Amid all of the noise made by Yamaha’s internet-breaking 2027 Wave Blaster reveal as well as that of the Spark X and Spark X Trixx by Sea-Doo (albeit far less industry-shaking), the last remaining manufacturer, Kawasaki has yet to unveil their entries for the new year. Kawasaki is indeed planning some major moves for 2027 – we’ve revealed as much (please see the video attached below). But what we’ve speculated could be paralleled – or even overshadowed – by a very unexpected move.
Firstly, The Watercraft Journal speculated that Kawasaki would be releasing a new entry based upon the current SX-R 160 hull and powertrain; no, not the failed SX-X 160 concept but a new X-2. This new JetSki would be similar in proportions to the newly revealed WaveBlaster given the current SX-R dimensions (104.5-inches long, 30.1-inches wide, 551.3-pounds), and would wield a entirely redesigned deck with fixed steering and a slightly longer single seat with a slight “kick up” at the rear.
The presence of side view mirrors and long seat on a watercraft using a bow-mounted fuel cap was the initial giveaway. Some felt there were other “tells” given the shape and shadows cast upon the ski covers, but all of our inside-industry intel speaks of a singular new unit using “as much of the buffalo as possible” so to speak. [The “buffalo” in question being the current SX-R’s hull, 1.5L powerplant, 6.1-gallon fuel cell and jet drive. – Ed.] And in the parlance of that once great television salesman, Billy Mays, “But wait, there’s more!”
Fans of Kawasaki’s JetSkis noted that there was no SX-R 160 offered for 2026. It simply vanished from dealer order forms and the official website. Some speculated that the lapse was due to existing overstock and wanting to clear inventories. Others wisely noted that in 2024 and throughout 2025, corporate had invested heavily into a pilot racing program producing “four race hulls that were heavily modified in order to meet the Kawasaki standards,” according to Vasilis Moraitis’ JetSkiWorld.gr.
These hulls were piloted by Jimmy Wilson and Jon Phan earning two world titles in different classes. However, Kawasaki inexplicably opted out of issuing any official press release celebrating the achievement. Rather, the uniquely crafted ski later appeared on both Rival PWC as well as Kawasaki of Poland’s official websites as the “Hyperion” – a $45,000 USD custom carbon fiber racecraft requiring a sacrificial SX-R 1500 to offer up its internals. Not exactly what one might think as being “market competitive.”
This odd sequence of events has many believing that in addition to the revitalized X-2, Kawasaki will reveal a far more aggressive second-generation SX-R 4-stroke standup, but in hand-laid fiberglass, not carbon fiber. Moraitis reports that the SX-R “will be equipped with the electronic fly-by-wire throttle as being used on the STX-160X” which is very possible but it leaves one big potential piece of the puzzle still left on the table: the long anticipated marinized application of the naturally-aspirated H2 engine.
OK, technically the “H2” is only available as being supercharged. Rather, we should just say “the DOHC 998cc 4-cylinder.” As it is, the 1-liter produces between 190-to-203 horsepower in the ZX-10R Ninja at 11,000rpm. Fully dressed, the 1-liter comes in at a scant 120-pounds – a a considerable different compared to the 20-year-old 1.5L, which tips the scales at 200-pounds. Detuned and limited to 8,250rpm will have the 998cc producing an estimated 165-horsepower safely at the crank. Not what you’d call working hard.
Calculating with the thrust numbers from a stock pump from the existing SX-R 160, this combination could very well place a skilled standup rider deep within the mid-60’s on pump 91-octane fuel. Heck, such a JetSki would ensure Kawasaki’s dominance of nearly every amateur and professional Ski class worldwide. And frankly, the introduction of the 1-liter 4-stroke could blow open the doors for all Kawasakis having access to the brand’s most power-per-pound powerhouse.
OK, OK so how likely is this? Admittedly, a revised hull is the most probable path forward and the new engine being a little further off on the horizon, but we’ve been happily surprised before. Then again, the 998cc has already been disseminated throughout the superbike, motorcycle and side-by-side lines making PWC just a stone’s throw away. Production may still remain in VK Composites’ lap or be taken “in house” to Kawasaki’s Juárez, Mexico facility. The jury is still out on that one.
Nevertheless, for the seasoned standup rider, a more aggressive, sharper carving SX-R is a dream not unlike Yamaha’s Wave Blaster, and just as attainable. The hard part is already done. The hull has been proven on the race course. The molds have already been made. Even the parts needed to build it are sitting on the shelf. All that is left is the will and the market demand. If you think you’re exactly who this is meant for, get loud. Get loud now. Let Kawasaki know how badly this is needed.
