Yamaha introduces 2016 WaveRunners

Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has announced its 2016 line-up of WaveRunner personal watercraft in America.

The new range is highlighted by the introduction of the all-new Yamaha VX Limited and VX Cruiser High Output.

At the time of writing, the final Australian product line up is yet to be confirmed. But we can now announced that a new VX range has made its way here.

Also new for 2016 is the powerful, lightweight, three-cylinder Yamaha TR-1 High Output marine engine that powers all 2016 V1 and VX models (with the exception of the VX Cruiser HO).

"We are taking an already strong selling lineup and making it even better," said Yamaha’s Product Manager Scott Watkins. "The new VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO fit right into the lineup where we know customers want to find a full-featured, exciting new model from Yamaha.

"For the entry to mid-level customer, the new TR-1 engine offers them access to the very latest engine technology from Yamaha, which we are confident is going to create some special memories on the water for Yamaha owners."

All-new VX Series WaveRunners
For 2016, the best-selling PWC series of all time is more refined with the introduction of the VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO.

The VX Limited is the most deluxe VX model offered to date featuring the new Yamaha TR-1 HO engine along with special colours and graphics, four pop-up cleats, a ski tow eye, enhanced 3D Yamaha logo and a 12-volt plug for electronics.

Yamaha says this new model features an accessory pack with everything a family needs for a full day of watersports activities, including a colour matched tube and rope, a tube inflator, a tube holder, rope bag and a dry bag. The VX Limited also includes a special edition 30th anniversary cover with a built-in solar panel charger that will keep your battery charged when stored.

The VX Cruiser HO remaining in the US market for now, at least, is said to be a different animal all together powered by the same 1.8-litre normally-aspirated Yamaha marine engine that has carried the Yamaha VXR to four consecutive US national racing titles. That’s not say that this little beast doesn’t have a tame side.

Both the VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO come equipped with the industry’s best comfort and convenience features, including No Wake Mode, Cruise Assist and Yamaha’s award winning RiDE dual throttle handlebar controls.

All-new Yamaha TR-1 HO marine engine
For 2016, Yamaha is introducing an all-new marine engine to be featured in its V1 Series and VX Series WaveRunners (excluding VX Cruiser HO).

The TR-1 is 13 per cent more powerful than the Yamaha MR-1 engine that it is replacing while being 40 per cent smaller in size and 20 per cent lighter in weight.

Yamaha achieves this by eliminating a reduction gear, integrating the oil tank, and using fewer and smaller parts. The result is said to be quicker acceleration, higher top-end speeds, with better fuel economy and more fun for the rider.

Advanced throttle control features
On the handlebars, the VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO include Yamaha’s premium Cruise Assist for setting and holding a consistent speed, No Wake Mode to set the engine’s revs at a perfect no-wake speed; and RiDE, Yamaha’s dual handlebar throttle controls that deliver the utmost control moving forward or in reverse.

Yamaha says that RiDE could not be more intuitive. The right handlebar lever is forward. The left is reverse. At speed, the left handlebar lever will also slow you down. Release both right and left levers and the watercraft is in neutral. No shifting. No gears.

Additionally, Yamaha’s RiDE is featured on all FX Models which are returning in 2016 with new colours and graphics. Yamaha’s FZ Series also has an all new look featuring new colour schemes and a bold metallic-red hull.

The Yamaha SuperJet, the only stand up watercraft on the market, is available is two colour variations in 2016. We understand Australian dealers will be getting details about these models, new colours and graphics and what will become available in Australia. And then we will report back with the local update. Exciting news!