2017 Kawasaki SX-R 1500 Jet Ski – 4Stroke

Today was the official release, of the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R.

While we were hoping that it would use a new engine such as Yamaha and Sea-Doo released for their entry level craft, Kawasaki decided to use their 1500cc 4 cylinder four-stroke that they’ve been using for over a decade. While it does put out  160hp the engine itself weighs almost 200lbs. It’s claimed to do 60mph stock, but due to the added weight, which hasn’t officially listed yet (rumored to be over 500lbs), the overall dimensions are whopping 30″ wide and 8ft 8″ long (18″ longer than the 800 SX-R) in fact the underside of the craft resembles an STX rather than the outgoing 800 SX-R , so much so that it features it’s 148mm axial flow pump and runabout style sponsons. No price has been announced yet, but it’s believed to be under $11k

While we’re disappointed that they didn’t use a newly developed engine that would be smaller and allow room for forced induction, it’s understandable that they used what they had for the small market that is stand up PWC’s. This new ski won’t phase out the use of two-strokes in freeride Freestyle, but it’s exciting to see an OEM making in an effort to bring people into the Stand Up Scene.

And as always, stay tuned future modifications we’ll be offering for this new four-stroke SX-R. Since this is the exact same engine that’s in the Kawasaki STX-15 I’m sure we’ll be able to hit 70MPH without much issue.

2016 Sea-Doo RXP-X 300HP W/ 1630cc Ace Engine

Sea-Doo has been using the original Rotax 1503cc 4-Tec engine since 2002 slowly refining and massaging it over the years to get more power and improve reliability, but with more than a decade of use, their is no doubt it was time for an update.

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300

The New Rotax 1630cc 300 Horsepower engine keeps the same SOHC 3 cylinder 100mm bore configuration but gains it’s displacement by an increasing the stroke by 5.8mm for a total of 69.2mm, but increasing the displacement 100cc does not create a 40hp gain but it does allow the engine to develop a stronger bottom and mid range power. The power gains come mostly from a new intercooler and super
charger.

The new Supercharger is actually smaller than the outgoing model but more efficient using a 32 blade compressor wheel and spinning faster at 47,000RPM. Sea-Coo even claims the Supercharger is maintenance free due to the improvements on the clutch system, composite style bearings, and using thicker shaft almost an inch in diameter.

Along with the bigger engine a new supercharger, Sea-Doo has made improvements on the Intercooler and cooling system making it 33% more efficient, a redesigned cylinder head, and improved electronics including the new style fuel injectors and ignition coils. All of these changes help develop 300hp.

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300

Obviously if you plan on keeping it stock and only care about top speed, it won’t make a big difference since ALL PWC’s are have a restricted top speed (at least in North America) but after riding the new 2016 Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 and comparing it back to back with the out going 260 model, I can say the difference is definitely there especially out of sharp turns and in the mid range, but what this new Sea-Doo 1630cc really delivers is a better platform to build on when doing modifications for racing or all around fun.

Something to look out for is that for the past few years Yamaha has been dominating the Stock Class in closed course racing, but with this new engine in the RXP-X I think the competition is going to be closer than ever before!