There's a reason why the AquaTrax F-12X is Honda's flagship personal watercraft (PWC). Well, there's actually several reasons, beginning with the new-for-'05 GPScape model. This cool machine features a GPS unit integrated into the instrument cluster, which in addition to providing standard navigation tools allows the rider to store and access up to 100 waypoints. Imagine being able to mark your beach or dock starting location, load multiple locations throughout your day of riding and then use the GPScape to guide you back to any of these coordinates. When you arrive at your programmed destination, the GPScape will alert you with a bright "star" display. Not only that, the GPScape features a digital compass so you can monitor your travel direction at all times with pinpoint accuracy.
One of the unique facets of the F-12X GPScape is its built-in navigation system. It resides in the LCD instrument cluster and shares space with speed, rpm, trip distance, travel time, clock and engine hour meter, and fuel level displays. Further, the cluster also has flashing indicator lights and an audible alarm for fuel level, battery charge, coolant temp, and fuel injection.
Another notable feature of the F-12X is its powerful turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The turbo produces a maximum boost of 13 psi, and this helps the F-12X generate 32-percent more power than a normally aspirated engine. The turbo is water-cooled and the turbine bearing is an enclosed, ceramic-ball design that allows high-rpm compressor operation while providing nearly vibration- and friction-free operation. Further, high-pressure programmed fuel injection delivers fuel at 43 psi to four injectors, each mounted in a 38mm throttle body. The result of all this is a machine that will thrill you with shocking acceleration and great overall power.
Like a true performance machine should, the F-12X also boasts excellent handling. This is due in part to a hull design that provides excellent overall stability at high speed as well as an exceptional ability to perform low-speed maneuvers. Also, the low sump design of the engine allows it to be mounted low in the hull, and this too contributes to the F-12Xs exceptional handling performance.
The F-12X also has a few other new features for '05, including a folding rear step for easy reboarding, a new chrome 3-D turbo emblem, and a new graphics package as well as some new exterior colors.
Bottom line: If you want a PWC with muscle, agility, and all the latest bells and whistles, the Honda AquaTrax F-12X GPScape is just what you need. Riding one of these could cause you to suffer from a very enjoyable waterborne illness.
* Water-cooled turbocharger, intercooler, and cast-aluminum exhaust manifold
* High-pressure programmed fuel injection
* Axial-flow single-stage Solas 155mm jet pump with three-blade proprietary impeller design
Price point: $11,449
Model: Honda AquaTrax F-12X GPScape
Engine type: 1235cc liquid-cooled dry-sump inline four-cylinder with intercooled turbocharger
Bore and stroke (mm): 79x63
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Valvetrain: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Carburetion: Programmed fuel-injection with automatic enricher circuit
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Direct shaft-drive
Pump: Axial-flow single-stage 155mm jet pump with reverse
Hull: Fiberglass reinforced plastic outer hull, inner hull, and deck
Storage capacity (gal.): 25.6
Length (in.): 125.9
Width (in.): 49.0
Height (in.): 41.7
Seat length (in.): 42.7
Dry weight (lb.): 798
Fuel capacity (gal.): 16.6 with low-fuel warning
Colors: Black hull with gold upper deck, black hull with candy red upper deck