While this might not be earth-shattering news, it was recently announced that the new 160-horsepower 1.5L, 552-pound, 8-foot-7-inch-long Kawasaki SX-R has been officially homologated for competition by the International Jet Sport Boat Association (IJSBA), Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), which includes the P1 AquaX Sprint Races and UIM GP Ski Class, as well as the Pro Watercross Series – specifically the GP Ski and Ski 4-Stroke Stock classes.
Currently, manufacturers are scrambling to get their hands on a production unit to begin test fitting and developing aftermarket parts for the formidable standup. Already RIVA Racing, R&D Racing and Kommander Industries are boasting significant performance gains as well as radically improving the handling of what otherwise might be considered an ungainly craft. We at The Watercraft Journal are anxious to test ride one ourselves and look forward to when Kawasaki will finally allow the media to ride it.
Here’s Kawasaki’s official press release:
Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R Watercraft Prepared To Race In 2017
The new Kawasaki Jet Ski® SX-R™ stand-up watercraft will be eligible to race in IJSBA, AQUA-X and Pro Watercross competition.
As excitement continues to build for the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft, racing sanctioning bodies around the globe are announcing eligibility for the four-stroke stand-up in 2017.
In International Jet Sport Boat Association (IJSBA) competition the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft will be eligible to race in the Ski Stock Class and Ski Modified Class at all sanctioned events, including the Mark Hahn 300 Endurance Race and the World Finals. Both events are held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
For events sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), including P1 AquaX Sprint Races, the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft is eligible to compete in the UIM GP Ski Class. In the independent Pro Watercross Series, the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft qualifies for the GP Ski class and Ski 4-Stroke Stock class.
Equipped with Kawasaki’s proven 1498cc four-stroke marine engine, the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft produces twice the power of Kawasaki’s previous stand-up model while also delivering plenty of low-to-mid-range torque. This combination gives unprecedented performance on the water for riders of all experience levels. The 2017 Jet Ski SX-R watercraft stands alone in performance and fun on the water.
