Yamaha Introduces New TR-1 Engine for 2016 WaveRunner Lineup

1049cc Triple to power VX and V1 lineups

New watercraft are typically the high point of a manufacturer’s new year model introductions, but for Yamaha much of the excitement for 2016 is centered around an engine – the all-new TR-1 High Output. A long-awaited replacement for the aging MR-1 in its midrange VX and entry-level V1 lineups, the new TR-1 promises to deliver more power while significantly reducing the previous engine’s footprint.

Compact Three-Cylinder

Peek under the saddle of a VX or V1 model and you’ll quickly note the newfound room in the engine compartment. The TR-1 is surprisingly compact, a full 40% smaller (30” L x 21” W x 19”H) than its predecessor and weighing in at a mere 160 pounds.

Yamaha’s new TR-1 engine is smaller and more powerful than its predecessor.

Yamaha engineers achieved this compactness in several ways, including eliminating the reduction gear, integrating the oil tank, and attaching the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and air filter to the engine. The end result proves consistent with Yamaha’s stated goals for the project – to reduce the size and weight of the engine and offer better performance and fuel economy, while maintaining the brand’s well-earned reputation for reliability.

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Despite losing physical size and one cylinder, the 1,049cc triple reportedly produces 13 more horsepower than the MR-1. During a test ride of the TR-1 equipped VX Cruiser, I noted a far more crisp feeling to the TR-1, which seemed to immediately respond to throttle input. In contrast, the previous MR-1 could often feel simply underpowered. Overall the engine just feels noticeably more powerful. I topped out at 53.3 mph during my early July test ride in Georgia’s oppressive heat and humidity, a speed I would have guessed to be considerably higher. Fuel consumption figures were 3.7 gph at a comfortable 30 mph cruise, and 8.3 gph at full throttle.

Yamaha says its new three-cylindle mill produces about 13 more horsepower than the old MR-1.

The TR-1 High Output engine will replace the MR-1 in the VX, VX Deluxe, and VX Cruiser, as well as the entry-level V1 and V1 Sport.

New High-End VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO

In addition to the welcome engine introduction across the V1 and VX models, Yamaha also introduced two new variations on the VX platform aimed at the mid-range buyer that wants more than what the brand previously offered.

2015 Yamaha VX Cruiser Review

First up is the TR-1 powered VX Limited, which promises to appeal to the “active family who spends the entire day on the water and who are looking for the complete package.” That translates to several enhancements to the craft itself, including special color and graphics, four pull-up cleats, 12V plug for electronics, and a fancier 3D Yamaha logo. Off the craft it continues with a Tube Pack (color-matched tube, color-matched rope, tube inflator, and tube holder) and Accessory Pack (rope bag, ski tow eye, dry bag). Perhaps the most usable feature is a cover that incorporates a solar-panel battery charger to make sure your craft is always ready to hit the water.

2016 Yamaha VX Limited

The other new model, the VX Cruiser HO, is the lone VX to opt out of the TR-1 engine. Instead, the Cruiser HO makes the jump to the same non-supercharged version of Yamaha’s 1.8-liter flagship engine that powers the performance-minded VXR. That gives the craft substantially more power than any previous VX model, along with goodies like a comfy cruiser seat, no-wake mode, and cruise control.

2016 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO

As to the remaining models in the Yamaha 2016 lineup, the VXR/VXS, FX HO, FX Cruiser SHO, FZR, FX Cruiser SVHO and FX SVHO all return, as does the SuperJet for competition-use only. The latter even gets a little attention this time around, with two color choices.