OK, here’s one that we’re not too sure what to think of. First, it’s become pretty obvious that Sea-Doo isn’t exactly elated with the initial reception of the Spark – at least when it’s related to sales. While the Spark is selling and is generating absurd levels of attention from the PWC community, Sea-Doo was really hoping that it would be the misplaced Y-generation millennials snatching up the first rounds of Sparks.
Here’s the problem: millennials are broke. They live with their parents until they’re 30. Most would rather own a new iPad than a car. Heck, they can’t even afford the “Affordable Health Care” they voted for. They’re drowning in school loans (that Bachelor of Arts focusing on early 20th Century Expatriate American Authors isn’t cheap). Oh, and consequently, their credit scores are abysmally low, meaning they can’t get OK’ed for financing through BRP.
DERP!
So who’s buying up the Sparks? Dudes in their 40’s and 50’s who have been jonesin’ for a new mini-runabout that rides like their old WaveBlaster from 20-years-ago (y’know, back when they had hair and that Scorpions cassette in their Pontiac Fiero could actually get them laid). Videos of 40-somethings rallying Sparks in the surf or attempting old freestyle tricks they mastered on their XP have already hit the intarwebs.
But this isn’t a surprise. In fact, we called this a while ago. And it comes as no shock that the Spark has been OK’ed for use in IJSBA race events although Sea-Doo designed the Spark for strictly recreational use. The plastic hull can’t take the forces imposed by excessive speeds, the impact of “rubbing rails” in the turns or equipped with the intake and pump combo to be a true buoy course killer. That’s what the RXT and RXPs are for.
Buy hey, people are excited to hot rod the Spark and that’s good news.
Here’s the official release:
IJSBA is pleased to announce that the Sea-Doo Spark has met homologation standards for both worldwide competition and United States-based competition. Effective immediately, the Sea-Doo Spark may be used in any IJSBA approved competition class in which the Spark is eligible.
Note: The Spark 2Up and 3Up are be considered separate models despite being listed as the same PWC with different seating options. Parts that solely appear on the 2Up will not necessarily be legal to exchange with the 3Up and vice versa. The High Output option is considered the same model as units outfitted with the standard 900 ACE engine.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to determine whether any options selected for the Sea-Doo Spark are consistent with permitted accessories in the IJSBA Rule Book.
For questions about this notice, or about IJSBA homologation policies, please email: info@ijsba.com.
[…] such riding flies in the face of Sea-Doo’s “spirited riding” recommendations. Racers are adopting the 900cc ski as a new platform to participate in a new realm of competition, much at the cost of fracturing its PolyTec material. The open wishbone exoskeleton design […]