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2014-2016 Yamaha FZS SVHO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2014-2016 Yamaha FZS SVHO was the 3-seater brother of the race-intended 2-seater FZR SVHO. These performance WaveRunners shared the same FZ platform and supercharged, 1812cc, SVHO Yamaha marine engine rated at 250hp.
If you want to find out more about the 3-seater FZS SVHO WaveRunner, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this detailed review!
2014-2016 Yamaha FZS SVHO Review
Yamaha FZS SVHO Hull and Top Deck
The race-ready FZ WaveRunner series was launched for the 2009 season.
The first models in this breed were the FZR SHO and FZS SHO, featuring the 210hp, SHO engine option and the unique FZ hull.
Specifically engineered for the FZ line, this purpose-built race PWC hull measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
The construction material of the 2009-2013 “SHO” models was the lightweight NanoXcel 1, which was 25 percent lighter than standard SMC.
This configuration was carried over to the 2014 FZ line without any significant changes.
In 2015, the hull material was upgraded to the more advanced NanoXcel 2, which decreased the dry weight of the FZS SVHO from 831 to 796 pounds.
Besides the new construction material, another novelty of the revamped FZS was its new sponson design.
The revamped sponsons were larger and positioned further back than their predecessors, providing more traction in the corners.
The FZS also enjoyed a height adjustable steering column, which was a game changer on rough waters.
Rated at 21.3 gallons, the top deck housed three separate storage units. The bow storage could accommodate 18.1 gallons of gear, while the glovebox was rated at 0.9 gallons.
You could also find a 2.3-gallon enclosed storage bin placed under the rear seat and two cupholders on top of the deck.
The most distinctive features of the FZS were its tow hook and a large, 3-seater saddle that offered plenty of space for passengers. It shined most during tow sports when the spotter had to face backward.
In contrast, the FZR featured a much smaller, bolstered fastback-style seat rated for only two riders.
Aside from these differences and the distinctive color scheme, the FZR and FZS were completely identical.
Yamaha FZS SVHO Engine
Unlike the hull and top deck, the power source of the FZS was replaced for the 2014 season.
Its 210hp SHO engine (which suffered from a supercharger clutch issue) was upgraded with the more advanced SVHO version.
This powerhouse was a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, inline-4, SVHO Yamaha marine engine rated at 250hp at 7500 RPM. Its key features 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
Without a need for completeness, these included a larger supercharger and intercooler, forged pistons, a new oil cooler, and a more advanced fuel injection system.
The 155mm, six-vane jet pump was also replaced with a more advanced, 160mm, eight-vane variant. It housed a larger diameter jet nozzle, a new top-loader scoop grate, and a redesigned ride plate.
Other features like the 5-position quick shift trim system (QSTS) and the manual reverse system remained unchanged from 2013.
Yamaha FZS SVHO Features
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key features of the FZS SVHO under one roof:
- 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
- Two-piece seat for three
- Performance sponsons
- Reboarding step
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
- Tow hook
- 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 SVHO Top Speed and Performance
Supercharged Yamaha WaveRunners were some of the fastest PWCs in the 2010s, and the FZS was no exception.
Its major competitors were the Kawasaki Ultra 310R and the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260, which offered a similar performance and power-to-weight ratio (cca. 0.32-0.34 hp/lb.).
The top speed of these machines was uniformly restricted to 67 mph, but the FZS stood out with its industry-leading acceleration.
Under ideal conditions, you could expect its 0-30 time to be in the ballpark of 1.3-1.5 seconds.
The ski also turned very tightly and aggressively thanks to its special hull design. It was extremely fast, yet stable and predictable.
It never slipped out in the corners, even if you rode it as hard as you could. Sure, to get the most out of the machine you had to have plenty of physical strength!
Yamaha FZS SVHO Problems
The early SHO Yamaha Marine engines suffered from supercharger clutch malfunctions which often escalated into a blown engine.
To avoid this, best practice was to rebuild the supercharger before the clutch failure occurred.
Even though this issue was fixed in 2014 SVHO WaveRunners, the motor of these models had another initial design flaw.
The most common problem of the early (2014-2015) SVHO engine was its weak timing chain. If it wasn’t replaced in time with a more durable aftermarket unit, the factory chain was prone to breaking, causing severe engine damage.
You could find the same engine in top-of-the-line WaveRunners including the FZR/FZS SVHO, and the FX Cruiser SVHO.
In 2016, Yamaha upgraded the SVHO engine with a thicker timing chain and a new chain tensioner.
Because of this, you should stay away from the 2014-2015 SVHO Yamahas. If you want to purchase a used FZS no matter what, you may want to invest in a revamped, 2016 model.
Besides its defective timing chain, another drawback of the FZS SVHO was its poor fuel economy.
The claimed fuel consumption of the ski was 20.5 gph at WOT, so its 18.5-gallon fuel offered a limited cruising range of 0.9 hours.
Yamaha FZS SVHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2016 Yamaha FZS SVHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FZS SVHO Engine Specs
| 2016 FZS 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 FZS SVHO Drive Unit
| 2016 FZS 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 FZS SVHO Performance
| 2016 FZS SVHO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 250hp (183.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 20.2 US gal/h (76.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 0.91 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1250 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha FZS SVHO Dimensions
| 2016 FZS 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 | 796 lb (361 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FZS SVHO Fuel and Oil
| 2016 FZS 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 FZS SVHO:What is a Yamaha FZS SVHO?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was a 2-seater performance WaveRunner featuring a supercharged, 250hp SVHO engine.
When did the Yamaha FZS SVHO Come Out?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was introduced in 2014.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FZS SVHO?
Yamaha marketed the FZS SVHO from 2014 through 2016.
What Size was a Yamaha FZS SVHO?
The FZS SVHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a FZS SVHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the 2014 FZS SVHO was 831 pounds with the NanoXcel 1 body, and 796 pounds with the lighter NanoXcel 2 hull material (model years: 2015-2016).
How Many People Could Ride on a FZS SVHO?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FZS SVHO?
As the name suggests, the FZS SVHO was powered by a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4 SVHO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FZS SVHO Supercharged?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO utilized a supercharged “SVHO” (Super Vortex High Output) engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha FZS SVHO a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha FZS SVHO Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a Yamaha FZS SVHO Have?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO produced 250hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FZS SVHO Hold?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO held 5.60 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.81 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZS SVHO Hold?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FZS SVHO Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Yamaha FZS SVHO was 20.5 gph at full throttle.
What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FZS SVHO?
The cruising range of the Yamaha FZS SVHO was 0.9 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha FZS SVHO Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha FZS SVHO was electronically limited to 67 mph.
Could the Yamaha FZS SVHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its powerful engine and 3-rider seat, the FZS SVHO could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Yamaha FZS SVHO Have a Trim System?
The FZS SVHO was engineered with a 5-position manual trim system.
Did the Yamaha FZS SVHO Have a Reverse?
The FZS SVHO came standard with a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha FZS SVHO Have a Brake?
The Yamaha FZS SVHO was marketed without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FZS SVHO Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha FZS SVHO varies between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.
