2015 Yamaha FXSVHO

[2003GP1200]

I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a 2015 FXSVHO with 67hrs on the clock. What should I be looking out for? I've heard something about timing chains. This is a January 2015 build. Is that one of the bad models? Was there a factory recall or anything? Also heard stories about the supercharger clutches not lasting. Any info to help me decide would be appreciated. How many trouble free hours can I expect out of this ski. Will be all freshwater on inland lakes.

[K447]

Lots of prior posts and info on these questions.

2016 was the first year with upgraded SVHO timing chains.

Supercharger clutches are a wear item, typically last 100-200+ hours. How long depends a lot on the rider and the riding conditions. When it does wear and begin to slip, replacement is a couple of hours work. Can be done by someone with tools and general mechanical ability. I have posted a detailed how-to thread with photos.

As of 2021 Yamaha now has an upgraded clutch available which retrofits to the older engines. So when you replace that original clutch you can install a better upgraded new clutch with a presumably longer lifespan.

[LivingSlow]

I wouldn't buy it if the timing chain hasn't been replaced by Yamaha.

[Bernies10]

Id risk it on a 2015 build tbh. not all 15's broke. Had a friend with 400 plus hours on his before he sold it

[KEYZBUM]

I wouldn't buy it if the timing chain hasn't been replaced by Yamaha.

As long as you dont mod the rpm range (with a tune) Yami has covered the motors.

[2003GP1200]

@Bernies10, I'm thinking the same as the price is right, I've read on other threads on this topic that the failures are only about 3% of ski's. Not sure if that's correct or not, but if it is I hope this one would be one of the 97%.

[2003GP1200]

@keyzbum, do you know if Yamaha are still standing behind a failure on a 2015 ski if it were to happen?

[Bernies10]

I believe it was a bad batch of chains tbh, this is my view on it. Had it been failures on only SVHO models you could say there was something wrong with the setup but i know some HO models and SHO from the time had theres go too, all be it much less in numbers.
Not sure if they're still standing behind their chains but you could just swap out the chains, guides and tensioners from a 16 +, I have heard of some of the guys doing just that and leaving the crankshaft alone. But again this is from some of the guys on GH so I can't say yes or no If it would work.
Oh do change the oil cooler too eventually, those were 100% a shitty design lol

[KEYZBUM]

@keyzbum, do you know if Yamaha are still standing behind a failure on a 2015 ski if it were to happen?

They did a month ago.
I can't think of any stories of them NOT taking care of it ...
Tomorrow I hope to find out if they replaced the whole motor or did Yami send parts to dealer to build .

[hotbutta]

KEYZ, now we know which dealer fugged your harness up.