I just can't get in to it..!

[GeordieBoyKel]

How long did it take you guys to get the hang of riding your FX1s. I just can't get into it... As a result, I am not enjoying what I have spent time and money on...

Do you guys have any tips that may help me master my FX1? Would Tubbies help?

[Speedfreak]

Just sell it.. I will give you $500 for it... Shipped of course they are useless...


Just kidding... I think they are great I don't know how much standup experience you have but if you came from a SJ it should be just a few rides.

If this is your first ski then it will take some time just like it would if you gotten a SJ. Don't give up I believe that it is a great ski. But as with everything it takes time.

[special fx]

What problems are you having? What have you ridden before?

I think it all depends on what you're accustomed to. The FX feels stable to me and a SJ feels like a sitdown with a handlepole, but I cut my teeth riding Kawi 440/550 for 15 years before I got an FX-1.

Tubbies are nice but I don't feel they will make a night/day difference. I think they more let you push the FX a little further in the surf.

[GeordieBoyKel]

My experience is limited... I had a 650sx for about 6 months but only rode it three times. I did have a 550 for some time but that was years and years ago when I was a lot younger.

The problems:

I can get up, stand up, but as soon as I turn I fall off... Well... Most of the time...
There are times when doing figure of eights it sort of comes together but then I will come out of a turn, hit my wake, the nose will go up then a little further, then I come off as it tends not to have the power to pull he out of it. Since matching and smoothing out the shoulder behind the prop, it has been much better and I am running a Skat 19/24 that has been tweaked a little which also helps. I have a very strong engine also but I am stuck with the basics on this ski. I must say one thing though... I can ride an sj now after spending some time on the FX...

[GeordieBoyKel]

Forgot to mention... I have been out on it about seven times now on flat water. I was invited to an open day at a club on the coast. I couldn't even get up on my ski in the waves! It was ALL over the place!

[Cliff]

sounds like you are propped way to high. something like a 12/17 or along those lines

[GeordieBoyKel]

Don't really understand Propping to be honest... Plus that was the only available upgrade here in the UK. What will I gain from a 12/17?

[GeordieBoyKel]

I am 98.43kgs and 1.83 in height if this helps any..?

[Cliff]

low end power. will make the ski much easier to ride and enjoyable

[GeordieBoyKel]

Any ideas where I can get one of these props?

[Cliff]

any of the jet ski shops here in the states pretty much sell them. you will need to tell them what you have far as your motor goes so they can determine a good pitch for you. jetworks, legdrag, blowsion, waterdawg, team scream etc etc.

[Algonquin]

I know exactly how you feel. All my buddies ride sj's and when I jump on theirs its a lot easier. Some days I'm tempted to give up and sell mine for an sj, but I'll never actually follow through with it. Too much time and money invested in it.

I think we just need more practice. Seeing the guys from jersey ride their fx1's is impressive.

Try going from an fx1 to an sxr or octane. Feels like you can't fall.

[GeordieBoyKel]

I know exactly how you feel. All my buddies ride sj's and when I jump on theirs its a lot easier. Some days I'm tempted to give up and sell mine for an sj, but I'll never actually follow through with it. Too much time and money invested in it.

I think we just need more practice. Seeing the guys from jersey ride their fx1's is impressive.

Try going from an fx1 to an sxr or octane. Feels like you can't fall.

Had a blast on a rapid 08 Kwak X2 last week and I thought it was just too easy!
I just don't know where I am going wrong with my FX... Can I ask, what set up are you running? Prop and such like would be good to know also...

[GeordieBoyKel]

any of the jet ski shops here in the states pretty much sell them. you will need to tell them what you have far as your motor goes so they can determine a good pitch for you. jetworks, legdrag, blowsion, waterdawg, team scream etc etc.

I will give them a shout... Cheers for that...

[Algonquin]

I'm running a kawaski 650 pump with a 13/22.

If you stick with the stock pump there aren't too many options for impellers. I believe the stock is a 21/27. Skat only offers 19/24 and 20/25 according to the Impros website.

If you feel like the motor is reving up but you are not going, you are getting cavitation. Do you have a scoop intake grate?

[GeordieBoyKel]

JD scoop and ride plate... I have intentions of doing the 650 Kwak convo... Did you ride your FX before and after the convo?

[Algonquin]

I've ridden them before and after the convo. I rode a friends that had a prop, msd, and b-pipe. When I got mine it had a stock 650 for power, only rode it once and that was enough.

I wanted to build up an engine for it and didn't even bother trying it with the stock pump. Pretty certain it would have just sat and spun.

[tnj4life]

I say have one of each if possible. I started on a js440 bone stock 2 seasons ago, then I put the 750 in it much better. Well my wife took away my 440 after she got bored with our couch kawi 1100zxi so we sold that and I bought a 90 sj 701. And if that wasnt enough I hunted up a 94 fx1 at the end of last season that im doing the kawi pump mod to as we speak. If you can get a sn sj reasonable I would suggest that and keep the fx1. I only ride on lakes but depending on how I wanna ride I like having both. Everyone that rides the sj thats starting out likes it better cause its more stable, but overall I do prefer the skinny hulls cause I can throw them around better. I do fall more and they are a handful, but I like how I can launch them higher. The sj is awesome in the chop and chasing boat wakes and ppl on the lake. If I were near the surf i would def start on the sj for stability issues and lack of experience.

[Hogggman]

I would just say ride it. Dont worry about what mods you need or dont need. If you can ride a stand up you should be able to ride any stand up. Get the hang of the fx1 and then you can pretty much any stand up. I see guys who can ride an sj pretty good then jump on my fx1 and look like they have never ridden before. If they were easy to ride everyone would ride one. Many many people myself included learned to ride on 440s and 550s. And there were many skis sold before the sj was even invented. So you cant ride in waves you will get there eventually the first time you rode a bicycle did you jump on the local bmx track. Give it some time and practice and youll love it.

[tbaer]

i started on a 650sx and i couldn't even stay on the thing it was unstable and low powered! I just stuck with it and learned to ride then i bought an sj and it still didn't have enough power. i could ride without falling, but i just crave more power. so no matter what you get or what you do there is always something else that you can do to make more power.

Just stick with it and take it slow learn how to turn and how your weight and foot position/body lanuage makes the ski do different things.

Get a prop too. that is way to high!

[Motoman25]

i think that prop pitch is fine for an fx-1. they use a higher pitch prop because it does not have a 144 mm pump. the fx-1 pump is way smaller.


so the typical 12/17, 13/16 or whatever pitch that sj guys run does not pertain to the fx-1 pump.

im sure someone who actually has an fx-1 can verify this

[GeordieBoyKel]

You are right Motoman... I have checked this out.

The FX1 pump is in fact a 122mm and because of that they run very different props.

[Cliff]

didnt mean to steer you wrong, did sound high to me though

[Flash-FX]

Don't panic GBK, The FX is somewhat of a challenge to ride...that's why we like them. Take a few minutes and think about why you are falling. Are you just slowly leaning over and pulling the handle pole down to the side? The FX is a lot narrower than other ski's, therefore you should position your weight (now think about this) in a more neutral position. Also use the steering nozzle (jet blast) to aid in this balance correction. I see people ride the FX, and one of the biggest mistakes they make is not making the balance correction. They start to lean...more...more...then crash. Work on technique first, then add speed later.

Not knowing the basics about riding, then trying to hit the surf is frustrating and hazardous. I would stay away from that until things come together. It's all about FUN and most good riders have spent countless hours practicing. Every time I go out riding, I learn something new.

Give yourself a big pat on the back...You have a nice ski there...now go out and ride. :veryhappy:

[Idok]

if you dont love it then move on to something else......love it or hate it with the fx design

[GeordieBoyKel]

Cheers Guys... I will attempt to stick with for now and see how it goes...

[FyrHazard]

The way you described your riding sounds exactly like mine when I first started riding standup (SJ). If you just keep going out there and riding, it will come to you in time. The more you ride, the more familiar it becomes and things just start to fall into place.

I rode quite a while before I felt comfortable turning, which is wierd cause I'm used to a B1 but anyway.. Just stick with it for a few more rides!

[Idok]

my first ride on an fx1........this is at our freshwater test pond..aka "the crack pond"...this is where they dump all the dead hookers




It took me all of 15 seconds to fall in love with it and fall out of love with my superjet

[Flash-FX]

my first ride on an fx1........this is at our freshwater test pond..aka "the crack pond"...this is where they dump all the dead hookers




It took me all of 15 seconds to fall in love with it and fall out of love with my superjet

After riding my FX for years, then jumping on a SJ for 15 seconds...I was like...here's your Superjet back. It felt like a sluggish "turd". Sorry SJ guys...it was a first ride impression.

[hardcore]

I fell in love with mine after i stood up. I love the squirly hull. I almost cut another 2 inches off the back..

[GeordieBoyKel]

I will post some pictures of my FX1 later... I has undergone a full rebuild that is quite extensive.

Could it be that I am not getting any weight over the front? I did shorten the pole by an inch and a half, but I am thinking I might cut another inch or so from it. I could be clutching at straws like... lol

[GeordieBoyKel]

One of me riding her in a straight line... lol

[jap7t8]

One of me riding her in a straight line... lol

Awesome ski man! I keep hearing about how many people really love these FX-1s and it's starting to get me interested. And seeing a nicely done one like yours does it even more. Looks great!

[mtedder]

Awesome fx1....looks great, keep riding, you'll get it!

[steve-uk]

did i see that ski in teh uk jet ski mag recently? showing the complete build?

[Melmack]

You'll get it. The key is that that trigger thingie on the right handle bar. It will get you out of trouble fast. Remember how hard it is to go slow on a bike? Same basic thing here, minus the gyroscopic effect. Try giving it a little more gas to start and that should help. I've watched many people try my ski over the past 15 years+. Most peaople just go too darn slow. Take it to a lake and get that down first. Ride on your knees a bit to get the feel for the way it turns. Take your time, don't give up and you will get it.

[curt248]

I can't wait for the learning to begin. I bought my first ski a fx-1 in January.

[curt248]

After 7 times riding, it's really coming together. I carved for the first time on # 7. It was a thing of beauty. The water felt like butter.

I can now ride around without falling if I want to. I've been learning the limit to how far the ski can lean. I fall over quite a bit learning that point, but man is it fun. I've been able to drag my butt in the water several times on heal side turns (left for me when riding regular foot stance (left foot forward)). The toe side carve is next on my list to learn to do well. It seems a bit harder as you can't get real low turning that direction.

Every time I learn soo much.

[tshank123]

Once you master the FX-1, all other skis feel easy to ride. I've got a challenge for you, learn the leg drag turn!!

[hardcore]

I fell off mine constantly for the first 2 hours, then learned to turn in surf stance, once i got that down it was the most fun ski i had been on. I still fall every once in awhile cuz i forget im not on my friend sj. lol

[curt248]

how do you do the leg drag turn? Can it be done in both directions? Does the same foot stay forward the whole time?

The ultimate goal would be to turn like jeff jacobs. That guy is awesome!

[Odd Duck]

A leg drag turn is just what it says, you drag one leg during the turn. You drag the leg that is to the inside of the turn, so you swap feet for opposite turns. Turn right, drag the right, etc.

Depending on how fast you're going, you put one foot in the middle of the tray (or, if you're going fast enough, more towards the side you're turning toward, even right along the edge of the tray if you're really rippin' it) and drag the other leg lightly over the water. Flatten your foot out behind you so it's less drag/turbulence. You have to have good boots or be barefoot, because this will rip most shoes right off.

I haven't tried this on my FX-1, but have on the SN. It definitely takes some nerve to try this, you have to be moving pretty good for it to work, but you can make a sharper turn and carry more speed with a leg drag on narrow boats. I don't know if anybody dose these on SXR's.

The best I've personally seen at leg-dragging turns was Victor Sheldon. That dude ripped. I'm sure there's plenty of others, too, but he's the first that comes to mind.

[tshank123]

Slasher legdraggin an SXR!!


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f5/blbowen/Lake%20Elsinore/post/expman3.jpg

[FX-Rex]

I fell off mine constantly for the first 2 hours, then learned to turn in surf stance, once i got that down it was the most fun ski i had been on. I still fall every once in awhile cuz i forget im not on my friend sj. lol

Everytime I get on an SJ, I think GOD what a tank...

[AtomicPunk]

I don't ever recall Jacobs doing legdrags. That guy was just very fluid/smooth in his riding style. He could carve like nobody else. If you can dig up some video of his slalom runs you will see.

Sheldon would have his leg hanging out there on almost every turn.

[AtomicPunk]

Found this....
YouTube - 91 Slalom Finals Havasu

Fish did some leg draggin too.

[tshank123]

Oh yea. See, those guys could ride. Nobody rides that good anymore. These guys look so smooth on 550s. That was when it took some real skills to race. The watercraft nowadays make everyone look like a good rider.

[curt248]

Wow that was an awesome video. I thought getting my butt dragged was good. Jacobs got his entire body including his head under at one point. Crazy.

It's time to try and learn to turn like those guys.

[Smokin'FX-1]

Oh yea. See, those guys could ride. Nobody rides that good anymore. These guys look so smooth on 550s. That was when it took some real skills to race. The watercraft nowadays make everyone look like a good rider.

I have always felt the same way. That's why I look like a newbie on the fx-1, it takes some skill to ride, but it's also the funnest to ride in my opinion.

[ISC123]

After watching that video Im pumping up my deflated bouys in the garage and putting them in the lake.

[gabe1986]

does anyones fx-1 take on alot of water?? i have a small rip in the seal at the front but it takes on alot of water i would be screwed without the bildge pumps

[special fx]

does anyones fx-1 take on alot of water?? i have a small rip in the seal at the front but it takes on alot of water i would be screwed without the bildge pumps


You've got something wrong.....FXs are really dry if everything is right. I've been riding mine for 12 years and have never needed a bilge pump.

I'm assuming your factory bilge is connected?? I would check it....it seems a lot of people disconnect it....I have no idea why????

[deblaster]

Great vid!

[curt248]

hmm. Where is the factory bilge located. I've noticed a couple of times when I latched my hood shut it never really latched completly and took on water. I now close it while in the open position and pull up to make sure it latched before moving it over to the lock position. So far no water after doing this check.

My new (used) rn took in about 8 inches or more water while being tied to a dock for about an hour. The guy that had it before me put a different seal material (foam like). It takes much less force to close the hood latch so I'm thinking I may need to redo it myself. Anyone else have problems with a superjet rn like this?

[FX-Rex]

factory bilge is located under the driveline coupler, right next to the bulkhead/transom.

In my opinion, nothing beats a factory hood seal. I know someone else has identified a new product which has potential to be better than stock but Im not sure on the outcome.

If the ski is taking on water just sitting, I doubt its the hood seal. Either there is an aftermarket bilge outlet lower than the water line, a leaky scupper, a large crack in the hull, or a seperated bond line. There could be other things too but most are highly unlikely.

[curt248]

Ok... What is a scupper?

Would a bond line be somewhere that they put two pieces of hull together?

Thanks for your input.

[special fx]

Every FX I've owned has leaked like a sieve through the steering cable tube (even with brand new seals/cable/comression nut/etc..). I would never even dream of parking my ski in the water like they do with sitdowns.

It's easy to check this by just pulling the engine cover and looking at the cable tube at the firewall and seeing if it's trickling in.

[KR]

Every FX I've owned has leaked like a sieve through the steering cable tube (even with brand new seals/cable/comression nut/etc..). I would never even dream of parking my ski in the water like they do with sitdowns.

It's easy to check this by just pulling the engine cover and looking at the cable tube at the firewall and seeing if it's trickling in.


Both of my FX1's leak through the steering cable tube too. Friend has same issue with his FX1...

[curt248]

Interesting. I've never left my fx sit at the dock before. I wonder if the superjet (the one the filled with water) has the same issue.

[jhall752]

Both of my FX1's leak through the steering cable tube too. Friend has same issue with his FX1...

kevin your ski sank when you were sitting on it hahaha.

[KR]

kevin your ski sank when you were sitting on it hahaha.

you mean your mom*

[jhall752]

you mean your mom*

wow real mature

[tnj4life]

Check this oldskool vid out of Bobby Biggs on this fx1. I like the dance moves:bananapowerslide:. Great control.

YouTube - Bobby Biggs FX-1 freestyle

[twinty]

my fx1 leaks badly through the driveshaft seal, It will sink in about an hour of sitting in the water. Next on the list of things to fix...:burnout:

[95FX1]

my fx always always has water in it......sitting...rideing

all the dam time....2 pumps make short work of it....but my wifes 650sx is always dry....

it is what it is i guess

[tshank123]

^^^Not is. My FX-1 has always been bone dry inside, I don't think I've ever used my bilge pump and had water come out. From speaking with others, theirs are always dry too.

[Smokin'FX-1]

Mine stays dry in the engine bay, really dry actually.

[Goosalandi29]

Mine gets wet all the time but it is due to my ability to only do one trick...subs :tomato: Still working on getting used to riding the fx1 so i can start to do some nose stabs and rolls.