2002-2007 Honda Aquatrax F12 Review and Specs [Video]
The Honda Aquatrax F12 and its turbocharged brother, the F12X were the first jet skis ever made by Honda. They were manufactured from 2002 through 2007 and were replaced by the more advanced R15 series.
If you want to find out more about these iconic skis, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Honda Aquatrax F12 review!
2002-2007 Honda Aquatrax F12 Review
Honda Aquatrax F12 Review
Honda entered the jet ski market in 2002 with the introduction of the all-new Aquatrax F12 and F12X. These machines officially debuted at the 2002 Miami International Boat Show.
The Aquatrax F12 family was among the first 4-stroke jet skis ever produced, competing with the Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC and the Yamaha WaveRunner FX140.
The F12 was the base model, featuring a 4-stroke, 1235cc, naturally-aspirated, DOHC, inline 4-cylinder engine.
This purpose-built Honda jet ski engine packed a lot of innovative features including an electronic fuel injection, a dry-sump lubrication system, an electric start, an open-circuit cooling system, and a water-cooled cast aluminum exhaust manifold.
In terms of performance numbers, the Aquatrax F12 delivered 125 HP at 7,750 RPM, which ensured a top speed of 60 mph. The engine power of the F12 was increased to 135 HP for the 2005 model year.
This engine was matched with a Solas 147mm jet pump, featuring a three-blade impeller with polished leading edges. This advanced propulsion system ensured minimum pump cavitation, translating to a long impeller life and quiet operation.
The fuel consumption of the Aquatrax F12 was 10.6 GPH at 7,750 RPM, which ensured a playtime of 1.8 hours at full throttle.
According to original press materials, the Aquatrax F12 complied with the 2006 Environmental Protection Agency and the 2004 California Air Resources Board emission standards.
The engine of the F12 was nestled in the well-designed Aquatrax hull, measuring 126 inches in length, 49 inches in width, and 41.7 inches in height. The dry weight of the ski was 745 pounds while its maximum weight capacity was 524 pounds.
This platform was designed to offer unique turning characteristics, which require a motorcycle-like riding style. It was made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic and housed a roomy and comfortable saddle rated at three riders.
Although the manufacturer emphasized the stability of the F12, it became very tippy at lower speeds, rolling over relatively easily.
What’s more, it didn’t have enough power to satisfy performance-minded riders. This was no surprise since the competitor Sea-Doo GTX had 155 HP while the naturally-aspirated Aquatrax F12 only offered 125 HP.
Although its turbocharged brother was rated at 165 HP, this model had a lot of issues that put off many customers.
Therefore, Honda jet skis never become as popular as their competitors and the Japanese manufacturer discontinued its Aquatrax PWC lineup after the 2009 season.
Today, these machines are very old, making it hard to find parts for them. On top of that, service shops are also prone to refusing to work on these vintage machines.
This means that buying these models would be a risky adventure.
If you are looking for a used ski, you may want to invest in a newer Yamaha WaveRunner or Sea-Doo instead!
Honda Aquatrax F12 Features
The standard features of the Honda Aquatrax F12 were as follows:
- Multifunction display
- Electronically controlled off-throttle steering (OTS) system
- Crankcase breather system
- Adjustable trim
- Storage capacity: 25.6 gallons
- Glove box
- Under-seat storage case
- 2-piece seat with seat strap
- Tool kit
- Safety lanyard
- 6-gallon fuel tank
- Mechanical reverse
- Riding modes
- Rear grab handle
- Reboarding step
- Mooring cleats
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Sponsons
- Deck mat
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- LIMIT MODE indicator
- WARNING lamp
- Low oil pressure indicator
- PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
- Low battery voltage indicator
- Engine cooling water temperature indicator
- Guel gauge
- Low fuel indicator
- Multi-function meter
- Clock
Honda Aquatrax F12 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2015 Honda Aquatrax F12 into these charts:Honda Aquatrax F12 Dimensions and Weight
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Dimensions and Weight (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Overall length | 126.0 in (3,200 mm) |
Overall width | 49.0 in (1,245 mm) |
Overall height | 41.7 in (1,060 mm) |
Dry weight | 745 lbs (338 kg) |
Hull material | fiberglass reinforced plastic |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Fuel and Lubricants
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Fuel and Lubricants (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Fuel recommendation | unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher |
Fuel tank capacity | 16.64 US gal (63.0 L) |
Engine oil capacity | (ARX1200N3) |
after disassembly | 5.3 US qt (5.0 L) |
after draining | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) |
after draining & oil filter change | 4.3 US qt (4.1 L) |
Engine oil recommendation | API Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving on the API service label. SAE 10W-40, JASO 4T Standard MA or MB. Pro Honda GN4, HP4 or HP4M 4-stroke oil or an equivalent motorcycle oil. |
Lubricant | Water-displacement corrosion-proof lubricant (without Teflon or molybdenum additives, such as CRC 6-56 or equivalent) |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, open circuit, direct flow from propulsion system |
Torque oil filter | 20 lbf·ft (26 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m) |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Capacities
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Capacities (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Passenger capacity | operator, two passengers |
Maximum weight capacity | 524 lbs (238 kg) - rider, passengers, all cargo |
Cargo capacity | front storage compartment: 22 lbs (10 kg), glove box : 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Engine
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Engine (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Engine type | four-stroke |
Displacement | 75.3 cu-in (1,235 cm3) |
Bore & stroke | 3.11 x 2.48 in (79.0 x 63.0 mm) |
Spark plug | IMR9D-9H |
Valve clearance (cold)- intake | 0.006 in (0.16 mm) |
exhaust | 0.01 in (0.26 mm) |
Spark plug gap | 0.031 – 0.035 in (0.80 – 0.90 mm) no adjustment |
Idle speed | 1,200 +/- 100 rpm |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Performance
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Performance (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Maximum output | 101 kW (135.4 HP)/ 7,750 rpm |
Fuel consumption | 10.6 US gal/hour (40 L /hour, at 7,750 rpm) |
Cruising range | 1.8 hours (at full throttle) |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Propulsion System
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Propulsion System (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
Minimum level for jet pump operation | 3 feet (90 cm) |
Impeller | 3-blade stainless steel |
Honda Aquatrax F12 Electrical Features
Honda Aquatrax F12 | Electrical Features (ARX1200N3) |
---|---|
Battery | 12 V-18 AH |
Generator | 0.31 kW/5,000 rpm |
Fuses - main | 30 A |
Fuses - other fuses | 5 A, 7.5 A |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2015 Honda Aquatrax F12!What is a Honda Aquatrax F12?
The Aquatrax F12 was a 4-stroke, 3-seater, sit-down jet ski manufactured by Honda.
When did the Aquatrax F12 Come Out?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 was introduced in 2002.
What Years Did Honda Make the Aquatrax F12?
Honda marketed the Aquatrax F12 from 2002 through 2007.
What Size was a Honda Aquatrax F12?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 measured 126 inches in length, 49 inches in width, and 41.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Weigh?
The curb weight of the Honda Aquatrax F12 was 745 pounds.
What Size Storage Compartment Did the Aquatrax F12 Have?
The total storage capacity of the Aquatrax F12 was 25.6 gallons, split into a standard bow storage, a glovebox, and a storage case under the rear seat.
How Many People Could Ride on a Honda Aquatrax F12?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 could carry 3 adult riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Honda Aquatrax F12?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1235cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Honda engine.
Was the Honda Aquatrax F12 Supercharged?
No, the Honda Aquatrax F12 was powered by a naturally-aspirated engine.
Was the Honda Aquatrax F12 a 4-stroke?
Yes, the Honda Aquatrax F12 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Have?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 produced 125 or 135 HP depending on its year. (2002-2004: 125 HP, 2005-2006: 135 HP.)
What Oil Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Use?
According to the operator’s manual, the Honda Aquatrax F12 used SAE10W-40 engine oil (JASO 4T Standard MA or MB).
How Much Oil Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Hold?
The oil capacity of the Honda Aquatrax F12 was 5.3 US quarts (5.0 L).
How Much Fuel Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Hold?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 was equipped with a 16.64-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Use?
The fuel consumption of the Honda Aquatrax F12 was about 10.6 GPH at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the Honda Aquatrax F12?
The fuel range of the F12 was about 100 miles at full throttle, which equals 1.8 hours of playtime.
How Fast Did a Honda Aquatrax F12 Go?
The top speed of a Honda Aquatrax F12 was about 60 mph.
Did the Honda Aquatrax F12 Have a Reverse?
Yes, the Honda Aquatrax F12 came with a mechanical reverse.
Did the Honda Aquatrax F12 Have a Brake?
No, the Honda Aquatrax F12 was manufactured without a brake system.
Did the Honda Aquatrax F12 Have Speakers?
The Honda Aquatrax F12 was marketed without speakers.
Could the Honda Aquatrax F12 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Honda Aquatrax F12 could tow a wakeboarder or skier with ease.
Did the 2022 Honda Aquatrax F12 Have Electric Trim?
Yes, the Honda Aquatrax F12 was marketed with electric trim.
How Much Does a Honda Aquatrax F12 Cost?
The asking price of a used Honda Aquatrax F12 varies between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the year and its condition.