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Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R

Kawasaki's Jet Ski SX-R offers aggressive handling and instant acceleration.
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
LOA: 8’8.5″ | Beam: 2’6.1″ | Dry Weight: 551.3 lb. | Displacement: 899 cc | Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal. | Max Horsepower: 160 | More Information: kawasaki.com Kawasaki Motors Corp.

Kawasaki’s stand-up Jet Ski started the personal watercraft craze, but the boom in easier-to-ride sit-down models pushed stand-ups out of the spotlight. Later, stricter two-stroke emissions laws seemingly doomed the craft to extinction in 2011. Now the legend is reborn. The new Jet Ski SX-R resembles the craft that preceded it but looks like it’s been hitting the gym during its five-year hiatus. Now nearly 8 feet 9 inches in length and 30 inches wide, the craft is over a foot longer than the previous model, a stat that is exaggerated by a new, noticeably swollen nose area. There’s also considerably more hull depth below the bond line, and a wider 34-by-16-inch rider tray.

The biggest news may be the four-stroke engine that ultimately facilitated the craft’s comeback. Borrowed directly from Kawasaki’s STX-15F runabout, the naturally aspirated, 1,498 cc four-cylinder is rated at 160 hp, twice the power Kawasaki previously offered in a stand-up model.

Digital fuel injection provides easier starting, and the 60 mm mechanical throttle body and resin intake manifold improve throttle response and power delivery through the engine’s full rpm range.

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Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Kawasaki Motors Corp.

Even with the craft’s now-hefty 551-pound weight, the power plant allows the SX-R to best Kawasaki’s flagship 310 hp Ultra 310R out of the hole. Kawasaki claims it beats the previous stand-up model by a full 19 meters in a 50-meter drag race. I believe it. The SX-R accelerates instantly, with virtually none of the bow rise or porpoising typical of a stand-up-style craft. Top speed was an even 60 mph with my 155 pounds in the tray.

As to a stand-up’s legendary handling and agility, the SX-R hull tracks more precisely, and more aggressively, than ever before. Runabout-style sponsons have been added toward the stern to lock in the back end, virtually eliminating the chance of a spinout. As before, I found the craft responded best to a strong inside lean, but in an unexpected twist, I found the hull could also be turned quite flat for those looking for a tamer ride. Just choose one style or the other and shift your weight accordingly; I powered into an aggressive corner without committing and was ­quickly flung as the craft nimbly pivoted beneath my feet. The V-shaped bottom also proved better at handling rough water.

Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Kawasaki Motors Corp.

High Points
* While more powerful and agile, the SX-R also manages to be more beginner-friendly. Stability is far better at speed, spinouts have been all but eliminated, and the added buoyancy makes it easier to start in deep water.
* Engine location — low in the hull and as far aft as possible — helps the hull tackle waves with less of a jolting impact to the driver.
* Integrated splash deflectors reduce the amount of unwanted spray coming over the bow.
* Magnetic, theft-prevention key, fuel and engine warning lights, and shallow storage nook atop the hood cover are all welcome additions.

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Low Points
* While far more buoyant once you get to your knees, the higher waterline makes it a little more of a workout to repeatedly haul yourself aboard after falls.
* Likewise, the sides of the deck fins receive padding, but the tops no longer do. My elbows missed the cushioning during reboarding attempts.

Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Kawasaki Motors Corp.

Toughest Competitor
There’s only one from a major OEM, Yamaha‘s SuperJet ($8,499). At only 7 feet 4 inches in length and 306 pounds, the SuperJet is far more playful than the SX-R and yet still carves with a relatively predictable and aggressive inside lean. The craft’s 701 cc two-stroke engine, however, runs afoul of current emissions standards, making the craft available for competition use only.

Price: $9,999

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Available Power: Jet Drive

Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Certified Test Results
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Kawasaki 1,498 cc inline four-cylinder four-stroke
Drive/Prop: 148 mm high-pressure pump with stainless-steel impeller
Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
Fuel Load: 6 gal.
Crew Weight: 155 lb.

More Information
Kawasaki – Santa Ana, California; 866-802-9381; kawasaki.com

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