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Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Specs and Review [Video]

Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Specs and Review [Video]

The WaveRaider 1100 was a popular 2-stroke Yamaha PWC manufactured from 1995 through 1996. Like the affordable WaveRaider 700 and the middle-level WaveRaider 760, the 1100 model was also known for outstanding reliability and durability.

If you want to learn all about this legendary machine, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 review!

Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Review

The popular Yamaha WaveRaider was revealed in 1994 with the all-new WaveRaider 700.

Over the years, the WaveRaider family expanded with three new members, including:

These 2-seater skis were positioned between the large WaveVenture and the sporty WaveBlaster 700.

The latter was designed for performance-minded buyers and racers looking for higher performance and the best cornering ability.

In contrast, the 3-seater WaveVenture series was marketed for beginner riders and families. These machines were built on a large, stable hull that offered a comfortable and less sporty riding experience.

However, the Blasters were too small and nimble for most buyers, while the Venture models weren’t very lively due to their large and heavy bodies.

Therefore, there was a significant market need for a sporty sit-down ski that could also carry a passenger.

To fill this gap, Yamaha released the 2-seater WaveRaider line in 1994. Except for the hull and top deck, the Raider and the Venture family were mechanically identical.

Early (‘94-‘95) WaveRaider 700 models (except the Deluxe) featured a lightweight body made of fiberglass.

Yamaha decided to share this hull with the entire Raider line to keep manufacturing costs down. But to make it more durable, the manufacturer decided to switch from fiberglass to SMC.

Because of this, the 1995 Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 came built on this durable (and much heavier) SMC platform.

Regarding dimensions, the ski measured 112.6 inches in length, 44.1 inches in width, and 38.2 inches in height. To keep the larger engine in place, this hull featured six motor mounts.

Due to a larger engine and the SMC hull, the dry weight of the WaveRaider 1100 was a whopping 540 pounds. (In contrast, the fiberglass WaveRaider 700 weighed only 388 pounds.)

This massive hull housed a 1051cc, 2-stroke triple Yamaha marine engine featuring an open-cooling system, three Mikuni carbs, CDI ignition, and an advanced oil injection system.

Having the advantage of these innovative features, this engine produced a whopping 110 HP at 6500 RPM. Power was delivered to a single-stage, axial-flow jet pump that propelled the jet ski up to 57 mph.

A unique feature of the Raider 1100 was its large hood, which sealed the entire engine bay. Due to this design, the ski didn’t have bow storage but instead had an under-seat storage bin.

Standard features included a rear grab handle, sponsons, safety lanyard, dual mirrors, front and rear eyes, and gauges.

Like its siblings, the WaveRaider 1100 was famous for its excellent reliability and durability. It was also predictable and easy to ride, while still offering a lot of fun. What’s more, its 110 HP engine made the WaveRaider 1100 one of the most powerful skis of its time.

The only drawbacks of this model were its more complex engine and significantly heavier SMC body, which made this model less appealing than the lightweight WaveRaider 700.

Many said that the 700 was a better deal than the 1100 since the latter wasn’t significantly faster, and required more “carb work.” Its triple engine featured three Mikuni carbs, which required more attention and care than 2-carb models.

Eventually, the WaveRaider 1100 was discontinued in 1996 after only two years of production.

Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 specifications into these charts!

Dimensions

DimensionsWaveRaider 1100
Length112.6 in (2,860 mm)
Width44.1 in (1,120 mm)
Height38.2 in (970 mm)
Dry weight540 lb (245 kg)
HullGJ1

Engine Specs

Engine SpecsWaveRaider 1100
Engine63M
Engine type2-stroke
Number of cylinder3
Displacement1,051 cm³ (64.14 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke81 × 68 mm (3.19 × 2.68 in)
Compression ratio5.8 : 1
Intake systemReed valve
Carburetor typeFloatless type
Number of carburetor3
Carburetor starting systemChoke
Scavenging systemLoop charged
Lubrication SystemOil injection / Premix
Cooling SystemWater-cooled

Propulsion

Drive UnitWaveRaider 1100
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller rotation (Rear view)Counter clockwise
TransmissionDirect drive from engine
Nozzle Angle23 +/- 1°

Electrical Features

Electrical FeaturesWaveRaider 1100
Starting SystemElectric Starter
Ignition SystemC.D.I.
Ignition Timing15 BTDC ~ 19 BTDC (Degrees)
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Spark PlugBR8HS (NGK)
Lighting coil7 +/- 1 A @ 6,500 rpm

Performance

PerformanceWaveRaider 1100
Maximum speed56.5 mph (91 km/h)
Maximum Output80.9 kW (110 HP) @ 6,500 rpm
Maximum Fuel Consumption12.2 US gal/h (46 L/h)
Cruising Range / at full throttle1.1 hr

Fuel and Oil

Fuel and OilWaveRaider 1100
FuelRegular gasoline
Oil2-stroke outboard motor oil
Fuel and oil mixing ratio50 : 1
Fuel Tank Capacity13.2 US gal (50 L)
Reserve2.3 US gal (8.8 L)
Oil Tank Capacity1.0 US gal (3.8 L)

These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Yamaha WaveRaider Comparison Chart

We’ve also compared the key specs of the four Yamaha WaveRaider models head-to-head in one chart:

SpecsWaveRaider 700WaveRaider 760 DeluxeWaveRaider 760WaveRaider 1100
Engine62T62T64X63M
Number of cylinder2223
Displacement701 cm³ (42.78 cu in.)701 cm³ (42.78 cu in.)754 cm³ (46.0 cu in.)1,051 cm³ (64.14 cu in.)
Maximum speed51.6 mph (83 km/h)50.3 mph (81 km/h)52.2 mph (84 km/h)56.5 mph (91 km/h)
Maximum Output80 HP80 HP90 HP110 HP
Maximum Fuel Consumption9.0 US gal/h (34 L/h)9.0 US gal/h (34 L/h)10.04 US gal/h (38 L/h)12.2 US gal/h (46 L/h)
Length112.6 in (2,860 mm)112.6 in (2,860 mm)112.6 in (2,860 mm)112.6 in (2,860 mm)
Width44.1 in (1,120 mm)44.1 in (1,120 mm)44.1 in (1,120 mm)44.1 in (1,120 mm)
Dry weight388 lb (176 kg)483 lb (219 kg)465 lb (211 kg)540 lb (245 kg)
HullGH1GH6GP2GJ1
Hull materialFiberglassSMCSMCSMC
Fuel Tank Capacity10.6 US gal (40 L)13.2 US gal (50 L)13.2 US gal (50 L)13.2 US gal (50 L)
Oil Tank Capacity1.1 US gal (4.0 L)1.0 US gal (3.8 L)1.0 US gal (3.8 L)1.0 US gal (3.8 L)

Vintage Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 For Sale

If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in the mid-‘90s, it’s already a collectible item, so finding one is not an easy task!

We recommend starting your research on dedicated WaveRunner forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.

Besides these sources, you may also find some vintage Yamaha WaveRaider 1100s for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.

Takeaway

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100!

What is a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100?

The WaveRaider 1100 was a vintage 2-seater jet ski manufactured by Yamaha.

What Year Did Yamaha Make the WaveRaider 1100?

Yamaha marketed the WaveRaider 1100 from 1995 through 1996.

Was a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 a 2-Stroke Ski?

Yes, the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 utilized a 2-stroke triple engine.

What Size was the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100?

The Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 was 112.6 inches long, 44.1 inches wide, and 38.2 inches high.

How Much Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Weigh?

The reported dry weight of the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 was 540 pounds.

What Kind of Engine Did the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Have?

The engine of the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 was a 2-stroke, 1051cc triple Yamaha marine engine featuring three Mikuni carbs, CDI ignition, open-loop cooling, and oil injection.

How Much Horsepower Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100  Have?

The Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 provided 110 HP at 6,500 RPM.

How Fast Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Go?

The top speed of a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 was 57 mph under ideal conditions.

Did the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Have Reverse?

No, the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 wasn’t equipped with reverse.

What Size Storage Compartment Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Have?

The Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 featured only a small under-seat storage bin.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100  Hold?

The Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 utilized a 13.2-gallon fuel tank.

What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100?

Thanks to its 13.2-gallon fuel cell, the WaveRaider 1100 offered about 1.1 hours of riding time.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Use?

The Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 fuel consumption was about 12.2 GPH at WOT.

How Many People Could Ride a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100?

Although the Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 could legally carry two people, it became quite tipsy with two adult riders on board. Therefore, it was recommended mainly for solo rides.

How Much is a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 Worth?

It’s hard to tell the exact price of this vintage ski, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the price of a Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 typically ranges from $500 to $3,500.

This is our short Yamaha WaveRaider 1100 review; we hope you find it useful!