Gallery: RIVA Racing’s Limited Edition 2016 Yamaha FZR 350

January 5, 2016

First, it was a handful of grainy cell phone pics hitting social media threads. Then came a few photo studio images from RIVA Racing itself. Then came a full blown feature article on The Watercraft Journal that revealed all of the details on what was at the time only thought of as a display model at the Yamaha dealer show at the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton in Florida, in late August 2015.

The ski, a modified 2015 Yamaha FZR wielded bright orange “350” emblems on its sides almost taunted onlookers. The idea of 350 dyno-proven-horsepower out of a supercharged personal watercraft was, only a scant few years earlier, the stuff of top-of-the-line Pro Open and international GP class race craft. Now, RIVA Racing – the industry’s leader in developing high quality performance aftermarket race parts and accessories – was offering it in a reliable package.

Yet, this time things were different: while all of the wares listed on the RIVA-equipped WaveRunner could be purchased individually via the company’s online store, the parts manufacturer was offering a nearly identical turn-key package for $25,995 through the RIVA Racing dealer network. Never before had such a modified watercraft been developed, tested and proven, and made available for general consumer interest.

With a limited run of 25 units for the year, those who saw the immediate value in such a machine instantly committed initial payments – even before seeing the final product. As shown in the earlier article, the FZR 350 displayed was a 2015 model and changes would be made to match the 2016’s aesthetics (namely the Torch Red Metallic hull). When finally (and quietly) unveiled in early December, the RIVA Racing Limited Edition 2016 Yamaha FZR 350 showed its ultimate appearance.

RIVA’s Dave Bamdas told The Watercraft Journal, “Internally, we debated over the Limited Edition’s look. I wanted it to look like this could’ve come from the factory, and made great efforts to do so. All of the orange components [from the prototype displayed in August 2015] are now anodized red, to match the factory red color scheme.”

“Even the RIVA-edition Jettrim custom seat cover flows with the design,” Bamdas continued. “We had all the stitching match the same red, with lots of black and satin to give it a stealthy look.” The FZR also comes with special “RIVA Racing” edition Hydro-Turf traction matting. Lastly, a pair of red-anodized RIVA FZ mirror block-offs clean up the Yamaha’s hood lines. But, the Limited Edition 350 is far more than just an external appearance package. To make the Limited Edition FZR’s 350-horsepower a dyno-proven reality, RIVA started with their proven Stage 2 kit, and simply went on from there.

Beginning with a RIVA ECU Reprogramming Service, a SVHO Intake Manifold Upgrade Kit, Valve Retainer Upgrade Kit, and Engine Breather Upgrade Kit, the newly retuned and uncorked SVHO is force-fed added air and fuel via a Yamaha 1.8L SVHO/SHO Supercharger Shaft Upgrade Kit, a RIVA/HKS Yamaha Power Cooler SSQV Blow-Off Valve, Power Filter Kit, and a High Flow billet fuel rail. Keeping the boost charge cool and regulating the engine temperatures is a RIVA’s Yamaha FZ & FX SVHO Power Cooler Kit, SVHO Pro Series Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit, and a RIVA FZR/FZS through-hull rear exhaust kit with a billet exhaust outlet.

Adding to the FZR’s already impressive handling prowess is a RIVA FZR/FZS Performance Ride Plate, FZ SVHO Stainless Intake Grate and RIVA FZ SVHO Pump Seal Kit, and a pair of Pro Series sponsons, of which the 5-position sponsons’ billet inserts have been specially anodized red as well. Unseen is a new Solas Yamaha 160mm Concord 13/20 Impeller that can properly process all of that extra rpm into usable thrust. This of course, not only increases the FZR’s 1.8-liter SVHO 4-cylinder to produce a dyno-tested 350 horsepower (over the stock 260 horsepower at 7,500rpm), but run up to a GPS and radar-proven 80mph at 8,300rpm (with 1/3 tank of fuel, trim in neutral, sea-level elevation, air temp 80-degrees F, states RIVA Racing).

Keeping the rider in control of all that newfound power is a RIVA FZ Pro-Series steering system, Pro-Bar 32-inch runabout bar, and billet throttle lever, all sharing the same anodized red hue. Speaking of which, every Limited Edition FZR will also feature a red powder coated valve cover with a specialty-laser etched plaque noting the ski’s number of the available 25 units. According to Bamdas, “Five units have already been claimed. As soon as we took possession of 2016 units we started building them. The first Limited Edition FZRs will be available in late January. People are already really excited for them.”

Each of the Limited Edition FZRs are hand-assembled by RIVA’s own research and development team (the same master technicians who design and test every RIVA Racing part and component prior to distribution). And while the 80mph, 350-horsepower Limited Edition FZR 350 fetches $25,995.00, RIVA Racing has also decided to offer a Limited Edition FZR (non-350) for $20,995. Spec’ed at a top speed of 74mph at 7,600rpm, the non-350 comes with all of the aesthetic graphics, handling and breathing improvements, and still delivers excellent performance.

“We found that 74 miles-per-hour is just plenty for a lot of riders,” Bamdas concluded. “The lower version offers all the look, style and handling of the Limited Edition 350, but without the big boost of horsepower. The only outside difference between the two is the hood graphic leaves off the ‘350.’ That’s it.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Limited Edition FZR can’t be upgraded to 350 horsepower at a later date, as all of the parts used to make the Limited Edition 350 are available currently at RIVA Racing’s web store. As Bamdas noted, the Limited Edition RIVA Racing FZRs – in either performance trim – are more than just a Stage 2-equipped FZR, as we’ve ridden previously. Rather, these are truly one-off custom, serial numbered machines that we hope to eventually become collector’s items. That’s not to say, we wouldn’t ride it all the damn time, but that we probably wouldn’t mess with the already proven package.

►

Vicious Rumors and Vile Gossip: The Watercraft Journal’s Predictions for 2016

Kevin Shaw

January 4, 2016

Undoubtedly, many of you reading this are returning back to your daily occupations trying to shake off the lengthy holiday weekend. Whether or not you’ve set any personal resolutions to complete this calendar year, the closing of 2015 and the ushering in of 2016 is one to reflect, contemplate and review. But we’re saving up “2015 in Review” for another date. Rather, we’re setting our sights forward and looking down the barrel of what the new year will unveil to us lovers of all things personal watercraft.

Normally, we’d reserve this spot specifically for casting predictions for the year but we’ve got so much chatter coming over the telegraph wires that we’d be remiss to not include a few projections for future product coming to a shoreline and showroom near you before the end of the calendar year. Admittedly, much is hearsay and whisperings – but such is all forms of early intelligence. What we look for are patterns. How many reliable sources are predicting the same things? That’s where you get solid intel.

We’re going to share quite a bit of new product here that has been in waiting for years. What makes 2016 different from previous years? The economy. When things got really tight, you saw manufacturers tighten up on unrolling new hull designs, innovations, and added technology as sales were at a near standstill. With new unit sales growth up into the double digits, and a record number of floor sales in the past 6 years, the OEs are seeing enthusiasts champing for new and exciting product. So for now, we’ll handle this alphabetically:

Kawasaki
The thinly-differentiated Ultra 310 lineup still reigns supreme in every single offshore and endurance event (and will continue to do so in 2016), but is beginning to fade in public view. We’ve argued privately that Kawasaki is sitting on the single-richest vein of brand name equity in the industry. Kawasaki “started it all,” and many who started their love affair with PWC did so on a JS440 or JS550 standup, and while they might be currently riding a RXP-X or FZR, many would jump at the chance to buy a Kawasaki again if they made a unit suitable to their riding wants/needs.

Currently, Kawasaki is clinging on to its single-digit percentage of marketshare. To reclaim a little more ground, the Big K is visibly lacking three things: first, a mid-sized/two-seater musclecraft – similar to the aforementioned Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 and the Yamaha FZR SVHO. This is not to take away from the Ultra 310X, as it is unflinchingly powerful, but many riders want something far more nimble and scaled back in size. We’ve belabored the notion of reintroducing the STX-R as a 310-horsepower closed course-killer, so we’ll just let you click the link.

Second, a true entry-level craft. We’ve already previously confirmed that Kawasaki is preparing a “new runabout for people just getting into the sport.” This, in our eyes, is a Rec-Lite segment craft – similar to the incredibly popular Sea-Doo Spark, whether in spirit or build design. And make note: this is happening. You heard it here first, folks. And lastly is its dealer network, which has dwindled in recent years. It’s easy to believe that will correct itself in implementing the above two suggestions.

Sea-Doo
People are impatient by nature, and its certain that many of you are already seeing message boards and social media feeds full of enthusiasts taking early delivery of their new 300-horsepower Sea-Doos. There are even a handful of tuners already unlocking the restrictive ECUs pushing their brand new ACE 300-powered machines into the high 70s and even surpassing 80mph. Horsepower is always sexy and Sea-Doo’s jump from 260 to 300 will definitely garner BRP some very happy customers, if not lure lookie-loos into showrooms.

Although corporate race support isn’t that of Yamaha’s, it’s all but assured that starting lines will be rife with new Sea-Doo RXP-X and RXT-X units – be it in closed course or in the newly enlarged US AquaX series. What the new ACE 300 and the integration of the ErgoLock system allows is for more sportsman-level riders to try their hand at racing, and we’re betting that we’ll welcome a new crop of hardcore enthusiasts to the sport in large portion because of it. And if that’s the legacy that Sea-Doo leaves for 2016, we think it’ll be just plenty.

On the flip side, we do predict the dissemination of the new ACE 300 engine – in a non-supercharged format – throughout the rest of the current Sea-Doo lineup for 2017. Rotax engineers dedicated quite a bit of time, effort and resources in improving the outgoing 1503 Rotax 4-tec three-cylinder, and it’s clearly evident in the new ACE 300. Even without the service-free supercharger, the innovations put into the new ACE stands to provide power and efficiency gains for all levels of Sea-Doo PWC – from the GTI 130 to the GTX 155.

Yamaha
OK, this is where we go waaay out on a limb. Over the past six months we’ve been hearing a whole heck of a lot of chatter about Yamaha’s brass and their growing interest in expanding the SuperJet’s presence. As it stands, SuperJet sales are the highest in nearly a decade and Yamaha continues to increase its production numbers to satisfy demand (and keep people in dealerships instead of on Craigslist). The result is an influx of new 2-stroke SuperJets hitting the water…that is, where they’re permitted to ride.

See, 2-strokes are still persona non grata in many States in the US, and unless something seriously reverses in the political realm, it’s unlikely things will change anytime soon. Rather that mothballing the SuperJet because of this (as did Kawasaki), Yamaha is looking at bringing the SuperJet into the 21st century thanks in large part to the new TR-1 plant introduced for 2016. The new 1.1-liter three-cylinder 4-stroke is as much lightweight as it is powerful – producing approximately 120-naturally-aspirated-horsepower.

Commonly, the two biggest concerns of a 4-stroke conversion are weight and water ingestion, and with the TR-1 equal to that of a three-cylinder (“triple”) build – tipping the scales around 150-pounds when fully dressed, the likelihood of a TR-1 powered SuperJet is very high, whether for 2017 or later. Already aftermarket builders have applied the new TR-1 to conventional SuperJet and lightweight aftermarket hulls with great success, and its certain that Yamaha is paying close attention to public demand.

Case of The Mondays: PWC Used As Props In Car Ads For 40 Years

Kevin Shaw

January 4, 2016

What you’re looking at is possibly the first advertisement for a new car using personal watercraft (or specifically Kawasaki’s then-groundbreaking JetSki) as a central prop. The cars in question are actually a pair of Dodge Ram trucks – specifically a 1976 Dodge Macho PowerWagon (yellow, right) and a Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 (green, left).

The two Rams were part of a hilariously poorly-named “Adult Toys From Dodge” ad campaign that clearly, wouldn’t pass the PC police culture of today’s marketing firms. Nevertheless, in our research, we find this to be the earliest example of the venerable jet ski being featured front-and-center in a new car ad.

In our journeys into the world of cyberspace, we’ve stumbled across several examples of jet skis and full-sized runabouts being used as props in new car commercials and advertisements – but in varying degrees and purposes. While PWC’s earliest appearances in car ads looked to emulate a certain carefree and playful lifestyle, later appearances in media were seen as a means to illustrate a vehicle’s light-to-medium towing capacity.

The utilitarian representation made the watercraft look less fun and more cumbersome, an image we’re sure many manufacturers would like to shed. In the included examples, we see Ford’s minivan, the Transit hauling a pair of 3-seater Sea-Doo RXTs, as the other includes a GMC Envoy SUV pulling a pair of Sea-Doos, a GTX and RXP-X 255.

Again, the staid and quiet tone of the ads are incredibly polarized from the earlier Dodge “Adult Toys” ad, where a group of youthful lake-going co-eds mingle at the waterfront around a pair of brightly-hued four-wheelers, one hauling a 400cc Kawasaki in its bed.

The final example (shown below) is an international advertisement for Nissan’s compact 4-door Navara pickup. Meant to show the small truck’s large capacity bed, a heavily photoshopped imaginary 3-seater is depicted as leaping from a water-filled truck bed. It’s a bit silly and over-the-top, but communicates a solid message, “there’s an ocean-sized bed behind this truck.”

Video: Last PWC Drag Race of The Year Fetches $17K For Winner

Kevin Shaw

December 31, 2015

A little over a week ago, we had MVP Productions’ Manuel Valdes provide us a glimpse into the world of private one-on-one PWC drag racing. The world isn’t too far removed from that of illegal street racing, and is far bigger than many would suspect. The speeds are equal to that seen at sanctioned events, and the stakes are often much, much higher. Valdez not only provided The Watercraft Journal some amazing insight to the race scene, but followed up earlier this week with a video recapping the final race of the season:

“The day turned out a lot of excitement as all the fans and spectators were waiting for an epic race from three of the most well-known watercraft shops here in south Florida: UJet, CRT, Chichi’s Performance.

“OrangeBoost (the orange FZR) decided to be one of the first one on the water hoping someone would make the move and race his supercharged Yamaha with a top speed of 87.7mph, but no one was up for that challenge. Others were warming up the canal waiting for a race but didn’t have any luck.

Above left: Word of the showdown spread quickly and garnered a substantial crowd for being an unsanctioned event. Above right: To the winner goes the spoils, and that came today in the form of $17,000 – yes, that seventeen thousand dollars for a single jet ski race. That’s drag racing.

“The fans were hoping to witness what could be the best race of the year when all the sudden Carlitos from CRT (Champion of the 2011 Hydrodrags World Finals) decided not to wait any longer for Chichi’s Performance’s FZR and took Uva from UJet’s pending challenge.

“Uva, with his yellow-and-blue turbo FZR – equipped with nitrous, custom exhaust, intake and steering – and Carlitos with his Sea-Doo ’12 RXP-X turbo – also running nitrous, with a top speed of 104mph with a custom turbo kit made by CRT, AEM electronics, MWS wire harness by Karel Tuning – decided to race at the last minute putting everyone on their feet.

“Immediately, the pier was crawling with people. Uva and Carlitos, owners of two of the most known performance shops in Miami went head-to-head with a clean start. Carlitos RXP-X jumped ahead at the start and just in matter of seconds, Uva took the lead by far with the win and a record of ‘The Fastest Turbo FZR in The World’ with a top speed of 109mph.”

Enter The Watercraft Journal’s 2016 Skyway Show Signup Sweepstakes

Kevin Shaw

December 31, 2015

In addition to SBT’s sizzling annual calendar, the industry’s leading (and largest) engine remanufacturer hosts – via the Watercraft Superstore – the annual Skyway Ski Show. A fantastic day spent welcoming personal watercraft enthusiasts of every degree and walk of life to participate in a one-of-a-kind comparison test. The results of which are published in the company’s seasonal “magalog.”

For 2016, the Skyway Ski Show will be welcoming back all three OE manufacturers: Kawasaki, Sea-Doo and Yamaha, as they’ll be competing for top spots in two categories: Luxury Entry Level and Top Level Performance. Slated for testing this day are the Kawasaki 310X, Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 and Yamaha FZR; and the Kawasaki STX-15F, Sea-Doo GTI SE 130, and Yamaha VX Deluxe.

Each year, a group of panelists are chosen to test ride these machines, to truthfully and carefully evaluate each one, and submit their review for a final points tally. As many the savvy WCJ reader will note, our own Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw stepped in as head judge for the event last year, and has been asked to return as again for 2016, with Jeff Hemmel returning as the lead judge. Yet, The Watercraft Journal will not be returning for 2016 alone…one of YOU can be a guest judge for the upcoming Skyway Ski Show!

That’s right, kiddos! Not only will you be one of the lucky few to spend the day riding and reviewing these awesome machines, but you’ll be our guest of honor! You’ll be flown roundtrip (within the lower 48 states) to Tampa, Florida, put up in a swanky beachside hotel, fed all sorts of awesome food and provided transportation from the airport to the hotel and to the event and back! Also, you’ll be going home with full setup of JetPilot riding gear, Sea-Spec goggles and a swag bag of goodies!

Entering The Watercraft Journal Skyway Ski Show Signup Sweepstakes is absurdly easy! Just sign up for our weekly newsletter either at the top of the web page, or in the box on your right saying “Get the latest news and features delivered to your inbox every week!” If you already have signed up, enter one of your other email addresses (we know you have a few) or a spouse or friend who will let you go in their stead. All new entries between today, December 31st, 2015 until February 1st, 2016 are eligible.

But hey, we know you all can’t be winners so, we’ll also be picking two more runners-up. The first will score an official Yamaha thermal cooler dry bag stuffed full of awesome Yamaha swag, and the second will take home a cool Kawasaki tote jammed full of cool Kawi-branded gear. We will make the announcement Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016, here at The Watercraft Journal. You’ll need to clear your schedule, as the Skyway Ski Show is slated for March 1st, 2016. So keep the day before and after open too (you might need to cash in a couple sick days).

2015 Gold Coast WaveRunners Summer Ride Day for Charity

Kevin Shaw

December 30, 2015

Earlier this month, over 30 watercraft and many more participants gathered at one of the Gold Coast’s favorite spots, Broadwater for the 2015 Gold Coast WaveRunners Summer Ride Day for Charity. According to Yamaha WaveRunner Australia’s Facebook page, “Together with the help of volunteers, riders and donators a total of $1,100 was raised for the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Burns Unit.”

With the 2016 models already hitting showrooms in Australia, many enthusiasts anticipating the purchase of a new SVHO-powered machine had their Christmas wishes made true early, allowing many to take to the water on their brand new units. Others were content to test ride many of the new models provided by Gold Coast WaveRunners. Accompanying the Yamaha Australia and Gold Coast WaveRunners teams were WORX Racing and Christian D’Agostin and the PTS racing team with their new FX SVHO, as well as super shutterbug Andrew “Skip” Donovan who provided all of the official photography for the event.

Additionally, Gold Coast WaveRunners unveiled their 2016 Yamaha FZR Limited Edition equipped with Level 1 WORX Racing Components Upgrade. As they state, “These are fast right out of the box but if you want that little bit more then this is for you. Yamaha Motor Finance in store works out at only $136 per week (on a trailer) drive away with a $500 deposit (T.A.P.). Come in and check it out now and be the envy of everyone this Christmas!”

Lastly, Yamaha Australia closed out the ride day saying, “Yamaha and Gold Coast Waverunners would like to thank all the riders who participated, Worx Racing Components for their generous donation, and Photo by Skip for the fantastic photos.” You can click here for the full Facebook photo gallery.

The Art of The Deal: Buying Your First Sea-Doo

Brent Venderley

December 30, 2015

So you’ve decided to buy your first new Sea-Doo watercraft? As you can imagine, we at The Watercraft Journal have spent a lot of time out on the water riding for both work and pleasure. We have had countless amazing days enjoying the sun and water on our PWCs and have met some of our closest friends out there. You will fall in love with the fun, the lifestyle, the bonding over great times your new Sea-Doo has in store for you, your friends and family.

In BRP’s own words regarding their Spark; “The Sea-Doo Spark makes your family’s dreams of great days on the water possible right now…” We couldn’t agree more and want to help first time Sea-Doo buyers through what may seem like a daunting purchase process from start to finish. So get ready! Collect your family and friends, beach towels, and do not forget the sunscreen, days of memories are just ahead out on the water!

Above left: When it came time to pick out our new Sea-Doo Spark, we ventured to America’s Motor Sports in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, the recipient of the Powersports Business’ Power 50 Award for three consecutive years. There we were greeted by John, who helped us through the purchasing process from beginning to end. Above right: Although we liked the floor unit on display, John smartly presented us the official 2016 Sea-Doo catalog to show us the many different options available with the entire 2016 Sea-Doo Rec Lite line.

Picking Your Sea-Doo Certified Dealer
Being the powersports junkies we are for longer than we care to remember, the dealerships we have chosen to frequent over the years are really an extension of the time we spend out on our PWCs. Dealerships are full of us powersports junkies that have made their passion their work. These friends occupy the other side of the counter and service areas waiting to exchange stories of the past weekend’s adventures and assist you in your quest to do it all over again this coming weekend!

When you walk in the front door, along with the Sea-Doo certifications, qualified sales and service staff and the wide array of Sea-Doo watercraft and accessories, you should feel comfortable, at home and expect to spend more time than your significant other would like you to chatting about your new Sea-Doo watercraft and the coming adventures!

Above left: Our salesman walked us through the basic features, and operating the several functions. Any salesperson at a Certified Sea-Doo dealer will be well trained and ready to answer any questions you might have. Above right: John not only demonstrated how to remove the seat, accessing the filler cap and neck, as well as where to find the fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.

You are in the beginning stages of developing a relationship with your dealer for years to come. They will not only be a places you connect with others like you, but they will also serve as your resource and guide as you delve into this new addiction. You want to be able to stop by, or give them a ring and get answers to any questions you may have at any time.

From simple to complex; from “How do I put my new Sea-Doo in ‘Sport Mode’?” to “How do I flush this again?” you want to be able to have the resources available to you when you need them. Your new relationship with your dealer friends will pay off handsomely when it is time for Sea-Doo certified service and maintenance, and you want to be comfortable with the guidance and advise as would from a friend.

Above left: Our salesperson next took us back to their desk to discuss the model and features we wanted, and what price the dealership could accept. Finding a price we could agree upon, we filled out a credit application (which takes about an hour or so to process). Above right: While we waited for credit approval, John introduced us to America’s Motor Sports’ parts department staff. It’s always best to create a positive relationship with the Parts Department as they’ll be your best resource when it comes to upkeep and servicing your Sea-Doo.

Once you have that warm fuzzy feeling about the place and the staff, start to pay attention to the technical aspects of your chosen Certified Sea-Doo Dealer. They will not just have the watercraft and official Sea-doo merchandise you are dying to get your hands on, they will also have specific perks like financing options, OEM Sea-Doo parts and Certified Sea-Doo mechanics working diligently to get others like you back out on the water.

Along with “feeling” like you are in the right place, your dealer of choice should be qualified. Your Sea-Doo dealership should be filled with knowledgeable sales people with the goal of getting you the best deal on the new Sea-Doo that best fits you and your family’s needs. You want them to guide you effortlessly through picking out and purchasing your new craft, choosing the Sea-Doo trailer your new baby will be riding home on and which Sea-Doo life jackets, wetsuits, drybags and etc. you are going to need when you hit the water. Sea-Doo has a lot of options in their watercraft lineup and tons of merchandise to pick from. The helpful guidance of your new dealer’s staff will be priceless when you purchase and down the road.

Above left: Ian, our Parts Department salesperson, walked us through the official 2016 Sea-Doo Parts & Accessories catalog, piquing our interest with the many items Sea-Doo makes available to magnify your Spark-owning experience. Above right: Ian was also helpful in providing us with a new official Sea-Doo lifevest to go with our new Spark.

Paying for Your New Sea-Doo Watercraft
Financing your new Sea-Doo Spark is the option a lot of new watercraft owners take on their first go around buying a new PWC. Your dealer, and sometimes BRP will offer special incentives for buyers in the market for a personal watercraft. Often times special interest rates and extended warranties for example are available once you sit down at the sales desk at your local dealership.

Another option is financing available at the bank you have your checking and savings account. Often times they will also offer special deals for their customers and your continued business. So weigh your options! We have to say, your local dealership is going to make your life easy.

Above left: Many Certified Sea-Doo dealers have special pricing and financing options made available for applicants with approved credit scores. Your dealer will walk you through your best payment options and how to get the most for your investment. Above right: Additionally, many Certified Sea-Doo dealers will offer specials on scheduled maintenance, parts and repairs, as being all part of your financing options.

They will take a short application and often times have you an approval within the hour. Their ability to get you in house financing makes the process almost seamless from the time you walk through their door and pick out which color you want until you are driving away and headed to the nearest boat ramp.

If you are purchasing your new Sea-Doo Spark with cash, well then, it is as easy as it could ever be. We do not really need to explain this. Just walk in, make it rain on the sales person’s desk and BAM! Your new Spark will be on your trailer ready to breathe its first gulp of water!

Above: With our financing finalized, our name scribbled on more dotted lines than we can count, and a new packet of paperwork and an envelope of new owner’s media from Sea-Doo in our hand, we were greeted by Blake in the Service Department. He walked us through basic maintenance and upkeep as well where to find the battery terminals (left) and where to find the oil dipstick and how to properly check it (right). And with that, our new Spark was loaded up onto our trailer and ours to enjoy!

Wrapping up the Deal and Your New Spark!
While you are signing the paperwork and asking questions about your new Spark, your local dealership’s service people are busy scurrying around in the back prepping your key to outdoor family water time! Whether you bring a trailer with you, or buy one from your Sea-Doo dealer with your new Spark, they will be loading it for you while you finish up inside.

Don’t forget your life jackets, water clothes and the accessories! You are headed home from your local Sea-Doo dealer and all you can think is ride, ride water, water let’s go ride! Go collect your family and friends, beach towels and do not forget the sunscreen, and go make an entire day of memories out on the water.

Special thanks to the team at America’s Motor Sports. To experience your first time buying a Sea-Doo (or a return trip), you can contact one of three America’s Motor Sports dealerships HERE!

►

APE Releases Manual Cam Chain Tensioner for Yamaha 1.8L Engines

The Watercraft Journal

December 29, 2015

Yamaha stepped up their performance game in 2014, unveiling an all new SVHO (Super Vortec High Output) engine capable of producing roughly 265-horsepower. While the SVHO engine brought huge performance gains to the Yamaha performance models, it has had its problems as well. Recently, there have been several reports of broken timing chains in SVHO models, which can lead to other internal engine parts being damaged. Yamaha did address the issue on the 2016 models, but it is too early to tell if the changes completely eliminated the problem.

There are many theories as to why the timing chains break on some SVHOs, but APE believes the problem lies in the automatic cam chain tensioners that come equipped on them. The OEM tensioner can allow the chain to loosen up, then suddenly tighten, causing it to break. This simply can’t happen when a manual tensioner is used. APE recently released their Pro Series manual cam chain tensioner for Yamaha 1.8 liter engines to hopefully put an end to this issue.

While auto tensioners can make service of the vehicle easier, they do not give the precise cam chain control needed for performance applications. Starting about a decade ago, some OEM auto tensioners began to prove themselves problematic. APE Pro Series manual tensioners have been used to remedy the problems created by automatic tensioners for years.

The motorcycle guys have been using these for a while now. In fact, the manual cam chain tensioner for the Yamaha R1 is one of APE’s best selling products. And though it is too early to say for sure whether a manual tensioner is the answer for the Yamaha Wave Runners, it is certainly not going to contribute to the issue.

Installation of the APE Pro Series manual tensioner is fairly straight forward. Since the APE tensioner is a direct replacement for the OEM auto tensioner, you just bolt the APE tensioner in place of the OEM. Then, screw the center shaft in until desired cam chain tension is achieved and the jam nut is locked. The manual tensioner will keep the timing chain in adjustment, giving you peace of mind when out on the water as well as more consistent performance, since the chain isn’t moving around.

Real Review: Jettribe’s GRB 2.0 Race Boots

Kevin Shaw

December 29, 2015

In our experience, besides gloves, there are no other items of personal watercraft riding gear that wear out faster than riding boots. Be it the use of inferior materials, poor molding or stitching, or a combination thereof, riding boots are one of the hottest contested items on a consistent rider’s list of products that seemingly never hold up. In our gear closet, we’ve got four pairs of riding boots (as well as some slip-on booties), each of which hailing from a different manufacturer: Slippery, Jetpilot, Jobe and now Jettribe.

While we vowed new to perform a one-on-one comparison of personal watercraft, we want to bend our rule and illustrate a little how the 2016 Jettribe GRB 2.0 Race Boot stacks up against the above brand’s boots that have also been reviewed on The Watercraft Journal previously. It’s a little unprecedented, but as we’ve discovered, there’s enough difference between each brand that its worth noting where the new Jettribe boot shines and where it might gain from a little positive influence.

First, it’s important to mark on how superior the design, construction and materials used on the GRB 2.0 Race Boot are to its predecessor. Jettribe poured a lot of effort into designing a rubber sole that has been purposely molded with three raised points of contact – the ball of the foot, the arch, and the heel. All of this has been done to accommodate the aggressive rider and/or racer who switches through different standing and sitting positions, and shifting weight from one foot to the other.

This is illustrated in a pre-curved sole with a strong arch support that also wraps around the sides and toes to limit lateral side-to-side movement. The toe and heel are heavily protected by the rubberized, nodular sole. That knobby rubber acts to grip the ends of the foot in the tray (or foot holds if so equipped) for maximum grip when needed. Thick stitching circumvents the sole, sewing it all the way around the boot to prevent separation; the boot itself being made from neoprene.

Gone are the traditional laces that are prone to rot and snap, eyelets that corrode and tear, and hooks that break off. In their place is a zippered entry running half-way up the boot for slipping in and out of easily, with two large, adjustable Velcro straps snugging one’s foot inside. As Jettribe notes, their boots run a half of a size too big on purpose, encouraging riders to purchase their neoprene socks to wear with these boots. Initially, we ignored this advice and later found wisdom in the purchase of their Gator Lycra socks.

Both Slippery and Jetpilot boots come with removable neoprene socks as part of the boot purchase. For those looking to pinch their pennies and forego the sock purchase, they’ll find the Velcro straps don’t tighten enough without them. Yet, with them on, the GRB 2.0 is snug and comfortable – in fact, the most comfortable boots we’ve evaluated thus far at The Watercraft Journal. And, as noted by Jettribe themselves, the neoprene boots are cut extra high to keep out rocks and gravel. The long Lycra heavily assist with that.

Although Jettribe includes nine mesh flow-through panels for drainage, there are no drain holes in the sole like you’ll find with all other competitor’s boots. Jettribe says this is intentional, but as water filled our boots and starts to weigh them down, we argue that at least one or two drains do serve a purpose. Yet, the positives heavily outweigh any complaints. The zipper is thick and comes pre-waxed (and with a stick of surfer wetsuit zipper wax), and the straps are heavy duty and attach firmly. Ankle and heel support is solid, and the high arch is comfortable.

Again, we need to reiterate: these are the most comfortable riding boots we’ve tested on The Watercraft Journal to date – but only when wearing a pair of neoprene (or Lycra) socks. Without them is a totally different experience. Priced at $98.99, the 2016 Jettribe GRB 2.0 Race Boots are also the most expensive boots we’ve tested, almost by 40-percent over some. Thus far, the GRB 2.0 boots have held up great, but we’ll need a few more months of prime riding season to really rack up the mileage before evaluating whether they’re worth the extra duckets or not, but our feet are happy with ’em, and that’s what matters most.

►

Video: Anthony Burgess Featured in Taco Bell Commercial

Kevin Shaw

December 28, 2015

We’ve seen personal watercraft showcased in mainstream commercials before, in fact, several are quite funny (while a few are not so much). So when Taco Bell unveiled its “This Is Amazing” campaign, they not only chose to showcase a jet ski, but super-talented freestyle athlete Anthony Burgess of Nantwich, UK on his Team XScream ski conducting a series of awesome aerials (previously taken from a viral JunknVideo).

Tagged as “Jet Skis are amazing but you can’t eat them. Crunchwrap Sliders. Just a buck each.” The campaign is promoting the fast food chain’s $1 Crunchwrap Sliders, a terrifying concoction of other larger and debatably better-tasting menu items. This also comes at a time where other chains – McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s – have all started eliminating their respective Dollar Menus. Why? Because a new generation of consumers are choosing to avoid fast food than ever before.

Nevertheless, we’re excited to see more jet skiing featured in the mainstream – particularly freestyle – as we’ve been saying for years that freestyle needs to be brought front and center before as many non-core enthusiasts as humanly possible, be it at waterfront events, amusement parks and the wise. Hopefully, the efforts of fellow freestyle athletes like Daniel Martin and Mark Gomez (together with Anthony’s TV spot), will render more publicity for the sport than ever before.

1...341342343...438 Page 342 of 438