Yamaha RiDEs home with innovation award

New RiDE dual-throttle system WaverRunners honored by NMMA

For Yamaha WaveRunner dealers, 2015 is off to a great start. Since the launch of the RiDE dual throttle control system on WaveRunners last summer, Yamaha has been gaining speed and easily maneuvering through the marketplace.

Most recently, Yamaha earned the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. And over the past four months through mid-February, the new RiDE system-equipped WaveRunners have been the No. 1 and No. 2 best-selling units in the industry. 

“This award reinforces our desire to be innovative and to be the leader of technology in the marketplace,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha WaterCraft Group. “It confirms that what we’re bringing to market isn’t just something that we’re excited about, but something that resonates with our customers by sales, and with the committee that recognizes new achievements in the industry.”

Dual throttle technology allows the rider to have an easier, more intuitive ride. Yamaha designed the dual handlebar throttle controls to provide riders with a PWC that is more perceptive to their needs. The right-hand throttle is designed for going forward, while pulling the left hand throttle lever will slow down the WaveRunner and cause it to go in reverse. Holding both levers down puts the WaveRunner in neutral.

“There’s nothing like it in the marketplace. It only comes from Yamaha, and there are no other players in the industry that have a product offering like this,” Seti explained. “It changes the way that people ride a personal watercraft. It makes it more fun, and it allows you to be more nimble in the water.”

For those concerned with safety, the RiDE system allows riders to move around more efficiently, especially in cases of sharing the water with other vehicles.

“What you want to do with the personal watercraft is much easier — it’s intuitive,” Seti said. “There’s no delay in the reaction from the product. You can go forward and slow down with the flick of your finger instead of having to slow down and the unit coming to a stop.”

Therefore, the dual throttle takes the anxiety out of maneuvering in the water, especially when docking, promising a seamless ride and maximum rider control.

In addition to the handlebar controls, WaveRunners incorporate a bucket design for their RiDE system, forcing water around the bucket like a rudder, giving the rider more directional control. “These new features allow the ability to go into turns, slow down a little bit, and then go right back on the gas without there being any delay,” Seti said.

The RiDE dual throttle system is available on Yamaha’s 2015 FX and VX Series WaveRunners. The two most popular WaveRunner models sold are the VX Deluxe and VX Cruiser, owing to their design and pricing. The VX Series has experienced double-digit percentage growth in sales, solidifying its position at the top.

“The VX Series is designed to attract new customers,” Seti added. “It’s at a good price point, offers a good power package, and it’s a product that our dealers love to sell.”

In order to keep its brand awareness on the rise, the Yamaha WaterCraft Group has been partnering with its motorcycle division, going to Supercross races and International Motorcycle Shows to spread the word.

“We want to create awareness within the industry and with consumers that have an affinity for powersports,” Seti said. “We want to show them the new technologies that are out there, and hopefully get them on board with us.”

Besides in-person exposure at events, Yamaha continues to use its award-winning mobile app to draw in customers and keep them informed. “We use a lot of online marketing,” Seti added. “It’s a great tool for both our dealers and our customers to use.” 

Yamaha has big plans going forward into 2016, but the OEM’s not giving too many secrets away just yet. “We’ve got a very ambitious schedule, a lot of new technology that we’re going to be bringing over the course of the next two to four years. There’s a commitment by Yamaha to all water-based products,” promised Seti. “I think you’re really going to see Yamaha flexing its muscles in the marketplace in the coming years.”