Yamaha has redesigned its FX Cruiser HO for 2008 with a brand new hull
and deck made with nanotechnology
> 02/25/2008
2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO
Redesigned hull and deck boast nanotechnology for reduced
weight, added strength
Story by PersonalWatercraft.com Staff, Feb. 13, 2008
Yamaha has redesigned its FX Cruiser HO for 2008 with a brand new hull
and deck made with nanotechnology.
The only personal watercraft manufacturer using nanotechnology, Yamaha
says the innovative and award-winning NanoExcel provides a 25% reduction
in weight in the hull, deck and liner.
With the lighter components, riders will find improvements
in performance and handling, acceleration, top speed and power-to-weight
ratio, according to the company.
"This process really allows us to have a material
that is more dense, stronger and cuts the weight significantly,"
Yamaha’s marine product manager Jean-Francois Rioux told PersonalWatercraft.com.
"By bringing a lighter weight to the machine, we’re changing
the whole characteristic and handling of the unit."
Powering the FX Cruiser HO is a Yamaha MR-1 4-stroke, 1,052cc engine—a
configuration the company says delivers more power in a lighter package
than any other full-size, 4-stroke, normally aspirated PWC available.
It certainly has ample get-up-and-go, but it’s quite a drop in
power from the 1,812cc engine of the FX Cruiser SHO.
Riders can change the handling of the FX Cruiser HO on the fly with
Yamaha’s quick shift trim system (QSTS). The QSTS offers an instant
change in the attitude of the watercraft, allowing for tighter turns
and quicker acceleration. The system provides 24 degrees of total trim
range.
With the touch of a button on the remote controlled transmitter, you
can activate the digital Yamaha security system. With the security system
activated, the FX Cruiser SHO can’t be started. The remote can
also control the low RPM mode, which cuts the top speed by about 30
per cent.
Yamaha provides foot chocks on the FX Cruiser HO, which, when combined
with the cruiser seat and handlebars, helps create a three-point contact
system to reduce tension on the driver’s arms and legs.
Speaking of handlebars, Yamaha has included a five-step adjustable tilt
steering system that allows the driver to adjust the steering column
angle from 55 to 35 degrees. This comes in quite handy when you’ve
got a couple of passengers behind you and you’re pressed up closer
to the bars.
As with other WaveRunners, the FX Cruiser HO comes equipped with features
such as slant detection switch (SDS) and off throttle steering (OTS).
The SDS will cut the engine and oil pumps immediately if the watercraft
becomes overturned. OTS comes into play when you release the throttle
and attempt to steer while decelerating.
You can get a quick read on speed, RPM and fuel level with the multi-function
electronic information center. The easy-to-read digital display also
features low fuel warning, low oil pressure warning, overheat warning,
battery voltage, hour meter and check engine light with self diagnostic
function and the industry’s only audible warning system. Compass
direction, air temperature, water temperature and fuel consumption rate
are also visible.
The FX Cruiser HO has an MSRP of US$11,399. It’s a nice vehicle
with plenty to offer, but if given the choice, we’d save up a
little longer, buy cheaper groceries and cough up the extra $1,400 and
upgrade to the FX Cruiser SHO, which has an additional 760 ccs of power
and enviable standard options such as cruise assist, no wake mode and
reverse with traction control.
| FX
Cruiser HO Specs |
| Engine Type: |
4-Cyllinder, 4-Stroke |
| Bore/Stroke: |
76 x 58mm |
| Displacement: |
1052cc |
| Fuel: |
Regular Unleaded |
| Type of Exhaust: |
Wet |
| Type of Lubrication: |
Dry Sump |
| Cooling: |
Open-Looped, Water |
| Starting: |
Electric |
| Ignition: |
Direct |
| Compression Ratio: |
11.9:1 |
| Carburetor/Injection: |
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) |
| Spark Advance: |
Spec Not Available |
| Ignition Timing: |
31° BTDC |
| Spark Plug: |
NGKCR9EB |
|
Pump: |
155mm, High-Pressure Axial Flow |
| Transmission: |
Direct Drive from Engine |
| Impeller: |
3-Blade, Stainless Steel |
| Length: |
132.7" (3.34m) |
| Width: |
48.4" (1.23m) |
| Height: |
48.8" (1.24m) |
| Seat Length: |
66"/56" (1.67m/1.43m) |
| Dry Weight: |
783 lb (355 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity: |
18.5 gal (70 L) |
| Reserve Fuel Capacity: |
Not Applicable |
| Oil Capacity: |
1.2 gal (4.5 L) |
| Vehicle Capacity: |
3 person/ 529 lbs (240 kg) |
| Storage Capacity: |
26.4 gal (100 L) |
| Hull Material: |
NanoXcel |
| Warranty: |
1 year limited warranty |
| Color: |
Platinum Metallic |
