First time super jet purchase

E

Epsorenson

Location
California
Ive owned Kawasaki standups my entire life, looking to find my first super jet. Wondering if I can get recommendations on model years advantages disadvantages etc. ( including “essential” mods). Generally I pick up skis used, I’m always looking for a good deal but I’m not ruling out spending more money in the newer model years if better. Welcome opinions. Thanks!
 
ItsRixter

ItsRixter

SoCal Wav Jumping shiznit
Location
Sunny Diego
Get a 2008 or newer. It has the modified / updated bottom hull which included 2 inch pushed back pump and tapered rear along with front tubbie sponsons. First mods are b pipe and prop.
 
mikidymac

mikidymac

Location
California
It really depends on what your budget is and what you plan to do with it.
Expect any superjet to be more expensive than the similar Kawasaki. I too had only Kawasaki standups but after getting used to the superjet I like it better for playing around. All feel more playful and agile than the Kawasaki's and more bottom end power. You also don't lean them over like the Kawasaki's to turn and have to keep them flatter.

1990-1993 is the Square Nose with a 650cc engine, some will say it is way underpowered but the power is about equal to a Kawasaki 650 SX. I am 6'3", 200lbs and had a blast on a bone stock 650 Superjet last summer. (Least expensive.)

1994-1995 Superjet is the same hull but a 701 single carb engine. More power is more fun.
1996-2007 Same bottom hull as the 1991-1995, different top hull and a 701 twin carb engine. This is the generation everyone wants for freestyle and surf.
2008-2020 (Most Expensive) New bottom hull with set back pump, better impeller and built in tubbies and shorter handpole, exact same 701 twin carb from 1996. This is more of a race buoy carver hull.

As said above for 1990-2007 your first upgrade needs to be an impeller as the stock aluminum one is garbage. Then 1990-2020, pipe and higher compression head as far as performance parts.
 
E

Epsorenson

Location
California
thanks for taking the time to go through that in detail. So just to be clear, if my desire is to do more freestyle and less carving as I already have 2 other Sxr 800s Kawasakis, should I really look strictly toward the SJ 1991 through 1995s?
 
mikidymac

mikidymac

Location
California
Yes, 1994-2007 would be the best for freestyle and messing around.
Not to say that a 2008+ can't it is just more for racing and buoy courses like your SXR.
 
smoofers

smoofers

Rockin' the SQUARE!!!!
Site Supporter
Location
Granbury, TX
Just to add to everything else, there's nothing wrong with '90-'93 650 squares. A 701 swaps in just as easily. Only real difference between the 650 squares and the 701 square is the midshaft and midshaft bearing carrier.
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
mikidymac said:
It really depends on what your budget is and what you plan to do with it.
Expect any superjet to be more expensive than the similar Kawasaki. I too had only Kawasaki standups but after getting used to the superjet I like it better for playing around. All feel more playful and agile than the Kawasaki's and more bottom end power. You also don't lean them over like the Kawasaki's to turn and have to keep them flatter.

1990-1993 is the Square Nose with a 650cc engine, some will say it is way underpowered but the power is about equal to a Kawasaki 650 SX. I am 6'3", 200lbs and had a blast on a bone stock 650 Superjet last summer. (Least expensive.)

1994-1995 Superjet is the same hull but a 701 single carb engine. More power is more fun.
1996-2007 Same bottom hull as the 1991-1995, different top hull and a 701 twin carb engine. This is the generation everyone wants for freestyle and surf.
2008-2020 (Most Expensive) New bottom hull with set back pump, better impeller and built in tubbies and shorter handpole, exact same 701 twin carb from 1996. This is more of a race buoy carver hull.

As said above for 1990-2007 your first upgrade needs to be an impeller as the stock aluminum one is garbage. Then 1990-2020, pipe and higher compression head as far as performance parts.
Click to expand...

Actually, the entire bottom deck is different, not just built in tubbies. Adding Tubbies to an older SJ is not going to make it handle the same.
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
E

Epsorenson

Location
California
So here’s the thing, long story ... the reason I started this thread was because I just bought my first freestyle, definitely an entry-level budget ski, short hull Bob with 701, ada head, pipe, magnum pump, Lightened fly wheel, widened tray, pole, trim etc. I got a really good deal on the ski so I figured this was my introduction to get a feel. Anyhow I realized after playing with it it is just not enough power. I just can’t imagine really flat water elevating without the pop of 900 to1200cc. (I’m 200 pounds). Also my ski is not really fun riding at any higher speeds but that’s in some ways what you get with my hull and set up. At the price tag for one of the strong motor super skis I’ve pretty much abandoned the notion and I am more just looking for something all-around fun, more fun than my SXR 800 carver. If I could bring the big power into a budget oriented ski I would still be looking toward the more custom freestyle hull But I think an SJ will be more realistic for price to fun ratio
 
mikidymac

mikidymac

Location
California
Big Kahuna said:
Actually, the entire bottom deck is different, not just built in tubbies. Adding Tubbies to an older SJ is not going to make it handle the same.
Click to expand...

Yes, see where I said that?

2008-2020 (Most Expensive) New bottom hull with set back pump, better impeller and built in tubbies and shorter handpole, exact same 701 twin carb from 1996. This is more of a race buoy carver hull.
 
mikidymac

mikidymac

Location
California
Epsorenson said:
So here’s the thing, long story ... the reason I started this thread was because I just bought my first freestyle, definitely an entry-level budget ski, short hull Bob with 701, ada head, pipe, magnum pump, Lightened fly wheel, widened tray, pole, trim etc. I got a really good deal on the ski so I figured this was my introduction to get a feel. Anyhow I realized after playing with it it is just not enough power. I just can’t imagine really flat water elevating without the pop of 900 to1200cc. (I’m 200 pounds). Also my ski is not really fun riding at any higher speeds but that’s in some ways what you get with my hull and set up. At the price tag for one of the strong motor super skis I’ve pretty much abandoned the notion and I am more just looking for something all-around fun, more fun than my SXR 800 carver. If I could bring the big power into a budget oriented ski I would still be looking toward the more custom freestyle hull But I think an SJ will be more realistic for price to fun ratio
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. This summer was my first time back on a standup in 20 years. Bought a 1991 Square Nose 650 bone stock for $1,100. I rode it a few times and had a ball on it but bought a 701 sto swap in and was even more fun. We have a small lake with wind but really not much chop and it was perfect. I got to ride a friend's stock SXR 800 and while it was faster and more stable I was just bored and couldn't wait to get back on the superjet even with the stock 650. It is just so much more fun and playful for just being stupid and having a great time. BTW, I am 43 years old, 6'3" and 200 lbs.
 
Quinc

Quinc

Buy a Superjet
Location
California
Epsorenson said:
So here’s the thing, long story ... the reason I started this thread was because I just bought my first freestyle, definitely an entry-level budget ski, short hull Bob with 701, ada head, pipe, magnum pump, Lightened fly wheel, widened tray, pole, trim etc. I got a really good deal on the ski so I figured this was my introduction to get a feel. Anyhow I realized after playing with it it is just not enough power. I just can’t imagine really flat water elevating without the pop of 900 to1200cc. (I’m 200 pounds). Also my ski is not really fun riding at any higher speeds but that’s in some ways what you get with my hull and set up. At the price tag for one of the strong motor super skis I’ve pretty much abandoned the notion and I am more just looking for something all-around fun, more fun than my SXR 800 carver. If I could bring the big power into a budget oriented ski I would still be looking toward the more custom freestyle hull But I think an SJ will be more realistic for price to fun ratio
Click to expand...

Which gen Bob? I have the gen 3 and ride it in surf, chase boats etc, just takes tray time. Flat water flips with a 771 as well. I am 220. Get the Zeeltronics ignition, tune your ski and you will be able to flip with some practice.

But yes the price/fun ratio cant be beat with a SJ. Cut a few inches off the back shorten the pole etc and it gets even more fun. :)
 
E

Epsorenson

Location
California
Quinc said:
Which gen Bob? I have the gen 3 and ride it in surf, chase boats etc, just takes tray time. Flat water flips with a 771 as well. I am 220. Get the Zeeltronics ignition, tune your ski and you will be able to flip with some practice.

But yes the price/fun ratio cant be beat with a SJ. Cut a few inches off the back shorten the pole etc and it gets even more fun. :)
Click to expand...
It’s a 2010, I think generation 1. I will post pictures. It’s got msd ignition, did not know about zeeltronics. I started considering porting, pipe change, different mods but in the end I really think just need more power to really enjoy it
 

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Quinc

Quinc

Buy a Superjet
Location
California
Gen 1.5 maybe? Looks great though! They are so light and small even a stock 701 should feel pretty damn amazing in that hull.
 
E

Epsorenson

Location
California
E350 said:
Why don't you buy a 1990-1993 SN SJ, ride it as is, and then at Summer's end put your Bob engine in it?
Click to expand...
Yeah I could do that if need be. I think I’d rather just sell it or trade it. I got a pretty good deal on it so I could let it go for 5-6k. I’m a water and dirt guy so I have it listed open to trades for relevant toys
 
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