Any warranty left on the motor? Do you have a computer read out of the motor history? Get one, look for RPM spikes, engine replacement, total hours and let the technician evaluate the printout. Have all of the modifications and engine updates been applied? Have the mechanic check.

Had three days left on 225 Yam when it blew the power head, Yamaha replaced it, dodged a bullet just because I was lucky....all of this could have been found out if I had the technician analyze the computer printout.

Mine was manufactured in 2/2010.

I am on my second power head. The first one had almost 300 hours on it when it was replaced. It didn't "blow", but had an issue and Yamaha decided to replace it with a 2013 power head in January 2013 and I've got close to 150 hours on it and have not had any issues.

I did have a couple different issues with the first one unrelated to the issue that caused the replacement. My hours on the first powerhead were 75% 2000 RPMs or less. A lot of graphing .

Yamaha made a lot of changes since the first generation and I haven't heard very many people talking about the problems they were having with the first production of the motor with the newer ones. Well at least not those who actually own a SHO.

Most of the people that talk about the SHO issues are typically those that haven't owned one and most of it is just chatter.


Knowing what I know now I probably wouldn't purchase a 1st generation without some warranty.

Though this is my opinion of any newer production model by any manufacturer.

I have a 2010 SHO, no problems other than making oil, great motor.