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2009-2013 Yamaha FZR SHO Review and Specs [Video]

2009-2013 Yamaha FZR SHO Review and Specs [Video]

The 2009-2013 Yamaha FZR (a.k.a. FZR SHO) was the first supercharged performance WaveRunner in history. It was built on the unique FZ platform and housed a supercharged configuration of the 1812cc, inline-4 engine rated at 210hp. Designed as a racing PWC, the FZR featured a highly bolstered two-seater saddle, while the very similar FZS SHO could carry three riders.

If you want to find out more about this iconic factory race WaveRunner, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha FZR SHO review!

2009-2013 Yamaha FZR SHO Review

Yamaha FZR SHO Hull and Top Deck

Yamaha introduced the race-intended FZR and the 3-seater FZS for the 2009 model year.

The official names of these skis were just FZR/FZS, but due to their SHO engine option and decals, they were often referred to as FZR SHO and FZS SHO, respectively.

They shared the same FZ platform measuring 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height. (The 2009 model was 0.8 inches shorter and 2 pounds lighter since it lacked the foldable reboarding step.)

This purpose-built WaveRunner hull was designed with competition and sports riding in mind. It offered a sharp turning capability and precise maneuverability even at high speeds.

Unlike the simpler Yamaha PWCs, the body of the FZR SHO was made of lightweight NanoXcel. This patented construction material was stronger than standard SMC, yet it was 25 percent lighter.

Thanks to this lightweight shell, the dry weight of the FZR SHO was only 807 pounds.

Its well-designed top deck offered plenty of space and had a bolstered fastback-style seat.

Even though it was rated at two riders, this ski was primarily a solo machine.

Yamaha FZR SHO Engine

As the name suggests, the Yamaha FZR SHO shared its supercharged engine with the touring/luxury FX SHO. This unit was the supercharged version of the 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4, Super High Output (SHO) Yamaha marine engine rated at 210hp.

In a nutshell, the key features of this engine were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, Inline-4 architecture
  • Bore x stroke: 86 x 78 mm
  • Compression ratio: 8.6:1
  • Aspiration: supercharged
  • Wet sump lubrication
  • DOHC
  • T.C.I. ignition system
  • Fuel injection system
  • Electric start
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • LFR6A spark plugs
Combined with its lightweight NanoXcel hull, the FZR SHO offered an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 hp/lb.

The propulsion system of the ski was a high-pressure, hyperflow jet pump.

This axial-flow, single-stage pump utilized a stainless steel impeller housing, a 3-blade stainless steel impeller, manual reverse, and a 5-position quick shift trim system (QSTS).

Yamaha FZR SHO Features

Besides its supercharged engine, one of the most unique features of the FZR SHO was its adjustable steering column.

The main idea behind this telescopic design was to tailor the height of the handlebar to the riding position.

While the high position was suitable for stand-up riding, the low position was great for racing and aggressive riding.

Another nice addition to the ski was its remote key fob, which could be used to activate “L-Mode” (low RPM mode), or even disable the ski if you wanted to leave it near the dock for a while.The ski had three separate storage compartments with a total capacity of 21.3 gallons as well as an 18.5 gallon fuel tank.

Other standard features of the Yamaha FZR SHO included:

  • Yamaha Security System
  • Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
  • Dual mirrors
  • Front storage compartment (18.1 US gal)
  • Watertight under-seat compartment (2.3 US gal)
  • Glovebox (0.9 US gal)
  • Removable beverage holder
  • Self-draining cup holders
  • Fire extinguisher container
  • Tool kit
  • Deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Safety lanyard
  • Adjustable handlebar neck
  • Drain plugs
  • Rope holes
  • Rear grab handle
  • Race-style saddle for two
  • Sponsons
  • Reboarding step (2010-2013)
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
Unlike other WaveRunners that enjoyed fully digital dashboards, the FZR came standard with two analog gauges with a small digital information display in the middle.

The main functions of this odd dashboard configuration were as follows:

  • Analog tachometer
  • Analog speedometer
  • Hour meter/Voltmeter
  • Fuel level meter
  • Fuel Indicator
  • Check engine warning indicator
  • Oil pressure warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • UNLOCK indicator light
  • SECURITY indicator light
  • L-Mode indicator light

Yamaha FZR SHO Top Speed and Performance

The FZR SHO was intended to be the best handling WaveRunner, and the Japanese engineers did not disappoint the market.

The rounded hull of the ski rolled into the turns with ease while its adjustable handlebar made stand-up riding much easier. Compared to the bulky FX, the FZR was much smaller, more nimble, and turned significantly tighter.

Its supercharged engine and high-performance jet pump provided a smooth, powerful acceleration along with a perfect hook-up.

With an experienced hand, the FZR could do the 0-30 mph run in just 1.5 seconds, while its top speed was limited to 65 mph. However, with a lightweight rider and light load, the ski could hit 66-67 mph on good days.

Amazingly, this performance was not a bit behind that of the latest high-end supercharged PWCs.

To get the most out of the machine, it featured handlebar-mounted trim controls that allowed you to adjust the vertical angle of the trim nozzle in five different positions.

Drawbacks?

Only its fuel economy, since the FZR was a gas pig. The maximum fuel consumption of the ski was 16.8 gph at WOT, so you could expect a cruising range of 1.1 hours if you were hard on the throttle.

Its main competitors were the Sea-Doo’s supercharged RXP 215 and the more powerful RXP 255.

Yamaha FZR SHO Problems

It’s safe to say that the most common problem of the Yamaha FZR was its supercharger clutch failure.

The supercharger clutch on early SHO WaveRunner engines was prone to breaking, which translated to loss of power and high service costs.

In the worst-case scenario, the supercharged impeller would be damaged as well, which caused additional failures.

Installing a blow-off valve significantly increased the life of the supercharger clutch.

Yamaha FZR SHO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2013 Yamaha FZR (a.k.a. FZR SHO) in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)

Yamaha FZR SHO Engine Specs

2013 FZR SHOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1812 cm³
Bore and Stroke86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in)
Compression Ratio8.6:1
SuperchargedYes
Lubrication systemWet sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemT.C.I.
Spark Plug Gap0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Spark Plugs TypeLFR6A
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Yamaha FZR SHO Drive Unit

2013 FZR SHODrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24 + 24 °
Jet thrust nozzle trim angle:-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 °

Yamaha FZR SHO Performance

2013 FZR SHOPerformance
Maximum Output210hp (154.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption16.8 US gal/h (63.7 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle1.10 hr.
Trolling speed1250 +/- 100 r/min

Yamaha FZR SHO Dimensions

2013 FZR SHODimensions
Overall Length132.7 in (3370 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1230 mm)
Overall Height45.7 in (1160 mm)
Dry Weight809 lb (367 kg)
Maximum capacity2 riders/353 lb

Yamaha FZR SHO Fuel and Oil

2013 FZR SHOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oil typeSAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil gradeAPI SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter replacement)3.28 US qt. (3.1 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement)3.17 US qt. (3.0 L)
Engine Oil Total Quantity4.55 US qt. (4.3 L)
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about this iconic ski:

What is a Yamaha FZR SHO?

The FZR SHO was a 2-seater factory racer Yamaha WaveRunner featuring a supercharged 1812cc, 210hp engine option.

When did the Yamaha FZR SHO Come Out?

The Yamaha FZR SHO was launched in 2009.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FZR SHO?

Yamaha manufactured the FZR from 2009 through 2013 with the SHO engine and from 2014 to 2016 with the SVHO engine.

What were the Difference Between the FZR SHO and FZS SHO?

The Yamaha FZR and FZS were almost the same ski, except the latter came standard with a 3-seater saddle, while the FZR was rated for only two riders. The FZS also featured a tow hook, which was skipped on the FZR.

Also, the 2009 FZR didn’t have a reboarding step, but it was added to the ski for the 2010 model year.

Due to its larger seat and the factory-installed tow hook, the FZS was a better deal than its 2-seater variant.

What were the Difference Between the Yamaha FZ and FX Line?

Simply put, FXs were touring PWCs, while FZs were designed to be performance WaveRunners.

Hence, the FZs had a smaller purpose-built hull and a supercharged 210hp engine option. They also came standard with some race-intended features like an adjustable handlebar neck.

What was the Difference Between the FZR SHO and FZR SVHO?

The 2014-2016 FZR SVHO was the more powerful, 250hp successor of the ’09-’13 FZR SHO (210hp).

What Size was a Yamaha FZR SHO?

The Yamaha FZR SHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Weigh?

The dry weight of the Yamaha FZR SHO was 809 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha FZR SHO?

The Yamaha FZR SHO was rated for two riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FZR SHO?

The Yamaha FZR SHO was powered by a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, DOHC, inline-4 Yamaha Marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FZR SHO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FZR SHO utilized a supercharged “SHO” (Super High Output) engine configuration.

Was the Yamaha FZR SHO a 2-stroke?

The Yamaha FZR SHO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

Was the Yamaha FZR SHO fuel-injected?

The Yamaha FZR SHO featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Have?

The Yamaha FZR SHO delivered 210hp at 7500 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Hold?

The Yamaha FZR SHO held 4.55 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.28 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Hold?

The Yamaha FZR SHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Use?

The fuel consumption of the Yamaha FZR SHO was 16.8 gph at full throttle.

What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FZR SHO?

The cruising range of the Yamaha FZR SHO was 1.10 hours at full throttle.

How Fast Did a Yamaha FZR SHO Go?

The top speed of a Yamaha FZR SHO was a limited 66-67 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Yamaha FZR SHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Due to its 2-rider saddle, the FZR SHO could not legally tow a wakeboarder or skier in most states.

Did the Yamaha FZR SHO Have a Trim System?              

The FZR SHO was engineered with a 5-position quick shift trim system (QSTS).

Did the Yamaha FZR SHO Have a Reverse?        

The FZR SHO came standard with a manual reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FZR SHO Have a Brake?            

The Yamaha FZR SHO was marketed without a brake system.

How Much Does a Yamaha FZR SHO Cost?

The asking price of a used Yamaha FZR SHO varies between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.