Were Roger Penske willing to sell you a ALMS-spec Porsche for less than what it would take for you to build one, would you even blink an eye? That is the argument for Dean’s Team new Limited Edition WaveRunner GP1800RS. Built to exacting specifications, thereby earning its “RS” RaceSpec moniker, every RS is hand-built, tested and fine-tuned by the same hands that have assembled the same skis to rack up dozens of World Titles; including, as Dean Charrier wrote, “the last three years of IJSBA Pro Runabout Stock, the 2015 P1 AquaX Team of the Year with wins in the 200 and 300 classes, wins at the HydroDrag World Championships in Stock, Spec, and SuperStock classes, and many more.”

Only now have many who bemoaned the replacement of the FZ Series Yamahas with the new GP1800 WaveRunners started to come around, particularly through the efforts of Dean’s Team, as well as RIVA Racing and Greenhulk.net. Only yesterday did The Watercraft Journal report that a box stock GP1800 was capable of a staggering 79.2mph with only the aid of an ECU reflash. The GP1800RS sprints comfortably to 82-to-83mph in its closed course arrangement, and when pressed and slightly tweaked, can reach a maximum 84mph. “When we loosen it up for top speed, it gets upwards of 85 mph,” Dean told The Watercraft Journal, with all testing done locally in Orlando, FL.

Again, that is in IJSBA Stock Class trimming, as well as compliant with AquaX Pro Enduro regulations. As Dean continued, “[It’s] the perfect set up for someone who wants to be the fastest on their lake or the fastest around buoys,” continuing, “[When] set up for closed course racing it has great acceleration like the skis we won the World Finals on.” Until recently, Charrier and his Dean’s Team ECU reflash was a well-kept secret. Charrier’s relationship with Yamaha proffered the tuner exclusive access to not only early GP1800 prototypes (confessing, “We’ve had the GP1800 for over a year now and have been developing and tuning longer than anyone for it.”), but also access to sensitive engine mapping software.

Coupled with a uniquely repitched Single Prop, every GP1800RS is tuned and tested to Dean’s specs and standards. Of course, much more is included in the RS than just a custom Dean’s Team Reflash and Repitched Prop; but also includes a custom aluminum Worx steering neck and 32-inch race bars with ODI Ruffian Grips, Worx air intake and filter, a custom-shaped intake grate, a Worx ride plate and special, adjustable “Billet Insert Edition” sponsons, RIVA Racing water strainer, a custom-stitched, grippy Jettrim seat cover with contrasting-colored stitching to match the corresponding red or blue Yamaha, and a unique Dean’s Team GP1800RS vinyl graphics kit to match.

As per our initial review of the factory GP1800 for 2017, the new WaveRunner shines brightest when pushed through the corners. Lightweight and precise, the stock GP handles like a slot car, and the Dean’s Team RaceSpec configuration only magnifies that. The added traction provided by the sponsons, grate and ride plate, combined with the improvements to rider comfort and input thanks to the new steering system and seat, all make for a machine that is all but unmatched on the water. Although Charrier didn’t disclose a cut-off number, the GP1800RS will be a limited edition machine sold for $17,800 – and a quick breakdown of the MSRP of the craft, all of the parts and labor shows that at that cost, you’re paying less than retail.

Even if you’re not pursuing a career in racing, but just looking to get your hands on a race-ready machine that is sure to upset everybody else on your lake, the Dean’s Team GP1800RS (RaceSpec) looks to be the perfect weapon to bring to that fight. But if you are chasing podium finishes, we can’t think of a better watercraft package available on the market today.

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“Inside baseball” is a phrase not commonly bandied about within social circles, but is an apropos way of saying “we show you how the sausage is made” (which is also a colorful albeit esoteric turn of phrase). When it came to the reveal of the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R JetSki, our coverage might’ve skirted that line, occasionally dipping into behind-the-scenes information that the layman couldn’t really care less about. Yet, seeing that we’re a PWC enthusiast magazine, and not some generic powersports publication, we felt it appropriate to dive a little deeper.

That being said, we also wanted to draw the curtain back a little further to reveal some of the inner workings of Kawasaki – in particular it’s mindset regarding the new ski – so we had multi-time Junior Ski and Amateur Ski National Champion AJ Luinstra skulk his way through the 2017 Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting and bring us back a full report. Mind you, there’s not a whole heck of a lot revealed here (particularly about the new SX-R) that you haven’t already read or heard, but we do get a taste of how Kawasaki is looking to market the new standup:

Above: Kawasaki brought out several top superbike and motocross riders as several new units from the motorcycle, side-by-side and PWC divisions were rolled out for 2017.

“Well, the 2017 Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting is officially in the books. The Dealer Meeting marked 50 years for Kawasaki in the USA. With this 50th anniversary we knew there had to be some awesome new products; Kawasaki released fifteen new products ranging from side-x-sides, motorcycles, and personal watercraft.

“One of the products that I know we have been waiting for was the all-new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R. This new standup watercraft had its official international unveiling back in October of this year at the IJSBA World Finals. One of the main things we did not know back in October was the price and the full specs for the ski. We now know after a very eventful 2017 Dealer meeting that the price will be $9,999 MSRP. We also now know that the weight is 551.3 pounds with fuel. You can also see the full specs HERE.

Above: Kawasaki displayed the SX-R with some interesting notes, including “Comfort” and “Convenience” as being major proponents of the new standup’s appeal, with easy boarding thanks to a wider, angled tray, easy-to-start electronic fuel injection, storage (!) and a drier ride thanks to the KSD splash deflectors integrated into the bow.

Above: In addition to several new 2017 SX-R units, Kawasaki also displayed what the manufacturer advertised as a unit modified for “IJSBA 2017 Ski Stock Class Racing.”

“One of the cool things that we got to see was all the reactions from the dealers and even the Kawasaki staff. There were many different Kawasaki employees that got to ride it along with some of the top motocross riders for Team Green. There were many dealers that were so happy and ready to sell this product this year. One of the top features noticed by a lot of the dealers is that it is not just for smaller people to ride. Bigger people can now ride this ski too and feel very comfortable on it.

“I got the chance to talk with many dealers and Kawasaki staff about this new standup. There were so many different reactions to the new ski. Some of the people said that it was crazy fast but it also handled very good. One of the coolest reactions was by one of the Kawasaki district managers [who] got to ride it in Indian Wells. He said the ski was so fast that he couldn’t hang on to it but that it was by far one of the best standups he had ever ridden. There was also many top Kawasaki motorcycle riders like Eli Tomac, Tom Sykes, and Johnathan Rea that got to ride it.

Above: Modifications to the Stock Class SX-R included custom stitched Jettrim mats, a blinged-out Sato Engineering billet gas cap, R&D Performance sponsons, a Rick Roy Products (RRP) handle pole and chin pad, a RRP 4-degree racing handlebar and steering system with ODI lock-on grips, and Skat Trak impeller.

AJ concluded, “Overall the 2017 Kawasaki dealer meeting was very eventful and we can’t wait for another 50 years for Kawasaki in the US.” We tried to get Luinstra a chance to ride the new machine but was thwarted at every attempt, saying that media will “get their chance in a few months.” Until such time, we’ll have to live vicariously via leaked video and sporadic social media posts. But fear not, dealers are taking pre-orders currently, including 321 Kawasaki out of El Dorado, KS – so order your 2017 Kawasaki SX-R today to get the special racers discount exclusively through 321 Kawasaki today.

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We wrestled over publishing this article as nearly all of the information found below has been published (albeit piecemeal) on The Watercraft Journal previously. We were first to show four of the five Ultras back in very early August, revealing a slight rearrangement in colors and decals. Next, we were first in the world to bring a complete and heavily detailed look at the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R. While there are a few morsels of added information to toss into the mix, you will have gleaned 95-percent of everything you’ll need to know about the new JetSki from October’s article.

Of course, the return of the standup SX-R JetSki is the biggest news for the manufacturer. The nigh 40-year-old machine was retired in 2011 after a strong retail decline in 2009 (spurred by an upside-down economy, failing consumer confidence and a rash of Eco-legislation banned 2-strokes in several left-leaning states) following years of slowly deflating sales. Although shelved, subterranean efforts by project designers Minuro Kanamori and Craig “Fuzzy” Boyd to develop a functioning 4-stroke standup birthed several prototypes, but final approval was out of the question until the tricky landscape could be traversed.

The Watercraft Journal learned first-hand that the decision to resurrect the mothballed project was heavily contested internally, with many factors playing a part – most surprisingly being the reception of the new SX-R by the racing community. IJSBA President Scott Frazier and Pro Watercross’ AJ Handler were both notified early of Kawasaki’s impending release and provided valuable feedback, as well as committing to amend certain rules to permit the new 4-stroke to compete. Even its public reveal was purposely targeted towards the racing audience, drawing back the curtain to a bated crowd at the IJSBA World Finals last month.

The final product and all of its gory details was finally uncovered this past weekend at the annual Kawasaki Dealer Meeting in Palm Springs, California. Priced at one dollar below $10,000 (notably $500 less than our initial intel had confirmed), the SX-R borrows heavily from the brand’s oldest-running model, the STX-15F.

The drivetrain, which has remained almost entirely unchanged since 2005, directly drops into the 551.3-pound (curb weight, 509-pound dry weight) standup – making it significantly heavier than its 370-pound predecessor. The SX-R even shares the same pump and stator, giving the SX-R equal thrust (957-pounds) as the runabout – giving the JetSki near-identical acceleration as the supercharged 310X.

Comparisons in dimensions continue to distinguish the SX-R from its 800 (technically, 781cc) ancestor: the ’17 model totals 104.5-inches long, or 8-feet, 8.5-inches, a full 14-inches longer than before; with between the two is slightly less than a inch and half difference (30.1″ versus 28.7); and the new SX-R stands 3.2-inches taller than before, at 33.1″ over 28.9″.

Although visually identical as two generations of JetSki before it, the handlepole has been reinforced with an internal brace and fitted with a chin pad with Low Fuel and Oil Temp caution lights (not gauges). The throttle is cable-operated (no fly-by-wire), and there’s no electric or mechanical trim control (contrary to some reports published elsewhere).

Again, the engine is Kawasaki’s proven 160-horsepower 1,498cc 4-stroke DOHC four-cylinder, employing the supercharged-Ultra’s composite resin long runner intake manifold. As outlined in our previous article, the oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade 148mm impeller is also pulled from the STX-15F, and the steering nozzle increased from 76mm diameter to 87mm and a total 102mm nozzle length.

All of this makes the SX-R “the quickest and most agile personal watercraft in Kawasaki’s lineup,” not to mention the fastest factory-built standup JetSki to date with a top speed of 63mph. While pre-orders are being accepted, production is slated for early 2017, putting new units on sales floors somewhere around April.

For the rest of Kawasaki’s lineup, it is, as they say, “BNG” or “Bold New Graphics.” Beginning from the bottom-up, the aforementioned STX-15F remains inexhaustibly unchanged after 14 years – save for its new Ebony/Metallic Graystone livery and all-too-familiar $9,699 price tag. The solitary unit is Kawasaki’s answer to Yamaha’s VX line (consisting of 7 different trim and performance packages), and Sea-Doo’s GTI line, with its 8 different iterations.

Joined with the STX is the base-level Ultra LX, whose Ebony/Valiant Blue is a nice return to the LX’s of the past. Priced at $11,199, the LX is void of electronic throttle control, trim, cruise or Eco modes found on the supercharged models to follow.

The 310-series Ultras retain the same Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Supercharged) 1.5-liter powerplants ingesting a max boost of 16.8psi. That makes for a thirsty beast, and its 20.6-gallon fuel cell is just enough to keep the 1,498cc creature in its belly satiated. While the Kawasakis have earned the stigma of being “huge,” facts prove otherwise:

Rated with a curb weight of 1047.4-pounds (using the Ultra 310R as the example), the true dry weight is 914-pounds, exactly identical to that of the current RXT-X 300. Additionally, all Ultra 310 models are also 6.5-inches shorter than the RXT/GTX/Wake Pro/RXT-X models (132.7″ versus 139.2), and also 1.2-inches more narrow (47″ versus 48.2″).

Nevertheless, the changes to the four separate 310-horsepower Ultras are minimal. The 310X receives a Ebony/Metallic Stardust White paint scheme with a price tag of $15,299 (identical to the RXP-X 300 MSRP). The next step above the 310X is the limited Ultra 310X SE (Special Edition). Distinguished by a bolstered, two-tone seat and its Ebony/Sunbeam Red coloring, the SE is priced at $15,799 (a full $300 over the aforementioned RXT-X 300, and $200 less than the Yamaha FX SVHO Cruiser).

Above the SE is the “race-ready” Ultra 310R, priced at $16,299 ($200 more than Sea-Doo’s top-of-the-line GTX Limited 300), which comes with a cast aluminum steering neck and electroplated MX-style handlebar, a narrowed grippy seat and green sponsons to match its Ebony/Lime Green livery.

Capping the 2017 lineup is the Ultra 310LX. Marked by Kawasaki’s JetSounds, Kawasaki’s onboard sound system that includes dual 30-watt speakers, amp, and controls implanted into the handlebar pad. In the glove box is a waterproof screw-top container with a USB port for reading a memory stick, and a waterproof bag for a phone or MP3 to supply music; as well as a heat-resistant, bolstered saddle. Again, the 310LX returns in Ebony/Candy Lime Green coloring with an asking price of $17,999 (an even $1,000 over Sea-Doo’s GTX Limited S 260, and $1,1,00 over Yamaha’s heavily-optioned, fully-accessorized FX Limited SVHO).

For some considering themselves market strategists, Kawasaki’s play is a bit befuddling. As competitors double-down on entry-level runabouts, and lightweight muscle craft, the company that started it all is metaphorically bringing the band back together for a reunion tour. Hopefully sales reward the bold strategy as all projections for 2017 look remarkably positive, with building consumer confidence at an all-time high in nearly a decade.

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