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2016-2020 Yamaha VX Limited Review and Specs [Video]

2016-2020 Yamaha VX Limited Review and Specs [Video]

The Yamaha VX Limited was the most advanced VX WaveRunner in the late 2010s with its 1.0L TR1 engine option. This model was virtually a VX Deluxe with some extra features and a Limited accessory package. Its larger brother was the high-end VX Cruiser HO, which came standard with the 1.8L engine option.

If you want to find out more about the popular VX Limited, this post is for you.

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

2016-2020 Yamaha VX Limited Review

Yamaha VX Limited Hull

The Yamaha VX Limited shared its second-generation VX platform with the rest of the VX series.

This shell replaced its first-generation predecessor in 2015 and was manufactured unchanged until 2020.

While the hull material of the base VX was standard fiberglass reinforced plastic, the more advanced VX models were made of a lighter NanoXcel material.

Thanks to this material, the dry weight of the VX Limited was only 668 pounds. In terms of dimensions, the ski measured 131.9 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.9 inches in height.

Its large deck offered plenty of space and could also accommodate 21.4 gallons of gear and 18.5 gallons of fuel.

Yamaha VX Limited Engine

The heart of the Yamaha VX Limited was the TR-1 marine engine, which came from Yamaha’s snowmobile division. This 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, 1049cc, fuel-injected triple delivered 115hp at 8000 RPM.

The all-new TR-1 was not only 13 horsepower more powerful but was also about 20 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller than the MR-1.

The main specifications of the Yamaha TR-1 engine were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, inline-3 architecture
  • Displacement: 1049cc
  • Performance: 115hp at 8000 RPM
  • Bore x stroke: 82 x 66.2 mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.0:1
  • Lubrication: Dry sump
  • Valve system: DOHC
  • Ignition: TCI
  • Fuel system: fuel injection
  • Start: Electric
  • Cooling system: Open loop
  • Spark plugs: NGK CR9EB

Yamaha VX Limited Features

The VX Limited was released to be the most featured VX WaveRunner available. Compared to the basic VX, it had some extra features that also came standard on its Cruiser variants:

  • Bolstered Limited seat
  • Reboarding step
  • Yamaha security system
  • Remote control transmitter
  • Custom color scheme
  • Extra gauge functions: low RPM mode, no-wake mode, cruise assist

Besides the above, the VX Limited enjoyed some additional model-specific features as well as the Limited accessory package. In a nutshell, the elements of these were as follows:

  • Pop-up cleats
  • 12V glovebox socket
  • Solar charger for battery
  • Rear accessory bag
  • Towable tube
  • Tube tie down
  • Tow rope
  • Dry bag
  • 12V pump
  • OEM cover
  • Custom color scheme

Other standard features of the 2016-2020 Yamaha VX Limited included:

  • RiDE brake and reverse system
  • 19-gallon front storage compartment
  • 1.9-gallon glovebox
  • 1.5-gallon seat storage
  • Fire extinguisher holder
  • Hydro-Turf deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • 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 Limited was also marketed with an innovative digital information center, which provided a lot of 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 Limited Top Speed and Performance

Thanks to its lightweight NanoXcel hull and 125hp TR-1 engine option, the VX Limited topped out at 52-54 mph. The 0-30 mph time of the ski was also in the ballpark of 2.5-2.6 seconds.

Its claimed fuel consumption was 8.8 gph at WOT, which could be decreased to 3.3-3.5 gph while cruising at 30 mph.

Besides its great fuel economy and lively performance, riders appreciated the safety and easy handling of the RiDE brake and reverse system. This innovative system came standard on any Yamaha WaveRunner except for some entry-level models.

In terms of riding experience, the VX Limited was known for its smooth and predictable attitude.

Compared to the first-generation (pre-2015) VX models, the VX Limited was larger and heavier, so it sat deeper in the water, which ensured better stability and rough-water performance.

Even though it wasn’t as stable as the touring FX, it remained fairly stable even with a passenger onboard.

The VX Limited could also be used for a variety of activities like pleasure riding, touring, and even tow sports.

2016-2020 VX Limited Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2016-2020 VX Limited in these charts:

Engine Specs

2016-2020 Yamaha VX LimitedEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, TR1 Yamaha marine engine
Number of cylinders3
Displacement1049 cm³
Bore and Stroke82.0 × 66.2 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:1
Lubrication systemDry sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemT.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 Gap0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
Spark Plugs TypeNGK CR9EB
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Drive Unit

2016-2020 Yamaha VX LimitedDrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Angle24 + 24 °

Performance

2016-2020 Yamaha VX LimitedPerformance
Maximum output84.6 kW (115hp) at 8000 r/min
Maximum Fuel Consumption8.8 US gal/h (33.5 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle2.09 hr.
Trolling speed1500 +/- 100 r/min

Dimensions

2016-2020 Yamaha VX LimitedDimensions
Overall Length131.9 in (3350 mm)
Overall Width48 in (1220 mm)
Overall Height46.9 in (1190 mm)
Dry Weight668 lb (303 kg)
Maximum people on board3 person
Maximum load capacity530 lb (240 kg)

Fuel and Oil

2016-2020 Yamaha VX LimitedFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON / 90 RON
Recommended engine oilYAMALUBE 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Recommended engine oil type SAESAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade APIAPI SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 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 Amount3.91 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 Limited?

The VX Limited was a high-end recreational Yamaha WaveRunner built on the second-generation VX hull.

When did the Yamaha VX Limited Come Out?

The Yamaha VX Limited was released in 2016.

What Size was a ’16-’20 Yamaha VX Limited?

The ’16-’20 VX Limited measured 131.9 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.9 inches in height.

How Much Did a ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Limited Weigh?

The dry weight of the ‘16-‘20 VX Limited was 668 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a VX Limited?

The VX Limited was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Limited?

The power source of the ’16-’20 VX Limited was a 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, 1.0L, TR-1 Yamaha marine engine.

Was the VX Limited Fuel Injected?

The Yamaha VX Limited featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a VX Limited Have?

The Yamaha VX Limited produced 115hp (84.6 kW) at 8000 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a ’16-‘20 VX Limited Hold?

The Yamaha VX Limited held 3.91 quarts of engine oil, of which 3.59 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a ‘16-’20 VX Limited Hold?

The fuel capacity of the VX Limited was 18.5 gallons.

How Much Fuel Did a VX Limited Use?

The WOT fuel economy of the VX Limited was 8.8 gph.

What was the Fuel Range of the ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Limited?

The claimed cruising range of the VX Limited was 2.09 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a ’16-‘20 Yamaha VX Limited Go?

The top speed of the ’16-‘20 VX Limited was 52-54 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Yamaha VX Limited Tow a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-seater saddle, the VX Limited could legally tow a wakeboarder.

Did the VX Have a Trim System?             

The Yamaha VX Limited was manufactured without a trim system.

Did the ’16-’20 Yamaha VX Limited Have a Brake or Reverse?  

The ’16-’20 VX Limited came standard with a RiDE brake and reverse system.