One of the biggest changes to the SVHO-powered Yamaha WaveRunners for 2020 was almost completely ignored by most media outlets and dealers (but of course, not us at The Watercraft Journal). Not only had Yamaha re-engineered its high performance jet pump so that the wear ring and pump were incorporated into one housing, but replaced the permanent wear ring with a replaceable stainless insert…and increased the overall size to a 160mm from beginning to end.
Previously, the Yamaha SVHO used a 155mm stator and a 160mm impeller and liner. Not only does this redesign reduce the number of parts, but also permits for extended use and longevity – a particular plus for the performance-oriented SVHO owner. And while this is definitely a step in the right direction for the stock-level guys, those looking to really step up their horsepower game still need some aftermarket support.
Thankfully, RIVA Racing has just announced that their RIVA Yamaha 160mm Stainless Steel Wear Ring ($499.95) and RIVA Yamaha 160mm Stainless Steel Race Pump ($999.95) are now applicable as direct replacements for all 2020 model year SVHO-equipped WaveRunners. The two-part pump will directly replace the one-piece OEM pump, and provide increased acceleration and top speed as well as reduced cavitation. The duo create a precision piece of equipment far more efficient, and much stronger and corrosion-resistant than the OEM parts.
I am under the impression that the 2020 pumps are NOT actually 160 mm front and back.
Rather it is the same size as it has been for the past few years.
Jerry addresses this in his forum and changed his original statement regarding the pump on the new skis.
I actually have a Riva pump setup in my 17 GP 1800…..
Just trying to keep the responses and confusion to a minimum.
You may already know this information.
Dave
Dave, thanks for the note but Yamaha representatives personally OK’ed the 160mm note in both our video and corresponding article; equally, RIVA is saying the same thing. So until otherwise detailed by these sources the article will remain the same. There’s a lot of people claiming to know one thing or another, but we almost always go directly to “the horse’s mouth.”