VX HO Intake & exhaust mod review

A review of mods on a 2017 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO.

[@buddie623]

Really good video I just got this bike as a addition to my 17 kawasaki ultra and Sea-doo gxt 155. Thanks for posting again great job

[@timshull59]

Great looking ski, I have been considering this model.

[@drizzyfam3893]

This ski hit 66 mph in calm water 2 days ago. I’d say that is a success!

[@alex124241]

What were you doing before? You didn’t say.

[@teammarko124]

@@alex124241 yes he did say...watch the video.

[@robertogonzalez2551]

That’s fast considering it’s an all motor ski.

[@davidbenson2508]

Thanks! Great information! 8 more mph for less than 50 dollars.

[@Frank_tha_tank1]

Good review !!!

[@SenorDennis]

Hey I know this guy! Haha I’m the blonde guy that almost bought this ski. I was looking up mods on the one I ended up buying and came across your videos. That thing hauls!!

[@drizzyfam3893]

Give me shout if you want any advice. I’m happy to help!

[@duvallgroup205]

I love how genuine you are explaining this video! There’s nothing like good solid people that get strait to the point without sugar coating anything. I do have a question for you.... I have this exact same ski and absolutely love it. On that 90 degree silicone you mentioned 3.5” OD. I can’t seem to find that particular one on Amazon although I did find a 3.5” “ID”. Is this perhaps what you were referring to? I just wanted to clarify.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Jared Nelson the silicone 90 is a 3.5” ID. I believe this the one I purchased from Amazon Ronteix 4-Ply 90 Degree Elbow Coupler ID 3-1/2 Inch Radiator Silicone Hose (3.5''(89MM), BLACK) www.amazon.com/dp/B075SV6437/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CuK1CbTCBP0YA

[@drizzyfam3893]

The elbow was slightly loose on the water box connection but the hose clamp did secure it well. It would probably be a better fit if you can find a 3.5 to 3.25

[@X862go]

Great job

[@drizzyfam3893]

William Wood, thanks!

[@tg1740]

Thanks for the info! Planning the same for my 2019 VX Cruiser HO. Any other mods planned? My GF thinks I am crazy as it is wicked fast stock. 👌🏻

[@drizzyfam3893]

Only if you want to strap some music to it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbGe6GXYpt2gsU

[@dulogi]

Hey very good video! I have a 2018 vx cruiser would the 90 degree elbow fit properly if I can buy 3.5 " to 3.0 " ? I know you did say 3.5 to 3.25, would work better but I haven't find it. any advise is well appreciated. Thanks. Duv.

[@drizzyfam3893]

LEAH AND AMY LOPEZ not sure if the 3” side would fit. I was able to tighten down the 3.5 perfectly so I wouldn’t sweat it too much if you can’t find one

[@dulogi]

@@drizzyfam3893 good enough.... thanks !

[@shuvelhead233]

I have a 2018 Vx cruiser ho. Was looking at different mods that won't effect my warranty. Top speed I've got on my lake is 65 on flat water. That's stock using the speedo. Plan on using a GPS to see how accurate speedo is. My question to you is, after the mod, would you do it again or just leave it stock?

[@drizzyfam3893]

shuvelhead233 hold that thought, I’m actually headed to water to test couple of changes to the mods. I’ll post results this evening with gps speedo

[@drizzyfam3893]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHnQipihltCfY9k

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

Are you guys using a GPS speed tracker to claim these speeds or the Yamaha Dream-o-meter? That little junk paddlewheel on the ride plate is notorious for being incorrect. I would be curious what GPS speeds you are hitting though to compare that to stock.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Robert Warren thanks for the response. The point of the video was not necessarily the actual speed but the difference between before and after the mod. I later gps’d the ski at 67 mph but that was after adding a ride plate and grate. Not the fastest ski on the lake but plenty for what I’m doing

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

@@drizzyfam3893 Naw, I get it...and glad you posted the mods regardless of the results. Just would have been great to have a known GPS speed before and then a GPS speed after if similar conditions, rider weight, fuel load etc were involved. I know that from one ride to the next that dream-o-meter will log different speeds depending on its mood but in order to get reasonably accurate results a person has to go to such great lengths to make sure conditions are perfect (no wind, flat water, poo before going out to make sure you weigh the same as last time ...errrr...maybe that one is overkill?). PITA but I'm sure you found some HP and speed somewhere in those mods regardless so its all cool. Did you throw a toploader intake grate onto it? Those are pretty legit for feeding the pump more evenly anyway. Happy trails.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Robert Warren yes, I purchased the 2019 GP1800 handling package. The hookup in chop is the biggest benefit but overall effected the performance positively. Again, I’m not racing or getting sponsored by anyone. I’m just a personal owner looking for a little more performance on an economical budget. I suspect there’s a few more like me out there

[@jasonbourne3448]

Noticed you motified the chrome and center piece right in front of your knee when you're on board. Did you paint it? It looks good!

[@drizzyfam3893]

Jason Bourne yes, I sanded and painted the chrome colors plastics and applied red vinyl to the center black colored plastic. I’m assuming you watched my other video where these changes were done.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Jason Bourne my biggest problem is I can never leave anything alone lol

[@jasonbourne3448]

It looks good! I have the same problem...I can't leave well enough alone. I have a 2016 vx ho, however I've changed the decals to a 2017 and replaced the seat with a custom hydroturf. Done the intake grate, ride plate, candoo gps speedo, ribbon delete. Debating on your exhaust modification and a different air filter.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Jason Bourne just an FYI on the exhaust mod. It’s cheap and easy to do but I’ve since put the stock exhaust back in. It was just a little too boomy at lower rpm’s. But if you don’t like it, you can always easily reverse

[@jasonbourne3448]

@@drizzyfam3893 that's my worry too. That it would be too loud for my liking...I am not one of these young bucks.

[@chriseuripides278]

What’s the ribbon for?

[@carloschaqui8234]

Just came across your video , I see it was posted about a year ago. Good mods , but you can’t really go by what the speedometer reads. I have a 2019 VXR with the same mods and by the speedo at full throttle it has read 84mph (lol). Best way to see your top speed is by using GPS. From 84 to what the speedo was reading GPS read 61mph and it was on two different model GPS.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Carlos Chaqui Agreed. I was simply stating the difference between before the mods and after. I’ve since then added an intake grate and ride plate. GPS’d 65 mph using an app. Not the most accurate but I have nothing to gain from knowing exact speed. I can tell you it’s faster and that’s all I was looking for. Thanks for the comment!

[@motorsoft7476]

I have a 71mph GPS at VXR 2015 on lake and 73 on river)

[@Dannnyperezz]

@@motorsoft7476 what do you have done to the vxr?

[@icecanator]

@@motorsoft7476 What have you done?

[@triplenickle6995]

Hey how about posting links to the parts you bought from Amazon? Also you will get some turbulence in the area where you removed the ribbon delete since nothing was installed in the ribbon and seal area. Good video man.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Don Juan I’ll have to look up the parts later and post them. As far as turbulence, what understand is that it’s a positive turbulence and does not negatively effect the air flow at the rate it will be traveling. I think the ring is maybe beneficial in supercharged engines and racing intake mods. For a stock naturally aspirated engine, you’re likely wasting money

[@drizzyfam3893]

Don Juan Ronteix 4-Ply 90 Degree Elbow Coupler ID 3-1/2 Inch Radiator Silicone Hose (3.5''(89MM), BLACK) www.amazon.com/dp/B075SV6437/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dVgtDbSNTXT8S

[@drizzyfam3893]

Upgr8 Universal Outside Diameter Polished Aluminum Pipe (3.0"(76MM), 45 Degree) www.amazon.com/dp/B00FAUKORO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cXgtDbC7H8A40

[@drizzyfam3893]

These are the exact parts I ordered. A couple notes: you may want to search for a 3.5 x 3.25 elbow because there’s a little play on the water box connection. Nothing a hose clamp doesn’t fix. And the 45 aluminum pipe would be better in a 12” length but appears to be more expensive in shorter lengths. I cut mine down very easily

[@richardechevarria5824]

I did exactly what you did to your ski I have the same engine I have a 2018 vxr and when I started it the warning engine light and beeper sound came on and beeped about 20 times and then stops beeping but the light and the check engine are still flashing and I noticed it will not go in neutral it starts in F and won't go into neutral. Is there anybody else out there that's having this problem? Please help don't want to have to take it to the dealership.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Nothing I did would cause that to happen. I would check the throttle cables and throttle body itself. If you didn’t put it back together with the gaskets in place exactly the way you removed it, I assume that could cause some issues

[@richardechevarria5824]

@@drizzyfam3893 I ended up breaking it down again and putting in the ribbon delete because some people are saying it causes turbulence plus I thought it was the reason for the warning. The dealership said that it's possibly a sensor that I may have loosened but I checked everything and I don't see anything but it is now doing the same thing with the beeping and flashing warning and check engine but now it starts in neutral instead of forward and the reverse is working normal. Totally weird it seems to have fixed one thing but not the main thing. I was told to start the ski without starting it pressing the throttle two times then start it and it should clear the codes. He said to try it a few times if it doesn't work. Do you know if the code # is displayed on the dashboard so I know what the problem is? If not then I will need to get a diagnostic. Thanks for your help.

[@drizzyfam3893]

@@richardechevarria5824 It should display a code but since I don’t know what the issue is, I can’t say for sure. Something to note, the left and right throttle control forward, reverse, and neutral. When you said it was starting in forward, my mind immediately went to an issue with the cables connecting to the throttle body. A bad intake sensor would definitely cause issues but that doesn’t explain starting in forward

[@drizzyfam3893]

Also, make sure that the throttle body is installed correctly. On mine, the mechanical parts covered by a circular plastic cover were positioned to the right, looking at it from the rear of the craft.

[@richardechevarria5824]

@@drizzyfam3893 2018 VXR 1.8L Everything was installed correctly and I did what my mechanic told me to do which was to press the start button without starting it pressing the throttle twice let everything clear on the panel and then start it and lo and behold the warning and check engine light turned off. It never showed a code number on the panel. I guess now next is to put it in the water next weekend and enjoy. Thanks for your help and your response.

[@Markie_.020]

Wher can i find the aluminium pipe 45 agree

[@drizzyfam3893]

Markie Zorro here’s one from Amazon. OD 3.5" (89mm), Leg Length 4" (100mm), 45 Degree Bend Elbow 3.5 Inch 6061 Aluminum Pipe Tube Intercooler Pipe High Class Brushed Treatment Tight Radius Air Intake Tube www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCSLPWD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TQimFb1RN3C2E

[@Markie_.020]

Drizzy Fam thank you

[@Motojon-od9px]

OOPS, YOU NEEDED THAT RUBBER GASKET

[@drizzyfam3893]

Which rubber gasket are you referring to? Nothing was damaged or negatively effected with these mods

[@strong4647]

Hey there. I have a 2016 vxr and want to save the money from the riva. Only thing I'm nervous about is the 45 degree pipe getting to hot. Have you ever noticed the engine bay being really hot?

[@drizzyfam3893]

SXS Vids hey. I’ve had no issues with the pipe getting hot. It’s a wet exhaust so it never really reaches high temps. In fact, the sun made my hull hotter than the pipe. It is however boomy sounding on the low end rpm’s. Since this video, I’ve change my opinion and reinstalled my stock exhaust and then tried the tj exhaust mod. It’s not quite as loud as straight pipe. The best gain will be taking out the ribbon. Hope this helps

[@drizzyfam3893]

My next project, I’ll be installing a 2019 gp1800 ride plate which extends further than mine stock. They are also standard on 2019 vxr’s. I’ll post a video when I get that in

[@strong4647]

@@drizzyfam3893 how does that tj mod work? And did the ribbon delete today but havent tested it out yet.

[@drizzyfam3893]

SXS Vids first remove the plastic resonator from the main exhaust hose. Then remove the main hose. This is the large rubber u-shaped hose connected to the water box. You will then cut approximately 3” off of that hose that would otherwise protrude into the large plastic baffle. This part of the hose is opposite of the water box. It will make more sense once you remove the hose and see the extended part that can cause restricted exhaust flow. Then reinstall the main hose but do not install the resonator. Plug that hole with a 2” pvc plug. Make sure everything is clamped back into place using the original hose clamps. This mod will only cost you $2 for the pvc plug. The one I bought was threaded and fits snug.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Also, once you start taking the exhaust apart, you’ll see how the exhaust is dumped into a plastic baffle. That should answer your original question about heating up. It it generated high temperatures, they would not use that thin wall plastic

[@patrickmacnab9785]

I have the same exact ski and I hit 68 with no modifications

[@drizzyfam3893]

Patrick Macnab on the trailer, on the way to the lake lol

[@jeremyschmidt4449]

@@drizzyfam3893 I have the same also except mine is a 2018. I only have 10hrs on it, completely stock. I have seen flashes of 68mph also, consistantly hit 67. I'm guessing these speedometer's are varying. I need to check it with GPS.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Jeremy Schmidt the speedos can vary in accuracy for sure. I ended up confirming with a gps. The point of this video is the performance upgrade whether the speedo is accurate or not. With additional mods (newer video) I’m hitting 66.5. I’ve confirmed this by gps (posted in Yamaha Waverunner Owners on FB)

[@jaylee3469]

Drizzy Fam lol can you explain a dude above saying same ski but stock goes 68? Mine is stock same as yours and goes 58 .. that’s why I’m doing everything your doing

[@daso9977]

no way this ski goes 68 stock.

[@d2king941]

My 2012 vx cruiser goes 61 mph

[@drizzyfam3893]

D2 King nice! It’s an ho 1.8L correct?

[@oldguysrockon]

Reading your speed on the stock speedo or phone is a joke and is no way accurate.

[@drizzyfam3893]

Chuck Germany, my point was not the exact speed, but rather the difference from before the mod to after. Maybe I didn’t state that clearly enough.

[@oldguysrockon]

Drizzy Fam Maybe you should mention the variables at any given time or place such as air temperature, humidity, rider weight, flat water or choppy, on a lake or river with a current. Posting speeds using unknowns is never an accurate thing. Especially to newbies that want to use screwdrivers to pry the ribbon out. Good job tho on the video. At least you are honest.

[@ADD_50]

Hey Chuck, make your own video.

[@oldguysrockon]

@@ADD_50 Actually i did make my own video. But it was eleven years ago using all of the accurate resources i mentioned to you TWO years ago. Keep up the good work and good luck learning.

[@ADD_50]

@@oldguysrockon must of been in the top 2,987,678,329,000. Missed it.

[@SupaNami]

Shoulda spent that money on a dental plan!

[@drizzyfam3893]

SupaNami it’s easy to talk from a distance. I’m sure you’re perfect and great