Gallery: Pro Watercross National Tour; Pensacola, FL Round 1

May 10, 2019

The kick-off of the Pro Watercross 2019 season is a wrap – and it was one for the books. Pensacola Beach – a perennial favorite race site and a PWX tradition – can be unpredictable – some years presenting glass-smooth flatwater race conditions, and other years churning up a powerful surf to challenge racers. This year, she decided to do both.

Saturday’s motos thrashed racers through washing-machine waters, flipping over skis, battering holders and racers alike, and keeping the safety crew – and scoring crew – on their toes (big race numbers, people, big race numbers!). It was this unpredictable chop that served as the proving ground for the first-ever Pro Watercross Supercourse endurance race. Only four racers braved the 20-minute motto for the inaugural Supercourse race, and there was little doubt that navigating through and around (and sometimes under) the erratic surf for lap after lap was a test of both riding skill, and sheer stamina, and it was Dennis Mack that pulled off the win for the weekend.

Saturday’s races were brought to a halt mid afternoon by a fast-moving squall that drenched the beach and saw a few stabs of lightning out across the water, but race staff and crews quickly fired up the racing again as soon as the brief storm passed, trying to make up for lost time … a daunting task that left a full and hectic schedule of racing for Sunday.

Luckily, Sunday dawned to much calmer waters, and a beautiful day, and both racers and crew worked to keep things rolling in order to fit in the needed motos. Despite the tough conditions, it was apparent early on that the weekend would set the stage for tour-point battles that promise to be hard-fought over the next four months, and races in all divisions brought full lines, and featured familiar names and some new faces.

Pro Am Runabout – both Box Stock and GP – saw Troy Snyder and Brian Baldwin pull off the line in front, and never look back, and the two riders were often within paint-swapping distance of each other rounding the buoys. In the Box Stock class, Baldwin pulled off a hat trick, taking first in all three motos, with Snyder snagging overall second, and Tim Miller nailing down the third podium spot. In GP, Baldwin came back from a 5th-place finish in Moto 1 to secure second and first place finishes in Motos 2 and 3, but was unable to knock Snyder from the top podium spot that he earned with two seconds and a first.

Baldwin was not the only hat-trick master last weekend at Pensacola, and rising star Matthew Richuk started out the 2019 season with three first-place finishes and the top podium spot in Pro-Am Ski Stock, while Haden Skellett nailed down three firsts in Sport Stock and Derek Powell took the top spot in all three Ski 4-Stroke Stock races. Not to be outdone, Camden Powell followed dad’s example and put a check in the win column in all three motos of the Amateur Ski GP class.

Tyron Motzouris (2-1-1, Pro-Am Ski GP), Kenny Compton (2-1-1 Junior Spark Stock), Graham Hunt (1-2-1 Amateur R/A Box Stock), Ryan Rasmussen (1-1-2 Veterans R/A Box Stock) and Patrick Stier (1-2-1 Beginner Ski Stock), narrowly missed running the boards in their races, but still secured first place overall finishes.

Pensacola’s full lines, enthusiastic racers and dedicated staff promise an outstanding PWX season, and it is clear that there are some serious battles shaping up for the National Championship in August at the new College Station, Tx venue, but that is a long way down the road, and this coming weekend, it’s anybody’s game to win – or lose – as PWX hits Daytona Beach – where rough surf may once again provide that extra measure of difficulty – and excitement!

Pro Watercross National Tour; Pensacola, FL Round 1 results:

Pro Am Ski Stock: 1. Matthew Richuk; 2. Kenny Mckenzie, 3. Broc Harris; Pro Am Ski GP: 1. Tyron Motzouris, 2. Craig Warner, 3. Derek Powell; Pro Am R/A GP: 1. Troy Snyder, 2. Brian Baldwin, 3. Dennis Mack; Pro Am R/A Box Stock: 1. Brian Baldwin, 2. Troy Snyder, 3. Tim Miller; Sport Stock: 1. Haden Skellett, 2. Shaun Brennan, 3. Sammy Nehme; Sport GP: 1. Billy Dearman; Blaster GP: 1. Sam Nehme, 2. Haden Skellett, 3. Billy Dearman; Junior Ski Stock 10-12: 1. Tristen Ayala, 2. Gary Holbein, 3. Teagan Hill; Junior Ski Stock 13-15: 1. Dustin Voss; Junior Spark Stock 13-15: 1. Kenny Compton, 2. Haley Compton, 3. Mcclarin Garmon; Amateur R/A Box Stock: 1. Graham Hunt, 2. Seth Nama, 3. Nick Krupka; IROC GP: 1. Keith Walker; Veterans R/A Box Stock: 1. Ryan Rasmussen, 2. Jim Bennett, 3. Charlie Smith; IROC Stock: 1. Ryan Rasmussen, 2. Valentina Lezcano, 3. John Block; Beginner Runabout Box Stock: 1. David Howel; Supercourse 300+: 1. Dennis Mack, 2. Dean Harrison, 3. Graham Hunt; Amateur Ski Stock: 1. Camden Powell, 2. Deven Farthing, 3. Taylor Skellett; Veteran Ski GP: 1. Marshall Brown, 2. Dustin Higdon, 3. Ralph McGrego; Ski 4-Stroke Stock: 1. Derek Powell; 2. Isaiah Washington, 3. Jose Wis Velay; Amateur Ski GP: 1. Camden Powell, 2. Taylor Skellett; Beginner Ski Stock: 1. Patrick Stier, 2. Taylor Stewart, 3. David Golder; Amateur Freestyle; Jeff Lutker; Pro Freestyle: Brad Hill

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Gallery: RIVA Racing’s Limited Edition 2019 Yamaha FX1800R (Video)

Kevin Shaw

May 6, 2019

It’s interesting what a watercraft does when pushed well beyond the factory parameters. Runabouts that would normally track straight, corner with predictability and deliver snap-quick throttle response from the dealer floor often reveal unusual characteristics when pushing 50-percent more horsepower to the prop. Suddenly, that mild-mannered hull begins to chine walk, bow hunt or even offload or over-stuff the pump. A sudden increase in thrust can overrun traction in a heartbeat – and with today’s modern powerplants, eking out added horsepower can be pretty easy to do.

Tuners up and down Florida’s coastline have made names for themselves by pressing ungodly amounts of power from supercharged and even turbocharged Sea-Doos and Yamahas. Yet, where they excel in engine tuning, their experience in handling mechanics, mitigating traction loss, and superior quality control is woefully lacking. There’s an old army maxim warning green soldiers to fear old men in their positions; as no amount of youthful vigor can replace experience and know-how. To that we caution those looking to challenge RIVA Racing; you better bring your A-game.

Since the early 1990’s, RIVA Racing has been elevating the stakes of PWC performance. Even when the competition gains a few yards in the battlefield, RIVA retaliates with a thundering salvo, picking up the lost ground and handily expanding its perimeter. This is war after all, and the research and development team at RIVA Racing has been dug into the trenches for a very long time. It’s a poorly held secret that RIVA participates in the development of new OE product, permitting the company unprecedented access to information that other outlets simply don’t have.

Think that’s an outlandish claim? Just take a look at the ride plate bolted to latest Yamaha GP1800R or VXR. Look familiar? Yeah, that’s RIVA’s design from just a couple years ago. The same has been seen on machines across the market for decades; intercooler routing and engine oil management; improvements to supercharger shaft and clam shell design; the list goes on. RIVA is as much of an asset to the OE’s as they are to the performance aftermarket. We at The Watercraft Journal pay close attention to where RIVA sets its sights, because more often than not, that’s where the future is headed.

Late last year we introduced you to the RIVA Yamaha FX1800R. The latest addition to its Limited Edition series follows the first FZR 350s and GP1800Rs, producing a healthy dyno-proven 350-horsepower from the Super Vortex High Output 1,812cc 4-stroke powerplant. Equally, the 2019 FX1800R will be produced by RIVA’s team by-hand in a limited run of 25 units; each designated with an engraved number plate fixed to a powder coated red valve cover. The engine itself has been modified to deliver reliable-yet-neck snapping acceleration, all while retaining its high octane pump gas accessibility. No race gas needed.

To accomplish this, RIVA begins with its MaptunerX (PT# RY110SC-TL) engine remapping software. Unlike the aforementioned tuner shops, RIVA dedicates hours of time measuring for proper AFR (air fuel ratio) mixtures to maximize burn efficiency, ignition timing and mitigating pre-detonation (or “knock”). Too often, tuners merely lean out the AFR, quickly picking up big power but at the cost of superheating valves and pistons, leading to premature engine failure. Speaking of fuel delivery, RIVA adds its Yamaha 1.8L High Flow Billet Fuel Rail (PT# RY12040-BFR).

Because the SVHO is now tuned to spin up to 8,800rpm, the RIVA Yamaha Valve Retainer Upgrade Kit, 1.8L (PT# RY19040-SRU) is added. Pressing the intake charge is a surprisingly stock factory Yamaha-supplied HKS supercharger upgraded with the RIVA Yamaha Supercharger Shaft Upgrade Kit (PT# RY17040-UK-6S5-4). Both the wheel and housing remains as per factory. Feeding the engine with a cool supply of air is a RIVA Yamaha FX SVHO 2019+ Power Filter Kit (PT# RY13120), and a RIVA YAMAHA Rear Exhaust Kit, 2019+ FX (PT# RY15120) to evacuate the spent gases and relieve back pressure.

The final additions are tantamount to the SVHO’s success: the RIVA Engine Breather Upgrade Kit, 2012-19 Yamaha 1.8L (PT# RY19040-12-EBUK) siphons off excessive internal engine atmospheric pressures, ensuring that crankcase ventilation is at an optimum. (Please see our full length feature on engine blow-by and crankcase pressures). Next is RIVA’s Pro Series Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit, SVHO (PT# RY10080-ECUK-PC-2) that dramatically improves the cooling efficiency to the engine and oil cooler. And finally, the most impressive is the all-new RIVA GEN 3 Yamaha Power Cooler (PT# RY17081-PC-TV).

We spoke to RIVA’s own Dave Bamdas, who explained: “The all-new RIVA GEN 3 Yamaha SHO/SVHO Power Cooler Kit is our latest intercooler system, featuring a huge cooler element that is rated for up to 600hp! It delivers an increase of 20 peak horsepower over OEM intercooler alone! With its high capacity cooler core, the GEN 3 Power Cooler resists heat soak delivering optimal thermal efficiency. It’s so efficient over the stock unit that exit temperatures average 50F cooler than stock. And of course, it features an integrated 50mm TiAL Blow-Off Valve for improved supercharger reliability and performance.”

All of this delivers on the promised 350-horsepower at 8,800rpm, yet like stated earlier, how does it translate into traction? RIVA begins by installing a Solas Yamaha 160mm Concord 13/18 Impeller (PT# YV-CD-13/18), leaving the rest of the factory Yamaha pump be. Channeling that inflow of water is a RIVA Yamaha FX SVHO & FX SHO/HO 2012-19 Top-Loader Intake Grate (PT# RY22070) and RIVA Yamaha Pump Seal Kit, For RY22070, FX 2012-19 (PT# RY25070). Yet, what could easily be the single most important design feature was RIVA’s all-new Yamaha 2019+ FX Performance Ride Plate (PT# RY21120).

When designing the new FX WaveRunner, Yamaha engineered a hull that could track true through cross-current, wind-blown chop without having the bow search (or “hunt”). This meant pre-loading the hull’s attitude in the water, favoring the nose. While this new posture scrubbed some top speed from the stock FX models, it radically improved its handling characteristics. In pushing the craft over 80mph, RIVA discovered that a ride plate that extends the planing surface, elevates the nose and extends the chines not only freed up speed but actually magnified the hull’s stellar handling.

Paired with RIVA’s Yamaha 2019+ FX Pro Series Sponsons (PT# RY26120), the FX1800R enjoys immeasurable gains in performance handling, rough water tracking and most importantly, rider response. This input is communicated through a RIVA Yamaha 2015-2019 FX Pro-Series Steering System (PT# RY20120) that replaces the plastic, insulated steering system with billet aluminum components; as well as ODI Ruffian Lock-On Grips, 130mm, No Flange, Black (PT# L31RFB-S) and RIVA PRO-BAR 30″ Runabout Bars (PT# RY205BK-BAR-2).

Being the latest of the Limited Edition offerings from RIVA, the FX1800R features exclusive hull graphics giving the craft an almost “sleeper” look, and red anodized components, as well as a RIVA Yamaha FX 2019+ Seat Cover – Black/Silver Stitch (PT# RY5-FX19-1) made exclusively from Jettrim, as well as a custom “RIVA Racing” CNC-cut traction mat made by Hydro-Turf. All of this comprises a uniquely-built, made-to-order Limited Edition package that can be had for $26,995. While you can purchase each of these items and replicate the same performance, it would actually cost you more – and wouldn’t look nearly as good, either!

And as promised, the RIVA FX1800R Limited Edition delivers – and so much more so. Unlike our opening example, RIVA’s team has struck a perfect balance of power-and-handling. Throttle response is immediate; the boost comes on hard and pulls continually in a linear arc – no surging or low spots. It just climbs and climbs. We did indeed clock (via Garmin GPS) a maximum speed of 83.2mph with a 240lbs. rider and at near sea level. More importantly, the FX1800R never wandered, felt twitchy or skittish, and remained firmly predictable. Even more so than last year’s GP1800R from RIVA.

This is a race-ready muscle craft that certainly could be taken to the track or local buoy course, or remain the meanest, fastest machine on the lake. Either environments would suit it just fine. It’s not often that a custom-built PWC can “do it all” but somehow RIVA Racing has managed to do exactly that. The through-hull exhaust note doesn’t cackle or pop; the increase boost of the supercharger doesn’t lunge or surge. The FX’s added heft insulates far beyond the stripped down GP1800R. It’s deceptively well behaved for its power output…even a little disarming. Because with a squeeze of the throttle and a snap of the bars, you can be carving S-turns in seconds.

RIVA Racing faces no shortage of challengers these days, but none offer a turn-key, put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is proof-of-concept machine like its Limited Edition Yamahas. Were challengers were ever to do so, we wager a shootout would be needed. Yet until that day, the FX1800R solely elevates Yamaha’s FX SVHO to new heights and frankly, we cannot praise it enough. Although exceedingly premature to mention, but had this ski been offered by the OE, it could easily bring home The Watercraft Journal’s coveted “Watercraft of The Year” award. Seriously, it’s that good.