2008 - 2020 Super Jet: How best to make ski more nimble/playful ?

[E350]

I just bought a new to me 2019 stock Yamaha Super Jet:



It definitely is easier to ride than my 1995 Yamaha FX-1.
And I have no doubt that it will be a reliable ski.
I have a MSD Enhancer still to put in and I have ordered a Blowsion Billet Handlepole.

The ski rides very well. For instance, it feels locked down on the water in turns. It is actually very hard to slide - compared to my 1995 FX-1 !!!.

I am looking for your suggestions for how to best modify the 2008 - 2020 Super Jet to make it less buoy-race oriented and more rec riding possibly surf riding?

I know the ski was meant to ride on rails for racing, but there must be ways which don’t compromise the ski but make it feel a little more nimble, more playful.

Any experience, suggestions?

 

[fastgtfairlane]

D cut rideplate, shorter pole, tubbies, lower hood. Ovp steering and of course more power.

 

[SteveC]

"more rec riding possibly surf riding" I'll interpret this to mean like foolin around and jumping in 3-7' waves, and answer accordingly.

Shorter handlepole for sure. If I were to go back and only change one thing for riding in waves, this would be it.

Since you have a new handle pole on the way, the handlepole shortening is covered. While you're at it, do OVP or near OVP steering, as stated above, get some straight bars (or 4 degree, whatever you like), and a new throttle lever. A whole lot of preference comes into those things, FYI.

I'd skip doing anything with the ebox until you really change the engine. Even though you have MSD sitting around. Just stick with OEM for now, IMO.

The tray turf is paper thin, of course, so I'd promptly add some padding and new turf. Note that those rail cover bumpers are held on with some hard adhesive, not something like contact cement. PITA to remove those bumpers! But at least do the bottom turf and get some padding in there.

The list of things you CAN pour money into after that are endless, but I, in hindsight, now see these two things as top priority. My $0.02.

 

[E350]

What are the performance differences between these two ride plates?



Keep oem existing intake grate?

@SteveC Your assessment of my desires and likely also my riding ability is spot on. Thank you.

@SteveC and @fastgtfairlane The oem 2019 Super Jet handlepole is 45 inches from pole bracket pivot point to the end of the stock chinpad.

I ordered the 29 inch center handlepole tube over Scott at Blowsion's objection. He says that he mostly sells their 26 inch center handlepole tubes. I have a cold cut Evolution metal miter saw, so I figure I could just experiment and shorten it as I go.

I am 5' 11" 194 lbs.

Should I change my order to 26 inch pole, or should I continue with my plan to experiment with the longer version?

 

[Kohldanielzimmer]

Best advice is setting a buoy course and falling in love with that type of riding : D.

Suggestions as above are good. I think new pole and steering/new steering cable will make a big difference. How tall are you?

 

[fastgtfairlane]

The sweet spot on a stock length superjet is to have the bars basically even with the back edge of the hood. As far as bars go, I prefer risers with the ovp steering. I tilt them back around 45 degrees and they feel really comfortable to me that way. I tried 4 degree bars from rrp and found I was bending over the tray more causing more fatigue. The good thing with the adjustable is you can do some test and tuning to see what works best for you.

 

[E350]

Best advice is setting a buoy course and falling in love with that type of riding : D.

Suggestions as above are good. I think new pole and steering/new steering cable will make a big difference. How tall are you?

That first part hurt my feelings . . .

5' 11" 194 lbs. (trying to get to 185 lbs.)

Are you still riding an Edge?

 

[KMN]

My preference:

Stock ride plate
intake grate, but not too aggressive
RRP handle pole + chinpad
07 SJ cable
4 degree bars
RRP OVP steering
PJS Throttle lever
Blowsion pole spring
ODI Troy lee grips


I had a zeel on my last 2019 (ended up selling it), and it was great. I haven't done that yet to my 2020. Totally fine with the power I had with the zeel. Just wanted to keep it fairly stock and reliable.

With the improved steering you can kick out the back end and have it slide. It's a totally fun setup without going over the top on mods.

 

[Kohldanielzimmer]

That first part hurt my feelings . . .

5' 11" 194 lbs. (trying to get to 185 lbs.)

Are you still riding an Edge?

I have rickter edge, 4 stroke SJ, superfreak badass, SN superjet, 550sx.

I was riding a buddies 2013 SJ yesterday and I loved it. RRP pole, OVP, backdated cable. Playful rec boat. He had a riva plate and b pipe.

I was also riding my brothers stock 15 SJ, drastically slower turns but it can still carve buoys.

You’re gonna love putting the pole and cable on!