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2019 WaveRunner Race Series: GP1800R gets new intake grate and ride plate

Dave McMahonAugust 15, 2018

Here’s a closer look at the 2019 Yamaha WaveRunner Race Series, revealed at the dealer meeting tonight in San Diego.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Supercharged GP1800R fitted with new high-performance top-loader intake grate and race-designed ride plate for sharper handling and better hook up. (Specific to Yamaha 160mm jet pump)
Yamaha VXR fitted with new high-performance top-loader intake grate and race-designed ride plate for sharper handling and better hook up. (Specific to Yamaha 155mm jet pump)
Normally-aspirated VXR upgraded to high-performance NanoXcel 2 material. Now significantly lighter than previous year models.
Both GP1800R and VXR feature Yamaha’s RiDE dual-throttle control system for superior handling in tight quarters.
The Yamaha GP1800R is the No. 1 for watercraft racing, bringing home more championships across closed course, endurance, and offshore racing circuits than any other model.

The industry’s best-selling high-performance runabouts return in 2019 with upgraded top-loader intakes grates and race-designed ride plates for sharper and more predictable handling in rough water. In addition, the VXR hull is now manufactured using Yamaha’s high-performance NanoXcel 2 material, making the VXR significantly lighter than previous year models.

Yamaha GP1800R WaveRunner

The Yamaha GP1800R is the quickest, fastest, most precise handling WaveRunner that Yamaha has ever designed. A legend in professional watercraft racing, the GP1800R is designed for closed course racing, and experienced high-performance enthusiasts.

The GP1800R gets its awesome performance from the Yamaha Super Vortex High Output marine engine that delivers more power and torque than any other Yamaha WaveRunner engine.

The SVHO engine features a high-performance intercooler, increased supercharger air intake capacity and boost, and a modified fuel injection system for increased fuel flow.

Under the waterline, the SVHO engine is matched with a 160mm eight-vane jet pump for maximum thrust volume. Combined with its ultra-lightweight NanoXcel 2 deck and hull material, the result is extraordinary power and thrust in an extremely lightweight package, delivering a power to weight ratio unmatched in the high-performance category.

With its defined hull strakes, soft bow chines, and race-infused keel shape, the GP1800R hull delivers excellent stability and precise responsiveness and predictability for a thrilling riding experience.

New for 2019, the GP1800R ride is even better with the addition of a new high-performance top-loader intake grate and race-designed ride plate.

The new intake grate features a foil that feeds water to the top end of the impeller to improve prop traction and keep the pump hooked up to maintain maximum thrust when turning, and in rough water. It also creates more downforce to keep the GP1800R planted in the water and stable when turning.

The new race designed ride plate is longer to reduce bow rise when accelerating quickly. The planning surface is angled slightly for just the right amount of rocker to give the GP1800R the right riding attitude for optimum top speed. Also, the edges of the planning surface help the GP1800R track straighter at higher speeds.

Advanced Throttle Control Features

On the handlebars, the GP1800R includes Yamaha’s award-winning RiDE system, the industry’s first dual handlebar throttle controls that deliver the utmost control moving forward or in reverse. Also included is electronic trim that allows the rider to dial in the handling of the GP1800R to their personal preference or water conditions.

Yamaha VXR WaveRunner

From its inception, the Yamaha VXR proved that a powerful 1.8L normally-aspirated engine wrapped in Yamaha’s first-generation NanoXcel lightweight hull material was more than a match for the competition’s supercharged models.

For 2019, Yamaha is taking the VXR to the next level with similar performance upgrades to the intake grate and ride plate like the GP1800R, along with the addition of NanoXcel 2 hull material that significantly reduces overall weight by 30 pounds.

Specification wise, the VXR is now nearly identical to the GP1800R, except for the normally-aspirated 1.8L engine, and 155mm pump. And like the GP1800R, the VXR comes complete with RiDE and electric trim.

And like all world-class vehicles, the quality, craftsmanship, and overall styling are nothing less than stunning. The look of the GP1800R and VXR is a combination of symmetry, balance and sleek flow made possible by Yamaha’s closed-molded process that creates smooth, exact parts every time. There are no ribs or structural inconsistencies that show through the finished product. Finally, Yamaha’s industry-leading metallic paint gives the GP1800R and VXR a striking look that no other manufacturer can match.

The GP1800R and VXR are winners that are designed for winners. For buyers seeking the utmost performance direct from the factory, the Yamaha GP1800R and VXR are the only choices.

SuperJet

To say the Yamaha SuperJet is an industry icon is an understatement. It’s the longest-running model in the history of the sport, and the last high revving two-stroke model on the water today. It’s made for competition, and you need a competition license to purchase it.

Lightweight, stable, and fast, the SuperJet continues to be the first choice for freestyle riders, closed course racers, and big wave freeriders.

2019 GP1800R SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: Supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine

Displacement: 1812cc

Impeller: 3 blade, stainless steel

Length: 132”

Beam: 48”

Height: 47”

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons, premium unleaded fuel

Person Capacity: 3 persons

Hull Material: NanoXcel 2

Warranty: 1 year limited