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1997-2000 Yamaha GP 760 Review and Specs [Video]
The GP 760 and the more powerful GP 1200 were the first members of the extremely popular GP WaveRunner family. These skis shared the same first-generation GP hull and housed high-performance 2-stroke engines. In 1998, the GP series was completed with the power-valved GP 800.
If you want to find out more about this 2-stroke performance WaveRunner, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha GP 760 review!
Yamaha GP 760 Review
The Yamaha GP Series
In 1997, Yamaha released its performance GP line, including the GP 760 and the GP 1200.
These skis were intended to compete with sporty Sea-Doo XPs like the XP 800 and the XP Limited 951.
Over the years, the GP series was expanded with several new models, including:
- 1997-2000 GP 760
- 1997-2000 GP 1200
- 1998-2000 GP 800
- 2001-2005 GP 800R
- 2001-2002 GP 1200R
- 2003-2008 GP 1300R
Let’s talk about the smaller machine in this breed, the entry-level GP 760 in detail!
Yamaha GP 760 Hull and Top Deck
Just like the GP 1200, the GP 760 was also built on the first-generation GP hull, which was engineered with hardcore riding and PWC racing in mind.
It shared some DNA with the 3-seater XL platform, but it was significantly smaller and lighter. Both of these hulls and their top decks were made of Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC).
In terms of dimensions, the semi-V GP platform measured 112.6 inches in length, 44.1 inches in width, and 38.2 inches in height.
In contrast, 3-seater XLs were 11.4 inches longer, 5.1 inches wider, and 5.1 taller, all of which were not small differences.
The dry weight of the GP 760 was 470-474 pounds depending on the year, while its closest relative, the XL 760 weighed 551 pounds.
Thanks to its lighter weight and lower center of gravity, the GP 760 was more nimble and sportier than its 3-seater counterpart.
Regarding capacities, the GP 760 could carry two riders, 13.2 gallons of fuel, 1.06 gallons of oil, and 10.26 gallons of gear.
Its spacious top deck enclosed three separate storage units, including a 4.4-gallon removable bow storage bucket, a 5.6-gallon seat storage compartment, and a tiny 0.26-gallon glovebox.
Yamaha GP 760 Engine
The GP 760 shared its high-performance engine with the XL 760. This unit was a 2-stroke, 754cc, reed-valve, twin-carb, non-powervalved, twin rated at 90hp at 6,350 RPM.
This engine was designed with many advanced technologies, including:
- Digital CDI ignition
- Reed valve intake system
- Electric start
- Dual Mikuni BN44 carbs
- Oil injection system
- Open-loop cooling system
- NGK BR8HS spark plugs
Unlike its 800 successor, the 760 engine lacked power valves, which ensured higher reliability and durability.
The GP 760 shared its axial-flow, single-stage jet pump with the XL 760, but lacked the manual reverse that came standard on XLs.
Yamaha GP 760 Top Speed and Performance
Yamaha GPs were considered to be sportbikes of the water, and with good reason. The top speed of the GP 760 was a remarkable 53-54 mph, 10 mph more than the 3-seater XL 760.
Even though the GP 760 generated 45hp less than the high-end GP 1200, its power was more than enough for the average jet ski enthusiast.
According to its operator’s manual, the claimed fuel consumption of the GP 760 was 10 gph at WOT. The ski came standard with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank that offered a cruising range of 1.3 hours.
When it comes to the riding experience, this PWC was easy to control thanks to its innovative semi-V hull design, advanced propulsion system, and high-performing adjustable sponsons.
It was capable of high wave jumps and various sit-down tricks.
Even though the GP 760 was rated for two people, it was mainly recommended for solo riders. With an adult passenger onboard the ski became much slower and more unstable.
Unfortunately, the GP 760 was also prone to porpoising due to its faulty weight distribution.
Yamaha GP 760 Features
The Yamaha GP 760 came standard with many innovative features, which were as follows:
- Front storage compartment (4.4 US gal)
- Seat storage compartment (5.6 US gal)
- Glove compartment (0.26 US gal)
- Fire extinguisher container
- Manual trim
- Deck mats
- Bow and stern eyes
- Adjustable rearview mirrors
- Engine cut-off switch
- Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
- Programmable security system
- Adjustable steering
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Rear grab handle
- Fuel cock knob
- Ski tow eye
- Yamaha Adjustable Sponsons (Y.A.S.)
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
Besides the above, the FX HO came standard with a multifunction gauge, of which the features included:
- Digital speedometer
- Tachometer
- Fuel level meter
- Engine oil level meter
- Clock
- Hour meter
- Trip meter
- Trip timer
- Warning lamp (LED)
- Display for (Programmable digital locking ignition (PADLOC)
- Warning indicators
Yamaha GP 760 Problems
It’s safe to say that the GP 760 was one of the most popular 2-stroke WaveRunners ever built. Despite this, it had some common problems, which were as follows:
- Lack of reverse: Many riders agreed that one of the biggest drawbacks of the GP 760 was the lack of a reverse system. Unlike the GPs, 3-seater XL WaveRunners came standard with reverse from 1997 onwards.
- SMC hull: The hull and the top deck of the GP 760 were made of sheet moulded compound (SMC). This special material was much harder to repair than standard fiberglass.
- Oil system issues: The oil lines of 2-stroke GPs aged over time, which often caused an engine seizure. To prevent these issues, the oil system of these skis had to be inspected and maintained regularly. However, the safest solution was to eliminate the oil system and pre-mix the fuel by hand.
- Battery discharging: The main ground on these skis was mounted to the bottom of the engine. This spot was not only hard to reach but was quite a wet environment for the ground. Because of this, the negative battery lead had to be disconnected and the battery hooked up on a trickle charge when the ski was stored. This trick helped to prevent battery discharging issues, which was a common issue on the GP 760.
- Cold start issues: Many 2-stroke PWCs were hard to cold start and the GP 760 was no exception. Dripping a little premix into the spark plug holes or spraying starter fluid into the air intake before the start typically made the process easier.
- Porpoising: Early GPs were prone to porpoising due to their poor weight distribution. This issue could be fixed by installing some weight into the hull or upgrading the ski with an aftermarket ride plate and intake grate.
Yamaha GP 760 Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 1997 Yamaha GP 760 into these charts:
Yamaha GP 760 Engine Specs
| 1997 Yamaha GP 760 | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-stroke |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 754 cm³ (46 cu in.) |
| Bore and Stroke | 84 × 68 mm (3.31 × 2.68 in) |
| Compression Ratio | F: 7.2, R: 6.8:1 |
| Intake System | Reed valve |
| Carburetors | 2 x Mikuni BN44 |
| Carburetor starting system | Choke valve |
| Scavenging system | Loop charged |
| Lubrication System | Oil injection |
| Cooling System | Water |
| Starting System | Electric |
| Ignition System | Digital CDI |
| Ignition timing | 15 BTDC ~ 22 BTDC |
| Spark Plugs Type | NGK BR8HS |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Lighting coil | 2~4/5500 |
Yamaha GP 760 Drive System
| 1997 Yamaha GP 760 | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise (Rear view) |
| Transmission | Direct drive from engine |
| Nozzle angle - horizontal | 23° +/- 1° |
| Nozzle angle - vertical | 3° +/- 12° |
| Trim system | Manual 5 positions |
| Reverse system | N/A |
Yamaha GP 760 Performance
| 1997 Yamaha GP 760 | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 90 HP (66.2 kW) @ 6,350 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 10.04 US gal/h (38 L/h) |
| Cruising Range (at full throttle) | 1.3 hours |
Yamaha GP 760 Dimensions
| 1997 Yamaha GP 760 | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 112.6 in (2,860 mm) |
| Overall Width | 44.1 in (1,120 mm) |
| Overall Height | 38.2 in (970 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 472 lb (214 kg) |
| Vehicle capacity | 2 |
Yamaha GP 760 Fuel and Oil
| 1997 Yamaha GP 760 | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline 86 PON / 90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil | 2-stroke Outboard Motor Oil |
| Fuel and oil mixing ratio (WOT) | 50:1 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 US gal (50 L) |
| Reverse capacity | 2.32 US gal (12 L) |
| Oil tank capacity | 1.06 US gal (4 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 the Yamaha GP 760:
What is a Yamaha GP 760?
The GP 760 was a high-performance 2-stroke WaveRunner.
When did the Yamaha GP 760 Come Out?
The Yamaha GP 760 debuted in 1997.
What Years Did Yamaha Make the GP 760?
Yamaha marketed the GP 760 from 1997 through 2000.
What Size was a Yamaha GP 760?
The Yamaha GP 760 measured 112.6 inches in length, 44.1 inches in width, and 38.2 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha GP 760 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha GP 760 was 470-474 pounds depending on the year.
How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha GP 760?
The Yamaha GP 760 was rated for two riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha GP 760?
The Yamaha GP 760 was powered by a 2-stroke, 754cc, twin-cylinder, twin-carb Yamaha marine engine.
Was the Yamaha GP 760 Supercharged?
The Yamaha GP 760 utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha GP 760 a 2-stroke?
Yes, the Yamaha GP 760 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha GP 760 Fuel Injected?
No, the Yamaha GP 760 featured two Mikuni BN44 carburetors.
How Much Horsepower Did a Yamaha GP 760 Have?
The Yamaha GP 760 delivered 90hp at 6,350 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha GP 760 Hold?
The Yamaha GP 760 featured an oil injection system featuring a 1.06-gallon oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha GP 760 Hold?
The Yamaha GP 760 was equipped with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha GP 760 Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Yamaha GP 760 was 10.06 gph at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha GP 760?
The cruising range of the Yamaha GP 760 was 1.3 hours full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha GP 760 Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha GP 760 was about 53-54 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Yamaha GP 760 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its 2-seater saddle, the GP 760 could not be used for tow sports.
Did the Yamaha GP 760 Have a Reverse?
No, the Yamaha GP 760 came without a reverse system.
Did the Yamaha GP 760 Have a Brake?
No, the Yamaha GP 760 was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha GP 760 Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha GP 760 varies between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the year and its condition.
