Have you ever ridden a Waverunner?" the nice woman at the counter asks me as I check in for the big Yamaha press presentation. For two days, we are to test the new 2021 model series here. "Of course," I reply and nod enthusiastically. Actually, I should probably have said: "Yes. Once. When I was 13. On a hotel beach in Malta. That was over 20 years ago." But as a representative of the specialised press, you don't want to disqualify yourself right away. Because unlike the colleagues from all over Europe who are travelling here today, I'm not a jet ski expert, but I've deliberately come here to find out: How does the new generation of jet skis ride? And is it something for water sports beginners who have no experience at all?
The word "Jetski" alone could have put me out of the picture, as this is the registered brand name with which Kawasaki has been in business since 1972. The term has established itself in linguistic usage like the brand name "Tempo" for a handkerchief. In German officialese, I should actually be talking about a water motorbike. But nobody says that either. At Yamaha, the models are called Waverunner and Superjet instead.
While I remember the Waverunner from back then with its comfortable seat, I have a lot of respect for the Superjet, because it is a model that is known as a "stand-up". As a novice, will I really be able to stand on it? It's not supposed to be that easy.
The press conference is exciting because there are many innovations. Most Waverunners are now equipped with the Ride system, a kind of brake lever on the left-hand side of the handlebars. This allows the thrust to be reversed and the Waverunner can even ride backwards. In addition, two suction openings have been inserted into the footrests. The cooling water pump now sucks water out of these openings, which prevents the feet from standing in water. A good idea. Other gadgets on many waverunners include a type of cruise control that controls the speed when travelling in the harbour to prevent the boat from hitting waves. The auto-trim function ensures that the Waverunner runs ideally in any sailing position. These and other settings can be monitored via the new multifunctional displays.
The new superjet
But the highlight is the presentation of the completely new model. For 30 years, the old Superjet underwent optimisation and facelifts and was only allowed to be sold as a sports machine because it has a two-stroke engine. For the first time, the new Superjet "in stealth fighter design" will now also be available to private individuals, as a somewhat heavier but also powerful four-stroke TR-1 engine - the model that Yamaha also uses for most Waverunners - grumbles under the lightweight housing. With a good 100 hp and a displacement of 1049 cc (almost 350 cc more than the two-stroke), the new Superjet is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest (88 instead of 72 km/h). Thanks to its greater width (8 cm), Yamaha also promises greater stability and advertises that the new Superjet is easier to ride overall. An important factor for the target group of 20-30 year old sporty beginners. Perhaps with the hope that stand-up paddling (SUP) will now be followed by stand-up driving?
On the water
My first assigned vehicle is a Waverunner GP1800R, which delivers 180 hp with its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Two rangers take us out onto a high-speed track. The "no wake" cruise control is activated and we zigzag through the maze of canals at exactly 9 km/h until we reach the open track. We have to wait a moment for stragglers, which gives me the opportunity to play with the ride system. The Waverunner can be held perfectly in place and even rotated on its own axis.
Our first task is to ride in circles and test the steering behaviour and performance. Despite its unladen weight of 333 kilograms, the GP1800R literally jumps off, lies well and evenly on the water and is heavy enough not to be affected by waves. But when we turn onto the straight and put the pedal to the metal, I'm amazed when the speedometer shows 102 km/h within a few seconds. What acceleration, what speed I'm travelling at across the water. Almost intoxicating. I have to grin - and notice how my cheeks flutter in the wind.
Next, I am assigned to a contrasting model, the Waverunner VX-C, which belongs to the "leisure" class, is almost the same size, but 17 kilograms lighter and, with 125 hp, also has a slightly weaker engine. This is noticeable on the straights, where it runs at a top speed of 85 km/h. I don't need to let go of the throttle at all, even when jumping over the motorboat waves. However, the VX-C shows its true strengths when circling around the photo boat, because the rider and Waverunner feel like one body. Everything fits: Centre of gravity, power, performance. Here, too, the throttle cable can remain pulled. No matter what you try: The VX-C is safe and a lot of fun. "She's perfect," I hear a colleague say later as he gets off the bike after the test ride. I feel the same way. If I wanted to buy a model - I would have found it.
But I still have one more thing to do - and I've been dreading it all day. Three test sessions on the Superjet are on the agenda. We get a short briefing: "It's best to start on your knees first, then it's really easy to drive. But not below 20 km/h." But it's not easy at first. As soon as I kneel down on the platform in shallow water, the Superjet begins to capsize. "Step on the gas," I'm told and pull the lever. And indeed, the Superjet suddenly stabilises, runs straight as an arrow and is really easy to steer while kneeling.
After the second round, I get braver, squat on my right leg, then my left, push through - and sure enough, I'm standing. Even quite stable. With every lap around the course, I get more used to the unfamiliar, folding steering. It's true: The Superjet is great fun even for a beginner like me. I race faster and faster around the buoys. But then what has to happen, happens: Another driver comes too close to me, I swerve, the Superjet tips - splash! -and I'm lying in the water. When I get my head back up, my vehicle is floating ten metres away. Not so easy to swim in full gear. I climb up - and capsize again.
I remember the instructor's advice: hang on, start the engine, accelerate to 20 km/h and let yourself be dragged along. "Sounds strange, but then it's easier to get in." It feels strange too, but it works, the Superjet is stabilised and I can use the water flowing past as a step. I'm on my way again.
"Not bad for a first time." One of the instructors slaps my padded back in praise. "Yes, it wasn't difficult at all," I reply, "but really exhausting." - "Be prepared for a few days of sore muscles." He was right. But it was fun and, above all, it left me wanting more.
Need more information? You can find the article "Wet pleasure" with technical data on the models and further images in BOOTE issue 11/2020 from 21 October 2020 at newsagents or online in the Delius Klasing Shop.
