Spotlight: Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Kawasaki’s high-performance stand-up jet ski will soon line up against a Yamaha-badged rivalKawasaki invented the term “Jet Ski”. So ingrained has the name become in powered watersports culture that it has now become something of a generic term to describe personal watercraft.
Over time, though, personalised watercraft have transformed from the original stand-up models to plush and comfortable sit-down as their makers chase more market appeal from the easier-to-ride layout.
The modern-day Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R, then dates back to the single 1973 stand-up model launched by Kawasaki into the US market.
The Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R was introduced to the world in 2017 as a replacement for the older 80hp two-stroke SX-R 800, dropped in 2011 after it could not adapt to meet stricter emissions regulations in the US.
The wait was worth it. The 2017 model jumped to a 1498cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine using twin overhead cams and direct fuel injection to produce 160hp – twice the output of the older model – and with a 25 per cent faster top speed, recognition that this is a model enjoyed mainly in jet ski racing circles.
Made for speed
The Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R sits on a fibreglass hull supported by injection-moulded sponsoons, and weighs in at a fairly skinny 250kg on the water.
Top speed comes fairly high in the rev range – 7500rpm – which is why the ski is fitted with a high-rev jet pump.
The rearward sponsons make the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R stable and lithe, with the rider able to choose between relatively flat cornering or leaning heavily on the sponsons to carve a tight turn.
Extra room for the rider compared with the previous model – the fibreglass V-hull is 355mm longer and 35mm wider than the old 800 – allows the rider to use their body weight over more of the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R as well as helping with the rider’s balance.
A series of four splash deflectors, ranging from ridges along the bow of the ski to an extra deflector at the top, help to keep the rider dry and comfortable.
Standing alone
When it launched in Australia in 2017, the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R was priced from $14,499 before on-water costs.
The Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R was the only stand-up jet ski on asle in Australia for a couple of years as Yamaha updated its older two-stroke stand-up model to a cleaner four-stroke engine. The Yamaha SuperJet is expected to arrive in Australia either late this year or early in 2021.
Kawasaki has recently extended its Jet Ski warranty to five years.
Specifications
Model: Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Length: 2.65m
Beam: 0.765m
Height: 0.84m
Weight: 250kg
Fuel: 23L
Engine: Four-stroke, in-line four cylinder, 1498 cm3, 83.0 x 69.2mm, DOHC, 16 valves with fuel injection
Power: 118kW@7500rpm
Torque: 152Nm@7250rpm
Top speed: 100km/h (est)
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