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2009-2013 Yamaha FZS SHO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2009-2013 Yamaha FZS SHO and its 2-seater equivalent, the FZR SHO were the first supercharged performance WaveRunners made by Yamaha. These skis shared the same race-intended FX hull and the 1812cc, 210hp SHO engine, which was upgraded to the 250hp SVHO in 2015.
If you want to find out more about this iconic performance WaveRunner, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this ’09-’13 Yamaha FZS SHO review!
2009-2013 Yamaha FZS SHO Review
Yamaha FZS SHO Hull and Top Deck
Yamaha launched its high-performance FZ WaveRunner line in 2009 with the introduction of the FZR SHO and FZS SHO.
The official model names of these PWCs were FZR and FZS, but due to their SHO engine option and decals, they were often referred to as FZ SHOs.
These skis were almost identical, except as follows:
- FZS: A 3-seater model designed with a flatter, 3-rider saddle, tow hook, and a reboarding step.
- FZR: Race-intended 2-seater model with a highly-bolstered, fastback-style seat. It came without a tow hook and the 2009 model lacked a reboarding step as well. (Due to the lack of these features, the FZR was slightly lighter.)
This shell was specifically designed for competition so it turned on a dime and offered precise maneuverability.
This is no surprise since it was noticeably smaller and had more rounded chines than the touring FX shell. To be more precise, the FZ platform measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
Built from the Yamaha-exclusive NanoXcel 1, the dry weight of the FZS SHO ski was only 813 pounds.
Its sporty top deck enclosed an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and three storage compartments.
They included a 0.9-gallon glovebox, a 2.3-gallon under-seat dry storage bin, and a standard 18.1-gallon bow storage.
Yamaha FZS SHO Engine
The engine of this WaveRunner was a supercharged (SHO) version of the proven 1812cc, 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4 Yamaha marine engine. Thanks to its high-performance supercharger and intercooler, the SHO engine delivered 210hp at 7500 RPM.
The key features of this powerhouse 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
- Stainless-steel impeller housing
- Three-blade stainless steel impeller
- 5-position Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
- Manual reverse
Yamaha FZS SHO Features
The most important model-specific feature of the FZ family was arguably its adjustable steering column.
This was for raising and lowering the handlebars, so the ski could became more comfortable to ride in both sitting and standing positions.
The FZS also came standard with a flatter, 3-seater saddle, and a tow hook, which wasn’t available on the FZR. This larger seat offered more comfort for passengers and the observer when doing tow sports.
Without the need for completeness, the most important features of the FZS SHO were as follows:
- 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
- Two-piece saddle for three
- Sponsons
- Reboarding step
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
- Ski-tow eye
The main functions of this unique WaveRunner dash 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 FZS SHO Top Speed and Performance
Thanks to its 210hp supercharged engine and lightweight NanoXcel body, the FZS SHO had a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 hp/lb.
On the water, this translated to industry-leading accelerations and an amazing top speed.
With an experienced hand, the 0-30 time of the ski was 1.5 seconds and topped out at 67 mph. Compared to the touring FXs, the FZS was smaller, lighter, and more agile.
You could effortlessly roll its rounded hull into the turns while the performance sponsons cut deeply into the water. This translated to tight turns and a sporty characteristic.
The adjustable handlebar neck made it shine on rough waters, since it made the ski easier to ride in a standing position.
The quick shift trim system also contributed to the smooth riding experience and helped to prevent porpoising.
Unfortunately, this outstanding performance didn’t come cheap; the FZS was known for its hefty price tag and high fuel usage.
Riding at WOT, the ski was prone to burning 16.8 gph so the 18.5-gallon fuel tank only lasted 1.1 hours.
Yamaha FZS SHO Problems
The supercharger clutch was prone to breaking and causing severe engine damage on the early (2008-2013) Yamaha 1812cc “SHO” engines.
Because of this, the most common problem of the FZS SHO was the supercharger clutch failure.
This issue could be prevented by upgrading the clutch or even rebuilding the entire supercharger. A blow-off valve could also help to reduce the stress on the supercharger which converted into a longer lifespan.
However, if you are looking for a used Yamaha FZS, you may want to avoid the SHO and invest in a 2016- SVHO.
(The 2014-2015 SVHO engines came with a weak timing chain which was upgraded for 2016.)
Yamaha FZS SHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2013 Yamaha FZS SHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FZS SHO Engine Specs
| 2013 FZS SHO | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1812 cm³ |
| Bore and Stroke | 86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Supercharged | Yes |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Cooling System | Water cooled |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Ignition System | T.C.I. |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in) |
| Spark Plugs Type | LFR6A |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Yamaha FZS SHO Drive Unit
| 2013 FZS SHO | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle | 24 + 24 ° |
| Jet thrust nozzle trim angle: | -10, -5, 0, 5, 10 ° |
Yamaha FZS SHO Performance
| 2013 FZS SHO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 210hp (154.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 16.8 US gal/h (63.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 1.10 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1250 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha FZS SHO Dimensions
| 2013 FZS SHO | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 132.7 in (3370 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 45.7 in (1160 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 813 lb (369 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FZS SHO Fuel and Oil
| 2013 FZS SHO | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil type | SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| Recommended engine oil grade | API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 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 Quantity | 4.55 US qt. (4.3 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the ’09-’13 Yamaha FZS SHO:What is a Yamaha FZS SHO?
The FZS SHO was a 3-seater supercharged performance Yamaha WaveRunner featuring a supercharged SHO engine option.
When did the Yamaha FZS SHO Come Out?
The Yamaha FZS SHO was launched in 2009.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FZS SHO?
Yamaha manufactured the FZS SHO from 2009 through 2013.
What Size was a Yamaha FZS SHO?
The Yamaha FZS SHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha FZS SHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha FZS SHO was 813 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a FZS SHO?
The Yamaha FZS SHO was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the FZS SHO?
The Yamaha FZS SHO had a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, DOHC, inline-4 SHO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the FZS SHO Supercharged?
The FZS SHO utilized a supercharged “SHO” (Super High Output) engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha FZS SHO a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha FZS SHO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha FZS SHO fuel-injected?
The Yamaha FZS SHO came with a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a FZS SHO Have?
The FZS SHO produced 210hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a FZS SHO Hold?
The FZS SHO held 4.55 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.28 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a FZS SHO Hold?
The Yamaha FZS SHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Gas Did a Yamaha FZS SHO Use?
The claimed fuel usage of the Yamaha FZS SHO was 16.8 gph at WOT.
What was the Cruising Range of the FZS SHO?
The cruising range of the FZS SHO was 1.10 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha FZS SHO Go?
The top speed of a FZS SHO was a limited 66-67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Yamaha FZS SHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its 3-rider saddle, this ski could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Yamaha FZS SHO Have a Trim System?
The FZS SHO had a 5-position quick shift trim system (QSTS).
Did the Yamaha FZS SHO Have a Reverse?
The FZS SHO came standard with a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha FZS SHO Have a Brake?
The Yamaha FZS SHO was marketed without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FZS SHO Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha FZS SHO varies between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.
