“Yamaha loves research. And when the company decided to focus on a new, performance-oriented two-seater for 2009, that research revealed some interesting facts about its more-aggressive customers' riding styles. First, a whopping 81 percent of them often stand on their so-called sit-down models. And second, they do so more than a quarter of their time on the craft. The catch? A typical runabout's handlebar position remains in a fixed, seat-friendly position. Yamaha chose to address this on the new FZR with a unique solution — a telescoping handlebar column.”

“In the spirit of the brand's past performance two-ups, Yamaha gave the FZR, and its three- person sister ship the FZS™, a more-aggressive hull than the mainstream FX series. The running surface is decidedly shorter, and full-length lifting strakes improve top speed. A dihedral keel shape is reminiscent of the former GP series and aimed at enhancing the craft's cornering abilities. A large pump inlet gives the craft a better bite on the water to enhance acceleration. It's the chine shape, however, that gives the craft its ultimate handling appeal. Chines softly angle inward, giving the craft a fun, lean-in riding style.

Bonus Tip: You no longer need to lean to the outside of a turn to keep a PWC hooked up. Cut racelike corners by using a little inside lean, shifting your inside leg forward and putting your outside foot aft.”

^{Excerpt from Boating Life® magazine, March 2009}