Spied! 2017 Kawasaki Lineup Unveiled in New Zealand


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Man! It never fails, doesn’t it? For the last two years in a row a dealer from Down Under has let loose the goods on the next year Kawasaki models. In 2015, not only did Brisbane Kawasaki know what was coming out literally months before the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, but they had already uncrated the new units and had them on display. The next year, after a stern talking to, Brisbane Kawasaki let leak a few tasty spy shots of the 2016 Ultra 310X. It wasn’t as revelatory as the previous year, but it sure as heck let everyone know what to expect. For this year though, Brisbane has been mum about what’s coming out. But that hasn’t stopped Farnley’s Jetskis of Auckland!

The New Zealand dealer released on its official Facebook page four low-resolution images that are sure to excite some, disappoint a few and leave others with more questions than answers. What is shown is the 2017 STX-15F again, unchanged for nearly 16 years save for the switch from the 1200cc engine to the 1.5-liter, this year in metallic gray/black/Kawasaki green combo; the seemingly unchanged naturally-aspirated Ultra LX in an electric blue/black combo; an Arctic White-and-black Ultra 310X; and the 310LX in metallic Kawasaki green and black.

Missing from this roster is the race-inspired 310R and scallop seat-equipped 310X Special Edition (SE). Now, before we jump to conclusions, know that the 310R and 310X SE might not be selected to sale in New Zealand, so don’t freak out just yet. Of course, missing from this selection of images is the proposed “Spark-fighter” runabout that we’ve been told is also happening from our most reliable sources. That being said, this revelation might be a little disheartening for Kawasaki enthusiasts who still hold out hope for a 4-stroke standup or a 310-powered STX – or at least a redesigned STX, for that matter.

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Kevin Shaw

Editor-in-Chief – kevin.shaw@shawgroupmedia.com Kevin Shaw is a decade-long powersports and automotive journalist whose love for things that go too fast has led him to launching The Watercraft Journal. Almost always found with stained hands and dirt under his fingernails, Kevin has an eye for the technical while keeping a eye out for beautiful photography and a great story.

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  1. faxon 2 August, 2016 at 12:45 Reply

    Kevin…does this mean no Spark fighter this year from Kawi? Can you get any intel from your sources? Thanks Faxon

    • Kevin Shaw 2 August, 2016 at 16:55 Reply

      Like the story says, this is only revealing of the colors expected for these specific models OK’ed for NZ. We still feel strongly that the “Spark fighter” JetSki will be revealed in October.

  2. faxon 2 August, 2016 at 18:55 Reply

    I bought a bunch of old issues of Personal Watercraft Illustrated from the guy who’s info you posted and they are excellent! So thanks for the info! Anything from Yamaha coming that reminds of us of the good old days? 🙂

  3. Faxon 3 August, 2016 at 22:14 Reply

    2017 Predictions! Sadly I’m afraid 2017 will go a little like this….focus will be on GPS type stuff in the infotainment screen (navigation systems, locators etc) and overall comfort creatures. There will be nothing new, nimble and light or innovative. The good old days and excitement in this amazing sport are over I’m afraid. They are catering to older people who simply demand a giant, bloated barge. Once the excitement with the older crowd fades away you will see the big 3 OEMs pull out officially ending an era. Just watch and see how right I am. I hate it, but it’s unfortunately true. When they figure out that the younger generation does NOT want a 900lb ski, sales will be so low they will pull the plug. Mark my words…NOTHING NEW AND EXCITING ANYTIME SOON IF EVER.

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