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2014-2016 Yamaha FZR SVHO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2014-2016 Yamaha FZR SVHO was a worthy successor of the popular FZR SHO. These race-ready 2-seater WaveRunners shared the same body and features, but the former came with a lighter hull and the upgraded SVHO engine rated at 250hp. The FZR was also available in a 3-seater configuration under the model name of FZS SVHO.
If you want to find out more about this race-ready Yamaha WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha FZR SVHO review!
2014-2016 Yamaha FZR SVHO Review
Yamaha FZR SVHO Hull and Top Deck
Yamaha revealed its race-ready FZ WaveRunners for the 2009 season.
These models, including the FZR SHO and FZS SHO, shared the same performance “FZ” WaveRunner hull made of NanoXcel 1.
In terms of measurements, this platform was 132.7 inches long, 48.4 inches wide, and 45.7 inches high.
The rounded FZ shell was carried over to the 2014 FZR SVHO without any noticeable changes.
In 2015, the hull material was upgraded to the much lighter NanoXcel 2, which decreased the dry weight of the machine from 827 to 791 pounds.
The sponsons of the ski were also redesigned, with new units that were longer and placed further back.
Aside from these revamped sponsons and different materials, the hull of the FZR SHO and SVHO was completely identical.
The sporty top deck of the FZR SVHO was also inherited from its predecessor.
It housed three separate storage compartments including an 18.1-gallon bow storage and a 0.9-gallon glovebox, featuring a removable beverage holder. You could also find a waterproof, 2.3-gallon storage unit beneath the rear seat.
The ski was also equipped with two self-draining cup holders, an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, and a two-piece, fastback-style seat rated for two riders.
Yamaha FZR SVHO Engine
Unlike the body, the engine of the FZR was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year.
This supercharged SVHO (Super Vortex High Output) engine was released as the replacement for the proven SHO power mill.
Yamaha used this purpose-built PWC marine engine on many high-end WaveRunners, including the luxury FX SVHO, FX Cruiser SVHO, as well as the race-intended FZR SVHO and FZS SVHO.In terms of specifications, this unit was a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4, SVHO Yamaha marine engine. Thanks to the performance upgrades, this engine cranked out 250hp at 7500 RPM, which was 40hp more than its SHO predecessor.
The most important features of this high-performance SVHO WaveRunner engine were as follows:
- 4-stroke, inline-4 architecture
- Bore x stroke: 86 x 78 mm
- Compression ratio: 8.5:1
- Aspiration: supercharged
- Wet sump lubrication
- DOHC
- T.C.I. ignition system
- Fuel injection system
- Electric start
- Open-loop cooling system
- LFR7A spark plugs
Compared to its SHO predecessor, the improvements on the new SVHO engine were as follows:
- More durable, compression-forged pistons
- Larger supercharger (with 60 percent higher boost pressure)
- Upgraded, larger intercooler (efficiency increase: 22%)
- All-new oil cooler (efficiency increase: 110%)
- More efficient fuel injection system
- New spark plugs (LRF7A)
To convert the increased engine power into thrust, the propulsion system of the FZR SVHO was also revamped.
The proven 155mm, six-vane jet pump was phased out by a 160mm, eight-vane unit. This hyperflow jet pump was completed with many advanced features, including:
- Stainless-steel impeller
- Larger diameter (85mm) jet nozzle
- 5-position quick shift trim system (QSTS)
- New top-loader intake grate with extra mounting bolts
- Revamped ride plate
- Manual reverse
Keeping simplicity and low weight in mind, the ski was equipped with a base manual reverse.
In contrast, many top-of-the-line WaveRunners had the advanced RiDE electric brake and reverse from 2015 onwards.
Yamaha FZR SVHO Features
The FZR SVHO was known for its race-intended features like the performance sponsons and the height adjustable handlebar neck.
The latter allowed you to raise the handlebar, which made stand-up riding much easier and more comfortable.
You could disable the entire ski or put it into low RPM mode with the Yamaha-exclusive remote transmitter.
Other features of the ski included:
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With “L-Mode”)
- Engine cut-off switch
- Safety lanyard
- Dual mirrors
- Bow storage compartment (18.1 US gal)
- Under-seat storage bin (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
- Adjustable handlebar neck
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Rear grab handle
- Race-style seat for two
- Performance sponsons
- Reboarding step (2010-2013)
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
The main functions of this dashboard included:
- 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 SVHO Top Speed and Performance
There’s no question that the FZR SVHO was one of the fastest PWCs in the mid-2010s, only the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 and the Kawasaki Ultra 310R could compete with her.
The power-to-weight ratio of these skis was 0.32 and 0.34 hp/lb. respectively, while the FZR SVHO offered 0.32 hp/lb. with the lighter NanoXcel 2 hull.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, revised 250hp engine, and race-inspired features, the ski could do the 0-30mph run as fast as 1.3-1.5 seconds.
Just like any other high-performance musclecraft, the top speed of the FZR SVHO was restricted to 67 mph by the factory. However, on the good days the machine could almost hit a whopping 70 mph with a light load.
With some aftermarket performance mods, this performance could be easily increased into the ballpark of 80-90 mph. But there are rumors that some heavily modified FZRs could do over 100 mph, on a closed course of course.
Designed as a factory racer WaveRunner, the FZR SVHO cornered tightly and aggressively.
Its rounded chines allowed you to roll the hull effortlessly into the corners while the enlarged sponons cut deeply into the surface.
No matter how hard you rode the machine, it never slipped out while cornering.
When accelerating, its redesigned top loader scoop grate and ride plate glued the ski to the water while the trim system helped to force the bow towards the water.
This resulted in smooth handling, without any porposing issues, which was a common problem on some early WaveRunners.
Thanks to amazing performance and innovative accessories, the FZR become widely popular among racers and performance-minded buyers.
Drawbacks?
Only its poor fuel economy, since its claimed fuel consumption was a whopping 20.5 gph at WOT. This means if you were hard on the throttle you could empty its 18.5-gallon fuel tank in 54 minutes!
Yamaha FZR SVHO Problems
The early FZR SHOs were known for their supercharger clutch malfunction, which was resolved in the new SVHO.
Unfortunately, this model was not completely bulletproof either.
Based on our research, the most common problem of the FZR SVHO was its weak timing chain which was prone to break over time. This issue was prevalent in every SVHO WaveRunner engine manufactured in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
To solve this issue, in 2016 the SVHO engine was upgraded with a thicker timing chain and a redesigned chain tensioner.
Therefore, if you are considering buying an FZR, the best practice is to invest in a 2016 model.
Yamaha FZR SVHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2015 Yamaha FZR SVHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FZR SVHO Engine Specs
| 2015 FZR SVHO | 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 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | LFR7A |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Yamaha FZR SVHO Drive Unit
| 2015 FZR SVHO | 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 FZR SVHO Performance
| 2015 FZR SVHO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 250hp (183.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 20.5 US gal/h (77.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 0.9 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1250 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha FZR SVHO Dimensions
| 2015 FZR SVHO | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 132.7 in (3370 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 45.7 in (1160 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 791 lb (359 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 2 riders/353 lb |
Yamaha FZR SVHO Fuel and Oil
| 2015 FZR SVHO | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating (PON) | 91 |
| Minimum Octane Rating (RON) | 95 |
| 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) | 3.81 US qt. (3.6 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement) | 3.70 US qt. (3.5 L) |
| Engine Oil Total Quantity | 5.60 US qt. (5.3 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the ’14-’16 Yamaha FZR SVHO:What is a Yamaha FZR SVHO?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was a 2-seater performance WaveRunner featuring a supercharged 1812cc, 250hp SVHO engine.
When did the Yamaha FZR SVHO Come Out?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was launched in 2014.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FZR SVHO?
Yamaha manufactured the FZR SVHO from 2014 through 2016.
What Size was a Yamaha FZR SVHO?
The FZR SVHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a FZR SVHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the FZR SVHO was 809 pounds with the NanoXcel 1 hull (2014), and 791 pounds with the lighter NanoXcel 2 hull (2015-2016).
How Many People Could Ride on a FZR SVHO?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was rated for two riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FZR SVHO?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was powered by a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, DOHC, inline-4 SVHO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FZR SVHO Supercharged?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO utilized a supercharged “SVHO” (Super Vortex High Output) engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha FZR SVHO a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha FZR SVHO Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a Yamaha FZR SVHO Have?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO produced 250hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FZR SVHO Hold?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO held 5.60 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.81 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZR SVHO Hold?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZR SVHO Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Yamaha FZR SVHO was 20.5 gph at full throttle.
What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FZR SVHO?
The cruising range of the Yamaha FZR SVHO was 0.9 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha FZR SVHO Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha FZR SVHO was a limited 65-67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Yamaha FZR SVHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its 2-rider saddle, the FZR SVHO could not legally tow a wakeboarder or skier in most states.
Did the Yamaha FZR SVHO Have a Trim System?
The FZR SVHO was engineered with a manual trim system.
Did the Yamaha FZR SVHO Have a Reverse?
The FZR SVHO came standard with a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha FZR SVHO Have a Brake?
The Yamaha FZR SVHO was marketed without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FZR SVHO Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha FZR SVHO varies between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.
