| Yamaha Waverunner VXR Test | |
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Yamaha Waverunner VXR
The success of the Yamaha 4-stroke marine engine and the WaveRunner brand is already well known amongst personal watercraft enthusiasts, especially since 2003, when the FX140 made its first appearance. However, this year Yamaha wanted to take a step forward for those of us that prefer to keep things simple. In other words for the watercraft enthusiast or rental business that do not want the hassle of supercharger maintenance with its associated high costs, but still want to have fun with a lightweight, fast and enjoyable watercraft.
Engine Wise
With regard to the periodic servicing and engine maintenance, you will be pleased to see the good layout of the engine compartment. There is plenty of room between the deck and the engine making it easier to remove the oil filter or check the oil by removing the oil dipstick as well as the air filter. Hull and Deck The VXR features a nanotechnology-engineered hull (that was introduced in previous models) with a deck and liners like all Yamaha WaveRunners, which makes the whole unit lighter and stronger than the conventional hulls on the market with a much smoother overall finish. According to Yamaha the hull is the same as the VX series, but the designers have managed to give a sporty look to the deck with a touch of hot-rod design along with aggressive lines and angles. The new VXR is just 4 kg lighter than its predecessor VX. It looks simple and at the same time unique and beautiful. Obviously aesthetics are always subjective though I believe that it has its own unique style that makes it differ from any other WaveRunner. On the gasGetting on board is made easier due to the great mats, which provide awesome grip, and the rear handle, that enables the rider to lift their body quicker and without too much effort. The same thing applies when you are in deeper water because the retractable reboarding step makes life much easier. The first thing you notice when you grab the handlebars is that there are no fancy buttons and switches just a trigger throttle and the on/off buttons along with the lanyard, like the good old days. Put simply, you press the green button and off you go. Speed wise this machine is a lot of fun; but if you wish to go recreational riding you will find that the storage compartment is relatively small (15.1gal) which means there is just enough space to bring the essentials. The LCD display is sparse but all you actually need is the speed and gas gauge. Additionally you get indicator lights for L-Mode and Warning. Believe it or not life is simpler without all those multi-display units that need more time spent reading the owner’s manual than riding the craft. The new Yamaha features rear view mirrors although they are not adjustable therefore you have to adjust your position in the saddle to find out what is happening behind you. The mirrors were actually removed before the photo shoot since the particular craft was prepared for the Mark Hahn 300 race. Also, having being used to the hood latch of the FX series, the new one seems to be harder to use, especially when you are on board and want to pick up a few things from the front.
Quite importantly the seat unit was constructed in such a way as to keep the rider in the right position easily, especially for those who enjoy sport riding and want to throw it around a buoyed course. The seat itself is made of different fabrics, with a carbon and texalium look alike. You can’t help but notice the immaculate quality and perfect stitching. Top SpeedWe asked a Yamaha representative about the US top speed regulations (65-66mph) and the phenomenal high top speed of the VXR (68mph). He told us: “As you know speeds depend on a number of factors – weather conditions, fuel levels, rider experience, rider weight and water/air conditions.” Which means that most probably the craft was tested under different parameters prior its homologation. On Lake Havasu, Arizona where this test ride was done we constantly saw 66-67mph on the GPS. The VXR is a fast three-seater despite the fact it is not equipped with a supercharger. This is a fun machine for sure. Lots of fun. But if you try to ride it fast round a buoyed course you will soon realise you need to put more weight up on the front otherwise it starts sliding. By adding aftermarket parts (intake grate, ride plate, pump stuffers, etc) the handling will be enhanced for riding round a buoyed course. After all, initially this hull was designed for the entry-level rider and the rental business. The new VXR certainly feels lightweight especially when you ride it in rough water conditions. The faster you are riding it the lighter it feels. Sum it upThe new VX series responds perfectly to the current market needs; a watercraft that is economical in terms of initial purchase price, with low fuel consumption, cheap to maintain yet fast and enjoyable to ride. In my book the new Yamaha has it all. The VXR will set you back £12,999. You get a good overall package at a very tempting price and if you want more you simply add stage 1 or stage 2 kits from R&D in order to enhance its performance. The SpecsEngine
Hull and components
Pump and drive line
Fuel and lubrication
Price: £12,999 inc VAT |
Yamaha’s new naturally aspirated, sport-oriented WaveRunner VXR provides a thrilling ride and phenomenal speed, while keeping the costs at a minimum with its low fuel consumption engine, cheaper maintenance costs and Yamaha reliability. At £12,999 this a machine that the industry has been waiting for.
This is where VXR and VXS comes in. Yamaha engineers wanted to fill the gap between the slow and economic VX110 and the fast but costly to maintain FZR/FZS series. So, they designed an affordable option which accommodates the high performance fourstroke naturally aspirated 1812cc engine and the lightweight, short hull of VX. These features result in a unique combination, a watercraft that is quick and nimble that has good balance and maneuverability that is fun and exciting to ride.
The naturally aspirated, 1.8 litre engine is the heart of the VX performance series and it is the largest displacement motor ever designed for a personal watercraft. Yamaha engineers promise awesome power and high fuel efficiency through the use of regular unleaded fuel. The key features of this engine are: throttle by wire reverse system (controls rpm in reverse gear for maximum thrust efficiency), high torque, its lightweight and compact design, its low emission and low maintenance cost.