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2004-2008 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

2004-2008 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

The 2004-2008 Yamaha FX HO (a.k.a. FX HO 160) was a more powerful configuration of the legendary FX140. Unlike its 140hp sibling, the FX HO came standard with the 1052cc MR1 power option rated at 160hp. This ski was also marketed with more bells and whistles under the model name of FX Cruiser HO.

If you want to find out more about this high-performance classic WaveRunner, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this ’04-’08 Yamaha FX HO review!

2004-2008 Yamaha FX HO Review

Yamaha FX HO Hull and Top Deck

In the early 2000s, the popular 3-seater FX line replaced the XLT series, including the XLT 800 and XLT 1200.

But unlike their 2-stroke predecessors, the FX series was designed with more advanced, 4-stroke power sources.

The first members of this family were the 2002 FX 140 and the 2003 FX Cruiser (140), which were released as the first 4-stroke WaveRunners ever built. A year later, the FX line was expanded with two new models, the FX HO and FX Cruiser HO.

As their name suggests (HO=High Output), these models were designed for a higher performance.

As a rule of thumb, each of these models shared the same FX hull, which was specifically engineered for the new 4-stroke power sources.

Thanks to its stepped deep-V design, this hull cut through the chop with ease, so it offered an outstanding rough water performance.

This shell, as well as the spacious top deck of the FX, were manufactured from Sheet Moulding Compound, more commonly known as SMC.

In terms of dimensions, FX WaveRunners measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height, and the dry weight of the FX HO was a whopping 772 pounds.

Its comfortable cockpit offered fairly dry rides and came standard with an adjustable handlebar, and a two-piece saddle rated for three riders.

The total storage capacity of the FX HO was 26.3 gallons, including a 19.8-gallon front storage, a 4-gallon seat storage, and a 2.5-gallon glovebox.

Yamaha FX HO Engine

Early 4-stroke WaveRunners were powered by MR1 Yamaha marine engines, and the FX HO was no exception.

These power source was derived from the R1 motorcycle engine but were entirely redesigned for marine use.

As a rule of thumb, Yamaha offered its MR1 marine engine in two different configurations.

Entry-level 4-stroke models like the HO or Cruiser HO had a 992cc version of this engine, which was rated at 140hp.

In contrast, the FX HO came standard with the more powerful configuration of the MR1 engine. This power source was a 4-stroke, fuel-injected, 1052cc, inline-4 power mill that delivered 160hp at 10,000 RPM.

The key features of this unit were as follows:

  • Bore x stroke: 76 x 58 mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.9:1
  • Dry sump lubrication
  • TCI ignition system
  • Fuel injection system
  • Electric start
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • NGK CR9EB spark plugs
This engine was paired with an axial flow, single-stage pump featuring a manual reverse system, and a 5-position trim.

Thanks to its advanced propulsion and engine, the FX HO topped out at 57-60 mph on GPS. The speedometer on these skis was very inaccurate, typically showing 5 mph more than the actual speed.

Its maximum fuel consumption was below 12 gph, so you could expect a riding time of 1.5 hours on a full tank of gas (18.5 gal.).

In contrast, the outdated 2-stroke XLT 1200 burned a whopping 17 gph! This meant that the owning costs of the innovative 4-stroke FX HO were significantly lower than their 2-stroke predecessors.

Yamaha FX HO Features

Even though it skipped the bells and whistles of the Cruiser model, the FX HO came standard with many advanced features, including:

  • Front storage compartment (19.8 US gal)
  • Seat storage compartment (4.0 US gal)
  • Glove compartment (2.5 US gal)
  • Fire extinguisher container
  • Quick shift manual trim
  • Manual reverse
  • Adjustable rearview mirrors
  • Deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
  • Programmable security system
  • Adjustable steering
  • Drain plugs
  • Rope holes
  • Rear grab handle
  • Two-piece saddle
  • Fuel cock knob
  • Ski tow eye
  • Sponsons
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
Besides the above, the FX HO came standard with a multifunction gauge, which included the following features:
  • Speedometer
  • Tachometer
  • Fuel meter
  • Engine oil meter
  • Clock
  • Hour meter
  • Trip meter
  • Trip timer
  • Warning light
  • Display for PADLOC and direction of warning indicator
  • Battery warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • Fuel warning indicator
  • Oil warning indicator

2004 Yamaha FX HO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2004 Yamaha FX HO into these charts:

Yamaha FX HO Engine Specs

2004 Yamaha FX HOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1052 cm³ (64.2 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke76 × 58 mm (2.99 × 2.28 in)
Compression Ratio11.9:1
Lubrication systemDry sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemTCI
Spark Plug Gap0.7-0.9 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
Spark Plugs TypeNGK CR9EB
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Yamaha FX HO Drive Unit

2004 Yamaha FX HODrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
TransmissionConstand mesh 1-speed
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24 + 24 degree
Jet Thrust Nozzle Trim Angle-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 degree
Trim SystemManual 5 positions

Yamaha FX HO Performance

2004 Yamaha FX HOPerformance
Maximum Output160hp (117.7 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption11.9 US gal/h (45 L/h)
Cruising Range (at full throttle)1.56 hr.

Yamaha FX HO Dimensions

2004 Yamaha FX HODimensions
Overall Length131.5 in (3,340 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1,230 mm)
Overall Height45.7 in (1,160 mm)
Dry Weight772 lb (350 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Yamaha FX HO Fuel and Oil

2004 Yamaha FX HOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oilSAE 10W-30, API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter)2.4 US qt. (2.3 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter)2.2 US qt. (2.1 L)
Total Amount4.8 US qt. (4.5 L)
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2004-2008 Yamaha FX HO:

What is a Yamaha FX HO?

The FX HO was a high-performance 3-seater Yamaha WaveRunner.

When did the Yamaha FX HO Come Out?

The Yamaha FX HO was revealed in 2004.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FX HO?

Yamaha manufactured the FX HO with the 1052cc MR1 engine from 2004 through 2008 with the fist-generation FX hull.

What Size was a Yamaha FX HO?

The ’04-’08 Yamaha FX HO measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FX HO Weigh?

The dry weight of the Yamaha FX HO was 772 pounds (2004 model).

How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha FX HO?

The Yamaha FX HO was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FX HO?

The ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO was powered by a 4-stroke, 1052cc, fuel-injected, inline-4 MR1 Yamaha marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX HO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX HO utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.

Was the Yamaha FX HO a 2-stroke?

The Yamaha FX HO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

Was the Yamaha FX HO Fuel Injected?

The Yamaha FX HO featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a Yamaha FX HO Have?

The ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO delivered 160hp at 10,000 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX HO Hold?

The ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO held 4.5 quarts of engine oil, of which 2.4 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX HO Hold?

The ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX HO Use?

The fuel consumption of the ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO was 11.9 gph at WOT.

What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha FX HO?

The cruising range of the ’04-’07 Yamaha FX HO was 1.5 hours at full throttle.

How Fast Did a Yamaha FX HO Go?

The top speed of a Yamaha ’04-’07 FX HO was about 57-60 mph.

Could the Yamaha FX HO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-seater saddle, the FX HO could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Trim System?    

The FX HO was designed with a 5-position manual trim system.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Reverse?            

The FX HO came standard with a manual reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Brake?  

The Yamaha FX HO was manufactured without a brake system.

How Much Does a Yamaha FX HO Cost?

The asking price of a used Yamaha FX HO varies between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on the year and its condition.