2014 Yamaha VXR Review

Class-topping speed and handling at a bargain price

Sixty-five miles-per-hour has been the benchmark speed in PWC performance for years. It’s a speed, however, that always came with a catch. To reach it, you had to plunk down plenty of cash. That magic 6-5 was a speed reserved for customers with deep pockets.

Yamaha’s VXR changed all that.

Power And Weight: A Magical Combo

The VXR follows a simple formula. Take a lot of horsepower, put it in an existing, lightweight hull, and you’ve got a bargain-priced screamer. Neither piece of the puzzle was anything new. The hull in question is borrowed from the introductory VX line, and lightened through the use of Yamaha’s NanoXcell hull technology. The engine, too, comes from existing models. It’s the versatile 1.8-liter shared by numerous models in the Yamaha lineup, but made far less expensive, not to mention lighter, by foregoing the supercharger and intercooler.

Perhaps the best value in the industry for performance junkies, the Yamaha VXR’s arm-stretching speed and lightweight hull will keep you smiling.

As you would expect, the boat boasts an advantageous horsepower-to-weight ratio. Grab a handful of throttle and you’ll reach 30 mph in as little as 1.8 seconds. Keep that throttle pinned and you’ll top out at 65 mph…just like the big boys.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Yamaha VXS

But you’ll do it for an investment of only $11,699. A significant amount for sure, but consider that you’d normally have to spend nearly $3,000 more to play in this arena.

Even with no supercharger or intercooler, the VXR can go from 0-30 mph in under two seconds.

The VXR’s handling also puts it solidly among the elite. Light and quick, it carves into a turn as tight as you can push it. In fact, the VXR is likely one of the most aggressive handling craft on the market. The catch? With all that power and light attitude, you’d better be up for the ride. That big power/low weight combo means the VXR can be an intimidating ride should you make a mistake.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Ultra LX

The key is body positioning. I’ve gotten the best results on the VXR by shifting my weight further back in the saddle and letting off on the throttle ever so slightly just before a turn. Then I crank the bars, punch that throttle, and whip on through the corner with the hull completely hooked up. Thankfully, it’s a relatively brief learning curve. And once you’ve put in the time, the reward is a true thrill ride, one that will satisfy even the most experienced performance junkie.

Body positioning is key in controlling the lightweight VXR.

Thrills…Not Frills

A supercharger-less engine and borrowed hull design aren’t the only ways that Yamaha has lowered the VXR price. The VXR also forgoes the many extras that we’ve become accustomed to on today’s PWC.

Extras are few on the VXR, but you do get side mirrors so you can see all the other craft trying to keep up with you.

In other words, don’t expect any high-dollar amenities. You won’t get cruise control or a no-wake mode, familiar features from other models that hit this speed target. You won’t even get tilt steering or nozzle trim. Yamaha’s goal was to get the VXR back to the basics of what made early PWC fun. And, it doesn’t need the extras. As previously mentioned, the hull handles with aggressive precision already. Nozzle trim likely wouldn’t make that much of a difference.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Sea-Doo GTR 215

That’s not to say the craft is stripped to the bone. It does feature reverse, which makes for easier maneuvering around tight dock areas or the launch ramp, and rearview mirrors to keep tabs on what’s behind (essential when you consider how quick this boat can turn). Aft, you’ll find a boarding step to ease getting back aboard from the water. The VXR also includes Yamaha’s keyfob-based remote security lock, which locks the ignition to prevent unauthorized use. And don’t forget the textured, bolstered seat and chrome accents. The former actually pays big dividends to keep you locked in place in the seat and in control of the craft, while the latter adds a touch of high-end style.

A bolstered seat does a good job of keeping you locked in place.

Beyond that, however, it’s back-to-basics time. Except this basic runs with the big boys. Or maybe even outruns them…