Product Review – Next Generation 4 Strokes

By Chris Tuckner. Check this one out for some insight into the newesr designs and technology.

http://www.fishtheriver.com/prod_reviews/index.asp?prodid=29&staffid=4

Nice review Chris. Can’t wait for the next motor review, I’m trying to talk my dad into buying that 140HP Suzuki for his Skeeter. Jon

Nice review Tuck, can’t wait for the next one on DFIs. One interesting point as I look at the weights of the Yamaha 115 for 2003. THey post the new weight this year as 386, last year it was about 400 I believe and in my 2001 it was 418. They are apparently learning to make some parts from lighter materials…going the right way. Any ideas on what the new Yamaha 4 stroke 150 might weigh? Heard the reps were talking about it at the show last week.

If you get a chance to go into a Johnson and Yamaha dealer, look at the 140 Johnson 4 stroke next to a Yamaha 115. The Johnnson is significantly smaller. They have offset the drive shaft, saving space, and creating a much smaller profile. Also, the 140 uses a V6 lower unit. These motors are going to be the most popular on the water this year in my opinion. It fits that mid range niche where most people had to jump to DFI or carbed two strokes.
Tuck

I have seen one, and like the new small footprint! I believe you are absolutely correct that this engine will be one to watch on the water this year. Did they publish any specs on noise levels from idle to WOT as compared to the Yamaha?

Check out this baby !! Ain’t she a beauty !!!



Nice ride Chris !! When do we get to go out ?

Thank Tuck. Excellent review and can’t wait til the next one comes out. Thanks, Bill

I think it is amazing at how slow the other manufactures are coming out with the 130- 175 range 4 strokes. Suzuki/Johnson got the jump there. I have heard the Johnson run it is smooth,I got Yamy.

klh

How about a similar report on the 90’s! Pleassssss

I agree that I too am puzzled as to why the manufacturers are so slow to hit that sweet spot. My local dealer told me he heard/read or was told that the 4 strokes will peak out in ability to meet emissions after 2008 whereas the DFI style 2 strokers should be able to keep going far beyond that date. I find it hard to swallow but that’s what he said. He said that was the real reason manufacturers were not investing in that HP range. Does it make sense to you guys?

I enjoy my 2002 90 H.P. four stroke Mercury. It is everything I wanted in a motor for a reasonable price. $6995. Also I can troll down very nicely and it has the power to move my boat well into the mid 40’s. In comparison to the cost of a Optimax (my other motor of choice) in a value comparison I feel I got all the motor I need for the cash!!! Good comparison article!!! Thanks

Four strokes have kind of hit the wall performance wise in some manufacturers eyes (In my opinion). Power to weight ratios, and available power at certain RPM ranges could be the culprit. My DFI review is on the desk of Mr. Holst for editing. I go into a lot more detail pertaining to the differences between these motors. DFI will be around for a long time because of the power they are able to derive from two-stroke motors. However, Johnson/Suzuki have taken a few pages out of their motorcycle book, and have brought forth a 140 that is rivaling the 150 two stroke market. As I had mentioned, cooling the fuel and air allows more of each to enter the motor, creating more usable horsepower throughout the RPM range. By offsetting the drive shaft, they created a sleeker two-stroke looking drop from the cowling down, and by using a v-6 lower unit, they can use aggressive gearing, etc.
Tuck

Great! Looking forward to reading your report.

Sounds great to me too! What is the reason for the little tail flip in the 140 hood? Is it functional?

Its additional cooling. Along with the water jacketing, it is an intake and exhaust for air that cools the motor off of a fan on the flywheel. It also acts as an air intake for the engine.
Tuck