
Operation
50
button). WARNING! You need throttle to
steer. Shutting the engine off can cause
you to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in severe
injury or death.
[EWJ00601]
EJU37181
Shifting (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ01230
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.
Make sure that there are no obstacles or
people behind you before shifting into
reverse.
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
To shift into reverse:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.(2) Pull the shift lever toward you.
To shift into forward:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Push the shift lever away from you.
EJU32892Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, select the lock
mode of the Yamaha Security System (for
VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) and remove the en-
gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to reduce the
chance of accidental starting or unautho-
rized use by children or others. (See page 29
for Yamaha Security System lock and unlock
mode selection procedures.)
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Operation
51
EJU32901
Operating your watercraft EJU32961Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, the Riding Instruction card, and all
labels on the watercraft. Pay particular atten-
tion to the safety information on page 9.
These materials should give you an under-
standing of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow
more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-
skier is being pulled) to ride the watercraft at
any time.
EJU33001Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
40. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area to
learn in, where there is good visibility and light
boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
your left wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if you, the oper-
ator, fall off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). All
riders must wear a PFD that is approved by
the appropriate authorities and is suitable for
personal watercraft use.
Wear protective clothing. Severe internal inju-
ries can occur if water is forced into body cav-
ities as a result of falling into the water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim-
wear does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the rectum and vagi-
na. All riders must wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den-
im, but does not include spandex or similar
fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full
wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, oper-
ator, and passengers.
UF2L70E0.book Page 51 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM

Operation
52
(subnormal body temperature) and abra-
sions.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
Eye protection is recommended to keep wind,
water, and glare from the sun out of your eyes
while you operate your watercraft. Restraining
straps for eyewear are made which are de-
signed to float should your eyewear fall in the
water.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and
keep both feet on the floor of the footwell. Do
not attempt to ride with passengers until your
operating skills are fully developed.
EJU33061Riding with passengers
WARNING
EWJ00541
Do not apply throttle when anyone is at
the rear of the watercraft. Turn the en-
gine off or keep it at idle. Water and de-
bris exiting the jet thrust nozzle can
cause severe injury. Passengers should
not attempt to board the watercraft if the
operator is applying throttle.
When passengers are on board, make
sure that they are holding on firmly and
have their feet on the floor of the foot-
well before you start to accelerate.
When 2 or 3 persons (including the operator)
are on board, the watercraft handles different-
ly, and is not as easy to maneuver, therefore
operating it requires a higher degree of skill.
Before attempting to operate the watercraft
with passengers on board, the operator must
practice operating the watercraft alone
enough to be able to acquire the necessary
skills.
The passengers must always wear a PFD
that is approved by the appropriate authorities
and a wetsuit bottom or equivalent.Do not give a ride to children whose feet can-
not reach the floor of the footwell. The pas-
sengers should hold on firmly, either to the
person in front of them or to the handgrip pro-
vided, and keep their feet on the floor of the
footwell. Never allow a passenger to ride in
front of the operator.
When pulling a water-skier, the spotter should
face to the rear while holding the handgrip
with both hands. The spotter should always sit
astride the seat with both feet placed firmly on
the floor of the footwell for proper balance.
Follow all local laws regarding water-skiing,
such as those for skier-down flags, rearward-
facing spotter, and other requirements.
EJU33081Starting the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00711
To avoid collisions:
Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions
that limit your visibility or block your vi-
sion of others.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft.
Do not follow directly behind watercraft
or other boats. Do not go near others to
spray or splash them with water. Avoid
sharp turns or other maneuvers that
make it hard for others to avoid you or
understand where you are going. Avoid
areas with submerged objects or shal-
low water.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes. Do not release the
UF2L70E0.book Page 52 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM

Operation
56
tion, and then move to the seat and sit
astride to balance the watercraft.
(2) Have a passenger pull him or herself up
onto the boarding platform into a kneeling
position, then move to the seat and sit
astride to balance the watercraft.
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(4) Start the engine and keep it at idle.
(5) Have the second passenger pull him or
herself up onto the boarding platform into
a kneeling position, then crawl onto the
seat as the watercraft accelerates.(6) Gradually increase the speed to balance
the watercraft.
EJU33231Capsized watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00671
Improper uprighting can cause injury.
Be sure to shut the engine off by pulling
on the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over immedi-
ately.
Be sure to carefully follow the procedures be-
low to prevent injury, or damage to the water-
craft.
(1) Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
(2) Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Pull the
watercraft over with your left hand on the
ride plate while pushing down on the gun-
wale with your right hand or foot.
If the port (left) side of the capsized wa-
tercraft is tilting up, push down on the
gunwale so that the port (left) side is
down before turning the watercraft clock-
wise. NOTICE: Do not turn the water-
craft over counterclockwise,
otherwise water can enter the engine,
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Maintenance and care
69
If the steering is stiff or misadjusted, have a
Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU34350Checking the shift cable (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
Place the shift lever in the reverse position.
Make sure that the reverse gate makes con-
tact with the stopper.If the reverse gate does not make contact with
the stopper, have a Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU36640Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable
Check that the throttle cable moves back to
the set position smoothly and that the throttle
lever free play is within specification.
Squeeze and release the throttle lever. If the
throttle lever does not return smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer service it.
If the specified throttle lever free play cannot
be obtained as described below, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
(1) Remove the six screws, and then remove
the front handlebar cover.
(2) Slide the rubber cover away from the ad-
juster, and then loosen the locknut. Difference of A and B:
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
1Stopper
1Front handlebar cover
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Maintenance and care
70
(3) Adjust the free play by turning the adjust-
er.
(4) Hold the adjuster with one wrench while
tightening the locknut with another
wrench. Slide the rubber cover to its orig-
inal position.
(5) Install the front handlebar cover, and then
install the six screws.
EJU34392Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs
WARNING
EWJ00350
Be careful not to damage the insulator
when removing or installing a spark plug.
A damaged insulator could allow sparks to
escape, which could result in a fire or ex-
plosion.
The spark plug is an important engine compo-
nent and is easy to inspect. The condition of
the spark plug can indicate something about
the condition of the engine. For example, if
one spark plug has a distinctly different color,
the engine could require servicing. Do not at-tempt to diagnose any problems yourself.
Have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
Remove and inspect the spark plugs periodi-
cally; heat and deposits will cause the spark
plugs to slowly break down and erode. If elec-
trode erosion becomes excessive, or if carbon
and other deposits are excessive, replace the
spark plug with the specified plug.
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the spark plug cap. NOTICE:
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise the
ignition coil coupler could be dam-
aged. The spark plug cap may be diffi-
cult to remove because the rubber
seal on the end of the cap fits tightly.
To remove the spark plug cap, simply
twist it back and forth while pulling it
up; to install it, twist it back and forth
while pushing it down.
[ECJ00211]
(3) Remove the spark plug.
Measure the spark plug gap with a wire
thickness gauge. Replace the spark plug
or adjust the gap to specification if neces-
sary.
1Rubber cover
2Locknut
3Adjuster
4Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
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Specifications
74
EJU34542
Specifications
Watercraft capacity:
Maximum people on board:
3 person
Maximum load capacity:
240 kg (530 lb)
Dimensions:
Length:
VX 3220 mm (126.8 in)
VX Deluxe 3220 mm (126.8 in)
VX Cruiser 3270 mm (128.7 in)
Width:
1170 mm (46.1 in)
Height:
1150 mm (45.3 in)
Dry weight:
VX 319 kg (703 lb)
VX Deluxe 322 kg (710 lb)
VX Cruiser 325 kg (716 lb)
Performance:
Maximum output (according to ISO 8665/SAE
J1228):
75.00 kW@8000 r/min
Maximum fuel consumption:
26.0 L/h (6.9 US gal/h, 5.7 Imp.gal/h)
Cruising range at full throttle:
2.31 hour
Trolling speed:
1650 ±50 r/min
Engine:
Engine type:
Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Number of cylinders:
4
Engine displacement:
1052 cm³
Bore & stroke:
76.0 × 58.0 mm (2.99 × 2.28 in)
Compression ratio:
11.4 : 1
Valve clearance-intake (cold):
0.11–0.20 mm (0.0043–0.0079 in)
Valve clearance-exhaust (cold):
0.25–0.34 mm (0.0098–0.0134 in)
Lubrication system:
Dry sump
Cooling system:
WaterStarting system:
Electric
Ignition system:
T.C.I.
Spark plug:
CR9EB
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Battery capacity:
12 V, 19.0 Ah
Charging system:
Flywheel magneto
Drive unit:
Propulsion system:
Jet pump
Jet pump type:
Axial flow, single stage
Impeller rotation:
Counterclockwise
Jet thrust nozzle angle:
24.0+24.0 °
Fuel and oil:
Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Minimum octane rating (PON):
86
Minimum octane rating (RON):
90
Recommended engine oil type SAE:
SAE 10W-30, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade API:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
Fuel tank total capacity:
60 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp.gal)
Engine oil quantity with oil filter replacement:
2.2 L (2.33 US qt, 1.94 Imp.qt)
Engine oil quantity without oil filter replacement:
2.0 L (2.11 US qt, 1.76 Imp.qt)
Engine oil total quantity:
4.3 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
UF2L70E0.book Page 74 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM

Trouble recovery
75
EJU34560
Troubleshooting
If you have any trouble with your watercraft, use this section to check for the possible cause.
If you cannot find the cause, or if the procedure for replacement or repair is not described in
this owner’s/operator’s manual, have a Yamaha dealer perform the necessary service.
EJU34593Troubleshooting chart
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
Engine does not
start (Starter motor
does not turn over)Yamaha Se-
curity Sys-
tem (VX
Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Lock mode selected Select unlock mode
29
Engine shut-
off switchClip not in place Install clip
25
Fuse Burned out Replace fuse and
check wiring79
Battery Run down Recharge 72
Poor terminal con-
nectionsTighten as required
72
Terminal corroded Clean 63
Starter motor Faulty Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Engine does not
start (Starter motor
turns over)Throttle lever Squeezed Release 26
Fuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible38
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer68
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer68
Spark plug Fouled or defective Clean or replace 70
Spark plug
capNot connected or
looseConnect properly
70
Connected to wrong
cylinderConnect properly
70
Fuel injec-
tion systemFuel pump faulty Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
UF2L70E0.book Page 75 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM