Water sports are a seemingly endless source of entertainment but let’s be frank; not much has changed in the last decade or so. Luckily the usual go to sources for aquatic junkies is about to be shaken up and I think it will be for the better. Zapata Racing has created the Hoverboard; a water based thrill that is sure to pack an adrenaline-filled punch.
Now, I know that you are going to point out the copious amount of water jet powered devices that are already on the market and trust me I know all about them. What sets the Hoverboard apart from all the rest is the way it handles. It really is one of those things that has to be seen to be believed.
The Hoverboard appears to be one of the smoothest and most readily controlled rides we’ve ever seen. Most of those water launchers simply crank out the H2O and send you flying through the air until you smack down and then you repeat the mind numbing process. The Hoverboard is different because it does what is promises; it hovers. The design and use of this board allows you to spiral, jump, arch, and soar through the air in a fashion that looks straight out of a dream.
Available with either one or two major outlets on the bottom of the board and attached to a 59-foot hose that links to a personal watercraft. Launching you gracefully up to 16-feet high and reaching speeds of 23 miles per hour, this ride leaves you a lot of wiggle room when it comes to improvisation. While the device requires a one hour mandatory initiation and also packs a hefty price tag.
Surfing? Wakeboarding? Flying? I am not sure what category the Hoverboard falls into but frankly, we don’t care, all we know is that we’re incredibly excited and can’t wait to strap on a lifejacket and soar. Marty McFly, I think your time has come to hit the water.
With June half way over, your chances to try out a brand new Sea-Doo Spark for nothing more than an hour of your time is running out quickly. Recently, The Watercraft Journal was lucky enough to spend a couple of day with the traveling Sea-Doo circus when they dropped into Nashville, Tennessee, and were impressed with everything the Sea-Doo Demo Tour crew had on hand to play with.
Below are the dates, cities, states and locations of most planned stops. We grabbed this list from seadooforum.com, so if you’ve got access to a more up-to-date list, please let us know! Until then, make sure if you’re in a nearby area to jump at the opportunity to ride the latest entry in the extensive Sea-Doo lineup and possibly the most talked about runabout to hit the market in years!
2014 Sea-Doo #sparksomefun Test Ride Tour schedule:
June 20-22: Riverhead, NY, Mariners Cove East Hampton Long Island; Lake Geneva, WI; TBD
June 27-29: Clayton, NY, TBD; Grand Rapids, MI, Kent County Park; Portland, OR, Henry Hagg County Park
July 11-13: Montreal, QC, TBD; Cleveland, OH, Whiskey Island Marina – Wendy Park Beach; Seattle, WA, TBD
July 18-20: Spokane, WA, Lake Coeur d’Aline; Quebec City, QC, TBD
Last month celebrated some major milestones – all happening at one single event, the Aqua Moto Grand Prix. Not only did it welcome the return of the one and only Chris “Flyin’ Fish” Fischetti to the world of jet ski racing, but also as a promoter, and the fateful return of old school, vintage-style throwback standup racing to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
The Watercraft Journal was on hand and blew the lid right off of this inaugural event in fine fashion with next-day event coverage and a massive photo gallery. But what we didn’t know what lengths Fish was willing to take to reinvigorate the world of personal watercraft racing. “We’re all on the same plane, but there’s no one in the cockpit,” Fischetti told The Watercraft Journal last week. “The sport needs somebody at the controls. We’ve been waiting forever for somebody to step up. I just finally figured, ‘Why not me?'”
With the immediate success and notoriety that the Aqua Moto Grand Prix gained in its first go, Fish wasted very little time getting word out of a worldwide sand-and-surf event, the 2014 Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix. Subtitled as “Where the Lake Meets the Desert,” the Global Grand Prix will not only welcome all existing jet ski racing classes in an inclusive and competitive fashion, but will ensure the utmost in professionalism and safety thanks to K38 and Jokerswild event management.
In addition to top class PWC racing, the Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix will also include Side x Side, desert and off-road for those wanting to compete both on the water and sand on the nearby Rotary Park course. The Global Grand Prix will also be broadcast by PlanetX TV, streamed live online and receive coverage from both us at The Watercraft Journal and Pro Rider Magazine. All of us are excited to help usher in this new format of American PWC racing and expect big things from Fish and the Aqua Moto series.
Below is the sponsorship letter that was issued earlier today and lays out the Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix event coming this September 26-28th, 2014. We’ll see you there!
2014 Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix September 26-28th, 2014 Rotary Park, City of Lake Havasu, Arizona USA
I am contacting you regarding this unique sponsorship opportunity for participation with the 2014 Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix. The City of Lake Havasu is known as the “Watercraft Capitol of the World,” and this race will redefine why this sports legacy is so popular in Lake Havasu.
Sponsorship: ALL LEVELS from Product / Co – Sponsor Vendors : PWC and off-road sites on the beach.
OPPORTUNITY Event goals are focused on production of a full turnkey program – Combining a Global Championship for the top Amateur and Pro PWC racers with the city’s Side x Side, Desert and Off Road community together on the beach with an awesome Vendor Expo.
The Global Aqua Moto Grand Prix is designed as a legacy event. The race platform is designed for a resurgence of Jet Ski competition with both, Lake (Aqua) and Desert (Moto) Event theme.
In conjunction with Lake Havasu’s Beach Lifestyle, “Where the Lake Meets the Desert” will be producing fun events focusing on after action parties and celebrations to create long lasting positive memories for all racers, vendors and spectators.
This event is a one of a kind revival program focusing on the core spirit and ethos of what made the sport of Personal Watercraft racing launch an “industry around an industry” with supporting businesses and superior public interest.
This is AquaMoto’s second event in Lake Havasu, being promoted under AquaMoto World Class Champion Chris Fischetti. Expo and vendors management professional hosted by Jokerswild, while race safety by K38. Next, first year that the Aqua Moto Grand Prix will launch its core programming. AquaMoto has successfully launched with Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series and secured partnership for future events. This will be attracting vendors, community support and a spectator base regarded in the thousands.
AUDIENCE INFORMATION The majority of attendees interested in both water and desert lifestyle purchase products at the event host vendors where we shall have 30 Exhibitor booths on display representing our “Happening Event” will arrive from our Large neighboring cities (LA, Phoenix, Las Vegas) as well as racers nationality and worldwide, all have been known to draw from an affluent professions.
MEDIA INFORMATION Our event will have TV, live stream, social media, industry online and print magazines with international reach within the worldwide watercraft followers. PlanetX TV is to host the event shows, live stream to reach global spectators, The Watercraft Journal and Pro Rider magazines, and our own web-based platform will be followed by massive social media presentation.
CALL FOR ACTION Our sport needs to gain traction and this event will be successful. It is an aggressive timeline and I would like to discuss any ideas to determine if a meeting is warranted. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience with any questions.
Sincerely, Chris Fischetti (714) 267-4747 [email protected] www.aquamotograndprix.com facebook.com/AquaMotoGrandPrix
First, let’s start with the good news: personal watercraft sales are up across the board. All three manufacturers are experiencing a swell in new unit sales that hasn’t been paralleled since numbers began to tick upwards in mid-2012; as a report from Boating Industry claims that the PWC industry has experienced a “10-percent monthly year-over-year sales growth throughout 2012.”
Some investigating by The Watercraft Journal has garnered some pretty substantial numbers, particularly on behalf of Yamaha’s VX series WaveRunners in all of their variations. Equally impressive, we’ve heard ruminations that the new Sea-Doo Spark has accounted for a gain of 7-percent additional market share. If true, that would push Sea-Doo’s existing 49.5-percent market dominance closer to 56.5-percent.
Even Kawasaki is reporting an increase in sales, with regional reps telling our contacts that literally all 310-horsepower Ultra units have been sold (that’s not to say you can’t buy one from a dealer). Even the 12-year-old STX-15F retains a position in the Top 10 of popular units – thanks to a generous amount of discounts and incentives.
But all of this good news in sales leaves a few questions, namely what holes appear in each manufacturer’s lineup? What ski is Sea-Doo offering that Yamaha lacks? Or what can Kawasaki do to broaden its appeal to a wider purchasing demographic? As always, The Watercraft Journal believes its got the answers thanks to some inside knowledge, a strong understanding of the manufacturing process and some good ol’ fashioned guesswork.
This latest edition of “Vicious Rumors and Vile Gossip” will illustrate some of the easiest gaps in all three OEM’s product lineups to be filled cheaply and easily. That’s right, these machines can be built with literally minimal investment from each manufacturer and reach the broadest audience possible.
Kawasaki Ultra LX SE JetSki
While we would love to use this opportunity to present our long-winded plans for the glorious return of the STX-R name as a 310-horsepower Kawasaki STX-15R, we know a fully-loaded naturally aspirated Ultra LX is a little more likely. Why? Because as representatives from both Yamaha and Sea-Doo can attest, buyers today are big on comfort and fuel economy.
Sadly, the current Ultra LX is thin on both accounts. The standard Ultra LX is pretty plain at best, touting some decent paint and graphics as well as the brand’s scalloped LX seat and retractable swim step. Yet, the finer Ultra 310LX is chocked full of goodies like cruise control, No Wake mode, electronic trim control and the industry’s only on board sound system, Jetsound.
All that is needed to develop the Ultra LX Special Edition (SE) is stripping the 310LX of its supercharger and intercooler. The LX SE should retain all of the creature comforts of the 310LX but without the gas guzzling thirst of the monster powerplant, opening up Kawasaki to more mileage-conscious riders who still want the refinement of a luxury craft.
Sea-Doo GTI Limited 215
As mentioned earlier and in previous articles here on The Watercraft Journal, Spark sales are good, but some are reporting gains at the cost of GTI sales. Sea-Doo’s GTI segment is still their best selling as the GTI range is so varied. From the rental-friendly GTS to the lightly optioned GTI SE 130 to the top-of-the-line GTI Limited 155, Sea-Doo’s Recreation line is a buffet of possibilities.
And the versatile GTI hull is a hit with casual riders, beginners, long distance cruisers and even racers, as the GTI sheds its “nice guy” visage with the rip snortin’ supercharged GTR 215. Unfortunately, for those wanting the nimbleness of the GTI hull, the power-to-weight delivery of the GTR and unmatched amenities on an entry platform as the GTI Limited 155, they’re forced to look elsewhere.
Sea-Doo is literally a day away from manufacturing a 215-horsepower GTI Limited. Although this will clearly dip into GTX Limited 215 sales, we contend that more enthusiasts would prefer the smaller-yet-still-stable GTI platform over the larger S3 hull, if not just for the savings in price. There’s no better bang-for-your-buck than the GTR 215, why not offer the same for those wanting a few extra bells and whistles?
Yamaha VXR SHO
While we’d much rather see a SVHO-powered VXR, we’re pretty sure that Yamaha’s lawyers would coil up into the fetal position on the office floor were that to actually happen. So rather, we think the already proven 215-horsepower SHO is plenty for the lightweight powerhouse. The VXR is already a stout combination, so we can’t help to grin devilishly with the idea of a supercharged plant beneath its seat.
Seeing how Yamaha has truly stepped up to the plate with the SVHO performance packages this year, we think ramping up the naturally-aspirated VXR with a little Super High Output action for 2015 could be a unmitigated home run for the watercraft builder. Of course, the SHO is a small step away from its big brother, the SVHO, and both supercharged plants are a few tweaks away from producing some big power.
When power-to-weight is the key to making big performance gains in this industry, Yamaha’s NanoXcel hull and deck’ed VXR with an intercooled and boosted 1.8L is music to our ears. The aftermarket have been supercharging and turbocharging these skis for the last couple of years, now its time to let the factory do it!
It was early last year when Masterton leaked a grainy image of a still-crated “RXP 300 RS” model that sent the world buzzing. An exclusive “race ready package” available only through Sydney Sea-Doo Performance (SSDP), the RXP 300 RS features a handlebar widening kit and ODI grips, billet anodized throttle lever kit, a billet anodized rocker/valve cover, ECU tune, custom grind camshaft, custom pitch impeller and no-slip Hydro-Turf seat.
Of course, if you find that the RXP 300 RS just isn’t enough to whet your whistle, you can indulge in a few weight saving components, namely SSDP’s carbon fiber hood and seat. These parts have been featured here on The Watercraft Journal before for their incredible level of detail and quality of fabrication. Together, nearly 50 pounds can be shaved from your Sea-Doo as well as increasing cold air induction and ambient air circulation.
But if you’re thinking the “whole enchilada” isn’t for you, SSDP will happily sell you each component individually or in smaller packages like their “Creeper Five-0″ sleeper kit for all X-Series Sea-Doos. This low cost kit radically increases your ski’s mid-range and a top speed (74mph) while maintaining your Sea-Doo’s noise baffling. Comprised of a billet camshaft, tuned ECM and a custom pitched impeller, the kit is a proven combo that can be yours hassle-free.
Last month, Sydney Sea-Doo Performance RXPX300 captured another Pro Australian championship sparking a new promotion: “To celebrate our ’14 success, Sydney Sea-Doo is offering free ‘Six-shooter’ billet engine kit with RIVA iBR levers on all new 2014 RXP-X/RXT-X models or $1,400 cash back on any brand new 2014 RXP-X/RXT-X 300 purchased before the end of June. To find out more about this winning offer visit our showroom or phone us on 02 9526 6304. At Sydney Sea-Doo, WE RIDE, WE RACE, YOU WIN!”
Two race-ready Yamaha FZR SVHO runabouts will debut at one if not two Pro Watercross Tour stops.
For bikers, it’s a tour through the sacred halls of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Harley-Davidson Headquarters and Museum, joining the ranks flooding the streets in Sturgis, South Dakota or even milling through the sweltering crowds of Daytona, Florida’s “Bike Week.” For car guys, it’s cruising Woodward Avenue, walking the famed Corvette Museum or wandering the many abandoned assembly lines of Auburn Hills or Dearborn, Michigan.
For those who have a love for a sport or industry, there are special places that need to be seen – and experienced – first hand. For us into personal watercraft, the IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona would definitely be one. Wandering the glistening floors of Pompano Beach, Florida’s RIVA Motorsports another. But in a sport so young and so full of flux, many of our holy places simply aren’t around anymore (PJS, Mobby’s, etc.).
On the left is one of the new Warner Products SXR hulls, while the X2 on the right is a Bullet Racing hull for Ryan Hardwick.Working exclusively with Yamaha for these past few years, Farthing Racing has been able to not only improve upon the 1.8L powerplant, but influence the aftermarket and OE manufacturer itself.
Albeit only a handful of years old, the Mountain Motorsports franchise has fast become the place to see. Whether you’re purchasing a new craft, getting service or repairs on your existing machine or just loitering in hopes of catching a glimpse of the 17-time World Champion, Dustin Farthing, it’s worth a stop to peer through the insulated glass and watch as some of the fastest watercraft in racing be assembled, tested and fine tuned.
Recently, The Watercraft Journal was treated to a private tour hosted by none other than Phil Farthing, Dustin’s father. Phil came up with his son over four years earlier when the opportunity to open the new store was made available. The sprawling 55,000 square foot Marietta location was custom designed from the ground up, including the 4,000 square feet dedicated to the race shop, storage and staging.
The Pro Shop was originated to meet two needs: provide a clean environment for Phil, the dealership’s Service Manager, a place to build Dustin’s race skis, as well as other paying customers, in addition to developing new performance products under the Farthing Racing banner.
Phil and Dustin Farthing have prepared three different forced-induction systems for Dustin’s FZRs: a case-mounted supercharger, a belt-driven supercharger and a turbo-charged version.Against the wall of the service center is one of Dustin’s previous race watercraft from the World Finals. Capable of 82mph, the swiss cheese’d Yamaha FZR has been extensively lightened.
“Right now, we’ve got three setups for Dustin,” Phil explained, motioning to a pair of highly modified, all but completely satin black Yamaha WaveRunners. “All of ’em are FZRs: a case-mounted supercharged, a Vortech-supercharged one and a turbo-setup. He’ll race at this year’s Finals, but we’re hoping to make it to a couple of National Tour stops for testing.”
“We’ve uncovered a couple of weak-links that we think the other guys haven’t yet. It should provide us a bit of an edge,” he smirked.
One side of Farthing Racing has tipped heavily to one side. Dustin explained, “We build approximately 30 complete race skis a year for customers all over the world (and another half dozen for myself and Ryan Hardwick). We install customer performance parts and just recently got into custom Side x Sides.”
The champ continued, “We build and test everything in-house or in local city areas. We have slowed down on producing parts as we’ve realized we can build one ski and make the same profit as selling 300 ride plates.”
Part of developing the perfect race setup is going through several iterations before finding the perfect combination. These various pump and nozzle setups have all been used in the development of race-winning PWC.Inside of Dustin’s above level office are reminders of all of his wins, as well as an extensive collection of his hand-painted race helmets.
Phil continued our tour, showing us through the cavernous storage facility and back through the service department. We ended inside the nerve center, Dustin’s office. Shelves are packed with hand-painted helmets and bristling with trophies from countless championships and wins. “We were racing for 25 years or so. Sure it was fun, but we realized there was more money to be made selling to the public. This has allowed us to pick and choose what we want to do.”
Part of that freedom has been – as Dustin mentioned – custom Side x Side equipment made available through Farthing Racing. “We make the new trailing arms, doors, A-arms, and cages. Everything bolts into factory locations, so there’s no drilling or cutting.”
Likewise, Farthing Racing will have some of its parts first used on Dustin’s skis available soon enough. Dustin teased, “We’re working on some new Stock class parts for Yamaha and also some Open parts for new FZR. We should have things releasing now through [the World Finals in] Havasu.”
Outside of Dustin’s office window is a platform featuring an original ’73 Kawasaki JS400 and his famed STX-R that earned him multiple titles across the globe, including his King’s Cup win.Here’s your exclusive look at what Phil Farthing called a “top secret sleeper” in the back corner of the Farthing Racing shop.
As the side x side market continues to expand, so does Dustin’s reach into the custom motorcycle industry, “[Our new brand,] Farthing Designs will launch a custom motorcycle division this season that will build 20 bikes in conjunction with one of the OE manufactures. They are bobber style frames with turbo charged 4-stroke motocross engines. Look for those to be out January 2015.”
Standing in Dustin’s office looking out on the massive showroom floor rife with new bikes, quads, and personal watercraft all beaming under the florescent bulbs, it was clear what Phil said earlier, “This has allowed us to pick and choose what we want to do.” Dustin’s own words clarified even further, “Our main source is our sales departments at our now three Georgia stores that help us continue doing what we love.”
Instead of holeshots and championships, it’s become product and service sales that has elevated the Farthing brand to these new heights. So if excellence is what drives you, then visiting the Farthing Racing Pro Shop needs to be on your PWC bucket list.
Huge thanks to Phil and Dustin Farthing for opening up Mountain Motorsports’ Marietta, Georgia facility to The Watercraft Journal.
We’ve seen our share of unfortunate folks dunking their tow vehicles a little too deep (or completely underwater) at the launch ramp. Well, what if your tow vehicle could follow your personal watercraft into the water? It’s the ultimate amphibious vehicle for the guy or gall who wants it all and has a spare (*gasp*) $1,200,000 to spend on a motorcoach.
Yes, you read that right. $1.2 million. The Terra Wind is built by CAMI (Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, LLC) and seriously puts one up on the BMW-powered QuadSki with a 330-horsepower Caterpillar diesel cranking out nearly 1,000 ft. lbs. of torque. All of that twist is necessary as the massive rig (totaling 43 feet) tips the scales at a staggering 16 tons.
The big Cat in back drives the rear dually wheels through a standard multi-gear overdrive transmission until a separate transmission is engaged, activating the twin 19-inch bronze propellers that push the amphibious rig through the water. The Terra Wind features a unique rear deck with an outdoor fresh water shower and retractable dive platform.
Inside, the motorhome is swathed in teak, leather, marble, and plush carpeting – as well as a 42-inch plasma TV or two. Instead of slide-out cargo racks, the Terra Wind has inflatable stabilizing pontoons to keep the bus from rocking and listing as bad as it appears in the video below. We’re tickled with the idea of dragging a specially-equipped PWC trailer into the lake with us as we set out for a weekend on the water, but until an oil well springs up in the backyard, we’ll have to be content to live without.
Freestyle skis are becoming more and more specialized as technology not only improves power and thrust, but also helps cut weight, improve response and ridability. New hull and deck materials, billet engine and pump components and ergonomics have evolved the sport of freestyle to new heights, and as always, competition births ingenuity.
Philip Clemmons and wife, Penny are the owners of P&P Performance in Richmond, Virginia. Recently, Philip went to the intarwebs to show off his latest creation, a 2014 XScream DVX. Powered by a TPE 1105, with MSD total loss ignition, a Powerfaxtor pipe, and a pair of Full Spec 49 carbs. Out back includes a 155mm billet pump, XS trim, and OEM mounts/cables.
Built and tuned through P&P Performance, Philip and Penny attacked the tray. Philip admitted to The Watercraft Journal, “My wife is the main turfer,” but it didn’t stop the two from making the footholds a unique creation. “The holds have been tweaked a few times for best fit,” Philip admitted.
What you see here is some serious working of some black diamond Hydro-Turf traction matting. In one pass, some red was thrown in to break up the monochrome monotony, but you can see how the pointed holds gave way to fully engulfing slip-in boots. In either configuration, both Philip and any talented freestylist will enjoy a customized tray to be envious of.
On display were a great many accessories and options available on the Sea-Doo Spark.
Fu Manchu had it right. Give the people a taste for free and they come back paying for more. Of course, Sea-Doo isn’t peddling opium like the infamous literary villain but something just as enticing: fun. Now several years into the effort, Sea-Doo is continuing its traveling menagerie, the Sea-Doo Demo Tour…but with a twist.
Obviously, the big attraction in the BRP watercraft lineup is the all-new Sea-Doo Spark. Because of this, Sea-Doo has rechristened the three-team tour as the “Sea-Doo Spark Some Fun Tour” (#sparksomefun). Drawing in large crowds at each stop crisscrossing 19 states and Montreal, Canada in four months’ time, Sea-Doo enthusiasts, curious thrill-seekers and would-by buyers doing some last minute due diligence all come to test ride the new Rec Lite runabout.
The Watercraft Journal caught up with one of Sea-Doo’s Demo Tour teams as they stopped for the weekend in late May on the shores of Percy-Priest Lake in Nashville, Tennessee.
Alongside a selection of differently outfitted Sparks were a GTI SE 130 and a GTX 155.Crowds ebbed and flowed like the rain that hung nearby all weekend.
Despite the threat of rain – and even a few hours of mild downpour – people came to the Nashville Shores park to try their hand at the six-buoy hourglass course and scope out the new machine.
“We got in late last night and started setting up this morning,” a road-weary Andy Tworek smiled as he continued setting down clipboards full of release forms. Riders must first sign-in and provide a valid driver’s license before test riding. “We’ve got a handful of Sparks, but we also have a GTI and a full-sized GTX for people to try out.”
Visiting twice during the three-day event, we watched dozens of riders come and go in the space of only a couple of hours. The staff welcomed each rider, took down their information, provided them with suitable riding gear (a lifevest and neoprene shorts) and walked them around the Sea-Doo they wanted to ride, with a specific tendency to steer them towards the Spark.
Thankfully, the lure of riding a new Sea-Doo was too strong a draw to ignore.Sunshine and warm weather was on the menu for the latter half of Saturday and most of Sunday, bringing out more riders looking to check out the 2014 models.
“Yesterday saw about 30-40 people even with a threat of rain,” Andy continued. “You missed the lunch rush. We had nearly half of that just in the last hour or two. It’s been a good Saturday.” Together with Alabama native Robert Wilkes, the two were the senior members of the four-man group.
The weekend, presented by America’s Motorsports, also had plenty of media presence. Radio advertisements on local oldies and classic rock stations blasted the “two-Spark giveaway” that America’s Motorsports is hosting (expect a full-report on the contest when the winners are finally drawn). Likewise, commercials on local television stations welcomed all to come and try out the Spark as well. There was no shortage of marketing effort spared.
“I loved it,” beamed one rider as she departed a Licorice 2-up Spark. “It wasn’t as ‘tippy’ as I thought it’d be. It felt like a go-cart but for the water.” Surprisingly, it was more women enjoying the Spark’s seat-of-your-pants free-wheeling ride than the men we interviewed.
Parallel to the launch of the Spark was a whole new line of apparel and accessories to maximize the ownership and riding experience.With a staff of knowledgeable and enthusiastic riders themselves, the Demo Tours are successful because they remind people how much fun there is to be had on the water.
Comically, almost every man had the same question, “How fast does it go?” And all seemed to sneer at the Spark’s available 60 and 90 horsepower.
“I’m not surprised,” Rob chortled. “They all want to come out here and ride a supercharged RXP-X.” When asked why no X-Series units were on tour, he grinned. “I remember when they (the RXP-X 260) first came out on tour. We had guys flying off ’em at 60mph thinking they could take a turn at full throttle. A lot of these dudes think they’re better riders than they actually are.”
Yet, even a spirited few laps around the course on the GTI 130 was enough to wind some riders. “Man, that thing is quick in Sport mode,” one rider came back panting. “I can’t imagine what double the horsepower feels like.”
The Demo Tour has proven a valuable asset to dealerships like America’s Motorsports, as potential and returning customers are able to put their hands on the latest product, grab a handful of throttle and go get wet.
You may not know this, but the OEMs have a really tough job of 1) producing the best products their engineers can develop and 2) keep the product costs low enough that they can afford to build them in mass and sell them to the public. It’s not as easy as we presume it is, and often give the manufacturers too much grief when all they’re trying to do is keep costs down.
One such example is on the stellar SVHO and SHO Yamaha engines. Unbeknownst to most, these big inch bruiser engines (including the naturally-aspirated 1.8L HO engines) employ a plastic fuel rail that feeds the fuel injectors. It’s made of lightweight, durable plastic and does the job. But when you’re looking at increasing fuel delivery to satisfy the needs of a tuned supercharged or turbocharged engine, the plastic piece just ain’t gonna cut it.
That’s why the go-fast gurus at RIVA Racing have developed this stellar Yamaha 1.8L Billet Fuel Rail. Not only does it move more fuel quicker (especially while using RIVA’s Pro Series Fuel Injectors), but it also is a direct replacement for the factory part. Carved from 6061 billet and anodized black, this piece is as good looking as it is effective.
Here’s the original press release:
Our High Flow Fuel Rail is an essential upgrade to your fuel system to support increased horsepower from supercharger or turbo modifications. Directly replaces restrictive factory fuel rail for improved fuel delivery and enhances the appearance of your engine bay. Precision machined billet aluminum rail features a unique bracket system that adapts to a variety of injector sizes & lengths. Large body design provides increased flow capabilities to support 500+ horsepower applications. Inlet fitting accepts OEM Yamaha fuel connector for easy plug-in installation. Includes fittings for flow-through fuel routing to eliminate injector supply fluctuation and keep fuel cooler. Can also be set up with OEM dead head routing via supplied fuel pressure gauge or plug. Constructed of 6061 billet aluminum and anodized to prevent corrosion. Includes all necessary mounting hardware and complete installation instructions.
Key Features: • High flow fuel delivery supports more power. • Fits all Yamaha OEM injectors along with RIVA 100lb Pro-Series Fuel Injectors (part# RY12040-I-KIT-100). • Accepts OEM Yamaha fuel connector fitting for easy installation. • Delivers equal fuel supply to injectors with flow-through fuel routing. • Billet aluminum construction and anodized to prevent corrosion. • Can also be used on stock engine with stock injectors for cosmetic upgrade.
Applications: All Yamaha 1.8 liter engines (SVHO, SHO, HO).
RY12040-BFR Fuel Rail, High Flow; YAM 1.8L $259.95
