2013 Yamaha VXS Review

Flagship numbers and thrills...for a mid-level price

By now, the Yamaha VXS formula is no surprise. Take a lightweight hull, put in a big powerful engine, and the result is one cheap thrill.

And by cheap, I mean inexpensive. By leaving off the almost-standard-issue supercharger and intercooler, the price of the engine drops substantially. But by thrill, I mean just that – thrill. Putting that big engine in a smaller, lighter hull allows it to achieve much of the same performance seen at the top of the flagship charts, while avoiding those hefty flagship price tags.

No Replacement…For Displacement

Yamaha’s venerable 1.8-liter engine is housed inside a lightweight hull, creating a quick, agile craft.

The engine in question is Yamaha’s versatile 1.8-liter mill, a four-cylinder/four-stroke that reigns as the largest displacement powerplant currently in the industry. Yamaha doesn’t quote numbers, but about 180 hp is a good guess as to power output. The hull comes from almost the opposite end of the spectrum, Yamaha’s affordable VX line. It’s lightweight, surprisingly agile, and actually adapts well to the newfound infusion of horsepower. Over the past several years, I’ve recorded speeds in excess of 67 mph with good conditions and a light fuel load. There’s little doubt the VXS will hit 65 mph more often than not. To that speed you can also add a 1.8-second 0-30 mph time.

COMPARE: Read our review of the 2013 Yamaha VXR

Need a point of reference? The VXS does this for $11,199. That’s quite literally thousands less than flagship models that can make the same claims.

To keep the price down, the VXS forgoes amenities like adjustable handlebars and electronic throttle.

Of course, to do it at such a price means you won’t get those cushy flagship amenities. In fact, you’ll get little in the way of extras, including no electronic throttle, no tilt handlebars and no trim. What you will get is an electronic remote, meaning you can lock the craft against unauthorized use, as well as activate a low-RPM mode should you desire to tame that power for particular riders or to save fuel. And you’ll also get reverse, dual mirrors, and a basic tow hook, along with a custom two-tone seat. The latter is racing-inspired, with grippy textures and minimal bolsters to keep you in place when charging into a turn. But beyond that, we’re talking a craft that puts its emphasis on old-school performance and thrills, not cushy frills.

Back To Basics

In many ways, getting back to the basics of a personal watercraft is a refreshing change of pace.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the 2013 Sea-Doo GTR 215

Given the power-to-weight ratio, acceleration is startlingly strong. Squeeze the throttle and the craft leaps from its resting position, quickly planing and gaining momentum. In addition to that powerful engine, thank a change in hull material for the result. Rather than traditional SMC, Yamaha opted for its proprietary NanoXcel material, which is noticably lighter. How light? The specs list shows only 721 pounds. In today’s age of behemoth PWC, that’s a noticeable difference.

At just 721 pounds, the Yamaha VXS is a sprite compared to many modern PWC.

As it turns out, deep down the “entry-level” VX hull design was actually pretty nimble. Give it this kind of power and you’ll discover you can whip off sharp, crisp turns that will instantly make you picture yourself on a closed course. Just be aware, this hull can bite and launch an unprepared rider should they fail to give it the respect it demands. As I discovered during my very first ride several years back, the key is all in weight distribution. Find the sweet spot and you’re carving wickedly fast and precise turns. Miss it and you may discover a new kind of thrill as the hull skids slightly loose at 65 mph. For me the key was to keep my weight back, using an outside foot to help keep the stern firmly planted. I also found good results momentarily backing off the throttle ever so slightly to plant the bow, and then getting back on the throttle to power the craft through the turn once it’s firmly locked in.

It’s a quick learning curve, and one well worth the practice, but just remember to give the boat that respect early on to reap the dividends later.

Once you get used to its handling characteristics, the VXS carves a wicked corner.

Thriller

So just who will the VXS appeal to? Speed and performance types are the obvious fit. If you can overlook things like cruise control, trim, or tilt handlebars in return for top-notch performance at a much smaller price, you’re an obvious candidate.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the 2013 Sea-Doo GTX 215

But this isn’t just a one-trick pony. Designed as a three-passenger craft, it can also tour and tow.

While spirited solo riding is its hallmark, the Yamaha VXS can also be used for towing duties.

Which is probably how you’ll sell the idea to the kids and significant other…right before you’re last seen tearing across the water solo with that devilish grin on your face.