2016 Yamaha VX Cruiser Review

New engine breathes fresh life into industry best-seller

This is nothing new, but bears restating. One of Yamaha’s VX models, often the VX Cruiser, has been the best-selling personal watercraft in the industry every single year since the line went into production. That’s quite a winning streak, and says a lot about the appeal – not to mention reliability – of the platform.

Change, however, is inevitable. Last year Yamaha tweaked the hull and deck of the VX, giving it a little more style, an improved ride, and the addition of the brand’s RiDE dual throttle system. This year it hasn’t slowed the momentum any, adding a long-awaited new engine.

Can a proven winner get any more, uh, winn-i-er? Let’s find out.

The Yamaha VX Cruiser has a little more pep in its step in 2016.

What’s New?

At Yamaha’s summer press intro, you could almost tell that company reps were as giddy about the new powerplant as journalists were to have something new and shiny to write about.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO

First impression? Suddenly there’s a lot of room to work in the engine compartment. The new TR-1 engine is actually smaller than the MR-1 it replaces, at least in physical dimensions. Engineers trimmed a massive 40% off the former engine, unveiling a 30” x 21” x 19”, 160-pound replacement. It loses the reduction gear the high-revving MR-1 required, integrates the oil tank, and attaches the ECU and air filter directly to the engine. It also loses one cylinder; the 1,049cc engine is actually a triple cylinder. The power it produces, however, is not trimmed down. Yamaha claims the TR-1 delivers 13 hp more than the MR-1.

The new engine results in an extra 13 horsepower and a crisper throttle response.

You feel the difference. No, the VX Deluxe is not suddenly a barnburner in terms of top speed. I recorded speeds in the low 53 mph range during the manufacturer’s press intro in Atlanta’s August heat and humidity, and nearly identical numbers in Florida in early March; not substantially different from the 52-55 mph speed range I’ve recorded on previous generations. But getting to those top speeds suddenly seems a lot more fun. Unlike the MR-1, acceleration is crisp and immediate, with little hesitation and a throaty growl. Though I wasn’t going much faster than I did on previous VX models, I found the boat much more fun to ride.

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

As to the VX’s legendary fuel consumption? I actually broke out a fuel consumption gauge to verify the numbers. What I saw was a 3.7 GPH thirst at 30 mph, and an 8.3 GPH consumption at full throttle. That’s pretty stingy for a PWC.

The VX Cruiser should be reasonably affordable to operate, as it is doesn’t guzzle fuel like some larger PWC.

What’s Still Pretty New

As to what returns from 2015, start with the looks. The VX Cruiser won’t be confused for an introductory model. Several years ago Yamaha accomplished this with upscale metallic paint, but last year it reformed the deck to share the masculine lines of the FX line and changed the seat construction to a more refined cut-and-sew construction. The design team also stretched the dimensions, lengthening the boat to 131.9”, widening it to 48”, and increasing storage capacity to 24.6 gallons.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

Below the bond line, the brand refined the boat’s handling by rounding the keel, softening the chines, and playing with the design of the strakes. A new ride plate and reshaped intake area also changed the boat’s handling. Overall the VX planed faster, offered a better ride in rough conditions, and handled sharper, with the rounder chines allowing it to roll even more intuitively into a turn.

Changes made in 2015 gave the VX Cruiser better overall handling, which is especially noticeable in rough water.

But the biggest addition last year, and the one feature that continues to truly jump out for ’16 is RiDE. An electronic control addition that uses the reverse bucket to provide deceleration as well as refined low-speed control, it’s easy to dismiss RiDE as a copy of Sea-Doo’s iBR system, but after more and more time on RiDE-equipped craft I continue to appreciate RiDE’s nuances. RiDE literally is like one forward and one reverse throttle; squeeze one to go in one direction, squeeze the other to go in the opposite. It’s a quick, fluid approach to control, and one that can also be used to provide a surge of slowing power at speed. Yes, RiDE can surprise with its power in reverse, something that can take a novice by surprise in tight confines. But once you get over the idea you have to apply one lever or the other and learn to release both to effectively put the boat into neutral, the system becomes much more refined.

What Remains The Same

RiDE certainly improves the boat’s manners, but other features add to its “cruiser” appeal. Cruise control and no-wake modes are obvious advantages. Set a speed and then just grip the throttle and handlebar, no finger finesse required. One is great for long-distance cruising, the other for extended no-wake zones. But don’t overlook cruise control’s appeal for towing; your riders will appreciate the steady speeds.

The big selling point for cruising, however, is the saddle. It’s tiered movie-theater style, with bolsters to provide back support and keep each passenger in their place. It’s comfortable and plush feeling, and gives passengers an improved view forward. Add cupholders in the glovebox and you’re ready to relax and ride.

Other notable features include HydroTurf traction mats, Yamaha’s anti-theft remote transmitter (use it to also govern speeds when necessary), and a spring-loaded boarding step.

Clearly, the VX Cruiser continues to evolve. The wheel was set in motion with the hull and deck retooling and addition of RiDE last year, and continues with a welcome new engine for 2016. Yamaha’s definitely playing with the formula…but I’m betting the end result continues to be more of the same.