2015 Yamaha VX Review

The VX line grows up for 2015

The decision to change up the VX line probably didn’t come easy for Yamaha. After all, the VX has been a bona fide superstar, with one of the line being the industry’s best-selling model ever since the line was first introduced. That’s a lot of years…and a lot of sales.

Over the years, however, the VX consumer has arguably changed. Sure, there’s still the introductory buyer tempted by the craft’s compelling price point, but there has also been plenty of higher-end consumers who simply preferred the boat’s simplicity, its style, its jack-of-all-trades ride, or perhaps just liked the price point for adding another toy to the list of amenities at the lake house. VX models have certainly reflected this trend, growing more sophisticated and upscale over the years. This year, however, change is really afoot as the VX line gets its first major retooling in a decade.

Whoever said "don’t mess with success" clearly didn’t relay that message to Yamaha, who gave the best selling VX line of WaveRunners a major upgrade for 2015.

And as you’ll quickly see, change can be good. Very, very good.

Sophisticated Styling

As Yamaha repositions its price points (the V1 and V1 Sport now take over the role of a truly introductory model), the VX has now been freed to grow into a more intermediate offering, and the change is quickly evident in the boat’s refreshed styling.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha VX and V1 Lineup

Look at the boat’s profile and you’ll see hints of the flagship FX line. What Yamaha dubs more “masculine” lines are immediately apparent in the triangular shape to the bow storage hood, a stylish, angular wedge that now incorporates the mirrors in one sleek unit. They continue, albeit less dramatically, in the two-piece “cut-and-sew” seat design and larger stern platform. Overall the boat has grown by about four inches in length and nearly two inches in width.

A larger platform and more aggressive lines give the VX some flagship FX-like attributes.

Below the bondline, the hull (fabricated from the Yamaha’s lightweight NanoXcel material) has also been refined. Changes may seem subtle, but the keel shape sports a rounder design, the strakes have been tweaked, and the bow chines softened. Both the intake and ride plate have also been redesigned. The resulting ride is notably more precise than in the past. Yes, the VX can still feel more playful than its siblings should you want to punch the throttle and whip the stern around, but overall it now boasts sharper, more precise handling that should please riders as their skill levels increase, as well as those who come into the relationship with previous riding experience. The design also planes quicker, and is more adept in the chop.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

Solo passengers can now get notably more aggressive on the VX than ever before, but with a clever use of balance, multiple passengers don’t suffer for it. The added weight naturally trims the bow higher, softening the response for more casual cruising and towing.

Whether riding solo or with passengers, the VX can be ridden more aggressively with the new upgrades.

The physical changes in hull and deck have also affected the boat’s storage capabilities. Total capacity is now a much bigger 24.6 gallons, split between the bow tub, glovebox (with cupholders), and new watertight bin tucked below the aft portion of the boat’s new split seat.

Improved Features

With the VX’s improved styling and handling also comes an improved list of standard features, most notable of which is Yamaha’s new-for-’15 RiDE dual throttle controls. RiDE inevitably gets compared to Sea-Doo’s iBR system, but it features its own unique strengths. For starters, it literally offers the driver dual throttles, one of which is used for forward motion, the other for reverse and to provide stopping power. Pulling the RiDE lever at speed doesn’t shift the boat into a neutral mode. Instead it drops the reverse bucket and deflects that water forward to rapidly slow the craft, but then keeps that power on as the boat eventually begins to reverse. Release the lever at any time before, and you can instantly be right back on the throttle. When used for stopping power, RiDE also redirects water to the sides of the bucket, meaning the craft stays level as it slows rather than dive at the bow.

Yamaha outfitted the FX with its new RiDE dual throttle controls.

Having this much power (RiDE provides thrust up to 4500 rpm) in reverse demands a soft hand on the RiDE for the first few minutes, but is then quickly appreciated. Being able to start the boat in a neutral mode, and easily shift in and out of forward and reverse motion, also dramatically improves the user experience around the dock or launch ramp. It’s simple, intuitive, and keeps your eyes on the water.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130

Other improvements include sleek new digital instrumentation and some blingy chrome accents.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the VX powerplant, still the same 1,052cc workhorse that runs reliably and cheaply on 87 octane. Though quoting horsepower has fallen out of fashion, it puts out about 110 hp. That number, however, can be deceiving, as the VX tops out in decent conditions at about 55 mph for an experienced rider. That’s enough power for plenty of thrills certainly, but it’s also enough for the VX to comfortably serve as a tow vehicle for watersports. To that end the VX still provides a simple U-hook tow eye.

Most Affordable?

As you would expect from such a list of improvements, the price point has risen for 2015 to $9,299. The previous VX line now carries on as the most affordable WaveRunner models, but given the VX’s improved feature set I don’t think the increase is unwarranted.

Most notably the craft is now the most affordable WaveRunner featuring RiDE, which truly improves the driving experience. It’s no gimmick, but like iBR before it, is a true game changer. It’s also the most inexpensive WaveRunner to feature the NanoXcel hull technology.

And now, the VX also features a level of sophistication and styling that make it equally appealing to cost-conscious introductory buyer as well as the cost-is-no-object, well-off enthusiast.

In short, the VX is still very much what it was…with just a whole lot of cool new stuff added in.