Category Archives: NEWS (ENG)

NEWS (ENG)

Sea Doo has released a new four-stroke model, the GTI SE. It is equipped with a brand new hull, which accommodates the well-known three cylinder engine. The latest version has been detuned in such a way that it produces the required horsepower for the entry-level use. Its basic accessory is no other than the removable, dry storage bucket. The new GTI SE accelerates smoothly from low rpm, which means that it does not get the honors to accelerate out of the hole. By throwing it into sweeping turns, it showed a tendency to go on a wider line; whilst on straight line is fairly stable. Its maximum speed tops 54mph, which is fine according to the class standards. The rider and the two passengers will cruise comfortably whilst the traction mats provide medium grip. The adequate storage compartments left us with a good impression. Overall, we got pleased with the new GTI, even though what we rode was not the final product.

The particular Kawasaki was one of the best among the ones that competed in the Pro Ski class at the World Finals, which impressed with its immaculate craftsmanship. Minoru Kanamori is the chief mechanic of the Kawasaki USA Jet Ski Team and former World Champion. His SX-R has ported cylinders, SE cylinder head, Novi carbs, V-Force reeds, Mitsubishi programmable ignition and Factory Pipe exhaust system. Kanamori has selected his own tricky cooling line routine and uses lots of aftermarket accessories from Sato Engineering (SE). The carbon ride plate of Craftman’s Movement is eye catching. A Skat-Trak pump and scoop are used whilst the drop nozzle comes from SE.

This is the best Limited SX-R that belongs to the World Champion, Seiko Osawa. After the World Finals, I rode this race craft at the Body Beach and I was really surprised with its behavior. The engine has a great, crispy response through the rpm band, providing great acceleration out of the hole and at medium rpm. Horsepower is spread in such a way that it does not wear you out. The SE ride plates along with the JSU sponsons provide superb handling. Additionally, the handling is enhanced by a good hook up of the aftermarket scoop and pump. The SE handle pole and steering assembly feels rigid and lightweight. The basic ingredients of the engine are the SE cylinder head and carbs, the Factory Pipe exhaust system, the Advent ignition, the Skat-Trak pump and the SE drop nozzle. Congratulations to the Tjusimoto Team and the World title winner Seiko Osawa.

Recently Solas Company has released a new stainless steel pump, designed especially for the Kawasaki 800 SX-R. The new pump incorporates a larger hub and stronger stator veins. Therefore it produces greater pressure and thrust. Combining it with the available Solas stainless steel impellers you have better overall performance. Most of all, the price of the new pump will be less than U.S. $1.000, a fact that may possibly bring the decrease of prices of other pump manufacturers as well.

A new R&D drop nozzle system was seen in Nicky Goundreau’s SX-R which was built by Bill Chapin. Later the classic trim system was ditched off by designing a new way of changing the direction of the water using a wing. A plate was fixed underneath the tray, just behind the steering nozzle that pivots with the use of a mechanical or hydraulic lever and respectively changes the direction of the out coming water. According to Chappin the new system does not affect the handling or the behavior of the hull when the rider goes round the buoy.

A new type of stand up hull was designed and manufactured by the team of the multi time freestyle World Champion Eric Malone. The new race craft (hull and engine) made their first appearance to the public at the World Finals, where Malone took the title in the Pro Class. We had a look at the interior of the hull and the engine. The later comes in two versions, of 800cc and 1000cc. Factory Pipe especially designed the expansion chamber according to Malone’s needs. The crankcases, the crankshaft and the pneumatic power valves came from Polaris Octane. The new race crafts cost around U.S. $25.000 for the 800cc and $35.000 for the 1000cc, whilst Eric Malone Enterprises also has Financing programs.

The popular freestyle World Champion, Rick Roy, has recently started his new business in Canada, designing and manufacturing products, basically for stand ups. Recently he has launched a new aluminum handlepole that adjusts along its length, according to the rider’s needs. It consists of three basic parts and is adjusted easily. Additionally, he has designed a new handle pole pivot bracket that is more rigid and can be fitted on a Yamaha or a Kawasaki. World class riders like, Pro Ski 2006 World Champion, Dustin Motzouris, European F1 2005 Champion, Steven Dauliach and Pro Freestyle Champion 2006, Eric Malone were among the first riders that used the new handle pole. It costs around U.S. $780, a fact that makes it far more expensive from the conventional (non adjustable) handle poles.