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Gallery: Kawasaki Reveals Color Schemes For 2024 JetSki Lineup

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Among all of the noise and fanfare of Yamaha and Sea-Doo launching all-new powerplants for 2024, Kawasaki Motor Corp. USA quietly rolled out its complete 2024 lineup of JetSkis, all of which consisted of a handful of colorway changes for the new model year. Back in the day, many within the powersports industry learned the acronym BNG standing for the marketing-friendly phrase Bold New Graphics. And for 2024, Kawasaki is bringing a lot of BNG.

Within the last year, Kawasaki successfully “fleshed out” its JetSki lineup with the addition of two naturally-aspirated iterations of its Ultra JetSkis; namely the Ultra 160LX-S and Ultra LX. Propelled by the same tried-and-true engine found in the STX 160 series and SX-R 160; the ambient water-cooled, 4-cylinder, 1,498cc engine is fed by digital fuel injection that provides intuitive throttle response and superior engine management.

Both naturally-aspirated (ie. non-supercharged) Ultras come with four power modes (full, middle, low and SLO), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), electronic cruise control, and a rearview camera all operated through the low-glare 7-inch TFT digital dashboard. The dash includes Bluetooth connectivity and multiple display modes, which are too many to list here. The new skis also include Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD), Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS).

The 160LX-S and 160LX both include the Ultra Deck, 21.1-gallon fuel tank, 44.5-gallons of storage split between the bow storage and “horseshoe” center cargo accessed by twin gullwing doors. The Ultra 160LX comes equipped with a meter visor, 3-position Ergo-Fit adjustable LXury seat, and Jetsound 4s audio system. For 2024, the 160LX-S comes in a Ebony/Candy Steel Furnace Orange with an MSRP of $17,199 as the 160LX comes in Ebony/Metallic Shadow Gold with an MSRP of 18,199.

The three supercharged siblings vary only slightly, offering the same features, digital attractions and top tier offshore/rough water Ultra hull as the aforementioned 160 Series. As detailed with the prior 160LX, the 310LX shares all of the same features and top-of-the-line amenities but comes with the supercharged 310-horsepower 1.5L powerplant, is adorned in a unique Ebony/Metallic Gold Sparkle Deep Green and wields a MSRP of $21,199.

The mid-tier 2024 Ultra 310LX-S returns unchanged from 2023 in Kawasaki’s iconic Ebony/Lime Green colorway with an MSRP of $20,199 (save for some green sponsons). While a naturally-aspirated equivalent doesn’t exist (yet), Kawasaki’s bare-bones 310X JetSki remains our personal favorite. Stripped of all accessories, the all-business 310X received a splashy new Ebony/Neon Red colorway that we enjoy (although the yellow highlights are atrocious), and new pricing at $19,199 MSRP.

 

The trio of STX models carry over from 2023 unchanged; the plain Jane STX 160 comes in Crystal White/Vibrant Blue and an MSRP of $11,999; the STX 160X includes cruise control and comes painted in Crystal White/Ebony with an MSRP of $$12,599; finally, the top tier STX 160LX shares the same livery as the 310X, namely Ebony/Neon Red, and waves a $14,299 asking price. It’s worth noting that none of the STX models include Kawasaki’s braking system KSRD.

Amazingly, the SX-R 160 too received a special Ebony/Ice Gray coloring marking Kawasaki’s 50th anniversary of the standup JetSki. Sadly, no special embossing or unique decal herald the golden anniversary on any of these machines, and we also noted KHI (Kawasaki Heavy Industries) removed the famed “river mark” from the watercraft lineup as of earlier this year. The SX-R 160 now fetches an MSRP of $11,999. All other details can be viewed at www.kawasaki.com.

Broward Motorsports Expands to Exciting New Location in Miami

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We’re days away from the grand opening of the new Broward Motorsports of Miami store. With an official launch date of October 14th, the new addition to the Broward Motorsports network of dealerships (bringing the total up to seven now), the new Miami store places Broward right in the middle of the South Florida community.

The new store will offer all of the premium brands, including Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Kodiak, Kayo and Segway among others, choosing from motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and more. Equally, customers can expect an equally top tier service center staffed with certified technicians able to tackle all maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for all major powersports brands.

Read the full press release below:
Broward Motorsports, a leading name in the powersports industry, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new location in the vibrant heart of Miami. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to serving the South Florida community with top-quality powersports products and exceptional customer service.

The new Broward Motorsports of Miami location is conveniently situated at 6400 W 20th Ave Hialeah FL 33016 providing easy access to a diverse range of powersports enthusiasts throughout Miami and the surrounding areas. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a spacious showroom, a dedicated service center, and an extensive inventory of the latest powersports vehicles, parts, and accessories.

“We are extremely excited about the opening of our new location in Miami,” said Anthony Bruno, General Manager at Broward Motorsports of Miami. “This expansion is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the best powersports products and services to our valued customers. We’re thrilled to become an integral part of the Miami community, catering to the needs of all powersports enthusiasts.”

The new Broward Motorsports of Miami location will offer a wide range of premium brands, including Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Kodiak, Kayo and Segway among others. Customers can explore an extensive selection of motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and more, all backed by the expertise and passion of Broward Motorsports’ knowledgeable team.

In addition to its extensive inventory, Broward Motorsports of Miami is committed to providing top-notch service and support. The service center features certified technicians who are well-equipped to handle maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for all major powersports brands.

To celebrate the grand opening, Broward Motorsports of Miami will be hosting a special launch event on 10/14/2023 from 11 am to 3 pm.  Attendees can expect exciting activities, exclusive promotions, and a chance to meet with industry experts. It promises to be an event that no powersports enthusiast should miss.

For more information about Broward Motorsports of Miami and the grand opening of the new location, please visit Browardmotorsportsmiami.com or contact Anthony Bruno at 305-557-1311 or [email protected]

Surf Life Saving and Sea-Doo Keeping Australian Beaches Safe

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We received a press release from Melbourne, Australia’s Arrowvane about BRP and Australia’s Surf Life Saving program. Surf Life Saving has been in the business of saving lives since 1907.

BRP came on the scene in 2009 and helped them to enhance their lifesaving program with an awesome partnership. The company has provided almost $7 million worth of equipment to clubs and branches through grants and other sources.

“Like Surf Life Saving, BRP is constantly challenging itself in the area of innovation, and the new technologies they bring to the beach have a direct positive impact on our ability to protect and save lives,” said SLSA CEO Adam Weir.

Check out the full press release below:
From humble beginnings in 1907, the Surf Life Saving movement in Australia has grown to become an iconic organisation comprising over 190,000 members, all committed to keeping the beach-going public safe. It is now one of the largest volunteer emergency services groups anywhere in the world.

While the original surf lifesavers had little more than their own skill and determination to help those in trouble, Surf Life Saving has continued to move with the times and allow technology to advance its ability to save lives. This has included traditional patrolling from the beach to the use of rescue watercraft, and even our eyes in the sky, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters and drones in use today.

Since 2009, Surf Life Saving Australia’s partnership with Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has made a difference to countless families with their equipment allowing surf lifesavers to save thousands of lives.

Since the partnership commenced, more than $6.9 million worth of equipment has been provided to clubs and branches as well as the state and territory bodies, much of it via the annual BRP Equipment Grants.

Sea-Doo provides Surf Life Saving with a versatile, responsive rescue water craft that has become a key tool in patrolling the vast coastline and responding quickly in times of need to perform rescues in difficult-to-reach locations.

Can-Am Defenders are a reliable, dependable vehicle which allows surf lifesavers to move across the beach with ease and respond to incidents with essential lifesaving equipment.

The partnership with BRP has enabled Surf Life Saving to be better equipped to respond in times of need by ensuring volunteers on the front line have the right equipment to save lives.

“Like Surf Life Saving, BRP is constantly challenging itself in the area of innovation, and the new technologies they bring to the beach have a direct positive impact on our ability to protect and save lives,” said SLSA CEO Adam Weir.

“Surf Life Saving exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities, the support of BRP helps us to achieve our mission.

“Powercraft suited to recreation doesn’t always have the durability and functionality to be successfully used to save lives in a coast environment. BRP equipment allows surf lifesavers to be better equipped to respond in times of need, and in doing so, its equipment is a critical part of the iconic surf lifesaving patrols, and used by volunteer surf lifesavers around the country.

With around two-thirds of all rescues taking place outside the red and yellow flags, the importance of agile, fast watercraft is as important as ever to perform rescues, save lives, keep families whole which ensures a safer environment for the beach-going public.

The Watercraft Journal Welcomes Jessica Waters as Editor

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Since officially launching on November 1st, 2013, The Watercraft Journal has risen to become the world’s most read, most referenced and most reliable resource for personal watercraft reviews; industry news; event and racing coverage; and otherwise all things personal watercraft (ie. PWC, jet ski) content. Together with its YouTube channel, WCJ welcomes a staggering 2.4 million enthusiasts annually, pushing this publication’s audience far beyond any industry title past or present.

From its outset, WCJ has been blessed with incredible staffers and contributors who have all brought their unique perspectives, interests and enthusiasm to the world’s only daily digital PWC magazine. These many voices have given the publication a wonderful “seasoning” that has appealed to a variety of readers. WCJ was never about one solitary voice or point-of-view but bringing in dozens upon dozens of voices to share a wider, more encompassing story about the sport and industry we love.

Today, The Watercraft Journal announces the addition of Jessica Waters to the team. Jessica has lent her talents as both a photographer and journalist to WCJ for several years, providing exceptional event coverage, racer interviews and more.

Her passion for the sport and particularly the people within it has been both her greatest asset and the driving force behind her contributions to WCJ (not to mention her skills as an action photographer and professional journalist).

As of today, Jessica’s role will focus primarily on maintaining The Watercraft Journal’s unbroken thread of providing daily articles pertaining to personal watercraft from around the PWC industry and world.

You will continue to see the same degree of content that has made WCJ the industry leader it is today. If you have inquiries pertaining to future event coverage, feature articles or other editorial or advertising opportunities should be sent to [email protected].

Yamaha Motor Sustainability Committee Approves New Human Rights Policy

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Image: britannica.com

In late June of 2023, The Watercraft Journal published a review of Yamaha Motor’s far-reaching “2050 Environmental Plan” wherein the powersports manufacturer laid out of pathway to cutting 65-percent of total emissions produced by its product line by 2030.

Less than a week later, Yamaha Motor Corp. terminated its half-century-old snowmobile line and engine production. A little over a month later, Yamaha’s marine division revealed its new 1.9L High Output engine that included lead-free bearings and plant-based plastics.

While the new engine didn’t report lower fuel consumption rates – just better efficiency – it did bump base horsepower from 180 to 200, which enthusiasts happily accepted. Many expect a supercharged (SVHO) version of the new 1.9L shortly, although rumors of being non-compliant with several states’ emissions standards are swirling.

Image: humanrightscareers.com

Nevertheless, Yamaha Motor Group is marching closer towards fulfilling its first primary objectives outlined in the 2050 Environmental Plan. As part of increasing the company’s ESG score (Environmental, Social & Governance), Yamaha’s “Sustainability Committee” just announced its new “Human Rights Policy.”

This announcement (attached below) does little more than parrot the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These are often referred to as “the International Covenants” – as stated in Section 3 of the Yamaha Motor Group Human Rights Policy – stating it upholds the standards for social contracts and global governance of said standards.

As a consumer of a company’s goods it’s important to know where said company is investing its resources; whether for future product development and improvements, or elsewhere. Ultimately, it’s up to the customer themselves to decide what they value most and if a company parallels similar values.

Here’s the original press release:
This is to inform you that Yamaha Motor Group has adopted a “Human Rights Policy” as of March 22, 2023, which is made available by CLICKING HERE.

Our corporate mission is to be a “Kando Creating Company” and one of our management principles is to fulfill social responsibilities globally. In order to realise these missions and responsibilities, Yamaha Motor Group places importance on sustainable social development through business activities based on our corporate philosophy. Respect for human rights is one of the most important issues for this purpose.

In our Sustainability Basic Policy, which is made available by CLICKING HERE, Yamaha Motor Group has committed that we will “respect human rights, will not discriminate, and will not use child labour or carry out forced labour under any form”. In 2017, Yamaha Motor Group signed on to the UN Global Compact advocated by the United Nations and continues to support the principles related to human rights and labour therein.

Our new “Human Rights Policy” further solidifies our commitment towards human rights and sets out various measures that Yamaha Motor Group will implement, including governance, due diligence, grievance system and corrective actions, education and training, reporting and disclosure, and dialogue with stakeholders. To achieve these commitments and goals, we also ask our business partners to understand and support this policy and its activities.

As part of the implementation phase, for example, Yamaha Motor Group may ask for your cooperation in conducting risk assessment and due diligence, corrective actions, training, and other aspects of this policy. This may also include the newly added Human Rights Clause in our business contract. We thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Yamaha Motor Group is committed to upholding this “Human Rights Policy” and its underlying principles, and thank all of our business partners for your shared commitment in this regard.

Yours sincerely,
Yoshihiro Hidaka
Chief Executive Officer
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

Tom Okamoto
Managing Director
Yamaha Motor Australia Pty. Ltd.

Kspeed Teases Two Images of New Ultra Handheld Tuner

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With the intarwebs all akimbo that the ECUs on the new 325-horsepower Sea-Doos are locked down tighter than Fort Knox, folks are scrambling to find new and creative ways to eke out more and more potential from their new personal watercraft.

Brisbane Kawasaki – y’know, the same folks who run Kspeed Performance – have been hammering down a quick and easy way to not only pick up some serious power from the new 310-horsepower Ultras, but to make it demonstrably more easy to do so.

Previously, customers of Kspeed would need to purchase a second standalone ECU to swap in and out of their supercharged Kawasaki – or ship their only ECU out to Australia to have it reflashed and sent back. While this process delivered results, it wasn’t terribly convenient for the customer.

Well, with the two images leaked out on social media recently, all of that may be over. While details currently are pretty slim and Kspeed is keeping their lips sealed, what we can see is a very easy-to-operate handheld touchscreen tuner providing options for preset maps and the ability to upload custom maps if needed.

Of course, handheld tuners aren’t anything new but it’s great to see one dedicated to the new engine management software found on all 2022-and-newer Ultra JetSkis. Once all of the details are ready to be revealed, you can bet The Watercraft Journal will have them here for you.

Video: Mississippi Ski Riders Demonstrate Yamaha FX Range & Fuel Gauge Issues

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A little over two weeks ago, The Watercraft Journal published a short recap of of class action lawsuit filed by Mitchell Higgins against Yamaha Motor Company, USA. The lawsuit itself addressed three significant issues that consumers have found pertaining to all Yamaha FX WaveRunners; the Connext dashboard software resetting the trip and fuel consumption data at every restart; the inconsistent metering of the low fuel alarm; and the rider’s inability to extinguish said alarm while underway.

While our article points out several key features of the lawsuit that will likely keep it from ever gaining any traction in a serious court of law (the damages listed are “annoyance” and “inability to enjoy my watercraft”, as well as Higgins personally seeking $5 million dollars), the issues with the vehicle itself remain valid. Publishing the article spurred thousands of replies and responses and encouraged many to share their experiences with these same issues.

One such reply was Mississippi Ski Riders (MSSR) who pieced together this incredibly well-made documentation of all three of the above listed complaints in this single video (featured below). Although The Watercraft Journal strongly recommends that riders never run their PWC dry (to the point of fuel starvation) for fear of overheating the in-tank fuel pump, MSSR does properly document full range in optimal conditions and the corresponding behaviors of the Yamaha. See below:

Yamaha WaveRunner Racing Dominated AquaX Championships in Kissimmee

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Yamaha WaveRunner Racing’s Dustin Farthing and Tory Snyder pinned down the 1-2 slots, respectively, in the AquaX Pro Enduro tour standings after last weekend’s Championships in Kissimmee, Florida.

Farthing’s claim to the top tour standing, in tandem with Yamaha FX SVHO racer Chris McCluggage’s place on the top podium spot for the fourth and final round of the tour, keeps Yamaha’s winning streak alive, as Yamaha has not lost a weekend overall or tour championship in the modern P1 AquaX Pro Enduro racing era.

To add to the Yamaha domination, Round 4 was a hat-trick for for Yamaha riders, with Deven Farthing (2) and Dustin Farthing (3) joining McCluggage (1) on the podium. 

Read the full press release below:
Yamaha WaveRunner Racing dominated the P1 AquaX Pro Enduro Championships held this weekend in Kissimmee, Florida, with Dustin Farthing and Tory Snyder finishing 1-2 in the tour standings, respectively.

Yamaha FX SVHO® rider Chris McCluggage, who began the season on a Sea-Doo RXP®-X but returned to the Yamaha FX SVHO, won the fourth and final round of the tour, with Farthing Racing’s Deven Farthing and Dustin Farthing completing the Round 4 podium sweep.

The tour title and Round 4 win keep Yamaha’s unbeaten streak in P1 AquaX Pro Enduro Racing alive. Yamaha has not lost a weekend overall or tour championship in the modern P1 AquaX Pro Enduro racing era.

“We couldn’t be more excited and proud of Dustin and Tory for their dedication this summer,” said Yamaha WaveRunner Racing team manager Bryce Parker. “Farthing Racing and Snyderbuilt Racing did a great job prepping their Yamaha racecraft week after week, and they proved again that the FX SVHO and the GP SVHO™️ are the fastest and most reliable PWC in Pro Enduro open ocean racing.” 

Yamaha Expands Durability Efforts with Salt Water Testing Facility in Duval County, FL

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Yamaha Motor Corp. USA is rapidly expanding its ability to test the durability and longevity of its marine division products (boats, outboards and personal watercraft) with the recent purchase of Fort George Island Marina in Duval County, FL. Yamaha is currently renovating the 36,500sq. foot warehouse into a state-of-the-art testing center granting the manufacturer quick and easy access to corrosive salt water environments to better test and develop new product.

This also comes shortly after Yamaha completed the expansion of its freshwater facility in Bridgeport, Alabama, increasing the facility’s footprint with an additional 5,900sq. feet of office space and 8,000 feet of storage and testing center – in addition to its massive 75,280sq. foot Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, GA. All of this ensures that Yamaha is marching forward to produce a new generation of environmentally responsible, and globally sustainable products.

Here’s the original press release:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA has purchased Fort George Island Marina in Duval County, Florida, with the intention of converting the existing facility into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance Center (YOEC), which will serve as a testing center for Yamaha Marine products including outboards, sport boats, and WaveRunners®. The new YOEC includes a 36,500-square-foot warehouse and marina building as well as a 7,200-square-foot office and event space.

“The YOEC compliments our test centers in Alabama and Kennesaw while adding greater capacity and capability. It also supports Yamaha Marine’s global testing plans by expanding opportunities to develop products,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

“The environment provided by this location will allow us to focus on durability and reliability testing for larger engines, systems, and boat hull designs in an offshore environment. It will also include an immersive team center designed to inspire future engineering talent.”

Earlier this year, Yamaha completed the expansion of its freshwater test facility in Bridgeport, Alabama, adding 5,900 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of labs and storage. In addition, Yamaha recently finalized the construction of a new Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, Georgia, a 75,280 square foot facility that now houses the Yamaha Marine Connected Division as well as Yamaha U.S. Marine Development, Yamaha Marine Product Management, and Yamaha Marine Technical Marketing.

Yamaha plans to begin renovations on the saltwater test facility in Duval County in the third quarter of 2023.

LIQUI MOLY is Title Sponsor of International PWC Race

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In a September 15th press release, Liqui Moly returns as the title sponsor to the LIQUI MOLY International Cup in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This is an official Pro Watercross event that will take place from September 28th through October 1st.

“We’re exceptionally pleased to continue partnering with Pro Watercross by sponsoring the 2023 International Cup,” said Gary Driver, LIQUI MOLY business manager – marine for USA and Canada. “It’s an organization that emphasizes performance without sacrificing fun and safety.”

Read the full press release below.
LIQUI MOLY USA, global leader in engine lubricants and fuel additives, returns as the title sponsor to the 2023 LIQUI MOLY International Cup. An official Pro Watercross event, the Lake Havasu City, Arizona personal watercraft (PWC) competition runs from September 28 through October 1.

The prestigious event draws spectators from around the world. Racers will compete in 35 different classes with purses ranging up to $12,000. On Saturday, September 30, CBS Sports will be on hand to capture the action and provide LIQUI MOLY with extensive brand coverage. The event’s website iswww.prowatercross.org/lh.

The nation’s leading sanctioning body and race organizer for PWC, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) and HydroFlight competition, Pro Watercross is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to environmental and safety education and family-friendly competition. At the 2023 LIQUI MOLY International Cup, Junior Class racers aged 8-9 can participate in a time trial-based event.

“We’re exceptionally pleased to continue partnering with Pro Watercross by sponsoring the 2023 International Cup,” said Gary Driver, LIQUI MOLY business manager – marine for USA and Canada. “It’s an organization that emphasizes performance without sacrificing fun and safety.”

Recognized worldwide for its support of everything from auto, motorcycle and PWC racing to professional bass fishing and World Cup skiing, the LIQUI MOLY brand is synonymous with performance at the highest level. The company formulates and manufactures a complete range of lubricants and additives to work with virtually every boat or vehicle engine built in the last 50 years. A searchable database is at www.bit.ly/LiquiMolyOilGuide.