Need to know more about the Yamaha VXR? You’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out all the specs and whether it’s worth buying or not.
Currently, the Yamaha VXR is one of just three performance WaveRunners offered in the Yamaha line up. As a performance WaveRunner, the VXR has built a reputation for being agile, responsive, and most importantly-fast. As of now, it has a retail price starting at $12,299.
Previous year models have set a high standard for Yamaha’s performance line up, and a lot of people have high expectations for the new VXR. By no means does the new VXR disappoint, but there is always some room for improvement. This review is going to cover the 2019 Yamaha VXR top speed, performance, and features to help you decide if it’s the right watercraft for you.
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Overview
The Yamaha VXR has been in production for several years and has built up a decent-sized fan base within the PWC community. Although it’s a step below the Yamaha GP1800, it’s still a highly respectable performance WaveRunner and consistently outperforms other watercraft in its class.
The new VXR comes with several top Yamaha features including their 1.8L HO marine engine, a NanoXcell hull, and Yamaha’s exclusive RiDE technology. There were also some new additions added, which a lot of people weren’t expecting. This year, the Yamaha VXR top speed, price, and color options really took fans by surprise.
Design
As a performance watercraft, the Yamaha VXR is designed around speed and performance, but it also has a few luxury features as well. It provides a very responsive ride that is great for closed-course racing but is comfortable enough to spend a day cruising on as well.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this PWC special.
Hull and Deck
As to be expected, the VXR has a NanoXcel hull and deck that is ultra-lightweight to provide an impressive power to weight ratio. This is one of the largest contributing factors to the VXR’s top speed and acceleration. The NanoXcel hull uses nanotechnology to reduce overall weight without compromising durability.
When it comes to maneuverability, the VXR manages to hold its own within its class. Of course, it isn’t as agile as some smaller models, but that’s just part of the trade-off that comes with a larger performance WaveRunner. If agility is your main concern, you may be better off looking in the recreation category.
Footwells on the 2018 VXR are spacious with angled and flat contours to accommodate different riding positions. The deck itself is reasonably sized, and comes with two-tone deck mats. Real estate on the back of the VXR isn’t the largest, but there’s plenty room to set up for tow sports and tubing.
On the very back of the deck is a reboarding ladder that can easily be folded down within seconds. When not in use, the reboarding ladder folds away seamlessly.
Seating
The race-inspired seat on the VXR can fit up to 3 people, and has wraparound handles on the sides and back to give passengers better leverage.
Although most personal watercraft boast a seating capacity of up to 3 people, that oftentimes isn’t practical. Many PWC can only fit 2 people comfortably, and expecting to ride with 3 people isn’t always realistic. Fortunately, that isn’t the case with the VXR.
Most people will find that the VXR provides a comfortable ride, even with 3 people.
Storage
There is more than enough storage on the VXR for just about any type of rider. An extensive 24.6 gallons of storage space can be found among separate compartments, including some watertight storage and a glove box with dual cup holders.
The large amount of storage provided is great for solo riders, fishermen, and especially families. If you’re looking for good ideas on things to bring with you on the water, be sure to check out our post on essential jet ski accessories.
Engine
The VXR comes equipped with a 4 cylinder, 4 stroke, 1.8L naturally aspirated high output marine engine. It has a displacement of 1,812cc, and despite not being supercharged, it has no problem outperforming competition in closed-course racing.
The 2019 Yamaha VXR top speed is 66.8 mph (107.6 kph), and it can do 0-30 in as little as 1.8 seconds.
Of course, a jet ski’s top speed and acceleration vary depending on a number of factors, but those are currently the best numbers recorded.
Some fans of the VXR have become disappointed that it still lacks a supercharged engine, so that’s a potential drawback that buyers should definitely consider. However, the VXR would still have the same top speed with a supercharged engine thanks to strictly enforced regulations. The only arguable difference would be 0-30 times.
It’s worth mentioning though that despite its naturally aspirated non-supercharged engine, the VXR can still run circles around much of the competition on the race circuit. Many people get the idea that supercharged engines are the end all be all, but that simply isn’t always the case.
Notable Features
The features listed below are just a few of the many features that come with the VXR.
Two-Tone Mats
As mentioned above, the VXR comes standard with classic two-tone Yamaha deck mats. They not only help provide grip and padding, but they’re even made from a heat resistant material.
RiDE Technology
Yamaha has slowly made their RiDE technology a standard on their WaveRunners, so it makes sense that it comes on a performance model like the VXR.
RiDE technology is a braking and reverse system that is operated via a trigger on the left side of the handlebars. Not too long ago jet skis and WaveRunners could only be slowed down by releasing the throttle and coasting. With Yamaha’s RiDE technology, WaveRunners can brake quickly and smoothly without throwing the rider over the handlebars. This is a useful feature when you take into account the VXR’s top speed and 0-30 time.
Other than being an intuitive braking system, RiDE technology also allows riders to go in reverse. This is another function that was almost none existent a few years ago, but has slowly become a standard. Now riders can back up, turn around, and dock easier than ever.
Multifunction Information Center
The digital display on the dashboard of the VXR contains all the necessary information a rider could need. It displays information like the speedometer, fuel level, check engine, and more all in an easy to read digital format.
Feature & Function Summary
-RiDE Technology
-Electric Trim System
-Security / Low RPM Mode remote transmitter
-Multifunction information center
-Racing Inspired Seat
-Watertight Storage
-Dual Mirrors
-Glove box with dual cup holders
-Fold down reboarding step
-Deck Mats
-Tow Hook
-Automatic Bilge
Additional Specifications
-Length: 11′
-Width: 4′
-Height: 3′ 11″
-Dry Weight: 767 lbs
-Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons
-Storage Capacity: 24.6 Gallons
-Available Colors: Black Metallic with Matte Carbon or Black Metallic with Azure Blue Metallic
– 1-3 person riding capacity
An Honest Opinion
The Yamaha VXR has always carried a lot of hype around it, and for the most part, it delivers. However, there are a few things that should be pointed out to potential buyers.
Some fans may have been hoping for a supercharged engine to match competitors, but that simply didn’t happen. Unfortunately, superchargers just aren’t practical when it comes to keeping the purchase price and operating costs at a reasonable amount. Not only do they cost more to make, but they burn through gas much faster than other engine options.
Another drawback that should be considered is the lack of bells and whistles on the VXR. Yamaha did a great job of providing a jet ski with a 66 mph top speed for an affordable price, but this meant dropping off other luxuries. The VXR doesn’t have some features people have come to love like cruise control and multiple riding modes. To some people, the reduced price may not be worth the loss of those functions.
With the release of any new personal watercraft, there’s going to be high hopes for it. When you factor in the VXR’s top speed, features, and price tag, it’s safe to say that it meets or exceeds most expectations. Overall, Yamaha did a great job of creating a high-performance WaveRunner and managed to give it a very reasonable price.
Visit Yamaha’s official website for any additional information on the Yamaha VXR.
What do you think about the VXR? Had a bad experience or can’t get enough of it? Let us know down in the comment section!
