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2015-2016 Yamaha VXS Review and Specs [Video]
The 2015-2016 Yamaha VXS was a worthy successor of the first-generation 2011-2014 model. The revamped VXS returned with the redesigned VX hull and top deck, as well as many innovative features, including an electric trim and all-new RiDE electric brake and reverse system.
If you want to find out more about this popular Yamaha WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 2015-2016 Yamaha VXS review!
2015-2016 Yamaha VXS Review
The Yamaha VXR/VXS series debuted in 2011 as the larger-displacement version of proven VX WaveRunners. They borrowed their hull and most features from the base VX line, but enjoyed the much more powerful 1812cc, 180hp power option.These models built their reputation on an outstanding pricer-per-value ratio and versatile design.
For the 2015 season, Yamaha completely redesigned the VX series, including the performance-oriented VXR and VXS. (These models were almost identical, except that the VXS had a flatter seat and lacked a reboarding step.)
In this review, we will take a closer look at the simpler and more affordable VXS, which was only part of the fleet in 2015 and 2016.
Compared to first-generation models, the key upgrades of the revamped 2015-2016 VXS were as follows:
- A larger and more stable hull with an extended rear platform
- New top deck design with integrated mirrors
- New ride plate
- RiDE electric brake and reverse system
- Enlarged storage capacities (including an under-seat dry storage bin)
- New two-tone, two-piece saddle
- Redesigned multi-function LCD meter
- Electric bilge pump
- Revamped rear handlegrip
- (Engine and pump remained unchanged)
Yamaha VXS Hull and Top Deck
As a rule of thumb, each 2015 Yamaha VX WaveRunner was built on the second-generation VX platform, and the VXS was no exception. Just like the hull, the top deck of these skis was completely redesigned.
The new VX deck had a much more aggressive design and graphics and came standard with large integrated mirrors.
Unlike lower-performance VX models, the VXS featured a more aggressive hood design, utilizing stylish chrome highlights.
Since the VXS lacked a reboarding step, its body was only 131.5 inches in length and 48 inches in width. This means that the second-generation VXS was 4.7 inches longer and 1.9 inches wider than its forerunner.
The intake area, strakes, and keel were redesigned, just like the chines, which were softened forward. The revamped hull was completed with a new ride plate.
All of these upgrades contributed to a better overall performance and greater stability.
While the body of the supercharged FZS SVHO and FZR SHO were already made of the more advanced NanoXcel2 material, the VX series was still being made of the heavier NanoXcel (a.k.a. NanoXcel1).
Because of this, the dry weight of the new VXS was 765 pounds, 44 pounds more than the previous year’s model.
Rated at a maximum load capacity of 530 pounds, the VXS could even carry 3 adult riders with ease.
The front storage of the ski was increased from 13.2 to 19 gallons, but its glovebox shrunk from 1.8 gallons to 0.9 gallons. In return, the ski got a third, 1.5-gallon storage compartment mounted beneath the rear portion of the rear seat.
The VXS shared its 18.5-gallon fuel tank with its siblings but had a flatter 2-piece saddle.
Unlike the bolstered, race-inspired seat of the VRX, this saddle was more suitable for passengers. This design was also more comfortable for a spotter when doing tow sports.
Yamaha VXS Engine
Unlike the hull, the engine of the VXS was carried over from 2014 without any noticeable changes.
This proven power source was the naturally-aspirated version of the 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, 4-cylinder Yamaha marine engine rated at 180hp. It packed many proven technologies including a TCI ignition, fuel injection, and an open-loop cooling system.
Yamaha used this engine in many popular WaveRunners including the VXS, VXR, and non-supercharged FX models.
You could also find the supercharged configuration of this engine in the flagship FX SHO and FZ series (FZR and FZS).
Yamaha VXS Features
Unlike its predecessor, which featured a manual brake and reverses, the 2015-2016 VXS returned with an electric brake and reverse system. (Which was, let’s face it, heavily inspired by Sea-Doo’s iBR.)
Labeled “RiDE”, this innovative reverse system could also be used for deceleration and to precisely operate the craft in tight spaces.
Therefore, the new VXS became safer and more comfortable, which was a game changer for beginners, but experienced riders also appreciated its smooth, precise operation.
Another novelty was the five-position electric trim system, which was previously available only on the flagship WaveRunners.
This system was intended to adjust the vertical angle of the jet nozzle to adapt to changing water or load conditions. But it was useful in many other situations as well, like riding with passengers or towing a wakeboarder.
Other features of the ’15-’16 VXS were as follows:
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With “L-Mode”)
- Integrated dual mirrors
- Front storage compartment (19 gal.)
- Glovebox (0.9 gal.)
- Under-seat storage bucket (1.5 gal.)
- Fire extinguisher container
- Tool kit
- Deck mats
- Bow and stern eyes
- Engine cut-off switch
- Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
- Tilt steering
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Redesigned rear handgrip
- Two-piece saddle for 3
- Fuel cock knob
- Ski tow eye
- Sponsons
- Finger throttle lever
- Electric bilge pump
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
The digital information center of the VXS was also completely redesigned. The new unit came standard with several useful functions, including:
- Trim indicator
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Oil pressure warning indicator
- Engine overheat warning indicator
- Check engine warning indicator
- Shift indicator
- Fuel indicator
- Fuel level meter
- Hour meter
- Voltmeter
- WARNING indicator light
- UNLOCK indicator light
- L-Mode indicator light
Yamaha VXS Top Speed and Performance
Thanks to its enlarged and redesigned hull, the VXS offered more predictability and stability. Therefore, it could be used for many purposes like recreational riding, touring, and towing.
Yet, it still offered aggressive rides and race-style turns, which made it widely popular among performance-minded riders.
It’s safe to say that the key advantage of the VXS was its outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 0.235 hp/lb.
Although this ratio was a slight step back compared to its predecessor (0.25 hp/lb.), it was still significantly better than you could expect on the bulky touring FX line.
Even though it had a much more reliable naturally-aspirated engine, the VXS offered almost the same performance as its supercharged brothers.
The top speed of ’15-’16 VXS was electronically restricted to 66-68 mph, which could be pushed up to 70-75 mph with some easy mods. You could also expect the ski to hit 30 mph in 1.8 seconds, which was an amazing acceleration on a PWC.
In comparison, the supercharged FX SHO did the same run in 2.2 seconds while smaller-displacement VX models did it in 2.4 seconds.
Thanks to its non-supercharged engine, the VXS was not only more reliable but it had a much better fuel economy as well.Its claimed fuel consumption was 12.9 gph at WOT, which meant that its 18.5-gallon fuel tank lasted about an hour and a half.
Cruising at an economical speed of 24-26 mph, the fuel usage could be tamed back to 3 gph / 8 mpg.
Yamaha VXS Problems
Early (2011-2012) VXS WaveRunners were known for their initial design flaws like a cracking jet nozzle and leaking seals on the bottom of the hull.
These issues were fixed in later models, making them even more reliable.
Therefore, the only problem with the second-generation VXS was the lack of a reboarding step and cruise control.
VXS Comparison Chart
For a better comparison, we’ve listed the specifications of first- and second-generation VXS head-to-head:Specs | 2011 - 2014 VXS | 2015 - 2016 VXS |
---|---|---|
Length (in) | 126.8 | 131.5 |
Width (in) | 46.1 | 48.0 |
Dry Weight (lbs) | 721 | 765 |
Front storage capacity (gal) | 13.2 | 19 |
Glove box capacity (gal) | 1.8 | 0.9 |
Under-seat storage (gal) | - | 1.5 |
Electric Trim | No | Yes |
Reverse | Manual | RiDE |
Brake | No | RiDE |
Reboarding step | No | No |
2015-2016 Yamaha VXS Spec Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2015-2016 Yamaha VXS in these charts:Yamaha VXS Engine Specs
2015 Yamaha VXS | Engine Specs |
---|---|
Type | 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC |
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Displacement | 1812 cm³ |
Bore and Stroke | 86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in) |
Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
Lubrication system | Wet sump |
Cooling System | Water cooled |
Starting System | Electric starter |
Ignition System | T.C.I. |
Spark Plug Gap | 0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in) |
Spark Plugs Type | LFR6A |
Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Yamaha VXS Drive Unit
2015 Yamaha VXS | Drive System |
---|---|
Propulsion System | Jet pump |
Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
Jet Thrust Nozzle Trim Angle | -6, 3, 0, 3, 6 degree |
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle | 24 + 24 degree |
Yamaha VXS Performance
2015 Yamaha VXS | Performance |
---|---|
Maximum Output | 180hp (132.4 kW) @ 7600 RPM |
Maximum Fuel Consumption | 12.9 US gal/h (48.7 L/h) |
Cruising Range at full throttle | 1.44 hr. |
Trolling speed | 1300 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha VXS Dimensions
2015 Yamaha VXS | Dimensions |
---|---|
Overall Length | 131.5 in (3340 mm) |
Overall Width | 48 in (1220 mm) |
Overall Height | 46.9 in (1190 mm) |
Dry Weight | 765 lb (347 kg) |
Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha VXS Fuel and Oil
2015 Yamaha VXS | Fuel and Oil |
---|---|
Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
Recommended engine oil type | SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
Recommended engine oil grade | API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL |
Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L) |
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter replacement) | 3.81 US qt. (3.6 L) |
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement) | 3.70 US qt. (3.5 L) |
Engine Oil Total Quantity | 5.6 US qt. (5.3 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS:What is a Yamaha VXS?
The VXS was a “budget” high-performance WaveRunner built on the lightweight VX platform.
When did the Yamaha VXS Come Out?
The Yamaha VXS was revealed in 2011.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the VXS?
Yamaha offered the VXS from 2011 to 2014 with the first generation, and form 2015 to 2016 with the second generation VX hull.
What Size was a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS?
The ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS measured 131.5 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.9 inches in height.
How Much Did a ’15-’16 VXS Weigh?
The dry weight of the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS was 765 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS?
The Yamaha VXS was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS?
The Yamaha VXS had a 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, DOHC, inline-4 Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Supercharged?
The Yamaha VXS utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.
Was the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha VXS had a 4-stroke engine.
Was the ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha VXS featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Have?
The Yamaha VXS delivered 180hp at 7600 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Hold?
The 2011-2014 Yamaha VXS held 5.6 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.81 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Hold?
The ’15-‘16 VXS was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the ’14-‘15 Yamaha VXS was 12.9 gph at full throttle.
What was the Cruising Range of the ’15-’16 VXS?
The cruising range of the Yamaha VXS was 1.44 hours at WOT.
How Fast Did a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha VXS was 66-68 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the ’15-’16 VXS Tow a a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater seat and stable hull, the VXS could tow a wakeboarder with ease.
Did the ’15-’16 VXS Have a Trim System?
The ’15-’16 VXS was designed with an electric trim system.
Did the ’15-’16 VXS Have a Reverse?
The VXS came standard with a RiDE electric brake and reverse system.
Did the ’15-’16 VXS Have a Brake?
The Yamaha VXS featured a brake system.
How Much Does a ’15-’16 Yamaha VXS Cost?
The asking price of a used 2015-2016 Yamaha VXS varies between $5,000 and $11,000 depending on the year and its condition.