Opinions on a 550 for first standup

[Peter123]

I want to get a standup, but from what I've seen SJs are hard to find and come at a premium price.

Just as I have 2 couchs, I'll eventually have 2 standups as well, so I will eventually get a SJ.

Since you can get Kawi 550s for cheap, would it be a good ski to learn on and make all my mistakes with?

Is it an easy standup for beginners? (Once I get a SJ, I'm sure I'll have friends riding the second ski)

Is it a good ski mechanically and relatively easy to work on?

It's a stock 550 in good condition that runs good. They're asking $550, but I was going to offer $425. What do you think?

Thanks for any advice I get.

 

[RiverRat]

550's are OK but you will carve more power almost immediatly. More power is achually easier to ride b/c it will pull you out of the water and through turns better. I have seen stock SJ 650's for 500 on ebay. I would be more inclined to go that route.

 

[Idok]

hold off and find a nice stock superjet......its winter and there'll be boats popping up left and right for the next few weeks..

 

[EvanB85]

$425 would be a good price for any running ski. But seriously think about holding out for a decent running 650 SuperJet. Maybe like $700 or $800 would be a pretty good deal.

 

[Peter123]

Yeah, I've been watching eBay, Craigslist and this board for a couple of months and haven't seen a single SJ come available within 200 miles of me that is under $1500.

I guess I'll hold off to see if any come up once January or February come around. Maybe someone who spent too much at Christmas will need to come up with cash fast.

Since I got bit by the standup bug (never riding one, just watching the videos), I've been getting more an more excited by the prospect. I just need to be patient I suppose.

 

[Idok]

like I said..hold off awhile, you wont be happy after a month with the 550...especially if you want to f/s

 

[Mark44]

Hold off and get an SJ go to a square nose with a 701 to save a few bucks. Also plan on taking a road trip to get one.

Mark44

 

[DaUpJetSkier]

I also second holding off, however if ya found a modded 550 that was told was reliable I would pay around 500 for it max, you can always part it out or keep it for the kids, or as a backup but from experience if your sj is down you wont wanna ride the 550 anyways. I wouldnt mess with getting a 650 SJ, I did and craved more braap since I first hopped on it, ive spent about $800s o far building a new motor for the thing

 

[tor*p*do]

If you can get a good deal on a Kawi 750sx/sxi/pro, go for that instead.
The 750 has more power and is larger. Takes longer to get bored and want more power, plus all kinds of upgrades available.
I was looking for an SJ also, but I could get a 750sx for less than the cost of a ratty 650 SN. Unless you are really scrawny, I wouldnt go less than a Kawi 750 personally.

 

[Shonuff]

F*ck it, get the 550.

 

[Duster8]

i love my 550. it was my first ski. I think it was a great ski to learn on b/c my sense of balance is so much better now because of it. The kaw 750's and SJ's are big and easy to ride. the 550 is small and narrow, so i felt a much better sense of accomplishment when i could ride it well. Its also a lot more fun to throw around and do hood tricks on. Mine was pretty much stock with a fresh rebuild and it had more than enough power for me at 180 lbs.
The only drawback to the 550 is when it comes to handling choppy water. If you're at a busy lake it sucks to ride them. They cant keep the prop in the water so you end up going like 10-15 mph. On flat smooth water, you cant beat a 550 in terms of best bang for the buck. I would recommend you buy the 550 for $450-$500 (if its in good condition), and ride it until u can find a nice SJ 701cc.

 

[Matt_E]

I had a lot of fun on the 550's I've been on - more fun than the 650 kawis.

 

[32vickie]

Get the 550 you can always sell it for parts for more than 425. I have two of the JS550 and if you can learn to ride one you can ride anything. But keep an eye out for a good square 94-95 they will have the 701 motor in them if they are stock.

 

[Peter123]

Well, I might get it after all. I may be trading it for a computer that I haven't used in over a year. If he takes the trade, I'll get it, but I won't burn any cash on it.

 

[oxnard111]

I had a lot of fun on the 550's I've been on - more fun than the 650 kawis.

I second that, I think 550's are way more fun to ride than a 650sx

 

[demolition_x]

i started out on a 550, it was fun but frustrating at the same time.

winter came and i decided to see what i could get for it. made more than what i paid, then i decided to get an sj. much more fun and easier to ride.

if you find a cheap one its worth it. they are fun and the parts are out there.

i would pick one up just for the hell of it.

 

[kawasakit2me]

Get the 550! It's better than no ski at all! "Holding out" = not riding.

A 550 is a great starter ski. Get it and when you find an SJ get that too! :biggthumpup:

 

[DR3]

Well, I might get it after all. I may be trading it for a computer that I haven't used in over a year. If he takes the trade, I'll get it, but I won't burn any cash on it.

that'll work, basically a free ski the way i would look at it :cool2:
ski to ride def weighs out the computer not being used for a year:woot: