The FZR Report
17/11/2008 - YAMAHA dealer meeting and testing of the new FZS and FZR Waverunner watercraft.
I woke up bleary eyed at exactly 4am to start my exciting journey down
to Reading in Berkshire for a 2 day trip to see and test ride the new YAMAHA FZR
and FZS model watercraft.
We arrived at the Copthorne Hotel where we were greeted by YAMAHA
representatives for registration. Myself (Anthony) and Philip (work shop manager)
checked in and soon head to the bar for some light refreshments, and get chance
to speak to other Waverunner dealers before having lunch .
At 1 o'clock we were grouped together under a YAMAHA gazebo to get our
first look at the pre-production FZS and FZR models. Having previously looked
at the specification and dimensions on the website I was amazed at how the
YAMAHA engineers had made the FZ model watercraft look smaller than it
really is. Gleaming paintwork and new motorbike styling soon draw you in to
take a closer look. Starting at the top deck you find the handlebars are
telescopic (1st for YAMAHA) making it ideal for standing up and comfortable for
riding in choppy waters but also gives you the option of riding like a pro sitting
down in a more forward aggressive style.Looking forward you see the new style analogue clocks in a very sporty
red colour ....................
About 20 minutes after drooling over the New FZ watercraft we were taken
to the main conference room where on a giant screen we were shown all the new
2009 watercraft models, and are again told that in 2008 YAMAHA watercraft were
'ichiban' (No. 1 in Japanese) for the UK and Europe. Yes, it is true, the
Waverunner brand is the one to be seen on.
We got to see all the new 2009 apparel including wetsuits, b/vests and leisure wear.
YAMAHA, I am pleased to tell you, are expanding in a big way in to the
leisure wear market and Jetcraft will become an authorised Lifestyle Centre where
you will be able to call into the shop or view and order online all of these fantastic
new products.
After the meeting we were kindly invited by YAMAHA to an evening meal,
we all had a great night before heading off to the land of nod.
The Test
Alarm sounds and we head down to the hotel's lake. I squeezed into my
dry suit (it was freezing) and jumped on board the new FZR ,the lake was flat calm.
I hit the start button and the engine bursted into life. It sounded amazingly
throaty, I pulled back the throttle and straight away experienced the shear
power of the 1800cc super charged engine with intercooler . I soon reached
the end of the lake and - backing of the throttle - I leaned into a fast
sweeping right hand turn. The hull grip is astonishing and gives you a good sense
of security. Then, heading down the main straight - which is now slightly choppy
from the previous rider - I headed up to 70mph on the clock, eyes watering with
the cold (yes it really is that fast!).
Slowing down I then decided to have some
fun with some very tight turns, these machines are so agile due to the new
hull design made in super lightweight Nano Xcel, a material exclusive to YAMAHA.
Playing with the trim system I practiced some racing style starts to test the FZ
'get up and go' - it's ballistic in acceleration and even though Jetcraft were
unable to measure it we were told the new FZR and FZS watercraft accelerate from
0-30mph in less than 2 seconds!!!
Grinning from ear to ear we got to play on the new watercraft for about
20 more minutes before being called in and handing the lanyard back to YAMAHA's Geoff Turner.
All good things have to come to an end !!!!
These new watercraft have a new approach in personal watercraft, being
able to ride standing or sitting with a lean in style hull. My overall view of
this watercraft is that this is one hell of a boys toy, get yours on order now...
Call Jetcraft on 01782 768511 for your free brochure and - when available - a free test ride!
Anthony Barrow