The Little Brother
Riding the Naturally Aspirated 2009 Honda Aquatrax F-15
Text by Justin Stannard
Photography by Andrea Wilson

Since Honda's introduction of its redesigned turbocharged Aquatrax F-15X last year, we at Personal Watercraft Illustrated have logged countless hours on the machine in every possible environment. We've run flat-out across the angry ocean, towed wakeboarders and wakeskaters across placid lakes, raced the 2009 Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Endurance Race, and have conquered anything else that could be thrown at it.

So when we caught wind of a naturally aspirated version of the Aquatrax being released this year, we knew that we had to see if it lived up to the stellar reputation its bigger brother has already established. And sure enough, the more affordable Honda F-15 did not disappoint. Retaining many of the same features and handling characteristics of its more powerful model, Honda was able to offer an economical version of their F-15X that the family on a budget can enjoy, without feeling like they were riding an economy PWC.

Brandishing the same 1470cc block and 155mm pump as the F-15X, we were suspicious, to say the least, that the naturally aspirated powertrain would lead to lackluster performance so typical in economy PWC. But our fears were pleasantly disproven, as the Honda F-15's ample power (estimated at around 160 horses) provided acceleration and top-end power that, while not anywhere near Kawasaki and Sea-Doo's 255-plus horsepower musclecraft, was definitely better than expected. As we were so accustomed to the turbocharged F-15X, acceleration was noticeably slower and more sluggish - but not so much that you'd complain about it.

(Above: Look familiar? The 1470cc powerplant is nearly identical to the ‘15X, sans turbo and intercooler.)

Once the 933-pound Aquatrax (about 30 pounds lighter than the F-15X) was up to speed, the power delivery was similar to that of the turbocharged version we'd tested for months, which is quite a compliment. At 35 mph, you could clamp down the throttle trigger and feel the horsepower kick you back while it smoothly and predictably accelerated up to a top speed of about 58 mph (Garmin GPS-confirmed) in smooth water. Fuel consumption, which is already fantastic on the turbocharged model, is even better. We have a feeling that the casual family could go through an entire weekend at the lake without filling up. Not only that, but the 87-octane gasoline requirement means cheaper fill-ups, when compared to the turbo engine's pricier 91-octane requirement.

(Above: The 155mm jet pump is the same used on the turbocharged F-15X.)

While the F-15's available power may leave the speed junkies asking for more, its cornering abilities and rough-water handling will have the recreational PWC rider screaming for joy. Using the same chop-soaking deep-V hull as its counterpart, this Honda will quickly abolish any negative sentiments incurred after feeling its lack in horsepower. Turning on its nose and maintaining a loose, playful feel, the F-15 is a blast to ride. We felt right at home after just a few turns around the buoys, as this naturally aspirated boat leaned in and responded just like its bigger brother. The rider can get going up to about 40 mph, whip the bars to one side and keep them there - the Honda will dig in until the tail eventually breaks loose and spins around 180 degrees. Very fun. The only drawback to the spinouts is in the event that you really do want it to keep that tail planted, perhaps when aggressively cutting buoys. After some riding, the spinouts become somewhat predictable, allowing the rider to learn just how far they can push it, but nonetheless remains one of the F-15's more enjoyable attributes.

Ergonomically, the F-15 is nearly identical to the F-15X. The seat is plush and wide, offering plenty of room for two or three passengers to sit comfortably. A seat strap and grab handles below the third seat do their job to keep a third rider in place, but the handlebars are non-adjustable and way too low for tall riders or aggressive riding postures - just like the F-15X.

One of the more surprising features retained for the F-15 were the convex mirrors and reverse - options that are usually the first to be abandoned on stripped down models. Just like with the F-15X, a swimstep is only available at an additional cost. This was a disappointment when reviewing the ‘15X, but doesn't count against the F-15, here, as swim steps commonly aren't included on entry level PWC anyway. The LCD display, again just like the ‘15X, is easily readable while riding and includes readouts for speed, fuel level, time, engine hours, trip distance, travel time, and engine speed (rpm), among other functions.

(Above: Mirrors and reverse come standard on the F-15, along with the same easy-to-navigate instrument cluster and (*sigh*) non-adjustable handlebars.)

In typical Honda fashion, storage was well thought out and provided ample room for the essentials. The 1.7-gallon latched glove box provides more than enough room for a wallet, keys and cell phone, and is pretty much watertight (though we wouldn't try testing that with your cell phone and wallet in there). The front storage includes a removable 19.8-gallon bin, which is also almost completely watertight with the lid closed - out of all of our rides through the ocean on the F-15X, the Honda's front storage system has never disappointed. Underneath the third seat, an emergency tool kit is provided, along with a 1.6-gallon storage tray, which is a great place for the extra tow rope, oil, and/or spare gloves.

(Above: Ample storage is great, but the Honda’s watertight bin is definitely a plus.)

Overall, Honda has done a fantastic job of creating a less-expensive (notice we didn't say cheap) version of their Aquatrax F-15X. Though it still may not be as affordable as the other "economy" runabouts, which typically are offered at under $10,000, the F-15's MSRP of $12,999 is a good chunk less than the official asking price of $13,999 for their faster non-GPS-equipped F-15X. When enjoying the ride on the 160-horsepower F-15, you hardly feel as though the power delivery is really all that weak, thanks to the already large size of the F-15's powerful four-stroke engine.

No rattles, shakes or indications of shoddy workmanship were felt at any time - which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone; Honda doesn't get their solid reputation from empty hype. Also, the addition of mirrors, reverse, speedometer, tachometer, and plenty of additional first-rate equipment hold this machine slightly a head above other similarly marketed models from Kawasaki, Yamaha and Sea-Doo. The price, however, may still have families choosing between stepping down a notch and settling for a Kawasaki Jet Ski STX, or just forking out another thousand dollars for a full-blown turbocharged F-15X.

(Above: Honda may not be reinventing the wheel, but they’ve sure produced a fun, affordable family PWC)

2009 Honda Aquatrax F-15
List Price: $12,999
Curb Weight: 933 lbs.
Length: 133.8 in.
Width: 49 in.
Height: 42.4 in.
Engine: 1470cc Honda DOHC 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower: Approx. 160 hp
Garmin GPS Max Speed: 58 mph

Special Thanks To:
American Honda Motor Co., Troy Lee Designs, DVS Shoes, Slippery Wetsuits, Dainese, and Jettribe

(Above: Associate editor and PWI guinea pig Justin Stannard takes a breather between test runs)