line that includes the exciting new EX™ Series starting at just $6,599, as well as a new reincarnation of Yamaha’s legendary GP® racing series, the GP1800. The products were unveiled at the company’s annual dealer meeting being held in Chicago, IL, where Yamaha also set out its strategy to be the #1 global marine brand.

“The key to the long-term viability of the personal watercraft market, and a strategy for growing our brand’s dominance, is attracting and retaining new buyers,” said Yamaha’s Product Development Manager Scott Watkins. “The new EX Series is aimed squarely at doing just that. The EX Series offers the best possible experience at the best possible price. We didn’t cut any corners in terms of the durability of the construction or hold back on power. These new EX models deliver a fun, exhilarating riding experience that we think families will enjoy now and for years to come.”

New Yamaha’s EX Series, starting at $6,599

The EX WaveRunner® 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. Key features include:

• Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1™ engine, representing the latest in Yamaha engine technology.
• Best performance, stability, and reliability in the Rec Lite category.
• EX Deluxe equipped with RiDE dual throttle handlebar control system.
• Assembled in the USA in Newnan, GA.
• Series MSRP starts at $6,599.

“The new EX Series is a game changer for the personal watercraft market,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s Watercraft Group. “There’s never been this much performance, durability, stability, storage, ease of maintenance, and overall fun packed into a watercraft at this price point in the history of the sport. Our dealers have been asking us if this was even possible, and today we’re excited to show them that it is.”

New High-Performance GP1800 WaveRunner

Born 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. Key features include:

• Powered by the ultra-performance Yamaha SVHO® marine engine.
• Features Yamaha super-lightweight NanoXcel2™ hull and deck material.
• Comes equipped with Yamaha’s award-winning RiDE® system, the industry’s first dual handlebar throttle controls that deliver the utmost control moving forward or in reverse.

“For a decade, the GP1200 and GP1300R dominated closed-course watercraft racing, making the GP moniker synonymous with speed and winning,” said Watkins. “That’s why we brought it back. This new model delivers levels of acceleration, speed and handling that change everything we’ve known about what a watercraft can do on and off the race course. Yamaha factory racers are chomping at the bit to get ahold of this new package, and we think performance enthusiasts will too.”

Yamaha’s Award-Winning RiDE System

Featured on all WaveRunner models except the SuperJet™, EX and EX Sport, Yamaha’s RiDE dual handlebar throttle controls deliver the utmost control moving forward or in reverse.

RiDE could not be more intuitive. The right handlebar lever is forward. The left is reverse. At speed, the left handlebar lever will also slow you down. Release both right and left levers and the watercraft is in neutral. No shifting. No gears. The only thing to think about is how much fun it is to RiDE.

Yamaha FX Series, VX Series and SuperJet

Returning for 2017 is the luxury-performance FX Series that includes the FX Cruiser SVHO, FX SVHO, FX Cruiser HO and FX HO. New to the FX line is the FX Limited SVHO that comes with a complete water sports accessory package. Joining the FX Series is the full-featured budget-friendly VX Series, the race-performance VXR, and the venerable Yamaha SuperJet, the only stand up watercraft on the market.