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2009-2011 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

2009-2011 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

The Yamaha FX HO was a non-supercharged variant of the more powerful FX SHO. These luxury/touring Yamaha WaveRunners shared the same FX platform but came with different engine options.

If you want to find out more about this popular touring WaveRunner, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

2009-2011 Yamaha FX HO Review

Yamaha FX HO Hull and Top Deck

In 2009, the Yamaha FX HO was upgraded with a new, refreshed top deck.

This revamped shell was introduced in 2008 on the supercharged FX SHO and FX Cruiser SHO. In the following year, it found its way onto the non-supercharged FX series as well.

Unlike the top deck, the hull of the FX HO was inherited from its predecessors. Interestingly, this first-generation FX hull had been in use from 2004 to 2012 without any major changes.

Released as the largest flagship WaveRunners, the ’09-’11 FX line measured 132.7 inches in length and 48.8 inches in width. (In 2012, the FX platform was redesigned and lengthened by 7.5 inches).

Built from the Yamaha-exclusive NanoXcel material, the dry weight of the FX HO was 794 pounds.

In contrast, its predecessor with a standard SMC hull weighed 827 pounds dry, even though it utilized the much smaller MR1 engine.

Regarding capacities, the FX HO could carry plenty of gear and three adult riders for a total of 530 pounds.

Its overall storage capacity was a remarkable 23.7 gallons, including a 17.4-gallon bow storage, a 1.6-gallon glovebox, a 4-gallon seat storage, and a watertight 0.7-gallon compartment mounted in front of the handlebars.

Yamaha FX HO Engine

Unlike the hull, the engine of the FX HO was entirely changed for the 2009 season.

Before that, this model was powered by the 1052cc, “big-bore” MR1 engine rated at 160hp.

That unit was replaced by the all-new 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4, HO Yamaha marine engine rated at 180hp.

This purpose-built WaveRunner engine debuted in a supercharged configuration in the 2008 FX SHO/Cruiser SHO. For the next year, it was introduced in a naturally-aspirated configuration in FX HO models.

In a nutshell, the key features of this engine were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, inline-4 architecture
  • Bore x stroke: 86 x 78 mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.0:1
  • Aspiration: supercharged
  • Wet sump lubrication
  • DOHC
  • T.C.I. ignition system
  • Fuel injection system
  • Electric start
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • LFR6A spark plugs
Engine power was delivered to a 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump. It was designed with heavy-duty components like a stainless steel pump housing and a three-blade stainless steel impeller.

Even though the FX HO lacked an electric brake and reverse system, it had a standard manual reverse bucket and a 5-position quick-shift trim system.

Yamaha FX HO Features

Designed to be a luxury WaveRunner, the FX HO enjoyed many convenience features, including:

  • Yamaha Security System
  • Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
  • Dual rearview mirrors
  • Bow storage compartment (17.4 US gal)
  • Watertight seat compartment (4 US gal)
  • Glove compartment (1.6 US gal)
  • Watertight storage (0.7 US gal)
  • Fire extinguisher container
  • Cup holder
  • Tool kit
  • Deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Safety lanyard
  • Tilt steering system
  • Drain plugs
  • Rope holes
  • Rear grab handle
  • Two-piece saddle for 3
  • Sponsons
  • Reboarding step
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
It was also equipped with an innovative dashboard, which displayed plenty of useful information, including:
  • Analog tachometer/speedometer
  • Digital speedometer
  • Hour meter/Voltmeter
  • Fuel level meter
  • Fuel Indicator
  • Check engine warning indicator
  • Oil pressure warning indicator
  • Fuel level warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • UNLOCK indicator light
  • SECURITY indicator light
  • L-Mode indicator light

Yamaha FX HO Top Speed and Performance

Powered by a naturally-aspirated engine option, the FX HO was noticeably slower than its supercharged relatives. Yet, it was more lively than its predecessor, which had a smaller-displacement 1052cc engine.

Under ideal conditions, the ski topped out at 63-64 mph, 2-3 mph slower than the FX SHO. Its acceleration was also noticeably slower, especially out of the hole.

To be more precise, the 0-30 times of various FX Waverunners were as follows:

  • 2004-2008 FX HO: 2.5 sec.
  • 2009-2011 FX HO: 2.2 sec.
  • 2008-2011 FX SHO: 1.8 sec.
In return for its lower performance, the HO engine was much better on gas. Its claimed fuel consumption was 12.8 gph at WOT, while the supercharged SHO burned 16.8 gallons per hour.

What’s more, its naturally-aspirated power source was much more reliable than the SHO, which was known for its supercharger clutch malfunctions.

Besides its durability, the FX HO was known for its great stability and predictability, even at slower speeds.

Its spacious top deck and seat could also accommodate three adult riders with ease.

This is why this model was commonly used for various activities like fishing, touring, wakeboarding, and tubing.

2009 Yamaha FX HO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2009 Yamaha FX HO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)

Yamaha FX HO Engine Specs

2009 FX HOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1812 cm³
Bore and Stroke86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in)
Compression Ratio11.0:1
SuperchargedNo
Lubrication systemWet sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemT.C.I.
Spark Plug Gap0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Spark Plugs TypeLFR6A
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Yamaha FX HO Drive Unit

2009 FX HODrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24.0 + 24.0 °
Jet thrust nozzle trim angle:-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 °

Yamaha FX HO Performance

2009 FX HOPerformance
Maximum Output180hp (132.4 kW) @ 7600 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption12.8 US gal/h (48.6 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle1.44 hr.
Trolling speed1300 +/- 100 r/min

Yamaha FX HO Dimensions

2009 FX HODimensions
Overall Length132.7 in (3370 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1230 mm)
Overall Height45.7 in (1160 mm)
Dry Weight794 lb (360 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Yamaha FX HO Fuel and Oil

2009 FX HOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oil typeSAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil gradeAPI SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter replacement)3.28 US qt. (3.1 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement)3.17 US qt. (3.0 L)
Engine Oil Total Quantity4.55 US qt. (4.3 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 ’09-’11 Yamaha FX HO:

What is a Yamaha FX HO?

The FX SHO was a touring Yamaha WaveRunner utilizing the super-stable FX platform.

What Size was a ’09-’11 Yamaha FX HO?

The ‘09’-’11 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 ’09-’11 FX SHO was 794 pounds.

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 Yamaha FX HO was powered by a 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, HO Yamaha Marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX HO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX HO had a naturally aspirated “HO” (High-Output) engine option.

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 Yamaha FX HO produced 180hp at 7600 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX HO Hold?

The Yamaha FX HO held 4.55 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.28 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX HO Hold?

The Yamaha FX HO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX HO Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the ’09-’11 Yamaha FX HO was 12.8 gph at WOT.

What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FX HO?

The cruising range of this model was 1.44 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a Yamaha FX HO Go?

The top speed of a Yamaha FX HO was 62-64 mph under ideal conditions.

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

Thanks to its 3-rider seat, the FX HO could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Trim System?    

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

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Reverse?            

The FX SHO had a manual reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Brake?  

The Yamaha FX HO was marketed without a brake system.

How Much Does a Yamaha FX HO Cost?

The asking price of a used Yamaha FX HO varies between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the year and its condition.