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2015 Yamaha V1 and V1 Sport Review and Specs [Video]

2015 Yamaha V1 and V1 Sport Review and Specs [Video]

The 2015 Yamaha V1 was the simplest and most affordable Yamaha WaveRunner of its time. It was built on the “old” VX hull and featured a de-tuned MR1 engine rated at 102hp. In 2016, this ski was upgraded with the more advanced TR1 marine engine, which delivered 110hp.

If you want to find out more about this entry-level Yamaha WaveRunner, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha V1 review!

2015 Yamaha V1 Review

Yamaha V1 Hull

The affordable Yamaha V1 was Yamaha’s first answer to Sea-Doo’s Spark series. (Later on, the Japanese manufacturer released the EX series to compete with the Sparks).

In a nutshell, the 2015 V1 was a stripped-down 2014 VX Sport WaveRunner. It featured the first-generation VX hull but lacked some convenience features like a brake, reverse, and reboarding step.

This entry-level PWC built its reputation on outstanding reliability and affordability. This was no surprise since it was designed with rental companies in mind.

The platform of the V1 was the first-generation VX hull, which debuted on the 2005 VX110 Sport and VX 110 Deluxe WaveRunners.

Over the years this shell was used as a base for many great skis like the VX series, the sporter VXR, and VXS.

In 2015 this platform was replaced with the heavily redesigned, second-generation VX hull made of NanoXcel.

Unlike its more advanced brothers, the V1 still featured the old VX hull and top deck, which was made of traditional FRP.

In terms of dimensions, the Yamaha V1 measured 126.8 inches in length and 46.1 inches in width. Its relatively flat, one-piece saddle could accommodate three riders with a maximum load capacity of 530 pounds.

The spacious top deck housed a 13.2-gallon front storage, a 1.8-gallon glovebox, and an enlarged 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

Yamaha V1 Engine

The heart of the Yamaha V1 was a de-tuned configuration of the proven MR1 Yamaha marine engine, which was derived from the high-performance R1 motorcycle. This 4-stroke, 1052cc, DOHC, inline-4 powerhouse delivered 102hp at 8000 RPM.

The main specifications of this engine were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, inline-3 architecture
  • Bore x stroke: 76 x 58 mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.4:1
  • Dry sump lubrication
  • DOHC
  • TCI ignition system
  • Fuel injection system
  • Electric start
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • NGK CR9EB spark plugs

Yamaha V1 Features

Even though the V1 lacked the RiDE brake and reverse system and a reboarding step, it still enjoyed many other very useful features, including:

  • Front storage compartment (13.2 US gal)
  • Glovebox (1.8 US gal)
  • Fire extinguisher holder
  • Hydro-Turf deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
  • Drain plugs
  • Rope holes
  • Rear grab handle
  • One-piece saddle
  • Dual mirrors
  • Padded handlebars
  • Fuel cock knob
  • Sponsons
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
The V1 also came standard with a digital dashboard that displayed a lot of useful watercraft information, including:
  • Speedometer
  • Tachometer
  • Fuel level meter
  • Hour meter/Voltmeter
  • Check engine warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • Fuel warning indicator
  • Oil pressure warning indicator
  • “WARNING” light

Yamaha V1 Top Speed and Performance

Designed to be a rental WaveRunner, the V1 offered a smooth and predictable riding experience.

Sure, it wasn’t the fastest ski in the fleet, but its performance was more than enough for novice riders.

Under ideal conditions, you could expect its 0-30mph time to be 2.5-2.7 seconds while it topped out at 52-54 mpg on GPS. Since the gauge of this ski was very inaccurate, it often showed 56-58 mpg on the speedo.

Riding at this speed, the V1 consumed 6.8 gallons of gas per hour, so its 18.5-gallon fuel tank ensured 2.73 hours of operation.

Cruising at 23-25 mph, the fuel usage decreased to 2.5-2.7 gph, which increased the cruising time up to 7-7.5 hours.

The V1 was also claimed to be the easiest PWC on the market to maintain, and with good reason.

It was as simple as its vintage predecessors since it was only designed with the most necessary components. With little exaggeration, it only featured a body and a detuned engine, and no other bells and whistles that could have broken.

Thanks to its simplicity, durability, and great fuel economy, this robust WaveRunner instantly become popular among beginners and rental companies.

Yamaha only offered this model in two years, 2015 with the MR1 and in 2016 with the more advanced TR1 engine.

2015 Yamaha V1 Sport Review

The Yamaha V1 Sport was basically a V1 with some more features like a reboarding step, manual reverse, glovebox, beverage holder, and custom graphics. Due to these extra features, the Sport was almost 2 inches longer and 9 pounds heavier than its base sibling.

Aside from these differences, the V1 and the V1 Sport were completely identical.

2015 Yamaha V1 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2015 Yamaha V1 and V1 Sport into these charts:

Engine Specs

2015 Yamaha V1/V1 SportEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, MR1 Yamaha marine engine
Number of cylinders3
Displacement1052 cm³ (64.2 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke76 × 58 mm (2.99 × 2.28 in)
Compression Ratio11.4:1
Lubrication systemDry sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemT.C.I.
Valve clearance-intake (cold):0.11-0.20 mm (0.0043-0.0079 in)
Valve clearance-exhaust (cold):0.25-0.34 mm (0.0098-0.0134 in)
Spark Plug Gap0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
Spark Plugs TypeNGK CR9EB
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Drive Unit

2015 Yamaha V1/V1 SportDrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24 + 24 °

Performance

2015 Yamaha V1/V1 SportPerformance
Maximum Output102hp (75.0 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption6.8 US gal/h (25.7 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle2.73 hr.
Trolling speed1650 +/-50 r/min

Dimensions

2015 Yamaha V1/V1 SportDimensions
Overall Length (V1)126.8 in (3220 mm)
Overall Length (V1 Sport)128.7 in (3270 mm)
Overall Width46.1 in (1170 mm)
Overall Height45.7 in (1160 mm)
Dry Weight (V1)736 lb (334 kg)
Dry Weight (V1 Sport)745 lb (338 kg)
Maximum people on board3 person
Maximum load capacity530 lb (240 kg)

Fuel and Oil

2015 Yamaha V1/V1 SportFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON / 90 RON
Recommended engine oil type SAESAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade APIAPI SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter)2.33 US qt. (2.2 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter)2.11 US qt. (2.0 L)
Total Amount4.55 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 Yamaha V1:

What is a Yamaha V1?

The V1 was an entry-level runabout Yamaha WaveRunner.

When did the Yamaha V1 Come Out?

The Yamaha V1 was introduced in 2015.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the V1?

Yamaha manufactured the V1 with the MR1 engine in 2015 and with the TR1 engine in 2016.

What Size was a Yamaha V1?

The Yamaha V1 measured 126.8 inches in length, 46.1 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height. The V1 sport variant was 1.9 inches longer due to its reboarding step.

How Much Did a 2015 Yamaha V1 Weigh?

The dry weight of the 2015 Yamaha V1 was 736 pounds while the 2015 V1 Sport weighed 745 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a V1?

The Yamaha V1 was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the 2015 Yamaha V1?

The 2015 Yamaha V1 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1052cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, MR1 Yamaha marine engine.

Was the Yamaha V1 Supercharged?

The V1 utilized a 4-stroke, naturally aspirated engine configuration.

Was the Yamaha V1 Fuel Injected?

The Yamaha V1 featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a 2015 Yamaha V1 Have?

The 2015 Yamaha V1 delivered 75kW (102hp) at 8,000 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha V1 Hold?

The Yamaha V1 held 4.55 quarts of engine oil, of which 2.33 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a 2015 V1 Hold?

The Yamaha V1 was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a V1 Use?

The claimed fuel economy of the Yamaha V1 was 6.8 gph at WOT and about 2.7 gph at 25 mph.

What was the Fuel Range of the 2015 Yamaha V1?

The cruising range of this ski was 2.73 hours at full throttle.

How Fast Did a 2015 Yamaha V1 Go?

The top speed of a 2015 Yamaha V1 WaveRunner was about 52-54 mph on the GPS.

Could the Yamaha V1 Tow a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-seater saddle and factory-installed tow hook, the V1 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the V1 Have a Trim System?             

The V1 was designed without a manual trim.

Did the Yamaha V1 Have a Brake or Reverse?  

The V1 came standard without a brake and reverse system, while the V1 Sport enjoyed a manual reverse.

How Much Does a 2015 Yamaha V1 Cost?

The asking price of a nice 2015 Yamaha V1 varies between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on its condition.