Other Kawasaki 650 vs 550

[Beall425]

I am just getting into stand up jet ski's and want to know what you guys think would be a better first jet ski. Kawasaki 650 or 550?

I want something fun and as fast as possible (for under $1000) but that can also handle riding in the waves at pismo. I know neither of those are capable of freestyle in the ocean but I want something that will hold its own in the waves (jumping, carving, etc.).

I want to get a 550 or 650 then later I will get a superjet and keep the 650/550 for a extra ski that a friend can ride or I can mess around on.

What are the pros and cons of both skis?



Thanks,
Nick

 

[Mobile Chernobyl]

The 650 is noted as being a more predictable hull.

I would get either for as good as a price you can, ride it hard for a year - meanwhile saving up appx $1200-$2000 on the side for your next jet ski, a square nose superjet!

 

[TimotaLT]

Everyone will tell you to just buy a superjet and you're wasting your time

 

[broski]

Everyone says just buy an sj but i picked up a 650 with hitch hauler for $600 and i love it. I can easily get it out of the water i mean yea it lacks the power you will get out an sj but honestly ive already started doing low end mods on mine and prob will stick with this ski for a while.

 

[Beall425]

Everyone will tell you to just buy a superjet and you're wasting your time

Yeah thats kind of what I was expecting thats why I said I am going to get one down the road because I want two skis anyway and I cant afford two superjets.

I would want a 650 over a 550 if they are both in stock form but I wonder how a 550 like this http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/3200582669.html would compare to a stock 650. Thats about the price I could find for a stock 650, yet thats a clean 550 with a bunch of parts.

 

[JT_Freeride]

I have all 3 a 550 a 650 and a RN the 550 was my favorite before the SJ. It's such a little nimble ski and a blast to ride. My 650 sits on the dock and never gets used if I had to pick between the 2 I would choose the 550 it's pretty cheap to make them fast and fun. Or the other route a 550/650 conversion.

 

[PWCSAR]

"I want something fun and as fast as possible (for under $1000)" I'd be lookin for dependable non molested boat if your just getting started..

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/3200582669.html lost of 550's for sale, I'd look for a newer stock js 550 sx w/reed motor & a/m parts are pretty cheap for the old 550's..

 

[fastgtfairlane]

the reed 550 is a much more fun ski than the 650.. definitely find a reed 550 if thats the route you go.. my first ski and still current ski is a 550 and love it... ive taken it a step further with doing a ton of work to it, sure i couldve done what everyone else has and bought a stock superjet.. anything stock to me is boring anyways.. im gonna get a superjet at some point but start with a bare hull and build it how i want it

 

[Vumad]

550 is more nimble and lighter than the 650, but there's a significant difference in power. I do not know the condition of the 550 I rode, but it was fun. Cornered horrible and would not be versitle to run a bouy course. My 650 was stock with a 44mm carb and a prop, it was much more powerful than the 550 I rode. Handle better but was much heavier.

I'd personally prefer the 650 over the 550 because it has more power especially in the bottom end, but who knows what was going on with the 550 motor I was riding.

 

[d_moss]

dont buy a piston port ski.

sn 650 sj. under 1000 if you look and upgrade able. plus wont crack and break like a 550