Super High Output four SHO stands for Super High Output four-stroke technology. The old 3.3L engine has been upgraded to a 4.2L engine. The outboard is 34 pounds lighter than the V MAX Series II two-stroke engine it replaces in the Yamaha product line.

Yamaha's line of VMAX SHO® are built with efficiency in mind. From their super high-performance designs, impressive torque curve, and excellent hole shot acceleration, V MAX SHO® provides an improved experience out on the water versus Yamaha's standard line of outboards.

In 2009, the world of high-performance outboarding changed with the introduction of the 4.2L V MAX SHO. Here was an outboard that was light weight with the speed and acceleration that bass boaters had been demanding, but in a high performance four-stroke engine platform.

The I-4 V MAX SHO 115 is Yamaha's fastest 115-hp four stroke, ever, with a top speed of nearly 51 mph. * On top of its impressive speed, it features tech unheard of in its class, including a long-track intake system, free-flow exhaust and knock sensor.

SHO is a stud, exactly zero concerns running in salt. No issue with a SHO in salt water.

Some SHO models offer a bigger power advantage over the "standard" model than others. Some require 89 octane fuel (for optimum performance) compared to 87 octane for the standard models. 89 octane fuel is required for some, but not all, of the SHO models.

Thankfully my 1987-model test bike was originally sold in Canada so had suffered no such indignity, and could show that even a full-power V-Max is improbably easy to ride. The slightly raised bars gave an upright, roomy riding position that combined with fairly soft suspension to make the bike comfortable in town.

Here's our verdict... "Yamaha's VMax is still the king of the strip, still the ultimate muscle bike, and capable of destroying a rear tyre in one day's hard riding. It's far from a bad bike, but the new Ducati XDiavel makes it feel prehistoric.

The research & development for an electric outboard motor is extremely expensive. Not only does the company have to pay for the actual research, but they also have to build prototypes and test them. This costs a lot of money, and the company often passes these costs on to the consumer.

Due to Yamaha's design and engineering excellence, their outboards typically last for 1,500 and up to 3,500 hours before needing a major overhaul or being replaced. That being said, the number of hours that a Yamaha outboard engine runs is dependent on the amount of usage and quality of maintenance.

between 1,500 and 3,000 hours Yamaha outboards have a life expectancy of between 1,500 and 3,000 hours - when serviced and maintained regularly. Experts recommend that you have a professional service your outboard either once a year or every 100 hours of use.

between 1,500 and 3,000 hours It's That Time of Year Yamaha outboards have a life expectancy of between 1,500 and 3,000 hours - when serviced and maintained regularly. Experts recommend that you have a professional service your outboard either once a year or every 100 hours of use.