FINALLY😲They listened! Yamaha & Seadoo💥CHANGING THEIR WAYS!!!

[@nasashuttle]

If Seadoo would bring back the X4 hull with modern engine and tech I would buy one. Best Seadoos I ever had was my 96 XP and 99 SPX.

[@classicjetskis]

I know, right? The X4 is perfect because it requires just that bit more skill to ride. The Spark was definitely modeled after this iconic hull, but they improved the compliance a bit too much. I get why they did it, but it’s time to be even bolder/brave and lean even more into the X4. Thanks for watching, dude! ✌

[@StefanMailey]

Way to go, Joe! Let's hope Kawasaki jumps back on the X2 platform and possibly come out with an all new 550sx stand-up. Geared towards young riders. All 3 of my kids love the old 2 strokes. SPX, Superjet and X2. They can't be bothered to ride our Spark. They find it boring... It just is. No skill required.

[@liegelord]

And make a modern super chicken!

[@overdosed51]

As a guy who grew up riding stand ups daily, the x2 is by far the most fun. The things I'd do for a carbon hull and a 800 cc motor set up.. 🤤🤤🤤

[@classicjetskis]

@StefanMailey Thanks, man! I appreciate you watching and supporting. So true-the SPX/X4 is more fun than the Spark. I still want to find a clean stand-up or X2; the small go I had was super fun!

[@classicjetskis]

@liegelord Talk to me-what is it about these machines that makes them iconic? I see so many of them restored, but personally, I don’t get it. Thanks for watching!

[@classicjetskis]

@overdosed51 Nice, man! I really want to find a clean X2 and a stand-up. They look like so much fun and would be a great addition to my collection for sure. Thanks for watching, dude!

[@watercraftjournal]

I love it, Joe. I knew that podcast would stir the pot inside of Yamaha and BRP. Now to keep banging those war drums! -K

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks, man, really appreciate you having me on and giving me the platform to talk about this stuff. Hopefully, we’re moving the needle... Talk soon, and thanks for watching!

[@batteryman16]

I think that's key Kevin!

[@batteryman16]

Congratulations on them featuring your waveraider! It is so clean

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks, man! I was definitely gassed-it’s so cool seeing my Raider shared with such a big audience! For me, it’s important to bring exposure to machines that a lot of the new gen, like 20-year-old riders on JetBlasters, might not even know about. They rock up at the ramp thinking they’re the nuts with their 2024 JetBlaster, then see this dude (me) roll in with a 1996 1100 Raider and totally spank them... That’s why I’m glad to see manufacturers being more honest and transparent. Let’s face it-they’ve been reluctant to show off models like the Raider or Blaster because if a modern-day rider had a go on one, they’d want one. Hence ' the truth will set you free' line... funny but so true...The Raider is a beast! Thanks for watching, dude!

[@thegodfreyspecial423]

We have two base model Sparks with none of the electronic junk - they have no trim or brakes. We added a mechanical reverse to each and then tuned them to 120hp. They absolutely rip and are so much fun. One now has a new prop and ss wear ring and the way it accelerates is wild. Just all around good cheap fun.

[@classicjetskis]

Nice, man! I hear what you’re saying, but it’s important to note that when we talk about modern-day pros and cons, we’ve got to be objective when categorizing good and bad innovations. IBR and the intuitive, easy reverse/braking system is far superior to the old-school manual reverse lever. I get where you’re coming from, but my point was more about how, by users wanting add-ons like clip-on cool boxes, speakers, larger storage, and phone compartments, the craft has to get larger. I don’t think the IBR system falls into that category, though, as I actually think extended-range IBR is what really makes the Trixx comparable to the older models. Here’s why: if you put a base Spark 60 or 90 (non-Trixx) against an old SPX or XP, it’s a no-brainer-you’d just pick the old one since it’s better in every way. But where it gets interesting is with a 90 Trixx, because suddenly you’ve got this whole new bag of tricks (literally). You can hold wheelies for days, jump it out of the water, and more. The mods you mentioned sound sick and like solid additions. I’m not a huge fan of stainless steel wear rings myself; I’ve found that if you ride in saltwater, they tend to corrode even with good flushing and washing. But understand can give a tighter tolerance with a solas impeller for hard pull out the hole....Thanks for watching, dude!

[@gureno19]

Great work as always mate! I think the big issue is the connection to these machines has been lost through time as the executive teams that built these brands at Yamaha and Sea-Doo have all long retired, losing that connection, furthermore, Yamaha and Sea-Doo don't have alot of "enthusiasts" at the helm anymore, with alot of them just sadly being standard corporate suits....sadly the case for most larger listed businesses, with huge legacy brands. Meaning, they are very much reliant on us, the fans, to direct them and to demand a certain product mix from them, so keep it up! It's working! I think the late 2020s will yield some really fun skis as Yamaha and Sea-Doo start to fight over the rec light space a lot more 💪💪

[@classicjetskis]

Great comment-bang on the money, dude! Completely agree. It’s so true (and a bit sad, to be fair) that all the pioneers of the 90s-the great names we all heard about who made the industry what it is-aren’t steering the ships anymore. That said, I like to stay optimistic. While we could say the new blood at BRP doesn’t quite get it, they at least understand innovation, even if the focus is a bit misplaced. What I mean is, if compliance was the objective of excellence, they’ve really knocked it out of the park on that front. These modern machines feel almost like riding on autopilot-they’ve designed the hulls to be as close to perfect in terms of compliance as we could’ve imagined. Yes, I strongly believe compliance is what's killing the fun on these machines, but on paper, they’ve excelled at that. Ironically, when I talk to the great racers from the 90s, they say that back then, they tried everything to make their X4 or Raider handle more like a Spark or even the T3/T3R hull. They admit that top riders started shifting to the bigger 3-seater hulls for faster, more effortless cuts through the water. What I’m saying is, Sea-Doo and Yamaha just followed that trend, but in doing so, they’ve massively reduced the fun factor for casual rec riders. Rec riders don’t need machines like the top racers, yet that’s what they’re getting now. Most don’t need a race-ready T3R 75mph ski-honestly, they can’t even tap into the full potential. The guys I see having the most fun when I ride, are Spark riders and stand-up riders, and the happiest are the ones on Blasters, HX, etc. In essence, I will keep pushing the manufacturers to recognize that for rec riders, just need 60mph with a fun factor built in. For the bigger crafts, compliance can still be there, but not at the expense of killing the rec class. Thanks for watching, dude!

[@overdosed51]

Just bring back 2 stroke light weight stand up skis and I'll be interested

[@classicjetskis]

I know, right, dude? You and me both... I'm riding the Spark at the moment, and it's the best there is these days, but still not perfect considering how good the old XP, GSX, Blaster, and Raider are. Thanks for watching!

[@stuarts3016]

We were talking about this the other week joe, their design has become stagnant and its about time for some resto-mod style designs to come back ! The new jetblaster in yellow and blue i feel was a step back to the heritage colours … slightly. Hope they come to you for a design package mate you deserve it.

[@classicjetskis]

Dude, for sure! It was an awesome chat, and it's great to connect with someone who shares the same mindset. Fingers crossed that they really listen and come through with a new Sea-Doo XP. I’d be stoked to showcase it too! Thanks for watching, man!

[@SnojetSteve]

1:08 for me. I take a lot of Sh** for loving the GTX's so much but that's what I grew up on. The 1996 was mind blowing at the time. It was like Sea-doo put an HX, XP and GTX into a mixing bowl.

[@classicjetskis]

Nothing wrong with loving the GTX! In the 90s, everything was clearly balanced nicely; the GTX was clearly marketed as a 3-seater. The issue nowadays is that Sea-Doo is marketing the RXP as a one-rider ski when its size is comparable to that of an old GTX. Compliance has killed PWC; we need fun, lightweight rec machines to be slightly faster. Thanks for watching, dude!

[@robertmoody2221]

Great video I grew up on a 96 xp best ski ever made. I wish they would improve the spark if they would make it perform like a 96XP I’d probably buy one . Spark xp let’s see it

[@ParkPiece]

Hell yea brother, me too.

[@classicjetskis]

Exactly, mate! The Spark, as you said, is similar but just too compliant and easy to ride. They really need to bring back even more of the X4 hull design with a 60mph package-it would be next level. Then like you many of the 90s X4 1996 787 fans would be on newer stuff... dosent make sense atm to be on a spark when a 96 xp can out perform it right....Thanks for watching!

[@classicjetskis]

💪💪

[@TBird89]

What’s the saying … if you build it…they will come. 🤞🏻 congrats on having your skis on a global brands website. 💪🏻

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks, man! I was gassed for sure, especially when rewind just a couple of years ago, right at the beginning when I first started the channel. When I reached out back then, it was radio silence. So, to now have such a prestigious brand share the channel is a huge win-not just for me, but for the community. Ultimately, sharing the Wave Raider opens up a new generation of a global audience to such an incredible machine that, honestly, a lot of 20-30-year-old Spark/Jet Blaster riders aren’t aware of. Powerful stuff. Thanks for the support and for watching, as always, man!

[@TBird89]

@@classicjetskis I gotcha mate 💪🏻

[@ParkPiece]

Like if you’d buy a new xp->

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks for the support and watching man 💪✌

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

@ParkPiece Not if its just a spark/trixx with an XP sticker slapped on it. Which is exactly what they'll do along with a retro 90s color scheme/decals. Give me an actual X4 style hull with a newer 4stroke engine in it and maybe i'd buy it.

[@ParkPiece]

@@GCEXTREMEMN Xp with a 4 stroke to me seems like a chick with a log in her pants. But I bet it would be way more reliable. You make some valid points tho about the hull design. I agree with you there

[@hkcitation]

We have a three skis Yamaha EX, Seadoo 717 SPX and Superjet 701 Square. The SPX and Square get ridden the most by the kids, they like the older ones that wave jump better and require skill to ride.

[@classicjetskis]

Nice, man! Good mix there. That makes sense since the SPX (X4 hull) is just so much fun to spin, jump, and master. I really want a stand-up square nose, but I haven’t found one clean enough yet... It’ll happen for sure at some stage. Thanks for watching! 👌

[@etackhelicopter]

The problem was racing. I don't say that speaking against it. I say that as in, what wins on sunday, sells on monday, doesn't apply in mass to what originally was a motorized water toy. The watercraft industry didn't pick up on this. People riding skis, that actually watch pwc pro series style racing, is probably less than 5% of all customers. What was the original allure of a jetski, playful recreation, not racing. That was ignored, and the industry moved towards what wins on the runabout circuits, longer, wider, heavier hulls. Enter the 3up speed couches, and fat 4 stroke jetskis. I would say the one that lead the way, and still great to this day, is the Kawasaki STX hull. Yes, the 1080ti of the PWC world, it refuses to die, plays almost any game on medium settings and most people who like speed and stability, are still enjoying the same basic ski 20+ years later. Other manufactures followed suit with their own couch rockets. Where did that leave the guys that want more than the occasional 180, or full body workout admission to playful riding? Well, somewhere circa 2005 or older skis depending on manufacturer. This was until the introduction of the much needed spark. Finally, a ski for younger riders enters the chat. When you are barely topping 110lbs, or 16 years old, your first ski shouldn't be 800lbs and run out 65+mph. Also, for other riders who never grew up, play time no longer involved a pre-workout regiment. . With seadoo grasping a chunk of the market left behind, it was only a matter of time before yamaha woke up and decided that slice of pie smelled good. I can only hope that kawasaki realizes all they need to do is throw a new cap on the SX-R with a motorcross seat and call it a ZX. Kawasaki never really had a small ski like the blaster, or the xp, they jumped straight from the SS/sts to the ZXI. Now is their chance to jump into the frey, and make something they never had.

[@classicjetskis]

Dude, this comment is so bang on! Reading this, I really appreciate your comparison to the PC world-I totally get what you're saying about the Ti, lol. I completely agree; after speaking to a lot of the great racers from the 90s, they admit they hacked the race scene by using 3-seater machines to cut through the chop and gain a competitive advantage, reducing the tippiness that could decide a race. I also think Yamaha and others followed the trend of what racers wanted on the circuit. If you talk to any racer actively looking for compliance in their ride, they’ll mod their machine to be on rails. Back in the 90s, racers would do things to an X4 to get it to ride like a modern-day Spark. The issue is, for casual rec riders, a stock X4 was a blast and a lot of fun. Yes, people modded them, but the truth is, a rec rider really didn’t need to. The only area I slightly disagree with is your point about younger riders not wanting a full-body workout or needing to do 65mph. I think that's not entirely true. Most testosterone-fueled 18-30-year-old males want to feel on the edge of their comfort zones on these machines. In my opinion, 60-65mph is the sweet spot where all the visual senses marry with normally hitting your skill/speed threshold. If you're blasting along the water with a bit of chop, you don’t want to go any faster than 60mph, whereas 50mph just feels tame. For riders who don’t want 60mph, that’s fine-that’s why the 60hp base Spark exists, just like in the 90s when the SPX 717 was there under the full-fat XP 787. Both X4 hulls but one hits 50-52mph (717), and the other goes 58mph (787). The good news is that with guys like me and many others pushing the agenda, the new blood executives at these manufacturers many listen to what the riders want! we are already seeing thing hot up with Yam and the jetblaster... Thanks for watching 👌

[@SoonerIke19kilo]

Nice! Good to know you're being paid attention when they are looking at the future of the pwc segment. I think a crossroads is coming where innovation is going to have to go other directions than they have. Ski's aren't wanted larger. The horsepower increases will have diminishing returns at the top end. They already stuff them with more electronics than I personally care for. Innovation is going to have to come from somewhere. Taking some cues from the past can't hurt. I wouldn't be surprised to see electric power being explored more in the near future as well. I'm mildly concerned they will come out with a smaller, sporty craft with the performance we'd like, but it will come in conjunction with the jump to electric.

[@classicjetskis]

Great comment, dude! Totally agree with you. I think the high-performance crafts have reached a point where they’ve perfected the compliance and horsepower so much that what’s left is literally just adding 25 hp (325) to promote sales. In my opinion, manufacturers need to refocus on the rec category. The good news is that with Yamaha doing the JetBlaster, it will hopefully spark some competitive spirit between them to innovate. Personally, I’m not too bothered if Sea-Doo gives us an XP and it’s electric, as long as it does 60 mph. The XP back in the day was all about innovation, and in the 2020s, electric is the next step. I’m not one of those guys hating on electric; having felt electric acceleration, boy, is it quick! In my opinion, nothing beats a 2-stroke. I kind of see 4-stroke as quiet machines anyway. I don’t rev my Spark and love the sound like I do with my XP, so electric wouldn’t be a big deal to me. Once a ski is in the water, the noise is irrelevant anyway. Thanks for watching, dude!

[@SoonerIke19kilo]

@classicjetskis Great points, I'm not generally against electric either in the long run. It's the development time that could be tough to wait out. From a pure power stand point, electric can provide all the power needed. It's the recharge times, range and weight that will have to be perfected. Perhaps they'll play in the hybrid area once they go in the electric direction. Range is why I think they'll start with the recreational craft. A sixty mile max range "GTX-E" would be a bad place to start regardless of its performance.

[@aknarrowbackh8sumr49]

Modern boats (they aren't even pwcs anymore) are too expensive and NO FUN. A smaller hull was fun, I don't need to go 70 mph with a supercharger.

[@classicjetskis]

1000% agree. The smaller the craft, the more fun they are to ride in general. That said, I do think the bigger crafts have their place for the older demographic. My dad was riding Sea-Doo SP and XP back in the 90s when he was in his 20s/30s. Now, at nearly 60, he still wants to ride but prefers more stability in the hull... So, I definitely see a place for the RXT hulls. As for the RXP, I'm not so convinced since it's aimed at younger, more aggressive riders, yet it doesn’t require nearly as much skill to ride as, say, a Blaster, X2, or X4. In essence, I think there should be bigger cruising crafts like back in the 90s when we just had the GTX, which was exclusively a 3-seater. I understand that the racing scene in the late 90s/early 2000s favored longer crafts for stability in rough waters, but now all performance crafts have become large. At least back then, you had a choice-X4 riders racing Raider riders. I hope things get back on track, but who knows with the modern leadership… Lots of the pioneers from the 90s have long retired. Thanks for watching!

[@Darkphospher]

bro makes a vid about every insta post 🤣 keep it up man looks like tons of work. I wish their were more custom parts for the seadoo spark though some good tow behind options or dude im not gonna lie I live in fl and do island camping in the intercoastal and its amazing especially if you get away from the light and showcase what other things you can do on the ski. Your content is awesome but it could use a bit of variety thats just my opinion tho, Your review made me buy my spark trixx 🤣 many people dont realize how capable sparks are, I fly down trails in lake Okeechobee in 6 in of water, jump higher then even the stand up guys on the waves once you learn how to control it in the air(Mx experience helped) and it really does feel like a dirtbike on water and all you really need is a titanium/steel wear ring, solas impeller, and a ribbon delete your set. Get out to an island, set up camp and watch the milky way pass over. its an incredible view.

[@SAABROSS]

Sounds quality. You can do that round here, (Scotland) but bring your thermals😂. I'm quite big... So me on a spark... Mario cart. 😆 And the same with motocross, my cr 250 is like a mini bike under me. 😆

[@classicjetskis]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Whatever it takes to get them to give us the machines we truly want! I hear what you're saying, dude, but just to manage expectations for this channel and content: Classic Jetskis is all about lightweight, playful fun with a focus on performance-oriented rider skis-not so much the ancillary stuff. I do a bit of long-distance riding, but most of the time, it’s all about racing around a course, jumping waves, or just having a laugh falling off and playing around-not about using the Spark for exploring or carrying camping gear etc. Jetskis, for me, are about riding, in the same way MX bikes are. If I were going on a camping trip to an island, I'd hit up my mates with his boat, or I'd rather invest in a solid RIB setup to do it right, if that makes sense, otherwise I'm comprising the fun I can have on say my X4. The issue with people asking for all these additional features is that it pushes PWCs into a place where their size hinders the fun. Plus, they’ve ironed out the need to be a skilled rider because the new machines are just too compliant. For me, the Spark is the closest modern-day ski that holds some of the classic values, but sadly, it’s still not quite there. It’ll be interesting to see what people think of the JetBlaster once they start receiving it. The truth is, an old XP, GSX, HX, Blaster, or Raider is still a better option than the Spark for everything mentioned in the video-not because the Spark is bad, but because of how great these old machines are. It’s a tall order for Sea-Doo and Yamaha to create a true modern-day match for the classic 2-strokes. Thanks for watching, dude!

[@Darkphospher]

@@classicjetskis hell yea bro keep shredding lol

[@SAABROSS]

@@classicjetskis awesome Joe... Totally get you mate... I've progressed to the old man 3 seater now.. 😆 Still love the old days, like you say, just having fun jumping waves falling off and mastering the craft. We have days just in the bay here, so we can take the kids out to play in the shallow water close to shore, tow some rings and some wake boards ect, there are a selection of skis turn up, it's good meeting folks and noseying around their skis inside and out, seeing how they work and how they are assembled what they are made of, the decal kits ect, we service our own skis and teach how to maintain them, it still surprises me, how many people don't maintain their ski. For me... I came from... Like... Having nothing, miner strikes and abject poverty, so I like to care for things, breathe life back into things, skis are big money items, I don't see sense in raising the liability on your asset for lack of knowledge and application, so if I've worked for and built an asset, you can rest assured I'll be taking care of it. It's because of peasants like me that the old immortals from 96 are still around today. I really must take the time to get to grips with all my camera gear and computers, I've been in the trenches for decades and had nowhere to keep computers, it's not been easy, far from, but I'm getting there. Still standing Joe, it's always a bonus and good place to start. Maybe later when we cross paths you can show me the way forward with tech, it would be appreciated 😆 I was made in the 80s but I got 40s and 50s formatting lol points and distributor style no ecu 🤣. Thanks for another nice video.... My fingers are crossed for a punchy 60-70mph blaster and spark, proper 90s trainer colour scheme. See you on the next one or over on Instagram (still trying to get the hang btw) 🤣until then... Take care. 👍 Also check out a business out called efoil Scotland, they are out more than us ski boys, it's looking like new olschool fun to me. Pretty pricey though.

[@Ilovetheinterweb.]

I'd like to see a gsx limited

[@classicjetskis]

Got to love the GSX! As much as I love my GSX 99 951, I don’t think bringing back the GSX makes as much sense as the XP. The GSX was the start of the pivot to the bigger RX and is a more compliant ride than the XP. In a lot of ways, the GSX is a lot like the Spark already. Love it, so I wouldn’t say no, though! Thanks for watching!

[@b5brandon]

🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@AtimatikArmy]

Been saying this for years. Every year these things keep getting bigger and heavier and well BORING! Bring back small, light, and manoeuvrable machines that require at least some skill!

[@classicjetskis]

I know, right? It’s been a frustrating 3 or so years... It made sense to me that around the 10-year anniversary, Sea-Doo would do something, but it just hasn’t happened, which is a huge missed opportunity for BRP. Yamaha has finally arrived at the party, but even they need more top-end to be akin to the 1100 Raider... Thanks for watching!