Forty-three years ago, Kawasaki created a new phenomenon on the water with the launch of its Jet Ski watercraft. Today, Kawasaki is attempting to reawaken that sentiment as an innovator on the water with the introduction of a four-stroke stand-up PWC – the 2017 Jet Ski SX-R.

Combining heritage with its race winning performance, Kawasaki claims it has built a stand-up watercraft that is easy to ride, yet just as capable of carving through a competition buoy course.

Ninja power! The Jet Ski SX-R’s engine was derived from the Ninja ZX-14R power plant and has been used in Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated Jet Ski lineup. The 1,498cc four-stroke engine meets U.S. EPA emissions as well as provides a linear torque curve that delivers big power throughout the RPM range. Digital fuel injection allows for easier starting and includes a 60mm mechanical throttle body mated to a resin-type intake manifold, which improves throttle response and power delivery.

With the Jet Ski SX-R being so agile, several racing sanctioning bodies recently announced its eligibility for competition. In International Jet Sport Boat Association (IJSBA), the Jet Ski SX-R will be eligible to race in the Ski Stock Class and Ski Modified Class at all sanctioned events, including the World Finals held in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

For events sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), including P1 AquaX Sprint Races, the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft is eligible to compete in the UIM GP Ski Class. In the independent Pro Watercross Series, the Jet Ski SX-R personal watercraft qualifies for the GP Ski class and Ski 4-Stroke Stock class.

They say racing improves the breed. While Honda may have said it first, Kawasaki will be putting it to the test!