Today was the official release, of the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R.
While we were hoping that it would use a new engine such as Yamaha and Sea-Doo released for their entry level craft, Kawasaki decided to use their 1500cc 4 cylinder four-stroke that they’ve been using for over a decade. While it does put out 160hp the engine itself weighs almost 200lbs. It’s claimed to do 60mph stock, but due to the added weight, which hasn’t officially listed yet (rumored to be over 500lbs), the overall dimensions are whopping 30″ wide and 8ft 8″ long (18″ longer than the 800 SX-R) in fact the underside of the craft resembles an STX rather than the outgoing 800 SX-R , so much so that it features it’s 148mm axial flow pump and runabout style sponsons. No price has been announced yet, but it’s believed to be under $11k
While we’re disappointed that they didn’t use a newly developed engine that would be smaller and allow room for forced induction, it’s understandable that they used what they had for the small market that is stand up PWC’s. This new ski won’t phase out the use of two-strokes in freeride Freestyle, but it’s exciting to see an OEM making in an effort to bring people into the Stand Up Scene.
And as always, stay tuned future modifications we’ll be offering for this new four-stroke SX-R. Since this is the exact same engine that’s in the Kawasaki STX-15 I’m sure we’ll be able to hit 70MPH without much issue.
