Kawasaki Jet Ski
SX-R™ 1500
presented by
THE
COMPLETE
KAWASAKI SX-R VIDEOS
2017 Kawasaki SX-R On The Water
2017 Kawasaki SX-R | We're Back
WATERCRAFT RIDER 2017 SX-R 1500 REVIEW
The new hull is 100% fiberglass. length is 106" long x 30" wide. Weight is approximately 550 pounds wet.
The handlepole can trace it's roots all the way back to the '92 750SX. For 2017 it has been significantly beefed up with internal plates in key areas. The small plastic patches on the sides above the handlebars are there to cover bolts that connect to the new internal structural plates. The hood is completely new, and no longer contains air intake baffles. Fuel capacity is 6 gallons.
The bottom of the hull is flat immediately in front of the intake. Kawasaki calls it a "V-shaped" bottom. Test riders say that it handles rough water unbelievably well. A stand up Ultra?
The sides are "scalloped" to form a built-in side sponson. This also tapers in the bottom width of the ski, allowing it to retain the carving capabilities that Kawasaki stand ups are known for.
The ride plate is reminiscent of the old Jet Dynamics plate that was so popular back in the early '90s. Chines are significantly deeper than the previous SX-R. Interestingly, the spacing for bunks remains the same. New for 2017: drain plugs on both sides! No ride trim.
The engine compartment is actually more "roomy" than this picture would indicate. Plenty of room for hands to reach around components for maintenance. There are two waterboxes; one under each side of the tray walls. Note the cable to the throttlebody, no fly-by-wire in the new SX-R.
The Scalloped sides, 15F sponson and ignition on/off receptacle are visible in this photo.
You can see a couple of the "whys" for the "Kawasaki Splash Deflector" (KSD) at work in this photo: lifting of the nose in hard turns (= better pivot) and water deflection.
Test riders tell us that it definitely rides "different" from any other stand up available, saying that it likes a lot of handlebar input in turns, but that once it is figured out it is extremely capable - very good at holding a rail, pivoting a turn, then gas it hard out of a turn.
ABOUT WATERCRAFT RIDER
Watercraft Rider is your source for Personal Watercraft parts, accessories, gear and the best content in the sport. In the Watercraft Rider store we have teamed up with the best companies in the industry because we know what you want, the best stuff ASAP at a great price.
Our Emmy Award winning video content speaks to the heart and soul of the PWC enthusiast. Showcasing the best product reviews, technical stories, ride reports and event coverage in the sport, our goal is straight forward - to motivate and inspire you to get on the water more and maximize your riding experience - because like you, we love life on the water. Welcome, we're stoked you're here!
Watercraft Rider is the vision of PWC industry veterans Rick Lake and Wayne Smith. Together, we bring over 60 years of experience and passion for the sport to Watercraft Rider.