The Legacy of the Kawasaki Stand-Up Jet Ski

Feb. 28 2020 LEGEND Series By Berts Mega Mall

Bert's Mega Mall | Power Sports Hub 

Within 40 years Kawasaki completely revolutionized the watersports word when they introduced the Jet Ski. The release of the Jet Ski caught global attention from just about every water enthusiast. As the years went by, as everything should, Kawasaki’s skis became better and better. They’ve evolved into higher performing machines and each new release featured the latest in engine and hull technology. Eventually, Kawasaki does need to put a halt to their two-stroke engine stand-ups due to environmental concerns but that does not stop them from creating a more quieter low-emissions engine for the modern watercraft enthusiast.

Beginning of the Legacy: WSAA and WSAB

-Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


In 1973 Kawasaki launched the world’s very first Jet Ski watercraft. They were limited production models with 2-stroke twin cylinder engines and great maneuverability, unlike any boat. A key feature to the uniqueness of this ski was its self-righting and self-circling features that ensured that the craft would idle in circles at slow speeds if the rider fell off. Distinguishable through the hulls meaning the WSAA featured a flat hull while the WSAB featured a V-type hull. These skis set the standards for the personal watercraft of the future.

Success Benchmarks:

1982: JS550

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


The JS550 came out in 1982 and Kawasaki introduced another upgrade or “improvement”. This ski was the first Jet Ski watercraft to feature their newly designed, high-capacity mixed-flow pump. The engine was a water-cooled, 531 cm3 2-stroke Twin. The JS550 pumped out plenty of thrusts to satisfy the most power-hungry thrill seekers. Advanced technology included automatic rpm control to prevent over-revving when the pump was out of the water.

1986: JS300

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


A few years later the JS300 was released and this Jet Ski was known and very popular for being an “easy-to-operate” watercraft.  It was powered by only a single-cylinder 294 cm3 engine with Superlube automatic fuel and oil mixing and also very lightweight. The whole ski was just as easy to maintain as it was to operate.

1992: 750SX

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


Kawasaki was always happy to give racers and performance riders what they wanted, which was more power. They did that with the Kawasaki 750SX, that had an automatic bilge pump, an underwater exhaust outlet, Superlube automatic oil mixing, and a lightweight, highly maneuverable hull.

1998: SXi Pro

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


The SXi Pro was a race oriented ski Kawasaki released in 1998. Massive twin-cylinder horsepower and impeccable handling from a new hand-laid fiberglass hull with a lower center of gravity for more race-oriented performance made the SXi Pro an instant winner.

2003: 800SX-R

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


The 800SX-R was the watercraft that satisfied all riders, from beginners to pro racers. This stand up has a wide design making it extremely stable making it easy to ride for beginners, and while it can turn with minimum banking, the 800 SX-R can just as easily make sharp, banked turns. High-performance deck features include rubber-topped side-deck fins, for easy boarding or as handy leg rests when cranking tight turns. And the ergonomically designed handle pole has minimal forward-backward movement to reduce rider fatigue. The 800SX-R was the top ski to beat during this time!

Final Release: JS800SX-R

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


In the year of 2011, Kawasaki released their final two-stroke and last year of the JS800 SX-R. They had to discontinue this ski due to new US EPA restriction that was put in place. Because they had to end their very long line of amazing jet skis Kawasaki decided to note their last year of production with a special edition “Commemorating 37 Years of Jet Ski.” Finished in Jet White and Ebony with a bright red handle pole and graphics, 2011 800 SX-R also featured a commemorative “37 Years” logo on the handle pole.

The Legend Reborn: SXR1500

Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski


October 6th, 2016 Kawasaki reintroduced the stand-up Jet Ski. For over 40 years Kawasaki provided high-powered thrills on the water and they brought that back with the SX-R 1500. It is a four-stroke power and agile rider-active handling, the new Jet Ski SX-R breathes new life and excitement into the stand-up category. This ski was a long time development, highly anticipated project that Kawasaki was finally able to deliver. It came back and was ready to reclaim Kawasaki’s status as the king of stand-up watercraft.

Conclusion:

Kawasaki continues to be a leading seller in the stand-up watercraft industry. They continue to make great improvements and advancements that are inviting more and more new riders to join the sport.  We can’t wait to see what else Kawasaki has in store for the watercraft world, we know it should be something good with their storied history of over 40 years in the water!


-Legacy-of-the-Kawasaki-Stand-Up-Jet-Ski

Related:

-The Legacy of the Ducati Monster

-Why the Yamaha Banshee will NEVER Die!

-How The Sea-Doo XP Changed The Watercraft World



GET FINANCED!

 

VALUE YOUR TRADE IN
30 SECONDS!

☎️

CALL NOW:

626-974-6600

✉️

EMAIL US!

customerservice@bertsmegamall.com

GET DIRECTIONS!