Other New guy "purchasing" topic

[Jimi Ray Clapton]

Hey all - my first of what I hope will be many postings here as I attempt to revive this hobby.

After owning several JS550's over the last 20 years or so I sold my machines about 7 years ago. Life took a turn. But I'm wanting to get back in the water and am looking for advice on purchasing a couple of new boats. I am, of course, trying to choose between the Super Jet and the SX-R and am looking for advice from those that own and ride them.

I'm am not a super serious rider... more of a weekend warrior. My sons will be riding these as well and it will be local lakes that we'll be riding at.

So please... chime in if you have thoughts or advice on this. what are the upsides and downsides of these boats, engines, hull designs, etc? It seems like the Super Jet is the preferred machine. Is this true? Any and all info, suggestions, etc. is greatly appreciated.

 

[jetx]

If you are going to get 2 get one of each. Best of both worlds.

 

[Jimi Ray Clapton]

That had occurred to me and I am in a position to do just that. I am of course wondering if we will begin to gravitate to one machine over the other after time passes. It's unclear to me what the strong and weak points of each are. All I'm pretty clear about is that the SX-R is a heavier machine.

 

[B3IS]

JRC Welcome to the X. Most guys will tell you to get a superjet. Depending on what kind of riding you, if your boys are gonna ride em they will probably want to start jumping or chasing wakes on the lake. The SXR is about 75 lbs heavier. Superjet is usually used more for freestyle or jumping. Have fun. This place is full of info great guys to ride with and some of the best parts suppliers and builders anywhere. I think you came to the right place.

 

[OCD Solutions]

LOL, I had both, I sold the SXR.

Most will tell you that the SXR is for racing and the Superjet is for having fun and it really isn't far off from that.

The SXR has great power, is very stable and easy to ride for beginners but takes more muscle to throw into spins. It carves and subs better than anything else and likes to be layed over in turns. It is alot heavier than the SJ so it's not as easy to get airborn, the plus side to that is the weight makes it handle chop and windy lakes alot nicer than the superjet so your decision should include your riding style, as well as your local riding conditions. For windy or chopped up lakes with a ton of boat traffic and cross chop, the SXR will shine. If you also like to do extended or long distance riding, the SXR is the better choice but it will burn more fuel and has a smaller fuel tank.

Where to begin with the Superjet...If the SXR is a cadillac, the Superjet is a sports car. It twists, turns, carves, dives, jumps and just about everything else you can imagine. Even though it has a smaller engine, it still outperforms the SXR and gets better fuel economy. It is a very powerful and nimble ski that is stable as well and it's only limitation will be your imagination.

 

[Tmart]

OCDSolutions advice is dead on

 

[SXIPro]

Some people here are going to push you towards aftermarket hulls. At this point, that is a totally ridiculous idea. Your kids are going to like an SJ better, they are just a more fun ride. Period. I like to run buoys every once in a while, but nothing puts a smile on my face faster than jumping on my RN and messing around.

 

[Waternut]

One thing to consider is price unless you are planning to buy both brand new. With the exception of a few minor technicalities (that I won't get into) in recent years, superjets all had the same engines, driveline, and equipment so the only real differences were paint, graphics, and age. That said a 96 superjet is just as capable as a 2011 but you'll find the older ones for a lot cheaper.

SXR's came out in 2003 so their price breaks aren't quite as big as you go back in the years.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into a yamaha vs kawasaki thread. Either way, both are very capable ski's and demand different riding styles. If your sons are still really young and you are afraid of them going too fast and getting hurt, a superjet may be a better choice as they aren't as stable at speed and demand respect and your full attention to maintain control. The SXR cruises easier and is more comfortable at higher speeds which can get you into trouble if you aren't paying attention.

 

[icecoled007]

That had occurred to me and I am in a position to do just that. I am of course wondering if we will begin to gravitate to one machine over the other after time passes. It's unclear to me what the strong and weak points of each are. All I'm pretty clear about is that the SX-R is a heavier machine.

I own both right now a RN Superjet and an SXR


I bought my Superjet first then the SXR later. The Superjet was fun, but I quickly found myself wanting more (footholds, b-pipe, ada head, enhancer). Although a stock Superjet is fun, it really shines with these few (and expensive) changes. Almost all the guys I know riding at my local lake have one or more of these mods done.

The Superjet was great, I had fun on it riding 3+ times a week all summer. In the last month of summer I picked up my SXR

I started riding the SXR much more and loved the way you can drag your shoulder through the turns. It reminds me of downhill skiing, I would carve up waves like moguls. The SXR has GREAT power/low end/top end right out of the box. I felt no need for additional power, just an intake grate for a little better hookup. I thought the SXR felt more "technologically advanced" the design of the hull really allows it to rip through turns and makes it super stable in chop. The motor/pump/ everything feels like it works so well together. It definitely feels like a Cadillac.

When I would get on my Superjet I would forget how much smaller it felt, and in no way would turn like an SXR. Small waves would toss you around it had limited capabilities of cutting through chop. As a slightly taller/heavier guy I feel like the SXR "fits".

After a day of riding I would think the SXR is the greatest ski ever. But..... I would get back on my Superjet and was able to get ski high behind boat wakes. Getting launched into the air is a great feeling. Superjet is easy to nose stab, sub ,and do a variety of different tricks. Its so light, agile, and fun. Your no longer glued to the surface of the water like the SXR. I thought the Superjet was the greatest.


In summary, having both is the best. I could see if you were strictly surf or someone looking to get into professional freestyle you would want a Superjet. But as a causal rec rider its great to own two. The one time I rode a Rickter I thought it was the best of both worlds. Hooks up and carves like an SXR, but is lighter and more agile than a Superjet. I have also heard that an 08+ Superjet and a Superjet with sponsons will make a world of difference in carving abilities.

 

[vitalikol]

Get both and ride the hell out of them and then you make your own mind of which one you like best.

 

[FearMyWrX]

JRC Welcome to the X. Most guys will tell you to get a superjet. Depending on what kind of riding you, if your boys are gonna ride em they will probably want to start jumping or chasing wakes on the lake. The SXR is about 75 lbs heavier. Superjet is usually used more for freestyle or jumping. Have fun. This place is full of info great guys to ride with and some of the best parts suppliers and builders anywhere. I think you came to the right place.

Point well stated.

Most people on this forum are biased to the RN superjets but for good reasons. Like you said, you were looking for a good machine for you and your boys to have fun on weekends. Personally, with all things considered, I'd go with the RN SJ's. They are lighter, better fuel economy, greater room for modifications (in the future), more available parts, and I'd think they would be more attractive to your kids.

With that being said, I'd also advise getting two of the same ski, that way you are familiar with they way they work and repairs and such are familiar. We've just found when we buy things in two's it makes it much easier to remember how to do things than having to remember to do the same thing two different ways.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Not to mention that standing on shore watching someone else have fun sucks.

 

[vitalikol]

if possible try to ride both ..... it's can help make up your mind

and don't listen to all of this Kawasaki nazys. Sxr fun ski to ride and it's can jump. It's just take a MAN to do it not all this urr:urr: LOL

 

[jetpilot08]

Unless your dead set on buying brand new I would look for a used super jet with some mods. At least a b pipe and an enhancer.

I made the bone head move of buying an 08 super jet brand new and now there is very few original parts left on it. The money I have spent on it could of bought me a nice carbon hull and very large motor with billet cases. Once you get the modding illness it never goes away!

 

[SXR-FOREVER]

If your kids are anything like my brother and I are... whatever you get make sure its two of the same or there will be alot of fighting lol

(get an SJ)

 

[Snivilous]

With that being said, I'd also advise getting two of the same ski, that way you are familiar with they way they work and repairs and such are familiar.

Agreed. Always handy to have another of the same machine that you can check to make sure you're putting it back together right or what ever.

 

[Jimi Ray Clapton]

Thanks tp all for the thoughtful replies. Very much appreciated!

; - )

I will definitely be chiming back in to let you guys know what direction I go.


BTW - what does the "RN" refer to when you refer to the SJ?

After looking around a little - this looks to be a great forum. Kudos to all those that contribute to making this a cool cyber-community.

 

[OCD Solutions]

RN stands for "Round Nose" which is a 96 and newer Superjet. SN stands for "Square Nose" which is a 91 to 95 Superjet.

The white ski is a 92 Square Nose, The silver ski is a 97 Roundnose.

 

[Jimi Ray Clapton]

Looking around a little it appears that the "RN" refers to "round nose" - is that right?

Another question for any takers: I've read that Kawasaki is shutting down their "stand up" production for good. Kinda sad. But would this last production line Kawasaki be worth picking one up *due to* it being the last year? Will Yamaha be forced down this same road since this appears to have at least something to do with two-stroke engines and their emissions? And if these machines do go away - will the manufacturers support the existing market with parts availability, etc?

 

[Jimi Ray Clapton]

Thanks OCD. ; - )