David Lockwood•20 Jan 2016

REVIEW

2016 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited: Review

Name: 2016 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited: Review
Brand: Yamaha

Yamaha’s new TR-1 three-cylinder engine makes this new WaveRunner a snappy entry-level luxury watercraft

Catching our eye in torch red and with cool trim levels, the 2016 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited is a new entry-level luxury ‘ski’ with the all-new TR-1 three-cylinder engine for more ‘fang’ for your buck.

OVERVIEW

- It’s all about power-to-weight, a sporty and spirited ride, and youthful graphics

From the 14 WaveRunners ranging in price from about $12,000 to about $23,000 on test during the 2016 Yamaha WaveRunner model launch on the Gold Coast, the VX Limited with some extra comforts, kit and the all-new TR-1 three-cylinder engine stood out.

Of course, Yamaha has always traded on its refinement and reliability. But the new 2016 WaveRunner line-up adds sprightly performance, cooler colours and exciting graphics to the mix. The VX models add something else again: a new three-cylinder TR-1 High Output engine.

Less is more with Yamaha’s new four-valve, three-cylinder 1049cc TR-1 engine compared with the previous and rather long-in-the-tooth five-valve, four-cylinder 1052cc MR-1 engine.

The new powerplant is lean, mean, responsive and exciting, with a bit more roar than the slightly smoother but more restrained four-cylinder. In this way, the TR-1 might help capture more of the youth market.

On paper, the gains are massive…

The TR-1 has 13 per cent more output, producing about 115hp, from a 34 per cent smaller and 26kg lighter engine. Fuel consumption is some 20 per cent less at low to medium speeds of 10-50kmh in calm water riding one-up than the MR-1 engine in the 2015-model VXR we tested late last year, says Yamaha.

Running a head-to-head comparo between that 2015 VXR with the four-cylinder engine and this new VX Limited with the three-cylinder TR-1 was revealing. The new compact engine had noticeably improved acceleration, up to 15 per cent on paper in fact, a greater top speed and improved agility.

To substantiate Yamaha’s claims, we undertook a decent test ride of the VX Limited. We departed SeaWorld on the Gold Coast and travelled the length of South Stradbroke Island via Tipplers Café for a personal refuel. With a wave-jumping session at Jumpinpin, we then zoomed back past Paradise Point, Runaway Bay and WaveBreak Island in a typical day of riding.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

- Priced right for an entry-level three seater

Part of Yamaha’s marketing push in 2016 is to get younger riders aboard. The entry-level Spark from Sea-Doo got a lot of people into the watercraft industry. Yamaha hopes to upgrade them with this youthful VX Limited with torch red hull and flash graphics.

As standard, the VX Limited includes the excellent RiDE trigger-controlled deceleration system, the lightweight NanoXcel hull (the VX Limited weighs 18kg less than the base VX model), Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, Multifunction display and more.

The exclusive Limited kit over the Deluxe model VX includes a two-piece Cruiser Seat with greater lumbar support, an upgraded Easy Connect tow hook, and four pull-up cleats for swinging fenders and to help docking.

Using the same TR-1 engine, the base model VX (white) costs $12,299, the VX Deluxe (blue) costs $13,499, and this tricked up VX Limited (red) has a retail of $13,855. That makes these VX models the affordable WaveRunners in the 2016 line-up. Stock of this VX Limited was expected to arrive in February 2016.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

- A very comfortable three-seater with plenty of storage

The VX Limited has 93.2 litres of storage. This is split between the usual under-bonnet main compartment, which has a flip-forward cowl on a robust alloy bracket; an easily accessible glovebox ahead of the seat; and a new fully a waterproof under-seat compartment with screw-off lid. The two-piece seat exclusive to this Limited assists with access to storage and the engine.

The ergonomics and relationship of the seat, handlebars, the view of the dash and the twin side mirrors make riding the VX Limited an intuitive experience. There’s enough depth in the footwells with Hydro-TurfMats to gain support in the turns, while the reboarding step and ski tow eyelet — and that extra plush seat — make this a great family tow-sports ‘ski’.

But it’s the comfort factor that stood out compared with the base VX and even the Deluxe. Little things like some extra foam where it counts make a big difference. The VX hull, meanwhile, is a proven performer and we like it.

HULL AND ENGINEERING

- Better access and improved maintenance, with the excellent VX hull

Yamaha Australia told us the VX hull, which we’ve raved about previously in our 2015 Yamaha Waverunner VXR test, has a multi-purpose application.

Apparently, this hull was designed in case the world came to an end, post-GFC, and everything had to be pared back to one hull that could do the lot. This all-purpose platform certainly bodes well for the VX Limited’s likely call to arms as a cruiser, sports craft, even a fishing and tow platform.

The VX Limited is a WaveRunner with a good amount of deck space, the new VX being 90mm longer and 30mm wider than the previous hull, and it has excellent rear access. Despite it’s lightweight, the hull promises longevity.

Yamaha makes its hulls and decks from NanoXcel, a proprietary injection-moulded light but strong composite that’s proven itself in the industry following a lot (ab)use from everyone from ‘ski’ racers to fishos and tow-in surfers. For 2015 and 2016, a new NanoXcel2 product is used that’s lighter again.

The VX Limited includes an automatic bilge pump and Yamaha’s excellent Command Link digital instrumentation, which seemed easy enough to read in bright sunlight and at-a-glance when underway. We also used the new dual revision mirrors to good effect.

Meanwhile, Yamaha went to some effort to improve maintenance access to things like the air filter, oil and oil filter, too. The smaller and lighter engine makes it physically easier to work on as well.

ON THE WATER

- Stradbroke in its stride and a very nice balanced ride

If there’s a suitable waterway to test the mettle of ‘ski’ and rider it’s the Gold Coast Broadwater. There’s a heap of traffic in those skinny confines, but with a WaveRunner you have twice as much water to navigate.

That expansive shallow water and the sand islands kissed by warm, clear water make this a watercraft paradise. Living up this way, you would just have to have a ski or two. No questions.

The VX hull features modified hull strakes, softer bow chines, and a new deeper keel for better stability, handling, performance and a drier ride in varying conditions than its predecessor.

As we said, we have tackled this same test ground in the 2015 VXR with the same hull, but the new three-cylinder TR-1 engine on this VX Limited left it behind.

At 4000rpm, the new engine is just ahead but from 6000-8000rpm it’s punching out 13 per cent more (horsepower) output or roughly 125hp versus 110hp. The fantastic power-to-weight gains of more than 26kg over the four-pot were noticeable and the new VX Limited streaked ahead in our head-to-head.

You get 50km/h (27 knots) in about 2.5 seconds. Top speed is around 85km/h (45 knots) and cruise is around 70km/h (37 knots), which gives you a range of 110 nautical miles. So your cruising range has definitely been extended with the TR-1.

But it’s all the little things including the RiDE deceleration system, the supportive seat and the ergonomics that made this VX Limited an effortless drive and enjoyable ride. No stress but heaps of fun.

VERDICT

- Entry-level luxury in a lively WaveRunner

As we have noted, the VX has a very nice hull, while this 2016 Limited also has build quality that is typically Yamaha high quality. There’s a bit of faster and louder look and sound for 2016 from this (and other) new engines.

The 93.2 litres of storage and the 70 litre of fuel will see you through a decent day of wave running, while the comfy two-piece seat will let you take two passengers along for the ride and/or tow.

While the three-cylinder TR-1 engine has more engine noise and rumble than the four-pot, the gains are huge and there’s no turning back. This is just a very playful and comfortable WaveRunner with attractive entry-level pricing teamed with luxury.

LIKES

>> The TR-1 three-cylinder engine is a weapon

>> Huge power-to-weight and output gains

>> Great all-round hull with lively but predictable performance

>> RiDE deceleration and docking is a fantastic bit of user-friendly tech

>> Yamaha’s signature refinement adds to the racy ride

NOT SO MUCH

>> The three-cylinder engine just isn’t quite as smooth as the four-pot

>> Storage has been boosted but it's not absolutely class leading

Specifications: 2016 Yamaha VX LIMITED

Price as tested: $13,855 (plus trailer, rego and on roads)

Price from: As above

Length: 3.35m

Beam: 1.19m

Weight: 303kg

Hull Construction: NanoXcel2 Hull and Deck

Fuel: 70 litres

Capacity: 1-3 persons

Storage: 93.2 litres

Engine: HO Yamaha TR-1 marine engine, three-cylinder, four-stroke, 1049cc

Warranty: The VX Limited comes with a three-year factory warranty

Supplied by:

Yamaha Australia

For more information, go to: http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/products/watercraft/all

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2016 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited: Review

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