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Video: Installing a GreenHulk Stage 1 Kit on a 2021 Sea-Doo RXP-X

By
Greg Gaddis
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After many months of waiting, parts are finally becoming available for today’s watercraft. For us, this meant getting the GreenHulk Stage 1 kit installed on our 2021 Sea-Doo RXP-X. With plenty of manufacturers offering performance kits, we decided to introduce our own. Even though the kit is strictly made of RIVA Racing parts, we still pieced together a kit that we felt was a perfect starting point for our Sea-Doo.

With this in mind, we also needed to coincide the modifications with what is currently done to our 2021 Yamaha GP1800R SVHO; with upcoming shootout videos between the two, both skis have to be equally modified for a fair comparison.

The kit includes a RIVA Racing intake, catch can, stainless steel wear ring, MaptunerX Sea-Doo bundle, and Solas 13/18 impeller. These mods are the perfect starting point in our eyes; the intake, tune, and impeller offers a substantial increase in performance while the catch can and stainless steel wear ring add to the watercraft’s reliability. The intake utilizes a larger diameter piping than the factory intake, a velocity stack, and a freer flowing air filter; this combination as a whole flows more air with less restriction than the factory setup.

The MaptunerX “Stage 2 8500” tune optimizes the fueling and timing to support the intake kit and the Solas 13/18 impeller helps put the extra power to use through the jet pump. While this is all that is necessary for an increase in performance, we wanted it to be more reliable than straight from the factory; implementing the catch can and stainless steel wear ring allowed us to achieve this goal. Sea-Doo 300 engines experience large amounts of blow-by; “blow-by” refers to air and fuel being pushed passed the piston rings and pressurizing the crankcase.

From the factory, the pressure is relieved through the intake and recirculates the crankcase vapors, and oil in some cases, back into the combustion chamber. The catch can acts as a holding tank for any oil or vapors being blown out of the TOPS valve, increasing the longevity and performance of the watercraft. The stainless steel wear ring will replace the factory plastic wear ring that is known for premature wear.

The kit includes only a handful of modifications but you’ll want to set aside at least a day out of your weekend to get these installed; the installation process is quite tedious but the fit, finish, and performance achieved is unrivaled! You’ll want to visit the GreenHulk Garage YouTube channel for a detailed installation video! The kit is exclusively sold at the GreenHulkStore.com and you can save 10% with the coupon code “Greenhulk” at checkout!

Unlimited PWC Parts’ New Billet Aluminum Anodized Kawasaki Valve Covers

By
Julian Ramirez
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0

Unlimited PWC parts now offer billet aluminum valve covers for 4-stroke 1,498cc Kawasaki applications. These new billet covers are offered in a variety of anodized colors such as black, red, green, gold, and bronze color options. These new covers are high-quality performance dress-up products as described by Unlimited PWC. Though these do not claim to provide any performance gains, we all know shiny parts make engines faster. (wink, wink)

These new billet covers are in addition to their line of specially-machined and anodized parts for Kawasaki applications. They offer a wide variety of billet machined aluminum parts such as throttle levers, steering stem mounts, exhaust covers and even flush port connections. With almost unlimited options, the rider can customize their ski the way they want, whether that’s looking good while on the water or putting higher strength parts that are more durable than what OEM provides.

For the person that is wanting to make a “built” racing ski, Unlimited PWC performance parts are a leader in aftermarket parts specifically for Kawasaki watercraft applications. For more information on where to purchase parts please visit them at at their home page or on social media.

Gallery: Pro Watercross National Tour; Racine, WI

By
Jessica Waters
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0

The 2021 Pro Watercross National Tour is technically over; the next race on August 28-29 in Lake Charles, LA, is billed as the Championship round, the culmination of the season’s six tour stops. With double points at stake, and event champions to be named, and season-wide tour-point standing champions to be crowned, the anticipation is bound to ramp up between now and late August.

Racine, the furthest north of the Pro Watercross tour stops, is a great race site, and normally a fairly well-attended, popular stop on the tour. This year, however, despite a decent turnout, bolstered by a good showing from local and regional racers, there were some missing faces – many of whom are tour champion contenders, if not points-leaders in their classes.

Despite the notable absences, though, the Racine weekend provided plenty of race intensity, some condition switch-ups that kept things interesting for spectators and racers alike, and some strong showings from some of the newer names to the game.

The Pro-Am Ski GP class staked down the largest lineup of the weekend, with nine racers set behind the band, despite the absence of three of the four points-holders in the class. Headed into Round six, Deven Farthing led the pack with 208 points, a lead he held onto with a third-place overall finish at Racine (2, 6, 2) to bring his tour points to 319. However, following the Hartwell race, Matthew Richuk as close on Farthing’s heals with 199 point, followed by Jimmy Wilson with 187.

Neither Richuk or Wilson attended the Racine tour stop, and Camden Powell, who now holds 206 points following his 6, 7, 3 weekend at Racine. Richuk held onto their place in the tour points chase, and much of the attention that was focused on the competition between Richuk and tour veteran Jimmy Wilson at Hartwell shifted to the battle at Racine between Mike Klippenstien (3, 2, 4) and his young protege, Ryder Wildeboer (1, 1, 1) With Double points on the line in Lake Charles, the Pro-AM Ski GP 2021 Champion is far from settled.

Pro-Am Runabout Box Stock was another class that put up some tough racing, with some great racing by both Arnold Martinez, who took the overall top podium spot for the weekend, and Brad Bohat, who landed on the second podium step even after two first-place finishes with a rough Moto 2.

However, all three of the top tour points holders were absent at Racine, with Troy and Tory Snyder, as well as Seth Nama, missing from the lineup. Season-long tour point standings heading into the National Championship, however, remain unchanged from the post-Hartwell trio of Tory Snyder (300), Troy Snyder (260) and Seth Nama (140) due to both Bohat and Martinez having missed out on most of the 2021 tour stops.

In Pro-Am Ski Stock, all three of the weekend’s motos posted up matching results, with Ryder Wildeboer (1, 1, 1) taking the weekend’s top spot, Jeb Zarzour (2, 2, 2) taking second, and Alex Anderson (3, 3, 3) taking the third spot. Headed into the National Championship, sporadic and low turnout for the class leaves Tour Points leader Zarzour with only 113, followed by Wildeboer and Richuk tied at 60 points.

Sport Stock was again one of the most attention-grabbing classes, and none of the top tour point holders were missing from the lineup. The weekend’s racing ended with Jake Zier (5, 1, 1) taking the top podium spot, Sammy Nehme (1, 2, 4) taking second), and Talan Farthing (3, 4, 2) sneaking past his brother, Deven (4, 3, 3), to take the third podium spot. Tour points in the class stand at Deven Farthing, 319; Sammy Nehme, 215; Talan Farthing, 203.

For complete results from Racine, and up-to-date tour points standings, visit prowatercross.org. Visit www.watersedgephoto.online for additional race images from Racine and prior tour stops.

Are You Going to Michigan Wave Makers’ Brave the Wave Event 2021?

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

The Michigan Wave Makers are hosting their 5th annual Brave the Wave event on August 7th and the community of Lake Orion is proud to host this event that brings jet ski riders from around the country to compete in freestyle events and races.

A generous prize purse is available for winners in each category and a portion of proceeds from this event will go toward Dutton Farm. They empower those with special needs to “live a life of purpose and dignity.”

Registration closed August 1st and that’s final. Late registrations or day of the event walk-up registrations will not be accepted due COVID protocol. Also, the Michigan Wave Makers ask that you social distance as much as possible

The event takes place on Lake Orion Saturday August 7, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They have several different categories to compete in and each one is $50. Enter as many as you like and prepare to have a good time!

Message their Facebook page if you need a place to camp with your trailers or email Terri at [email protected]. The group looks forward to seeing everyone!

Black Widow Introduces New Personal Watercraft Dolly

By
Kevin Shaw
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In reviewing some of the industry’s best products, we at The Watercraft Journal have tried to find ways to make one’s experience of owning, maintaining and generally enjoying their personal watercraft as easy and trouble-free as possible. Sure, testing out the latest supercharged machine is fun, but that’s only half of the job. There are many tools and accessories that are just as important; and one for us (and many of you) is finding a quality PWC cart.

When not in use, a PWC cart needs to be compact and lightweight. When carrying a ski, it’s got to be versatile, easy to roll around. And for the shop or individual with a wide variety of units, it’s got to be adjustable and sturdy. Thus far, no PWC dolly can check all of these boxes…until now. Black Widow’s new PWC Dolly is made from anti-corrosive galvanized steel tubing and features adjustable bunks to fit a variety of machines. Stout and durable, it’s 3.75″ swivel casters can carry up to 1,000-pounds easy over most surfaces.

Here’s the original press release in its entirety:
Black Widow, manufacturer of quality, affordable utility products for the powersports market, introduces the Black Widow® Personal Watercraft Dolly (Part # PWC-DOLLY-V2, MSRP: $189.99) for moving and storing jet skis, Jon boats and inflatables up to 1,000 pounds. Designed for use in both commercial and personal garage/shop settings, the dolly is adjustable to fit varied PWC models and includes all hardware.

Constructed from galvanized steel for better corrosion-resistance, the dolly includes the mounting plates and brackets along with four 3.75” casters that rotate 360 degrees for smooth movement across different types of floors. Two of the casters lock to prevent movement once positioned.

The Black Widow Personal Watercraft Dolly features dual bunks with three symmetrical width adjustments (center to center: 12.25”, 16.25”, 20.25’) that rotate internally within their brackets to conform to different hull angles. Marine carpet on both bunks protects against scratches to the PWC. Measuring 20.5” high, the dolly remains low enough to create a wide, stable base with its large 50.5” L x 33.875” W footprint.

Gallery: Kawasaki Unveils Half of 2022 JetSki Lineup; Hints at Bigger Reveal

By
Kevin Shaw
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1

Not to be the one to say, “We told you so” but we totally told you so. Isn’t it interesting that exactly a week after The Watercraft Journal opened the bay doors on a virtual carpet bombing of leaks and “unconfirmed rumors” pertaining to Kawasaki’s plans for 2022 did Team Green reveal half of its plans for the coming model year. “Half” you say? Why yes, half. And of that half are all of the naturally-aspirated machines in the JetSki lineup.

Of these machines, all operate with the identical DOHC, 16-valve, parallel 4-cylinder and 1,498cc engine. All save for the larger Ultra LX employ the same 148mm axial-flow, single stage jet jump as well (the Ultra uses a 155mm pump). Pertaining to the Ultra LX specifically, The Watercraft Journal was hopeful that the expected redesign for the supercharged 310-horsepower series would have effected this model as well. Per this release, such was not the case.

The 2022 Ultra LX remains relatively unchanged apart from a new Ebony/Sunbeam Red color combination with a modest MSRP increase of $300, bringing it to $11,699. Despite it’s stellar 56-gallons of overall storage, 20.6-gallon fuel cell and premium paint scheme, the Ultra LX fails to reach the dedicated cruiser market as it persists without Kawasaki’s engine management system, which gives the other JetSkis its fly-by-wire throttle and cruise control feature.

In light of Yamaha’s new SuperJet, the Kawasaki SX-R 1500 has only elevated its stature as the top performing 4-stroke standup offered today. Between the two, the SX-R and its runabout-inspired hull is the preferred pick by racers and athletes looking to carve buoys at speeds about 60mph. Changes to the JetSki are minimal: a $300 price increase from $9,999 to $10,299 and new graphics that include a ribbon of gold amid the Ebony Black and Lime Green.

The final models announced are those comprising Kawasaki’s newly minted Recreation segment: the STX 160, 160X and 160LX. All three STX models include Immobilizer keys, SLO key operation and Cruise Control, as well as the folding “Slide & Lift” rear seat (and kickstand). Differences between each model are minor (particularly between the 160 and 160X) with the 160LX being a major outlier, as it is equipped with much of the same accoutrements as the Ultra 310LX.

Specifically, those add-ons being Kawasaki’s Jetsounds Bluetooth-operated sound system, the heat-resistant LXury seat and two-tone LX deck mat – not to mention a very unique paint offering. For 2022, the STX 160LX comes in Ebony and Turquoise (with gold highlights). The color is reminiscent of 2021’s Riptide Turquoise on the STX 160X, but is deeper with rich metallics and a gold highlight in its graphics – and comes with a $12,199 MSRP, a bump of $300.

For 2022, STX 160X jumps an additional $300 as well, bringing the MSRP to $10,499. It trades in its Rip Tide hue for Ebony and Lime Green, which was the international livery (same colors we reviewed earlier this year). For the final STX, the 160 comes in Crystal White/Pearl Neon Yellow with an MSRP of $9,899 (only $100 more than last year’s $9,799). The base 160 has Cruise Control, but not the up/down toggles like the other models.

“And what about the other half?” you ask. To date, the remaining supercharged machines have yet to be announced, and likely for good reason. As WCJ has noted, major additions and changes are expected for 2022, which we suspect will rocket Kawasaki’s flagship platform to the front of the class in many aspects. When those new models will be announced still remains to be seen, but we’re banking on late September/early October at the latest.

Gallery: Broward Motorsports Rec Ride 2021

By
Adam Williams
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0

With over a year of planning and preparations due to Covid 19 Adam Williams of Florida PWC Riders/ Broward Motorsports Racing, Manny Arroyo of Jet Rider Nation, and Bassil Alrubaie of FL River Riders, hundreds of riders from all-around the state of Florida and surrounding areas were able to experience the Broward Motorsports Rec Ride. The event took place in the beautiful Florida Keys, starting in Key Largo, riding South through the Gulf side to Islamorada, cutting across to the Atlantic to Alligator Reef Light and then back.

The logistics of launching over 180 skis in the Florida Keys was one of the biggest challenges for this ride. Therefore, for Saturday, riders were given a choice of three marinas to choose from including John Pennekamp State Park, Caribbean Club, and Yacht Club Drive. Although riding was officially set to start at 10:00 AM, some riders were lining up at the ramps as early as 5:00 in the morning!

This undertaking would simply have not been possible without the local knowledge of organized groups such as Florida PWC Riders, Jet Rider Nation, and FL River Riders. All aforementioned groups had team leaders staged at each ramp location to help guide riders to the initial meeting point.

From the meeting point, the epic ride began. Riders would wind south hugging the Everglades National Park boundary, through beautiful mangroves, narrow channels, and the iconic Toilet Seat Cut. As the Rec Ride approached the Islamorada Sandbar, you could see skis stretching for more than a mile.

Once past Channel Marker 1, after respectfully honoring the Islamorada Sandbar No Wake Zone, now hundreds of skis were able to open throttle and start their journey on choppier waters toward the famous and stunning Alligator Reef Light. Once there, they were given over an hour for exploring, snorkeling, mingling with friends, and meeting new people.

Then it was time to return. But not before grabbing some grub! Riders now made their way back to the Islamorada Sandbar where they anchored or tied up to other skis, enjoyed some seriously good food from The Pincho Barge, got more giveaways, from the ride.

Safety was of the utmost priority for this ride. Broward Motorsports hired local law enforcement to help aid with the safely of the ride.This was thanks to the collaboration between Broward Motorsports and both agencies, who seamlessly worked together in the best interest of public safety and the protection the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

With close to 200 skis and over 400 people having participated in this unprecedented ride, it can be safely said that The 2021 Broward Motorsports Rec Ride was a huge success. The event was an amazing opportunity to bring riders together to explore new areas, and bring commerce to the Florida Keys. less than a year after being battered by Covid 19. PWC riders from all over Florida, and surrounding areas such as Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, and even Canada participated and experienced the beauty, and wildlife the Florida Keys have to offer.

Aside the groups’ hard work and dedication, this event was also possible thanks to Sam Nehme, the owner of Broward Motorsports. And to those that attended to the 2021 Broward Motorsports Rec Ride, Broward Motorsports, Florida PWC Riders, Jet Rider Nation, and FL River Riders hope you had the time of your lives. Huge thanks to our sponsors of this ride: BRP Sea-Doo, FINN GPS, PWC Brackets, and PWC Doctor!

Video: Alvean Azurin Reviews the Bopenski PWC Chair

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

YouTuber Alvean Azurin reviews products that can potentially make your jet ski experience better. The Bopenski Kickback Chair is one of those products. The chair is packed in a durable canvas bag with vent holes to prevent mold and mildew. It has a handy carry strap and two bungees for strapping down and instructions both on paper and printed on the bag. The Bopenski Chair set up with ease both times and she was able to install it less than a minute.

She liked the chair’s lightweight aluminum construction, and the fact that it is super comfortable making it ideal for hanging out and fishing. She is a stickler for accessories that won’t scuff or scratch her Sea-Doo. The chair did neither, because of the thick padding along the bottom. The two bungees didn’t damage the ski either. Another noteworthy feature is that the chair leans 10 degrees forward, so it won’t fall off the ski when you’re kicking back.

Azurin rates the chair a quality product. It retails for $139, which she said is a little pricey. She followed that up with saying that everything for jet skis is pricey. Furthermore, the Bopenski Kickback Chair is an accessory and not a necessity, so she gave it a pass and the chair receives a great review and is worth buying!

Video: Kspeed Shows How to Deactivate Kawasaki’s Smart Steering System

By
Kevin Shaw
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0

There are few outlets on the planet more active in the Kawasaki JetSki performance community than Kspeed. Whether it’s developing new products to elevate the rough water prowess of the supercharged Ultra machines, or showing corporate that a 310-horsepower powerplant can deftly fit within the factory confines of the new STX 160LX’s engine compartment, Kspeed is paving new roads for the JetSki brand.

In a recent Facebook post, Kspeed addressed an old annoyance by many experienced riders – namely, the off-throttle “Smart Steering System” that activates when the rider attempts to maneuver their Kawasaki in tight confines without giving the ski any throttle. While good for neophytes and novices, the feature can become a bit tedious for those knowing how to manage on their own. See below:

We are seeing a lot of people on the forums and Facebook groups saying the revs stay up when letting go of the throttle, Like a sticky throttle on their Kawasaki JetSkis. New ones, old ones, it doesn’t matter.

This is the Kawasaki’s Smart Steering System kicking in. It does so when you have the handle bars turned and release the throttle too quickly.

It is a safety feature to prevent novice riders dropping the throttle in an emergency and losing steering control. We find that most experienced riders prefer it disconnected; it is also preferable to have it disconnected when towing tubes.

If you want to know how to disconnect it, see the below video. It’s a quick 2 minute job and this applies to all Kawasaki 4-stroke sit down JetSkis.

Video: Hydro-Turf’s Mark Gomez Takes Multiple Wins in British Freestyle Event

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

Hydro-Turf team rider, Mark Gomez submitted filmed runs to compete in the 800 and 1200cc international classes in the virtual British Freestyle event. The event was live on Facebook on July 10 and the recap is available on the British Freestyle Championship page. Check it out. It’s very well done, and action packed without a lot of down time or filler.

Competitors from around the world submitted clips of their rides in their respective classes. The rides were viewed and scrutinized by a panel of world class judges stationed around the world. Criteria for judging was based on degree of difficulty, variety, execution, and how many tricks were completed.

Gomez placed 1st in the 1200cc International Class on his Rickter Ninja Pro V2. He picked up an award for the Best Trick on a 1200cc. He won for pulling off his super 540. That is one crazy trick! He also won the Best Trick in the 800cc Open International Class for making a big Barrel Roll on his Lite Class Super Jet. He grabbed 2cd place in the 800cc International Class. He couldn’t have landed all his super high-flying maneuvers without his Hydro-Turf traction!

It looks like the guys had a great time making their videos. The event looks like it was a lot of fun, regardless of being virtual. “These are weird times without many events,” writes Gomez. He is super stoked to support events like these that make it possible for everyone to compete.

Until all nations get back to competing on a world track, we will take in all the virtual events we can get.

 

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