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2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review and Specs [Video]
The 2016 Yamaha VX Deluxe was a more advanced configuration of the base VX WaveRunner. These skis featured the second-generation VX platform and the same TR-1 marine engine. As the name suggests, the Deluxe came standard with some extra features like a Yamaha Security System with a remote control transmitter, reboarding step, and some custom gauge functions.
If you want to find out more about this recreation WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this review!
2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review
Yamaha VX Deluxe Hull
The 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe shared its second-generation VX platform with its relatives, namely the base VX, VX Cruiser, VX Limited, and the top-of-the-line Cruiser HO.
This shell was released in 2015 to replace its outdated predecessor.
Unlike its first-generation forerunner, the new VX hull was longer, wider, and significantly heavier.
While the body of the base VX was made of heavier fiberglass-reinforced plastic, the VX Deluxe enjoyed the lighter and stiffer NanoXcel.
Thanks to this unique hull material, the dry weight of the VX Deluxe was only 664 pounds, 44 pounds lighter than its base counterpart.
Its spacious top deck offered plenty of room, plus it had an extended rear platform. It enclosed a 19-gallon front storage, a 1.5-gallon seat storage, and a 0.9-gallon glove compartment.
Even though this model lacked the bolstered Cruiser seat, its relatively flat two-piece saddle was rated for two riders.
Yamaha VX Deluxe Engine
Except for the much more powerful VX Cruiser HO, the heart of each 2016-2020 VX WaveRunner was the innovative TR-1 Yamaha engine.
This marine engine was a naturally-aspirated, 4-stroke, DOHC, 1049cc, fuel-injected triple, which cranked out 115hp out of the box. Interestingly, it was derived from Yamaha’s snowmobile division.
The main specifications of this entry-level WaveRunner engine were as follows:
- 4-stroke, inline-3, DOHC architecture
- Displacement: 1049cc
- Bore x stroke: 82 x 66.2 mm
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Lubrication: Dry sump
- Ignition: TCI
- Fuel system: fuel injection
- Start: Electric
- Cooling system: Open loop
- Spark plugs: NGK CR9EB
Yamaha VX Deluxe Features
Unlike the standard VX, the Deluxe enjoyed some extra features, which were as follows:
- Reboarding step
- Yamaha security system
- Remote control transmitter
- Custom color scheme
- Extra gauge functions: low RPM mode, no-wake mode, cruise assist
(Aside from these dissimilarities and a different hull material, the VX and the VX Deluxe were completely identical.)
Other standard features of the 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe were as follows:
- RiDE brake and reverse system
- Front storage compartment (19 gal.)
- Glovebox (1.9 gal.)
- Under-seat storage (1.5 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 handgrip
- Two-piece seat for three riders
- Dual mirrors
- Padded handlebars
- Fuel cock knob
- Sponsons
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
The ski was also designed with a digital information center, which provided many useful functions, including:
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Oil pressure warning indicator
- Engine overheat warning indicator
- Check engine warning indicator
- Shift indicator
- Fuel indicator
- Fuel level meter
- Low RPM mode
- No-wake mode
- Cruise Assist
Yamaha VX Deluxe Top Speed and Performance
Thanks to its well-designed hull and lively 115hp engine, the VX Deluxe offered a decent performance. Width a light load, it could reach a top speed of 52-53 mph, and its 0-30 mph time was in the ballpark of 2.4-2.6 seconds.
Sure, it was noticeably slower than the Cruiser HO with the 1.8L engine, but its power was more than enough for a lot of WaveRunner riders.
Riding at WOT, this ski consumed 8.8 gph, which converted to a cruising range of 2.09 hours. If you weren’t in a hurry, the fuel flow could be decreased to 3.3-3.5 gph while cruising at 30-32 mph.
The enlarged VX hull proved to be more stable and predictable than its predecessor, which was a game changer for novice riders. They also appreciated the RiDE electric brake and reverse system, which ensured easy handling and a smooth operation.
Even though this innovative brake system added some complexity to the propulsion system, the VX Deluxe was still one of the most reliable PWCs of its time.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this model instantly became popular among everyday customers and PWC rental shops as well.
2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe in these charts:
Engine Specs
| 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-stroke, TR-1 Yamaha marine engine |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 1049 cm³ |
| Bore and Stroke | 82.0 × 66.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Cooling System | Water cooled |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Ignition System | T.C.I. |
| Valve clearance-intake (cold): | 0.15-0.22 mm (0.0059-0.0087 in) |
| Valve clearance-exhaust (cold): | 0.26-0.32 mm (0.0102-0.0126 in) |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in) |
| Spark Plugs Type | NGK CR9EB |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Drive Unit
| 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Angle | 24 + 24 ° |
Performance
| 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 8.8 US gal/h (33.5 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 2.09 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1500 +/- 100 r/min |
Dimensions
| 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 131.9 in (3350 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48 in (1220 mm) |
| Overall Height | 46.9 in (1190 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 664 lb (301 kg) |
| Maximum people on board | 3 person |
| Maximum load capacity | 530 lb (240 kg) |
Fuel and Oil
| 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Deluxe | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON / 90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil | YAMALUBE 4W or 4-stroke motor oil |
| Recommended engine oil type SAE | SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| Recommended engine oil grade API | API SG, SH, SJ, SL |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter) | 3.59 US qt. (3.4 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter) | 3.38 US qt. (3.2 L) |
| Total Amount | 3.91 US qt. (3.7 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 this popular Yamaha personal watercraft:
What is a Yamaha VX Deluxe?
The VX Deluxe is a recreational runabout WaveRunner built on the VX platform.
When did the Gen2 Yamaha VX Deluxe Come Out?
The second-generation Yamaha VX Deluxe was released in 2015 and was upgraded with the new TR-1 engine in 2016.
What Size was a ’16-’20 Yamaha VX Deluxe?
The ’16-’20 Yamaha VX Deluxe measured 131.9 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.9 inches in height.
How Much Did a ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Deluxe Weigh?
The dry weight of the ‘16-‘20 Yamaha VX Deluxe weighed 664 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a VX Deluxe?
The VX Deluxe could carry three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Deluxe?
The power source of the ’16-’20 VX Deluxe was a 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, 1049cc, triple-cylinder, TR-1 Yamaha marine engine.
Was the Gen2 VX Deluxe Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha VX Deluxe featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a Gen2 VX Deluxe Have?
The 2016 Yamaha VX Deluxe produced 115hp in stock condition.
How Much Oil Did a ’16-‘20 VX Deluxe Hold?
The Yamaha VX Deluxe held 3.91 quarts of engine oil, of which 3.59 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a ‘16-’20 VX Deluxe Hold?
The Yamaha VX Deluxe held 18.5 gallons of fuel.
How Much Fuel Did a VX Deluxe Use?
The fuel consumption of the TR-1-powered VX Deluxe was 8.8 gph at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Deluxe?
The claimed cruising range of this PWC was 2.09 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Deluxe Go?
The Yamaha VX Deluxe topped out at 52-53 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Yamaha VX Deluxe Tow a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater saddle and ski hook, the VX Deluxe could legally tow a skier or wakeboarder.
Did the VX Have a Trim System?
The Yamaha VX Deluxe was designed without a trim system.
Did the ’16-’20 Yamaha VX Deluxe Have a Brake or Reverse?
The ’16-’20 VX Deluxe came standard with a RiDE brake and reverse system.
