Access More Boat Tests
Already have an account? Login
Price
See the price by becoming
a BoatTEST member.
Members Must Log In
Brief Summary
The Yamaha EXR is the top-of-the-line in the Yamaha EX series with a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha marine engine. Yamaha has added a high-performance intake and an extended nozzle to improve the EXR’s operating capabilities. Yamaha further enhanced the EXR by incorporating their exclusive NanoXcel 2 technology into the design, increasing the performance and efficiency by reducing the weight of the craft by 60-lbs. (27 kg). Add the RiDE Drivers switch trigger enabling the driver to go from forward to neutral to reverse with one pull of the throttle. The result is easier deceleration, reversing and docking.
Key Features
- 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, High Output Yamaha marine engine
- 1 to 3-persons rider capacity
- 7.7-gallons (29 L) of storage capacity
- NanoXcel®2 lightweight construction
- Reverse RiDE™ with traction control
- Dual sideview mirrors
- Deck mats
Specifications
Length Overall | 123.6'' / 3.14 m |
---|---|
Beam |
44.5'' 1.13 m |
Dry Weight |
540 lbs. 245 kg |
Draft | N/A |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Person Capacity | 3 |
Fuel Capacity |
13.2 gal. 50 L |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
Currently no test numbers |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 1049cc 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha Marine Engine |
Opt. Power |
Not Available |
Captain's Report
Learn More
Watch Our Video
Contents of Report
Mission
Yamaha has combined their extensive knowledge and experience to refine their highest performing personal watercraft in their EX series, the EXR WaveRunner. Yamaha’s EXR is designed to provide an exciting experience on the water at a modest purchase price. The EXR is agile, fun and playful, with a more powerful engine, Yamaha’s TR-1 HO with improved weight to power ratio and greater durability.
Major Features
- 1-Liter, 3-cylinder, 4-Stroke High Output Jet Drive. Yamaha’s award-winning naturally-aspirated engine.
- Digital Display. The center-mounted digital display with speed readout, hour meter, fuel level and other basic functions.
- High-Performance Intake Grate. The EXR features a new race-inspired, high-performance intake grate.
- Extended Jet Nozzle. The all-new EXR comes with a pump extension for even quicker reaction times for a more responsive ride.
- Lighter and Stronger. The EXR is built with Yamaha’s exclusive NanoXcel 2 construction technology making it 60-lbs. (27 kg) lighter.
- Deceleration, Neutral, and Reverse Control. Yamaha’s RiDE system allows the operator to switch from forward to neutral to reverse, resulting in easier deceleration, reversing, and docking.
- Integrated Fold-Down Re-Boarding Step. Yamaha built in a single drop-down re-boarding step to make it easier to get onboard.
- Two-Tone Deck Mats. Custom cut rubberized non-skid deck mats add function and comfort when riding.
Performance
The Yamaha EXR has a length of 123.6” (3.14 m) and a beam of 44.5” (1.13 m). With an empty weight of 540 lbs. (245 kg), a full tank of fuel, one person onboard and 50 lbs. (22.68 kg) of gear, there was an estimated weight of 672 lbs. (305 kg).
Top Speed. With a single Yamaha 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, High Output engine turning the internal impeller jet-drive, the test boat reached a top speed of 54 mph (86.9 kph) at 7350 rpm.
Cruise. Cruising at 5000 rpm and running at 32 mph (51.5 kph), the Yamaha EXR had a fuel consumption of 3.5 gph (13.1 lph) which translated to 9.3 miles per gallon and a range of 110 statute miles (177 km), while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 13.2-gallon (50 L) total fuel capacity.
Handling
At Speed. With the Yamaha NanoXcel™ 2 construction technology reducing the overall weight of the Yamaha EXR by 60-lbs. (27 kg), the TR-1 High Output Yamaha marine engine accelerated onto plane virtually instantly. The high-performance intake grate and ride plate allows water to more readily enter the jet-drive causing more thrust. Yamaha added an extended jet nozzle to the EXR for improved response times and a sporty ride.
Low Speed Maneuvering. Equipped with the Yamaha RiDE system, the Yamaha EXR decelerates quickly with a flick of the left-hand trigger putting it in neutral and reverses when the left-hand trigger is subsequently squeezed, rapidly slowing the EXR. The RiDE system also allows for easy handling in low-speed maneuvering, such as docking. The reverse-bucket drops down providing lateral thrust. The lateral thrust acts like side thrusters.
Features Inspection
Stern
The stern of the Yamaha EXR is designed for easy boarding from in the water with custom-cut, rubberized non-skid that is easy on bare feet. The non-skid surface also deters the heat from the sun. Further back is a flip down re-boarding step, making it easier to re-board the Yamaha EXR without having to climb and pull oneself out of the water.
Side Decks
The side decks on the Yamaha EXR also have custom-cut, rubberized non-skid for comfort and security.
Seats
The seats on the Yamaha EXR offer a level of comfort and security that is expected from the quality reputation of Yamaha’s WaveRunner line.
Storage
The Yamaha EXR has 7.7-gallons (29 L) of storage capacity situated throughout several separate compartments. Yamaha claims the EX Series offers more storage options than other comparably-priced personal watercraft.
Control Systems
The hand grips on both sides of the Yamaha EXR are ergonomically designed and padded to help the operator stay comfortable. Dual rear-view mirrors are well placed outside of the forward storage hatch.
RiDE Technology. Yamaha has designed a reverse-bucket that drops down over the jet nozzle and vectors the flow to both or either side to create better control when reversing. It can also create a braking effect when at speed. There is actually no shifting or reversing the jet drive. However, RiDE provides a neutral position to stop forward or reverse motion.
Reverse. By flicking the left-hand trigger and subsequently squeezing the left-hand trigger, the Yamaha EXR reversing bucket drops down over the jet nozzle effectively putting the EXR in reverse. Turning the handle bar vectors the thrust. Reverse steering is opposite of forward steering. Consider steering the bow not the stern.
Neutral. A quick squeeze of the left-hand trigger puts the Yamaha EXR into neutral. This effectively keeps the EXR from moving forward or backward but turning the handlebars will cause the boat to pivot rather than turn.
Braking. A big benefit of the RiDE technology is braking. At any speed, squeezing the left-hand trigger slows the engine while simultaneously dropping the reverse bucket, effectively creating a braking effect without putting the EXR into a nosedive. Keep squeezing and the braking begins reversing.
Digital Display
The Yamaha EXR offers a basic digital display that shows the fuel level, current “gear,” speed in miles per hour, and rotating hours and voltage meter.
Side View Mirrors
The dual side-view mirrors are mounted on both sides of the forward storage hatch, safely within the strike-zone when docking.
Engine
The Yamaha EXR comes with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output (HO) engine which is a 1049cc, 3-stroke, 4-cylinder motor.
Construction
The hull and deck of the EXR is built with Yamaha’s proprietary NanoXcel 2 construction process which produces a stronger, lighter watercraft with a superior finish.
Warranty
1-year warranty.
Options to Consider
Optional accessories are available from Yamaha or third-party manufacturers. Accessories from Yamaha to consider include:
Yamaha WaveRunner Starter Kit.
- Two U.S. Coast Guard Approved/UL Listed PFDs that are adjustable to fit most adults (sizes small to large)
- Nylon case for storage
- Whistle to clip on your PFD to meet requirements for a sound signaling device
- Easy-to-pack first aid kit
- Two black 10" (.25 m) personal watercraft fenders
- Two white 12’ (3.66 m) dock lines
- Available with Yamaha branding or without
- Kwik Tek® Yamaha dock lines.
- WaveRunner cover.
- WaveRunner Handlebar Pack.
- Yamaha soft side cooler.
- Yamaha tube tow rope.
- Yamaha branded tow tube.
Price
The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Yamaha EXR is $9,299.
Observations
Yamaha offers a wide range of WaveRunner models and there is a lot to like throughout their model lineup for varying reasons. Economy, budget, performance, and luxury. BoatTEST.com has tested virtually every WaveRunner model Yamaha has to offer. The racing-inspired Yamaha EXR with its award-winning TR-1 High Output engine and high-performance intake grate and ride plate gives the EXR plenty of thrust to provide impressive acceleration. Add the extended pump nozzle to improve responsiveness and the EXR provides an exhilarating ride. Add the Yamaha RiDE technology that provides braking and improved low speed maneuvering, making the Yamaha EXR an excellent value-priced under $10,000.