2016 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review

A more affordable hot rod cruiser

The VX Cruiser HO is one of two new models added to the VX lineup for 2016. Its distinguishing characteristic is right there in the name. Yamaha dropped its “no replacement for displacement” 1.8L engine into the craft, much like it does with the VXR. This time around, however, it’s found in a craft with the Cruiser treatment, including a supportive, bolstered Cruiser seat, and both Cruise Assist and No-Wake Mode throttle technology.

A more affordable hot rod? A cruiser…with a kick? A wolf in sheep’s clothing? We’ll say yes…to all of the above.

No Replacement…

Make no mistake. This is roughly a plush version of the kick-butt VXR, although the VX Cruiser HO will be the first craft to combine Yamaha’s 1.8-liter engine and VX hull with luxury features and target it at the midrange buyer.

The VX Cruiser HO is Yamaha’s attempt at luxury and performance for the midrange buyer.

A refresher course on the engine and hull combo. At this price point, Yamaha leaves behind the supercharger and intercooler and simply relies on the power and displacement of the 1,812cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine and lightweight NanoXcel hull to get the job done. And get it done it does. With the Cruiser HO’s light 767-pound weight, expect that magic 65 mph in good conditions with a light load, and crisp acceleration capable of reaching the 30 mph mark in as little as 1.8 seconds. That’s supercharger-like power without the added cost of the supercharger, or its thirst for fuel.

The hull handles that power exceptionally well. Retooled in 2015 to feature a new keel shape, softer bow chines, and modified hull strakes, the VX Cruiser HO shrugs off its Cruiser title to dive in and out of corners with precision, yet still handle rougher conditions with classic Yamaha finesse. Its versatility makes it ideal for performance-minded solo riders, Cruiser types, and even those who want to use the boat as a tow platform for skiing and wakeboarding.

With its 1.8-liter engine, the VX Cruiser HO will work just fine as a tow vehicle.

To that end, the Cruiser seat suits many masters. Long-distance riders will appreciate the same bolsters and back support that keep performance riders glued to the craft in turns.

Enhanced Control

Powerful and agile, and yet its manners are impeccable. Cruise Control and No Wake make a difference, allowing riders to lock in cruising or no-wake speeds and then take the pressure off their throttle finger for far more comfortable riding. The game changer, however, is RiDE.

RiDE makes getting started at the dock easier and can slow you down in a hurry.

Making use of two throttles, one on each side of the handlebar, RiDE uses the reverse bucket to deflect thrust and open the doors to newfound maneuverability. Start the craft and it sits stationary at the dock, rather than surging forward. Squeeze the throttle and you go forward, squeeze the RiDE lever and you back up. Squeeze that same RiDE lever at speed and you rapidly slow the craft as thrust is deflected back and to the sides. RiDE delivers not a sensation of gears, but instead a sensation of forward and backward thrust that can be quickly switched between with just a squeeze of the appropriate lever. It offers newfound stopping power out on the water, and a welcome sense of control in tight confines like a dock, marina, or launch ramp.

It does, however, take a small dose of getting used to. Yamaha allows the engine to rev as high as 4,500 rpm with RiDE activated. That power is great at times, but can come on strong should a newbie grab a little too much throttle in tight quarters. Practice briefly in an open area to get a feel for the power before taking things in where it’s tight.

Couch? Racer? Cruiser? All of the Above

As to what else rounds out the craft, expect the usual Yamaha highlights. The Cruiser seat is tiered theater-style to offer each passenger a better view forward, as well as keep them from being squished together. Footwell traction mats continue to be excellent, pistol-style grips are oh so comfortable long term, and storage is adequate at 24.6 gallons, including a glovebox with dual cupholders. Only the craft’s cruising focus would make me ask for just a little bit more. Instrumentation is clear and fully featured, and Yamaha’s familiar remote transmitter acts car-like to lock the ignition against unauthorized use or to govern speeds for newcomers.

Power and performance without sacrificing creature comforts is what the VX Cruiser HO is all about.

Ultimately, this is simply what a lot of Yamaha consumers had been asking for – a craft with the power and handling of the VXR, but slanted a little more toward those who appreciate the creature comforts.

It’s a comfy couch…that hauls ass.