First Full Test of the New 2011 Yamaha VXR

The BoatTEST team conducted the first thorough test of the Yamaha VXR, a new PWC that is powered by a 1812CC four-stroke, four cylinder, high output marine engine. The VXR weighs in at 728 lb (330 kg) and its performance and handling has our team excited. The combination of low weight, high thrust, and a narrower hull makes this new machine just as much fun as it looks in the pictures, according to what we are getting on the phone from our testing crew. As you read this they are still at Lake Allatoona working (they say), but we are able to give you top line data on the VXR's performance. Our resident PWC expert, Chris Hughes, says there are two things in particular that the VXR likes to do.

BoatTEST.com COO Christopher Hughes wringing out one of the first production models of the 2011 Yamaha VXR on Lake Allatoona, GA.

One of the things the VXR likes to do is get up and go, 1.8 seconds to get from 0-30 MPH. She has a top speed of 68.4 MPH, and she earns the "performance watercraft" moniker with ease.

BoatTEST.com COO Christopher Hughes wringing out one of the first production models of the 2011 Yamaha VXR on Lake Allatoona, GA.

The second thing the VXR likes to do is turn at high rates of speed. At 20 mph, 35 mph, or 45 mph, every time we threw her over, she predictably dug in for the turn, with little or no drop of the nose. It would take a little more to equal her big brother, the FX series, but the VXR was designed as a "no-frills" fun machine with a price tag of just $11,199.

Boat tester Hughes, a former rough-and-tumble U.S. Marine, is pictured here man-handling the controls to see if they are strong enough to take a licking and keep on ticking.

The VXR total package has the power and performance of a machine costing thousands more. The VXR rode smoothly and turned in a very controlled manner at any speed. We also like the new aggressive styling as well as the upgraded seating upholstery.

Looking into the belly of the VXR beast we find an in-line 1812cc, 4-cylinder engine tuned up for high output. Note the easy access to the oil filter on the port side.

The hull is constructed from NanoXcel High-Compression Molded Compound, making it strong yet lightweight and durable. Power is delivered through a standard-sized 155 mm axial flow jet pump nozzle. She burns 87 octane fuel, and the VXR can carry 15.9 gallons.

The forward storage compartment holds the fire extinguisher (in yellow case) and provides up to 15.1 gal of dry storage.

The new seat upholstery has a heavy duty weave and tough, yet it still has a high-end feel to it. We also found that the material does NOT become as slippery when wet as do most conventional coverings, helping to keep the driver firmly seated.

Close up on the two-tone seat covering. Note the different textures in different parts of the seat.

As noted, the BoatTEST.com testing team is still hard at work testing the Yamahas on Lake Allatoona. We will have the full test video and complete report for you to view in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.