While the first official day of Spring was week, many of you reading this are still dealing with cursed white stuff falling from the sky and screwing up your riding. Even with temps undulating like they are, the maniacs at WMF Watercraft are already having a killer opening to the year. Sure, you’ve already seen their tricked out GEICO Powersports race-ready Sea-Doo RXP-Xs making the rounds at all the boat shows (see above), but they’re also making deals on used PWC and some of the nicest pontoon boats available.
Over the course of the past month, WMF has moved over 18 of the big boy pontoons and over a handful of meticulously prepped pre-owned personal watercraft. Of course, even if you’re not in the market for a new or used PWC but just want to get your ride fine-tuned or brought back from the brink of death, the master technicians at WMF Watercraft’s Millsboro, Delware location can get you up and running in no time.
If you’re one of those who like to strike when the iron is hot, make sure to swoop in and “Like” WMF’s Facebook page to keep up on the latest deals and goings on!
Not much for the GTX 155 has changed from last year’s model apart from the striking metallic “Alloy Orange” – a hue we’d love to see on the aggressive blacked-out X-Series skis.
It wasn’t long after we reviewed Yamaha’s 2014 FX HO Cruiser that we were invited to take the equally-equipped 2014 GTX 155 out for a ride. Both skis share the same market segment (apart from the Yamaha’s next-level-up stadium-style seating), particularly those watersport enthusiasts looking for a happy medium of comfort and reliability, and best of class fuel mileage. And throughout our time aboard the Sea-Doo we couldn’t shake the tendency to contrast the two.
Unfortunately, a throwdown shootout between the two is not something you’ll find here. But as Kawasaki’s staid naturally-aspirated Ultra LX is the brand’s only entry in the non-huffer segment, the only two really taking this class seriously are Sea-Doo and Yamaha, and so we will be drawing some comparisons between them.
It wasn’t long ago when Bombardier first announced the “high output” 155-horsepower Rotax plant. By today’s standards the successor to the brand’s lowest producing 130HP engines seems anemic. But at the time and well up until the 215 and 260HP supercharged models, 4-Tec 155 was plenty of push to propel the previous “Phoenix” hull.
At nearly 140-inches long and closer to 900-pounds when weight for oil and coolant are factored in, the S3-based GTX’s naturally-aspirated 155-horsepower output might strike as anemic, but the iTC’s “Sport” mode will resolve most concerns.Standard on all Luxury-level Sea-Doos is this locking watertight bin. With total storage at 13.7 gallons, finding a secure place to stow your needful things should not be a problem.
Yet, once the larger S3 hull became the standard for 2010, the 155-level naturally-aspirated plant just seemed to wheeze when passed up by Kawasaki’s 1.5L four-cylinder and Yamaha’s not-so-thirsty 1,812cc monster. Well, at least that was what we thought…
Because of Sea-Doo’s iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control) and standard trio of available engine tunes, namely “Touring,” “Sport” and “Eco,” the unboosted 155HP GTX manages to leap from a rolling start with no shortage of motivation.
While the long three-seater (139.2-inches) won’t break any 0-to-30 second speed records, it will pull hard enough to surprise most rear passengers.
In fact, the GTX’s iTC proved itself as the vehicle’s most underrated resource. Toggling through the engine programs is equally as accessible as setting its one-touch Cruise control. Considering that fuel economy was a main motivator for buyers of the GTX 155, we rode most of the day in Eco Mode, hardly denting the scant $30 in fuel we poured into the tank earlier.
Major factors that aided in our overlooking a handful of small complaints were Sea-Doo’s unmatched ergonomics on the handlebars. Toggles are responsive and the one-touch Cruise control is unrivaled in its ease.The GTX comes with a thick padded folding swim step standard which makes boarding a cinch. Even with the locking access panels, the rear platform in wide and spacious.
Those riding will find the single-piece bench seat supportive and roomy. In some cases we’ve found the tall scalloped seats other brands a little restrictive for taller riders, but our qualm is merely a matter of preference. Beneath the tilt steering, the glove box is voluminous, and the sealable, locking bow bin (a standard feature on all GTX models) offers sufficient storage.
Even in its most humble form, the lowest rung of the “Luxury” segment is endowed with Sea-doo’s VTS (Variable Trim System), F/N/R gear indicator and adjustable LCD dash display settings.
As is with all Sea-Doos equipped with iBR (Intelligent Brake & Reverse), maneuvering around tight spots, docking and loading the trailer is a far superior experience than any other ski without it; not to mention the tremendous safety benefits of a fully-functional braking system.
Quibbles with the Sea-Doo rose from its “plasticy” hood and glove box hinges, which felt fragile. These materials undoubtedly help keep the large runabout down to 816-pound (dry) weight.
The lines of the GTX are low and long and nowhere near as complex as the racier RXP-X – but the family DNA can still be found. We were pleased with the dry ride and maneuverability.Priced at just over $12,000, the GTX 155 comes with 87 octane compatibility and BRP’s Eco mode, fuel consumption is conservative, helping recoup a little of your initial investment.
Likewise, we struggled with the release lever to access the engine compartment. On two different occasions while driving to our location, the seat unlatched, swinging open while on the highway. After securing it a second time, we fought to open it again to no avail (sorry, no engine pic).
The juxtaposition of state-of-the-art innovation and thin, finicky plastics gave the GTX 155 an oddly imbalanced feeling. In Sport mode, the GTX failed to breach 60mph, but graciously remained one of the driest rides we had experienced all the while being spry, actively carving S-turns with modest provocation. Sea-Doo’s handlebar grip-to-button ergonomics are second to none, and are found on nearly every other model. Button responsiveness is equally above the fray. For that we applaud BRP’s engineers.
Priced well over $1,000 under that of the aforementioned Yamaha, the GTX 155 does manage to both fall below and rise above its nearest competitor. We would’ve preferred the low end grunt and solidity of the HO Cruiser, but keep returning to the iTC and iBR as its saving graces. Fuel economy (particularly in Eco mode), watertight storage and ergonomics help push the GTX over the edge into the “recommended” category.
While we just published a news article on Austria’s globe-traveling jet ski racer Kevin Reiterer just yesterday, we caught this great video update from the World Champion and couldn’t pass it up. Before Kevin charged the waters off of the Crazy Horse Resort in Lake Havasu, AZ at last year’s IJSBA World Finals, he made one very important stop: Jettrim.
As Kevin wrote, “Jettrim is an exclusive brand pushing the Limits of Design and Quality by making products amazing. The Company is driven by Passion and their whole Team enjoys being part of something bigger then themselves. Custom PWC Mats and Custom race seats for Buggys are their territory.”
This inside look at the inner workings of Jettribe provide you with a peek into Jettrim’s workshop and how the some of the very best designed and handling products in the sport originate from.
The Watercraft Journal: Kevin, we’re glad we can finally get a chance to talk. You’re quite the globetrotter. Last we heard you were living on a sailboat in Oceanside, right? Before that, weren’t you living in Australia?
Kevin Rickon: The last few years I have been living a very nomadic lifestyle. Other than a handful of items and clothing (enough to fill up a single suitcase), I do not own much anything else. My current life on a boat in San Diego has been great. I’ve always been around boats and living on one has just made my life a living dream. Joey Kenney lives on his 36-foot Chris Craft next to me and we share stories of sailing adventures, surfing, the freeride lifestyle and how important it is to do what you love. He has been a great friend to me this last year and has made my time at the marina much more enjoyable.
I really enjoyed my time in Australia. For 9 months I was the manager at Worx Racing Components. And oh man! Was that an experience! It was at Worx Racing that I really took my first role at managing a small business. On top of that, I managed the company through the exchange of new owners, which entails a lot. Because of the exchange of hands, the business moved several hundred kilometers south into a different state. I moved from Queensland to New South Whales. Before the shop was fully moved out, I drove across the border to the old Queensland office three times a week to hand make the sponsons for the new orders. I was relieved when the equipment finally moved to the new shop!
WCJ: So what brought you home to the States? And don’t tell me it was the Mexican food.
KR: The lack of Mexican food was definitely a challenge. Thankfully, the Aussie meat pie was a great substitute. I was in Australia for just a year and I was really missing home. There will always be a place in my heart for Down Under but home is where my family is. I don’t believe my time in Australia is over, I know I’ll go back.
WCJ: You’ve been tied to jet skiing for much of your life. Tell us a little about what/who drew you to freeriding? What is it about freeride that’s so unique to jetskiing?
KR: My father told me I could never buy a jet ski. So I did the most logical thing and bought one anyways. Jon Hall, one of my closest friends and I went for a casual ride together on our FX1’s in Oceanside. That was my first time riding a stand up independently and the first time seeing anyone do a backflip. I thought to myself, “Oh no he didn’t!” With new found interest, I wobble over to the best of my ability on my knees to take a closer look. It was then that I met Ross Champion for the first time.
The O-Side Crew took me in as one of their own and I became part of a brotherhood. Not for a moment did I ever consider myself to be as talented as many of the other individuals but I felt part of a family and everyone looked out for one another. I believe there are just a few and far between sports that really emphasize on taking care of the guy next to him. In all of my troubles in and out of the water, I would turn to any one of the boys for guidance and help in any of my endeavors.
In addition, riding jet skis in any condition, especially the surf is quite unique as opposed to other sports that support the phrase, “freeride.” First off, water is an element that wants nothing more than to swallow whatever is on top of it. The jet ski for example must be in 100-percent condition to be above water and move through it. As simple as it sounds, it takes a lot of preparation, skilled work and strong/reliable parts to do that. Jet ski freeride is unique in that it takes all those things as well as your buddies to perform through the most unknown element in the world.
Cuong Son said it best, “The wave is the canvas and we are the brush stroke.”
WCJ: Great words to live by. Is that what prompted you to create KR Lines? Tell us about your company and what you guys do.
KR: I am all about “buying things once.” Other than something like a Rolex Submariner, I’m not sure anything lasts forever. I wanted to create something so simple and so long lasting that it would never cross any ones minds of possibly failing. I have snapped several “limiting ropes” and I found it to be silly to ever buy one the way that they were made.
I come from a heavy background in the nautical community. I am a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain and have been sailing my entire life. KR Lines is different from the others because I am able to take my unique background and bring it to the jet ski market. Anything that uses the term “rope” is incomplete. Incomplete meaning the rope is just by itself. I take a rope and splice it into a line. This is why KR Lines has the strongest product. I use 12 strand Dyneema, the same rope on all Americas Cup boats. I count each individual strand and split them perfectly for each hand splice. Anyone can learn to splice rope but to be able to do it perfectly the same each time takes years of practice. In addition, they must all be able to handle the same load.
Did you know if you tie a bowline knot the strength is reduced by 40%? And did you know that if you properly splice a line the strength can increase by 10%? I’ve completed several strengths test at random and have come within -1% to +7% of a 5400lbs Dyneema line that I use on all of my products. Those are very good numbers by anyones professional rigging standards.
I have sold a number of lines all over the world and have yet to have a single person notify me of a failed product that is put out from my product line. And if anyone’s were to fail, I would cover them at my cost.
WCJ: That’s got to keep you pretty busy. With such a frenetic schedule do you still find time to ride? Where are your “regular spots?”
KR: Since coming back from Australia I have yet to have found time for myself to ride. I am juggling several jobs on the water as well as other entrepreneurial endeavors related to KR Lines. In the upcoming future, I will build another ski and will ride my favorite spot, Oceanside.
WCJ: Got any big rides/events you’re planning on attending?
KR: I am going to make it a priority to make it to Blowsion Surf Slam this year as I have never been part of that event. Blowsion has done a great job promoting their events and have drawn riders from around the world. Just being there would be an incredible experience.
WCJ: Just for fun – if time and money weren’t an issue, where would be your “dream session” to go freeriding?
KR: You know, I have been surfing since I was a little grom and this question comes about to me all the time. I would say the most fun I have ever had, and looking to the future of dreams and possibility, the only place I would want to ride freeride is wherever my friends are. That being said, Oceanside and Gold Coast.
WCJ: OK, here’s your chance for some shameless plugs. Who would you like to thank?
KR: Oh man, where to begin? Generally speaking, the boys at Oceanside for always being there for me. Jono Hall for being my “P-I-C.” Ross and Joey for people to look up to. Luke Rotolone for being my save and grace. Corin Williams for the best advice anyone could ever as for. Brodie Copp for being my friend through the thick and thin. Jack Shelley and Gary Watson from Worx for the incredible teachings and experiences and the rest of the boys Down Under.
If you’ve never before heard of The Tennessee River 600, you my friend are missing out. Beginning in 1997 as a fun ride PWC enthusiasts, the Tennessee River 600 has grown into an annual event with participants representing as many as 19 different states, and is the longest running organized event in the United States for personal watercraft.
Those choosing to tackle the might river stretching through the Middle South state raise funds for two children’s hospitals and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The money raised is divided among The Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL; and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Thus far, the event has raised a total of $204,323!
According to the official Tennessee River 600, “The Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL is a member of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an alliance of premier hospitals for children and one of the world’s leading children’s charities working to save and improve the lives of millions of children.”
Although the ride is meant to be a great scenic ride through lush Tennessee, the event is also aimed at promoting Tennessee tourism and water safety, in addition to helping elevate the public appeal and reputation of personal watercraft.
Recently, Dennis Beckley and staff had this to say:
It sure has been a long, cold winter and it seems like it just won’t let go! But the good news is that Spring will be here soon, and it can’t get here fast enough! We can only think of one or two people that we know of that enjoys all of the snow that’s fallen this year but they don’t live here in Tennessee! Here, we’re ready for the flowers to begin blooming and the grass to turn green signifying the beginning of another great personal watercraft riding season is on it’s way!
Another indicator that Spring is approaching is that we have updated the hotel information for this year’s event! We’ll be staying at the same locations that we stayed at last year as we heard a lot of positive feedback from last years participants. One bit of information that want to let you know is that the hotel in Guntersville, AL, is now known as the Wyndham Garden Lake Guntersville, so hopefully there won’t be any confusion if you call to make your reservations and don’t recognize the name. It’s still the same great hotel with the same great staff that has made us feel at home for the past several years!
We have also added some pictures from the 2013 event to our Photo Gallery! We didn’t receive as many photos as we have have in years past so if you have some photos you would like to share with us please contact us and we’ll get them posted. We love browsing through the pictures as it always brings back great memories, even if they are memories of the rain we rode in last year! Plus it’s always fun to see the event through different “eyes”. It reminds us of just how much there is to see on this ride!
We still have a lot of work to do before July but we’re hoping to thaw out soon and get back on the water for some riding! Stay tuned as we will have more updates in the next few weeks!
Dennis Beckley & the Staff of the Tennessee River 600
We know, we know. We’ve been really griping a lot about the weather. Thankfully, today’s the first official day of Spring and the warmer temps are actually looking to be sticking around so it’s time to de-winterize your ski, grease up the wheel bearings on the trailer and hit the water.
But for some, this is the time to get in prime shape for the upcoming race season. From grassroots entries to first time participants, professional standup racers and seasoned veterans, you’re season some of the best in our industry sharpen their minds and bodies for the chance at winning championship gold.
One of those is Austria’s favorite son, Kevin Reiterer, who already locked horns with Jeremy Poret and Chris MacClugage at the most recent UIM Aquabike World Championship stop in Qatar, which we covered early last week.
In regards to his plans for 2014 and his time spent in preparation, Reiterer wrote:
The last couple of years many pro athletes came to the desert of Dubai. They trained and raced at the UAE Championship to prepare for the upcoming season. Many changes in the race schedule and further commitment at University in Austria did not make it possible to compete at every race this season. However, the young Austrian enjoyed every single day in the sun of Dubai. “A true paradise for us racers. Waves every single day and wonderful conditions. A nice contrast to my trainings by 1-3 degree in Austria where sometimes your finger start to freeze.” Kevin is now back in Austria preparing for his hometown race in Austria, which is nothing less than the Euro Finals.
Kevin will be competing with what we at The Watercraft Journal consider to be thee best jet ski racing program happening on the planet (we know, that’s big talk), the 2014 Freegun Jetcross Tour happening throughout France.
It’s still pretty dang frozen in Minnesota where Cargo Wave is headquartered but that’s not slowing down their preparations for warmer seasons. With two big announcements for the PWC trailer manufacturer, 2014 is already shaping up to be a great one!
First of the announcements is that Cargo Wave will be “renting” Cargo Wave trailers on the St. Croix River. There’s already been great demand for the enclosed PWC trailer and we suggest that dealers and PWC renters across the country to look into the Cargo Wave for retail and stand alone rentals.
And of course, for current ski customers interested in finding out how well the Cargo Wave works out, make sure to check out their website and stay tuned to The Watercraft Journal for our review of the Cargo Wave coming next month!
And last but not least, Cargo Wave is putting a Grand Prize package together for The Flood Run Benefit Ride the raffle: a 110HP ’14 Yamaha VX Deluxe three-person with 2014 Triton aluminum two-place trailer provided by River Valley Power & Motorsports Red Wing, and a brand new Cargo Wave donated by Cargo Wave LLC, all for benefit of Gillette Children’s Care Centers.
Jake Bright was happy to loan out his brand new Krash Industries Predator for those willing to take it out in to the surf.
This past weekend was the annual Pismo Spring Break Freeride in Pismo Beach, California. There was an awesome turnout this year with lots of new and familiar faces showing up to get in on the action.
We were fairly blessed this year with predominately good weather and more importantly, some pretty good waves; a constant break of overhead-to-occasional double overhead nasty Pismo-style close outs. Which is great for Pismo!
The best waves are always early in the morning, then it gets blown out and you’re left with big lumpy washing machine-style monsters. So the action kicks off early in the AM. You’re awoken by skis firing up and people cheering the riders from the beach.
The waves were claiming victims all weekend this year, with several sunken skis. One ski was lost for 22 hours and another is still missing. These skis were being piloted by seasoned pros, which should give you an idea of just how heavy it was.
Our good friends (right to left) Takaaki Murao, Tomoya Kashiwazaki and Koji Nakano also made it down again from Japan (along with Mark Gomez); those guys love the Pismo Freerides and come down every year for it!Ross Champion and the Champion Timepieces freeride team made a big appearance, with Ross showing why he’s the boss.
Friday morning kicked off the event. The waves were pumping and the weather was hot! The Blowsion crew made it down to this year and with them they brought a whole fleet of beautiful Blowsion boats, among them was a brand new Blowsion-built Krash Industries JB1 brought down to be united with its happy new owner! Along with them was Dane Dials, the one-legged bandit Pete McAfee, and the legend “Air” Darin Anderson!
Also making it down to support the freeride and their riders was Liquid Militia who brought a ton of swag out for the weekend, pimping out everyone on the beach with their dope apparel; they also hosted a big pizza dinner Saturday night, along with TC Freeride, Krash Industries, Burn Industries and Karacters 4 Kids where they were giving out free pizza to everyone at the freeride!
Everybody’s favorite Alaskan, Tanner Thomas also made the trip down to get in on the fun as well as Taylor Curtis and the rest of the TC Freeride team. Kyle Kennedy was also there representing DASA and helping out all his team riders as well as Carl Gramberg of Cold-Fusion. My pops and I were also holding it down for Krash and Burn Industries with the Burn rig!
Austin Lewis showed us all how he could shred on his square nose SuperJet.Randy Lawlor (and brother Brandon) made the trek down to Pismo and showed how to properly air out a TC Freeride-built Rickter.
On Saturday, the waves were a bit more mellow and everyone was able to get into the water and have some fun. This was a great time for some of the amateur riders to push their riding. Joey Morneault almost nailed his first flip, Valerio Antonucci had a few good attempts at flips, river rat Jake Biland landed his first flip, and Filippo Rossetti was launching some of his first legit barrel rolls along with countless other riders who were out there sending it!
This also was a great time for riders to test out new skis, I had people testing my new Krash Industries Predator with nothing but good responses from beginner level riders to pros level riders; proving its superior ride ability.
Sunday brought in some of the biggest waves of the weekend. Before I had even woken up, skis were already lost and the pandemonium was in full effect! When I made it on the water, it took about 5 minutes before I was towing a guy back to his ski in the middle of the gnarly break!
Darin Anderson and Dane Dials are seen here with their Blowsion-built boats with Jordan Fielder and Andrew of Blowsion helping them out on the beach.The fully-dressed pirate is none other than the one-legged freerider Pete McAfee, who doesn’t let his missing limb slow him down one bit.
All the best riders were out on the back set sending it! Jerry Jones made it out and was throwing massive point back barrel rolls, which was super cool because Jerry hasn’t made it to Pismo in years! The Lawlor brothers, Randy and Brandon were throwing down with there relentless style, always a good time on the water with those nuts!
Some of the gnarliest airs of the weekend had to of gone to Darin Anderson, that dude is so gnarly! I have ridden with Darin in the past and even competed against him, but I’ve never been to a freeride with him and was blown away at how insane he is. Darin was chasing down double over head monsters in the back and would come at these things pinned from the middle break and absolutely launch off the lip right as it would be closing out! The dude’s a madman and it was super fun to watch!
Ross Champion was absolutely killing it as usual but it never gets old watching his flawless no handed flips and madonnas.I had a blast out there with everyone and want to thank all of you who made it out and helped celebrate the spirit of freeride!
Randy Laine was on the back shagging big waves all weekend as well, showing off his big wave surf skills and getting deep in the waves! There were so many good riders it was awesome, the skill level is really escalating with all the riders and at all times there was someone in the waves putting on a show for the crowd.
Its always a good time with the freeride family because whenever someone is in need of a helping hand on or off the water, there’s always another freerider whose got your back. You may not even know them yet but they’ve got your back because that’s what freeriders do! If you haven’t made it out to a freeride yet and are thinking about coming but don’t know anyone, don’t be shy. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will leave with a bunch of awesome new friends and memories!
Photography provided by Jack Bright, Mark Fischer and Travis Valtierra.
Only being allowed to bring in one fish (according to Virginia law), my 37.6-pound striper was good enough to earn me second place overall and a nice cash prize of $1,500.
It was cold yesterday morning when I got up at 3am, loaded and towed my ski – an ’01 Yamaha SUV 1200 rigged and wrapped for nearly every imaginable form of fishing – from Poquoson, Virginia across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the ramp at Kiptopeke/Concrete Ship.
I had entered a Toys for Tots charity fishing contest, the Catchin’ For Kids Tournament. The weather was terrible 25 knot with gusts to thirty winds, steady rain and a small craft advisory. Not exactly the kind of stuff you want to go out in a big boat in. But, it was pretty fun on the jet ski; I felt like I was at Water Country USA or Busch Gardens as I rolled up and over the 4-to-5 foot short duration waves.
I ran about two miles off of the ships and put three lines out with live eels. My first drift I had three knock downs and netted two nice striped bass. I kept one that totaled 47 inches. Pulling that one in was a blast! The next long drift I had no strikes.
According to law, I can only keep one big fish here in Virginia and that is all I needed to hopefully be in contention. Nonetheless, the conditions were getting worse so I decided to go back in. Returning back in, I learned that several other boats either did not go out or had done likewise and came back in early.
The Catchin’ For Kids tournament started at 6am, so I needed to be up by 3am to make there in time. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty uncooperative, which forced many boats in early or kept them from launching at all.It’s not unusual for me to be the only fisherman out on a personal watercraft. But when you’re the only PWC in a tournament and you come in second place to a full-sized vessel, it’s even sweeter.
With time to spare, I went back home, cleaned all my gear, had lunch, watched the bald eagles fly around my backyard and took an hour nap. Life is good! Catching up on some much appreciated sleep, my wife and I then went back to Norfolk and weighed my fish in at Vinings Landing Marina in Little Creek.
My striper ended up weighing 37.6 pounds! This gave me second place and $1,500 in winnings! (My striper came in only .6 pounds under the winner.) Not bad for the only person on a jet ski. Ha!
This was a great tournament put on by Rick and his cadre of volunteers to benefit Toys for Tots, in addition to the entry fees that went to the charity, everyone involved donated new toys for the cause.
As the readership of The Watercraft Journal continues to grow more diverse with each passing day (y’know, because it really does), we get more and more information pouring in from across the globe. Most recently, we received an update on the ongoing UAE Series (that’s the United Arab Emirates).
Cozmo’s switch from Sea-Doo to Yamaha made waves in the UAE Series, particularly as he earned the brand’s first win in Stock class in the series.
In the four month series – beginning in January and running through April, with six rounds divided between three rounds in Dubai and the other three in Abu Dhabi – has seen some fantastic sportsmanship and feats of athleticism. Most notably has been by Kuwait’s Mohammed “Cozmo” Al Baaz.
Cozmo has dominated the Pro Stock Runabout class aboard his 2014 Yamaha FZR SVHO, most recently winning his first place title in Round 4’s close course race held in Dubai, United Arab of Emirates. Up until this time, Cozmo had been leading in points throughout the first three rounds on his Stock class 2013 Sea-Doo RXP-X, but only decided to cross over to Yamaha mid-season.
Cozmo’s change to the FZR also earned Yamaha its first win in Stock class for the series. Built by Abdullah Burbayea and Yousef Al Busairy of ProRider Garage located in Kuwait (and of no relation to the bimonthly print publication). Equipped with parts from R&D, RIVA Racing, WORX and a few other tricks by ProRider Garage, Cozmo’s machine made short work of the field.
