Kawasaki
Jet Ski stand-up 37 years history - World Exclusive
Legendary stand-ups
Kawasaki
introduced the first stand-up Jet Ski back in 73 and it took 3 years to bring it into mass production. The Jet Ski logo became synonymous with every type of personal water craft and after a remarkable history of 37 years
Kawasaki
decided to pull of the plug of the stand-up production line. We present exclusively the
Kawasaki
stand-up historic line up and the riding impression of almost all those historic stand-ups.
Words:Vasilis Moraitis
Test rider:Vasilis Moraitis
Source: KMC, Jettrim, Bob Phares
Photos:www.jetskiworld.gr,
Kawasaki
, Jettrim
Kawasaki
Jet Ski WSAA-WSAB 1973
Clayton Jacobson II could not make an agreement with another manufacturer until the end of the exclusive license with Bombardier in 1971. The day after it expired he went into a partnership with
Kawasaki
and sold off his patent rights to them. He developed a stand-up personal watercraft, similar to his original concept design, for
Kawasaki
branded the Jet Ski. The difference was that it featured a collapsible vertical pole which swung down onto the deck of the craft. The design was meant to be for a more personal craft, and had room for only one person. Jacobson and
Kawasaki
created six different prototypes in 1972, before bringing two to market in 1973, the WSAA and the WSAB. Gordon Garant was most probably the first test rider for the Kawasaki Jet Ski project.
Kawasaki
is the only personal watercraft manufacturer who invested so much in Stand-Ups. Simply figure out how many models they have designed and for how long they have been in the market. The legendary JS440 and JS550 spent more than 15 years in the company’s line up while the SX/SXi and the SX-R were around for 10 years. No other personal watercraft manufacturer had ever had such a brilliant line up of Stand-Ups. Yamaha had three (almost four) editions (650 and 701 square nose, the ‘96 SJ and the 2008) of the SuperJet, while Polaris barely made it to manufacture one Stand Up.
Kawasaki
decided to pull of the plug on the stand-up project after being not only innovative but the first ever manufacturer who brought the stand-up ski to the world. Although, the Japanese factory has already made a lot of work prior producing a four-stroke stand up the dream of all those
Kawasaki
fanatics and enthusiasts was died when
Kawasaki
announced the termination of the SX-R model in the end of 2011.
Kawasaki
Jet Ski WSAA-WSAB 1973
The two original models were made of hand-laid fiberglass, and included the 1973 WSAA Jet Ski 400, and the WSAB Jet Ski 400. The WSAA featured a flat bottom design that stayed with the JS hull until 1994. The WSAB featured a V-hull that enhanced turning, but was less stable and harder to ride. Approximately 550 of these, WSAA and WSAB, Jet Skies were ever produced, a third of them with the V hull and the other two-thirds with the flatter WSAA hull.
According to Fred Tunstall a log time
Kawasaki
employee,
Kawasaki
went with the two hulls because they were uncertain about who the customer was going to be. The flat hull was much more stable and easy to use; however there was some thought that the V-hull would attract riders interested in competition.
Kawasaki
never quite knew what they are going to do, especially in rough water. “Man, that thing could curve. The first ride on it, it is worse than a wild horse, but after you spent some time getting used to it, it turned into a lot of fun.”
Apart from the hull design, the two models were the same. In fact, they share the same dimensions, 6-feet,
10 inches
long,
24 inches
wide and
26 inches
high, with a dry weight of
220 lbs
and a draft of
4 inches
. Those crafts were only slightly shorter approximately by
2.5 inches
and lighter about
25 lbs
than the long lived Jet Ski 400.
The 1973 models had a real prototype look, with the wooden bulkhead braces and hand-machined hardware and sand cast aluminum parts.
Back in 1993 Kawasaki WSAA and WSAB cost $995 and both craft were the pioneers of Jet Ski that
Kawasaki
launched in mass production in 1976 with the JS400. These crafts are collectors’ items and among some of ex
Kawasaki
employees like Tunstall and Bigelow who own those two crafts there are only a few Jet Ski collectors like Gary Hart, and Ty Mc Farland who also include those to their collections. We had visited KMC premises a few years ago and two of those are still on their selves. A complete story of WSAA and WSAB is featured in Vintage Jet Ski section.
Specifications
Kawasaki
WS-AA and WS-AB
Model:T1C91
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin,180ï firing piston valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 398cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 65 x 60
Power (hp/rpm): 26/6.000
Torque (Ft.Lb/rpm): 24/5.000
Compression ratio: 5.8 :1
Fuel induction system: 1 x Mikuni BN38 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):5.7 @32kph (1.5gal/hr 20mph)
Hull
Type: Modified V, double concave (model WSAA-Flat hull); Deep V, Double concave (model WSAB).
Hull
material: Hand laid fiberglass, with gellcoat finish and wood bulkhead bracing.
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 2.140 (84in)
Overall width (mm): 610 (
24
in
)
Overall height (mm): 640 (
26
in
)
Weight (kg): 110 (
243 lbs
)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 121.7 (4.8in)
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm): 70
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 84
Impeller: Aluminum, two or three blade
Thrust (lbs): 220 (100kg)
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 13 (
3.5 gal
)
Lubrication: Gas/oil Pre-mix, 32:1 ratio
Price: $995 in 1993
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS400 1976
Actually this was the first Kawasaki Jet Ski which was made in mass production. It was a whole new story for
Kawasaki
which in a way pioneered the sport of personal watercraft, initially called jet skiing a name that was kept until nowadays.
Riding such a Jet Ski brings so many memories back to your mind. It is so narrow and sensitive to the body movement and positioning that makes you wonder how the athletes managed to race those skis on rough water conditions. The V shape bars keep your elbows close to the main body, a fact that minimised the action for proper steering. The engine’s power band is so narrow that as soon as you accelerate and stabilise your body the power is almost at its bear end. You have to be smooth and positive to all your actions in order to maintain overall stability and have fun without losing control. Body positioning is very crucial and the rider needs to go with the flow in order to keep the crafts momentum and speed to a reasonable level. The top speed of this Jet Ski was 30mph, a substantial number for 1976. Just bear in mind that through the 37 years of history the top speed of the Jet Ski reached 49.6mph in 2003-2012 with the SX-R. Not a big change...
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS400 1976
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 400cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 65x60
Power (hp/rpm): 27/6.000
Torque (ft lbs/rpm): 27/4,500
Compression ratio:7.0 :1
Fuel induction system: 1 x Keihin diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 84in
Overall width (mm):
24
in
Overall height (mm):25 in
Weight (kg):
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm):
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):71
Steering nozzle diameter (mm):82
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade
Thrust (N):
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+ octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Pre Mix
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS440-A: 440SX 1977
In 1977, Kawasaki Jet Ski JS440 was introduced. It came with a new jet pump, handlebar mounted ignition controls (previously, on the JS400, the controls i.e. on/off switch and choke were situated on the front dash board), and a 440cc two-stroke engine. The 440 engine was almost the same as the old 400, but had a bigger cylinder bore.
The difference in torque was small however it was worth it for bigger or heavier riders. Riding this craft on a buoy course was a great experience especially when it was tuned to a Superstock version. Many riders were using it for Slalom course application since it felt lighter and easier to push it to the limit and since the engine had more torque it made the difference on buoy exit speed. The top speed of the craft was the same 29-29.5mph as of its little brother the JS400.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS440-A: 440SX 1977
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 436
Bore x stroke (mm): 68x60
Power (hp/rpm): 27/6.000
Torque (ft lbs/rpm): 27/4,500
Compression ratio:7.0 :1
Fuel induction system: 1 x Keihin diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 2133 (84in)
Overall width (mm): 610 (
24
in
)
Overall height (mm):635 (
25
in
)
Weight (kg):111 (244LBS)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):
Steering nozzle diameter (mm):
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade
Thrust (lbs): 243
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Pre mix
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS550: 550SX 1982
In 1982, the Kawasaki Jet Ski JS550 became available for purchase. Not only did this new 550 had an engine that generated more power than a 440, with a bigger cylinder bore, and an improved exhaust pipe. The 550 also had a unique "mixed flow" pump that provided better low-end thrust. The 1982 JS 550 was available in yellow, with red decals. The 1983-1989 JS550s had red hulls, initially with a left front exhaust exit, but replaced by one the right front from 1986 onwards. The 1990-1994 JS 550SX models were white with a rear exit exhaust. This line of JS watercraft maintained very similar designs throughout their production from 1973–1994, and are still the only watercraft to have remained in production for so long.
The riders who started their racing career on a JS550 turned out to be multi World Champions in the future. This hull was unique in terms of design, dimensions and the feeling it was giving to the rider. It felt so lightweight and so narrow like no other craft in the class. Combined with the stronger engine you could actually learn how to ride it aggressively with body dragging and carrying more speed round the buoy. I have personally spent countless hours on the race course under any kind of water condition on riding this craft, and to my opinion this particular Jet Ski was “The School” of every successful rider. The top speed of this craft for the 91-93 models was 37-37.8mph.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS550: 550SX 1982
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 530
Bore x stroke (mm): 75 x 60
Power (hp/rpm): 36/5.750
Compression ratio: 7.2:1
Fuel induction system: Keihin CDK 38-32 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 2.133 (
84 in
)
Overall width (mm): 609 (24.in)
Overall height (mm): 635 (
25 in
)
Weight (kg): 113 (248LBS)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):
Steering nozzle diameter (mm):
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade,
Thrust (lbs): 342
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18.3
Lubrication: Premix
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS300: 300SX 1986
In 1986
Kawasaki
presented a new entry-level Jet Ski, the 300SX which was different in many ways than its sister JS300. The hull has been redesigned with a V-shapped bottom and a
2 in
wider tray and the craft was
5.5 in
shorter than the JS. The deeper hull design made the 300SX
2.6 in
higher than the JS300, giving the ski a totally different appearance. Also it had a larger tank (
5 gallons
) compared to the
3.4 gallon
tank of the JS. Additionally the exhaust routine was changed and the gases were shooting the water through the through-hull silencer rather than on the side. Cosmetically, the new 300SX had changed a lot and looked similar to the 650SX.
The V-bottom hull helped considerably in tight turning instead of having to dig a rail hard into the water to make the nose stick, just turning the bars and leaning the craft was all that was needed for a tight turn. The new hull made the craft far more stable cutting across the incoming wakes and ground swells. In general it felt easier to master than the previous flat-bottom hull JS. Back in those days the new 300SX was the most appropriate entry-level craft with sporty orientation and surprisingly performance.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS300: 300SX 1986
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 294
Bore x stroke (mm): 75.9 x 64.9
Power (hp/rpm): 30/6.000
Compression ratio:7.2:1
Fuel induction system: 1 x Mikuni 34mm
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 78.7in
Overall width (mm):
26.4
in
Overall height (mm):27.8 in
Weight (kg): 100 (220.5lbs)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): N.A.
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm): N.A.
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): N.A.
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade
Thrust (N):
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+ octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Premix
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS650-A: 650SX 1987
When the 650SX was released in the market Kawasak branded it with the catch phrase “The Ultimate solo performance”. Actually the 635cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine was derived from the X-2 which was launch a year earlier. However the new stand-up featured a unique V-hull design that increased stability during boarding and during high-speed riding.
It was the first
Kawasaki
which reached top speed of almost 40mph. Actually, its peak speed was 39-39.3mph. It made the difference back in 1987 and many top racers switched from JS550 to 650SX, like Jeff Jacobs. Although it spend almost a decade in
Kawasaki
’s line up it was left aside when the
Akashi
Company presented SX750 in 1992.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski 650SX 1987
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 635
Bore x stroke (mm): 76 x 70
Power (hp/rpm): 57/5.750
Compression ratio:7.2 :1
Fuel induction system: 2 x Keihin CDK 40-34
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): (87in)
Overall width (mm): (27in)
Overall height (mm): (30in)
Weight (kg):
282 lbs
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):
Steering nozzle diameter (mm):
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade,
Thrust (lbs): 463
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Dry sump
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS750-A: 750SX 1992
Kawasaki
opened a whole new chapter in stand-up history by designing the JS750SX which was the only stand-up ever produced back in 1992 with a two-stroke, 750cc twin-cylinder engine. It was the biggest twin-cylinder Jet Ski back in 1992. The hull was new too totally different form the 650SX.
Stepping from JS550 or JS650 to a 750SX was a unique experience since you realise immediately the wider tray, the difference on the pole and bars as well as the better acceleration from the torquer engine. In fact I was personally shocked since I actually learned how to race on a JS550 and then I moved up to the JS750. The hull was responding much better to the rider’s control and decisions. Steering was more precise and effective, a fact that enhanced the overall performance. Certainly you needed to alter your riding style to suit the new hull as well as this craft was going easier and sharper round the buoy and it was much more fan to play on the waves. The top speed gain was substantial since the new 750SX was running somewhere between 44-45mph and that brought the sport to a whole new level.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS750: SX750 1992
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 743cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 80x74
Power (bhp/rpm): 75
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Fuel induction system: Keihin CDKII 40-34 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm):
87 in
Overall width (mm):
27.6 in
Overall height (mm):
26.8 in
Weight (kg): 144
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 8-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm): 80
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 83
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade, 9/17
Thrust (lb): 551
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 20,8
Lubrication: Oil pump
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS750:750 SXi 1995
Kawasaki
decided to update the engine of the 750cc by installing dual Mikuni carburettors in order to enhance it horsepower and to improve the overall performance of the craft. This was actually the main difference from its predecessor. The engine carried also many updates to the internals.
This particular model had more power and better acceleration out of the buoy. The engine was crispier and had better overall throttle response through out the rev range. The twin carburettors made the difference. On the other hand
Kawasaki
had kept the same hull design and used exactly the same intake grate and ride plate as a result the hull had the tendency to porpoise even at top speed. The twin carb SXi was pulling harder out of the buoy and it was greater fan to ride on the waves since it was more user friendly and it was providing better acceleration. In terms of top speed the craft was hitting 50.3mph.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS750:750 SXi1995
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 743cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 80x74
Power (bhp/rpm): 75
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Fuel induction system: 2 x Keihin CDK-II 40-31 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):NA
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Deck Material: Sheet molded compound SMC
Overall length (mm):
87 in
Overall width (mm):
27.6 in
Overall height (mm):
26.8 in
Weight (kg): 149 (
328.5 lbs
)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 8-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm): 76
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 83
Impeller: Aluminum, three blade, 9/17
Thrust (lbs): 628
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+ octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Oil pump
Kawasaki
Jet Ski SXi 750 Pro 1999
Kawasaki
decided to change the hull of the popular model with a new one which was initially tested extensively via the Kawasaki Jet Ski Racing Team. Actually, we have found out that a certain Racing Team has made those modifications in the first place to Rob Flore’s
Kawasaki
and those were race proven so
Kawasaki
bought those mods prior manufacturing the particular model.
The new hull was the big news for the popular
Kawasaki
stand-up. Riding it on a race course it was providing better turning by enabling the rider to lean it sharply and accurately on every kind of turn. Sweeping buoys on wide open throttle was a usual act especially by top racers like Victor Sheldon, Chris MacClugage and Dustin Motzouris. The particular hull was purpoising less than the previous one and the rear sponsons fitted under the bond flange made the difference. This model was actually the best JS750 that
Kawasaki
ever produced in terms of its good handling and rapid turning characteristic.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS750:750 SXi Pro 1999
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 743cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 80x74
Power (hp/rpm): 75/6.500
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Fuel induction system: 2 x Mikuni BN “I” 40-38 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h): 8.2/H
Hull
Hull
material: Hand-laid fiberglass
Deck Material: Sheet moulded compound, SMC
Overall length (mm):
87 in
Overall width (mm):
27.6 in
Overall height (mm):
26.8 in
Weight (kg): (
341.8 lbs
)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 8-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):76
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 83
Impeller: Stainless steel, three blade, 9/17
Thrust (lbs): 628
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+ octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18 (
4 gallons
)
Lubrication: Premix
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS800 SX-R
The SX-R marked the final stage of
Kawasaki
’s stand up models and when it was introduced
Kawasaki
was already celebrating its 30th Anniversary in the Jet Ski market. The last stand-up ever produced by
Kawasaki
. Who would have ever imagined that the manufacturer who brought the Jet Ski and particularly the actual stand-up to mass production, was going to “call it a day” at the end of 2011. The particular craft was the result of research and development which was carried out by Team Kawasaki Jet Ski Racing on the multiple National and World title winning SXi 750 Pro.
SX-R raised the level of performance of stand-ups to a substantial point that no other stand-up ever had in its class. Stability was enhanced in such a way that even when you were riding it on idle speed you could actually stabilize he craft very well. The larger overall dimensions of the hull minimized purpoising under acceleration and the craft remained stable even at top speed. The new hull performed very well at wavy conditions too which made the SX-R the craft to beat in racing. The rider could go round the buoy safer with better traction and precise turning which means you could ride it easier on a faster rhythm. For almost a decade (since 2003 when it hit the market) SX-R became rider’s favorite special tool for winning National and World titles.
Specifications
Kawasaki
Jet Ski JS800 SX-R 2003
Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement (cc): 781cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 82x74
Power (hp/rpm): 80
Compression ratio: 7.2:1
Fuel induction system: Mikuni BN40-38 x 2
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):32 at WOT.
Hull
Hull
material: Fiberglass
Deck Material: Fiberglass
Overall length (mm): 2.300
Overall width (mm): 730
Overall height (mm): 735
Weight (kg): 159
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 8-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 140mm
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm):76
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 83
Impeller: Stainless steel, three blade, 9/17
Thrust (N): 3,100
Fuel/lubrication
Recommend fuel: Regular Unleaded gas, 87+ octane rating
Fuel capacity (l): 18
Lubrication: Premix