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Honda AquaTrax R-12X Review and Specs [Video]
The Honda AquaTrax R-12X was a turbocharged variant of its less powerful non-turbo R-12 sibling. These skis were built on the sporty R AquaTrax platform and housed 4-stroke engines that delivered 165 and 125hp, respectively.
If you want to find out more about this turbocharged AquaTrax, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Review
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Hull
The Honda Aquatrax R-12X was one of the few factory-built turbocharged PWCs.It was built on the lively R AquaTrax hull, which measured 120.6 inches in length, 45.4 inches in width, and 40.8 inches in height. This body was made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, so the dry weight of the R-12X was only 746 pounds.
It featured a different, more aggressive hull design than the 3-seater F-12 series. The R-12X was also 3.6 inches narrower and 5.4 inches shorter while having a smaller, 2-seater saddle.
In terms of capacities, this machine underperformed its 3-seater brothers, since its weight capacity was only 338 pounds.
The storage capacity of the ski was also surprisingly little, the tiny glovebox and front storage unit could only accommodate 5.8 gallons of gear.
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Engine
As a rule of thumb, the AquaTrax R-12 and R-12X were completely equivalent, except the latter featured a turbocharged engine while the R-12 had a naturally aspirated heart.Both of these engines were based on the same 4-stroke, 1235cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, inline-4 Honda marine power source. But while the naturally-aspirated variant delivered 125hp at 7000 RPM, the turbocharged model cranked out 165hp at 6100 RPM.
These jet skis enjoyed many advanced technologies, including:
- 4-stroke, inline-4 architecture
- DOHC valve system
- Electronic keyless ignition system
- Side-mounted, silent-type cam chain
- IMR9D-9H Iridium-tip spark plugs
- Honda Ignition Control System (ICS)
- Off-throttle steering system (OTS)
- High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI)
- Four 43 psi fuel injectors with 38mm throttle bodies
- ECU-provided fuel injection maps for each cylinder
- Stainless steel oil cooler
- Dry-sump oil system
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Features
The standard features on the AquaTrax R-12X include:- Electronic keyless ignition system
- Engine shut-off switch
- Safety lanyard
- Bow storage
- Glovebox
- Tool kit compartment
- Fire extinguisher compartment
- Sponsons
- Trim system
- Finger throttle lever
- Manual reverse
- One-piece seat for 2
- Bow and stern eyelets
- Deck mats
- Drain plugs
The multifunction gauge of the R12-X provided a lot of valuable riding information, and its most important features were as follows:
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Fuel gauge
- Low fuel indicator
- Multifunction meter
- Low battery voltage indicator
- Engine overheating indicator
- Limit mode indicator
- Low oil pressure indicator
- PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp
- Warning lamp
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Top Speed and Performance
Thanks to its high-performance turbocharged PWC engine, the top speed of the AquaTrax R-12X was 60-62 mph under ideal conditions. In contrast, its non-turbo variant was 5-7 mph slower but much better on gas.The claimed fuel consumption of the R-12X was 13.84 gph at full speed, which could be decreased to about 4 gph at cruising speed.
Its fuel capacity was 16.64 gallons, so the cruising range at these speeds was 1.2 hours and 4.1 hours, respectively.
Besides its amazing top speed, the R-12X was also known for having an amazing throttle response, smooth operation, and great maneuverability.
Compared to the larger F-12, it was quicker and much more nimble, yet it remained more predictable in tight turns.
Due to its different platform and high-positioned seat, the R-12X offered drier rides but it did have a higher center of gravity, which made it tippy with an adult passenger onboard.
Therefore, this ski was primarily recommended for solo rides, just like its competitors like the Sea-Doo RXP 215 and the Yamaha GP1300R.
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Problems
Even though Honda AquaTrax PWCs built their reputation on reliability and durability, they weren’t completely bulletproof.One of the most common problems with the R-12X was that its turbo and waste gate solenoid were prone to getting stuck.
A stuck turbo was easy to recognize since it instantly decreased the top speed of the ski to 20-30 mph.
This issue could be typically fixed by spraying the turbo with a penetrating lubricant. After waiting 15 minutes you could free up the turbo by spinning it using shop rag or glove.
However, best practice was to prevent these issues by spraying down the waste gate actuator and the turbo after each ride.
Another drawback of the R-12X was its complex electrical system. Compared to simple 2-strokes, this ski utilized many sensors that were prone to fouling the ECU.On top of that, it took premium gas and lacked a lot of important features like a ski eye and a reboarding step. Consequently, this PWC couldn’t be used for tow sports.
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specs of the 2006 Honda AquaTrax R-12X in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Honda AquaTrax R-12X Engine Specs
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-stroke, inline-4 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1235 cm³ (75.3 cu. in) |
| Bore and Stroke | 79 × 63 mm (3.11 × 2.48 in) |
| Supercharged | Yes |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled, open circuit, direct flow from propulsion system |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in) |
| Spark Plugs Type | IMR9D-9H |
| Valve clearance (cold) – Intake | 0.006 in (0.16mm) |
| Valve clearance (cold) – Exhaust | 0.01 in (0.26mm) |
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Propulsion
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Minimum level for jet pump operation | 3 feet (90 cm) |
| Impeller | 3-blade, stainless steel |
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Performance
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 165hp (121.4 kW) @ 6100 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 13.84 US gal/h (52.4 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 1.2 hours |
| Idle speed | 1200 +/- 100 r/min |
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Dimensions
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 120.6 in (3062 mm) |
| Overall Width | 45.4 in (1154 mm) |
| Overall Height | 40.8 in (1036 mm) |
| Passenger capacity | Operator and one passenger |
| Cargo capacity | Front storage compartment: 6.6 lbs (3 kg), glove box: 1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
| Maximum weight capacity | 338 lbs (153.5 kg) rider, passenger, all cargo |
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Fuel and Lubricant
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Unleaded Premium Gasoline |
| Pump octane number | 91 or higher |
| Fuel capacity | 16.64 US gal (63.0 L) |
| Recommended engine oil type | 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 (without molybdenum additives) or HP4M (with molybdenum additives) 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) |
| Engine oil capacity – after disassembly | 5.6 US qt. (5.3 L) |
| Engine oil capacity – after draining | 4.4 US qt. (4.2 L) |
| Engine oil capacity – after draining & oil filter change | 4.5 US qt. (4.3 L) |
Honda AquaTrax R-12X Electric System
| 2006 AquaTrax R-12X | Electric System |
|---|---|
| Battery | 12 V – 18 Ah |
| Generator | 0.31 kW/5,000 RPM |
| Main fuse | 30 A |
| Other fuses | 5 A, 7.5 A |
