Super Jet 2012 Superjet vs 550sx vs 2011 SXR

What is the closest ski to the 1990 Kawasaki i have? I bought a 2011 SXR used a few weeks ago and took it out today to give it a try....needless to say I was very disappointed in how heavy and big it felt compared to my 550SX. I have actually made a decision that I dislike it so much I will be immediately putting it up for sale. It has tons more power, but it just doesn't thrill me like my 550SX does. I only use the ski's on private lakes and I'm only interested in jumping boat wakes and doing power-slides etc. I also just had delivered (see Pics) A 2012 Superjet that is still in the crate and has yet to be even serviced to ride. The question is am I going to feel the same about the Superjet that I feel about the SXR (feels huge, not nimble...etc.) or is it more like a modern day 550SX. I just don't won't to service it and use it to find it's a huge barge like the SXR...instead of just cutting my losses on it and selling it as new. So...should I look for another couple of vintage ski's or will I finally be thrilled with a modern Superjet. Thanks for the input!
 

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Dmac80sc

Site Supporter
Location
Here
Nothing is going to feel like a 90 550 hate to tell you. lol But the superjet is going to be closer. It is more a freestyle set up compared to the sxr. Its great for jumping boat wakes. Most people on here ride SJ for free riding and stick with the sxr for racing.
 
Does the Superjet feel quite a bit smaller than a SXR? I guess I was shocked at how big the SXR felt when I was riding it. I also found it very very difficult to get the SXR to slide...I guess the question could be "is the Superjet closer to the SXR or the 550SX". Thanks
 
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socal750

Socal750
Location
beaumont CA
Oh it's gonna feel smaller than the sxr but the nose is gonna feel way longer and it's gonna feel top heavy cause the superjet rides up higher out of the water...fx1 rides like a 550 on roids.... I always wanted a sxr but after having a superjet and 750 and riding the sxr I say superjet all day
 
if I knew more about skis I would give you better input, but I am just a n00b who happens to own an 09 SXR and I just picked up my 07 Superjet this morning. There is a major difference between the two skis and I will need to ride them more and perhaps back to back to give a better opinion but I can say while the SJ was more nimble and the tray is indeed more narrow, it didnt feel THAT much smaller than my SXR but you can definately feel it. It sounds like you should take the advice and find a FX1, but I would also consider if you have the funds that you keep what you have and enjoy riding them for what there differences are. You can indeed make the SXR more playful as well, try a d-cut ride plate, change out the intake grate, 0-degree bars and upgraded turnplate, and put a stubby cone on there...maybe a wet pipe next. I think you will see a major difference between that and a stock SXR.
 

JT_Freeride

John Tetenes @Jtetenes
Location
Long Island
You will not be disappointed at all. It just won't feel as light as the 550 but what it lacks in weight it makes up in power. You can Toss a SJ around just as much as a 550
 
Thanks for the input Matt! Have you ever ridden one of the older ski's like a 550 or 650 Kawi and if so how far from them is your Superjet? I truly felt like the SXR was a barge.....albeit an extremely fast barge! The weight and size were not expected.
 
Thanks for the input Matt! Have you ever ridden one of the older ski's like a 550 or 650 Kawi and if so how far from them is your Superjet? I truly felt like the SXR was a barge.....albeit an extremely fast barge! The weight and size were not expected.

No, I never have had the pleasure to ride any of the smaller skis...I'm sure one day I'll get a shot at one.

I can say that the few mods I listed will completely change your SXR, and I dont even have the wet pipe on it yet. Heck even just the zero degree bars/steering upgrade and a cheap stubby cone that takes 5 min to install made a huge difference to me. Completely changes your positioning. You're right though, its about as big as it gets for a stand-up...but man it rides so smooth and fast. If I am going any distance at all my first choice is the SXR. If I am just going to play out in the cove down from my canal, Superjet. Of course once I get used to my SJ my feelings may change, but I doubt it. That's why I have both...they are so different but both great skis.

I'm sure yours are really nice...enjoy them!
 
I guess my fear is that once I use the Superjet it becomes used and the value goes down quite a bit and it would stink if I ended up thinking it was a barge as well. I know the 550sx is smaller and lighter than my Superjet, but man the Superjet has to feel alot smaller and tossable than my SXR.
 
Your 2012 SJ will feel big compared to the 550, but way lighter and more nimble than the SXR. Your 12 SJ is a great all around recreational ski that handles as good or better than the SXR. It might stick a little too well, if you want to slide the back. You'll need to throw a little cash at the motor to make it fun to ride, i.e. pipe. If you really have fun on the 550, then sell your 550 and look for an FX-1.
Otherwise find someone who has a 96-07 RN you can try. It wont' handle as good as your 2012, but it is looser in the back. I regularly ride my 2001 RN, fx-1, and new style SJ, and the 01 is probably still my overall favorite for rec riding.
 
I wish i knew someone close by that has one...wish even more that I would have had a friend that had a SXR that i could have ridden before I bought it.:rolleyes:
 
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