Yamaha VX Limited HO (2021-)

Brief Summary

The VX series from Yamaha is in the mid-level of the performance spectrum and that is key to its industry-leading success. The lineup consists of 7 models that offer hi-end performance along with technology. Of all the models, the Limited HO is at the top of this Recreational Series line, and certainly provides the most bang for the buck.

Specifications

Length Overall	132.7"
Beam	48.8"
Person Capacity	3
Fuel Capacity	18.5 GAL

Engine Options

Tested Engine	3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
Std. Power	3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha Marine Engine

Captain's Report

Yamaha VX Limited HO: Accessory-Packed Mid-Level WaveRunner

By Capt. Steve

Overview

The VX series from Yamaha is in the mid-level of the performance spectrum and that is key to its industry-leading success.  The lineup consists of 7 models that offer hi-end performance along with technology.  Of all the models (VX Limited, VX Cruiser HO, VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, VX, VX-C and VX Limited HO) the Limited HO is at the top of this Recreational Series line, and certainly provides the most bang for the buck. 

Limited Means Accessory Packed. 

Anytime Yamaha uses the term “Limited” is means the model comes will all the accessories available.  In the case of the VX Limited HO, it includes the factory-installed speakers that are connected to a custom audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.  The speakers are matched to the hull and blend seamlessly for a striking look.  As watersports are at the top of the list of good times this model represents, there’s a color match tube with a bungee style holder that attaches to the tow-ring to keep it on for the ride to the play area.  Of course, a tube also needs a tow rope and water toy inflator, so both are included.  For the end of the day, there's also a custom-made cover and two fenders will add protection at the dock. 

Design Styling

For this model year, the whole VX lineup has gotten a new design style.  It has a much more angular and aesthetically-pleasing stylized look and includes an assortment of black, blue, red and green, depending on the specific model.   The speakers integrate nicely into the hull at the front of the footwells.  Just above, there are two mirrors that integrated into the cowling and both are well inside the dock strike zone. 

Technology

LED Screen – The VX limited HO also comes loaded with all the technology Yamaha offers for its WaveRunner series.  At the top of those technology features is the 4.3” (10.92 cm) LED screen. This provides features on data such as speed, RPM, trip data, etc... along with a security lockout to prevent unauthorized use.  These features are all accessible through various screens with scrolling and selecting being done through a touchpad right underneath the right side handlebar.   To the left side, and again under the handlebars, are audio controls.   

RiDE – Next is the RiDE technology.   This allows users to use the left trigger to activate neutral or reverse.  Just give the left trigger a quick squeeze to apply neutral or squeeze and hold it to apply reverse.  This allows for much more maneuverability at the dock and more controlled deceleration when at speed.  All while still being able to control steering since the hands never leave the handlebars.  Now notice we said “activate” neutral and reverse, not “shift” into.  That’s because there really is no shifting going on.  It’s a matter of lowering a bucket behind the jet nozzle to redirect the thrust down for neutral or forward for reverse. 

TDE – Then there’s the Thrust Directional Enhancer.  This gives us a little bit more maneuverability at low speed and also gives an additional boost for when trying to back off a trailer. 

Cruise/No Wake – Next is the Cruise/No Wake button.  When operating at idle speed, press and hold the single button.  There will be three beeps acknowledging activation, and now it will hold a no-wake speed without having to hold a finger on the throttle trigger.  Conversely, when we're at cruise speed, press and hold the same button, get the three beeps, but now squeeze the throttle all the way.  The unit will then hold the speed at which the button was pressed.  Plus, the system also allows for incremental changes with the right thumb with an up/down rocker. 

Features

Storage

At the front is cavernous storage that makes up the.  Another compartment is just ahead of the driver, and this one is not only lighted it also includes a USB port and a 12 Volt accessory plug (remember that water towy inflator?).  There's a nice little spot on the side for putting the cell phone into.   There's one last compartment under the seat and this is removable. 

Engine

Removing the seat also gives us access to the 1.8-liter High Output (there’s the HO in the model name) Naturally Aspirated Yamaha Marine Engine.  It displaces 1812CC, and it’s a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke connected to a 155mm high-pressure jet pump, and yes… it runs on regular unleaded gasoline. 

Specs

Color – Carbon with Lime Yellow

Rider Capacity – 1-3 persons

Dry Weight – 794 LBS (360.15 kg)

Length – 132.7" (337.06 cm)

Width – 48.8" (123.95 cm)

Height – 47.2" (119.89 cm)

Fuel Capacity – 18.5 GAL (70.03 L)

Storage Capacity – 28.4 GAL (107.51 L)

NanoXcel Ultra-lightweight Hull – Yes

NanoXcel Ultra-lightweight Deck – Yes

Observations

This model has been Yamaha’s best-selling WaveRunner thanks to its class-leading performance, handling and versatility.  It features the same race-ready hull design as the high-performance GP series WaveRunners that provides precise handling.  It also has dynamic stability that makes riding with multiple passengers more comfortable.  Overall, it's just a fun ride to be on so it's no wonder that it's such a successful model.  The more you give the more she'll take, but at the same time she's forgiving enough to make this everyone’s WaveRunner.   At $13,549, it’s also a bargain.