2017 Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R vs. 2011 800 SX-R

How does the new SX-R compare to the old model?

After showing off the new Jet Ski SX-R last month, Kawasaki finally revealed its full specs. We thought it would be interesting to see how the new SX-R compares to the old SX-R we last saw in the 2011 model year… at least on paper.

The key difference with these two models is size and weight. Because Kawasaki had to install a four-stroke engine to replace the smaller and lighter two-stroke, changes are significant.

All told, the 2017 SX-R, with its 1,498cc inline four cylinder engine, has a curb weight (full of fuel and fluids) of 551.3 pounds. That is a big jump from the 370-pound dry weight of the old 781cc two-stroke SX-R. However, that difference shrinks slightly when you add in the weight of fuel and fluids to the old model. Still, you’re looking at something approaching a 150-pound difference.

As far as a physical footprint, the new 2017 SX-R is just 1.4 inches longer than the old two-stroke at 30.1 inches wide and 3.2 inches taller with a height of 33.1 inches. The big disparity, though, is in the length. The old SX-R was 90.5 inches long, but to make room for the bigger four-stroke engine the 2017 SX-R is a full 14 inches longer. That should equate to a more stable platform, but we’d have to imagine it will handle much differently.

Finally, there is the price. The new 2017 Jet Ski SX-R carries an MSRP of $9,999. That is $2,100 more than the $7,899 price tag on the 2011 Jet Ski 800 SX-R. Though that seems like a big jump, considering the machines are six model years apart and four-stroke engines are far more complicated and expensive than their two-stroke brothers, the new price seems quite reasonable.