Nice write up , good to know the things you liked and disliked.
First season review
I just thought Id share my first seasons results and thoughts. Now that temps have dropped to freezing its time to put them up for winter. First off I have a white HO with ibr and also a orange 60hp . The 60hp was retuned with the vtech . I find the touring map having to be useless and annoying because you need to switch to the sport mode every time you start the spark. The vtech touring map has a way to long delay before full power comes on . Hopefully it will be readjusted by vtech if not already to be smoother and quicker to help with porposing from a takeoff. As it is its just way to much delay. Personally Id just rather have sport mode and be done with it.
My wifes 90hp is still bone stock and will remain that way. Its just a tad faster than my vtech tuned 109 due to her weighing 150 pounds less than me. As for durability I have rolled mine several times driven over sand bars ,hit several stumps and countless small sticks and other debris . The bottom of the hull has many scratches but no real damage. The wear ring will be changed out and used as a spare as I can tell it has lost just a tad of takeoff thrust. My bars squeaked and became harder to turn after 10 hours but lubed took care of that . Even after the recall the new bars squeaked and also needed lube. No big deal.
Both machines run great and dont use oil. I have 30+ hours and my wifes has 25 hours. Breakin oil changed at 10 hours on both with more debris in filters than Id like to see on new engines. I posted pics of the filter elements and will post the second change when I get to it.
One hot day after filling and left to sit in the sun the machines fuel vented from the caps and spilled down the side and discolored the seadoo decal on my machine. It should have a drain for this occurance somewhere other than to footwell.
I find the seats comfortable for several hours of riding. Fuel consumption was stellar between 1.5 and 3.5 gallons per hour which compared to our gas guzzling 2 strokes our sparks will pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years just in saved fuel alone. I could ride 3 times doing exactly the same run on 8 gallons of fuel where my polaris would be on fumes burning 11 gallons on just one ride. Way to go technology.
Power wise I am happy with both machines and will not throw money away on the wastefull mods that dont do much. I have most of my fun from 1 to 30 mph where this machine really shines. If I was ever into the boring all out speed I would certainly never waste money on modding spark and just buy the high powered sea cows already out there. I have snowmobiles and atvs for high speed fun. The only mod I regret is wasting a hundred bucks on the seadoo matts. I wear aqua socks and the stock footwells work better than the foam .
The one thing that made me really like the spark more than my old sl750 was removing the sponsons. This opened the door to allow the spark to do things I dont think any other machine made today can do. For safety my wife keeps hers on as she rides like most people . After many hour of practice I have been able to get my sliding and drifting skills to where I can get the machine to slide up to 100 feet sideways without having to do any aggressive tossing . A nearly empty tank of fuel seems to help with this . Getting the intake grate out of the water is the secret to a very long slide. So balancing on the just the edge of the tunnel takes a bit of time to find the sweet spot.
My wifes spark has a storage box which is plenty of room for sodas ,sandwiches for our short rides but I might buy one for my machine as I do go out with buddies and need one as well.
All in all I think the spark has been one of the best new machine investments I have ever made. Even breaking the "never buy a first year rule" worked out.
The only upgrades I would like to have seen is a slightly larger console bin and making the machine 20 to 25 percent smaller . It is a little to large for its weight and a bit to bouyant for trick riding. Even with a full tank of fuel I cannot get the front end to submerge enough to do nose stabs ,water spouts,and run underwater like my old polaris or a seadoo SPX. Of course this will never happen but we can always dream.
My wifes 90hp is still bone stock and will remain that way. Its just a tad faster than my vtech tuned 109 due to her weighing 150 pounds less than me. As for durability I have rolled mine several times driven over sand bars ,hit several stumps and countless small sticks and other debris . The bottom of the hull has many scratches but no real damage. The wear ring will be changed out and used as a spare as I can tell it has lost just a tad of takeoff thrust. My bars squeaked and became harder to turn after 10 hours but lubed took care of that . Even after the recall the new bars squeaked and also needed lube. No big deal.
Both machines run great and dont use oil. I have 30+ hours and my wifes has 25 hours. Breakin oil changed at 10 hours on both with more debris in filters than Id like to see on new engines. I posted pics of the filter elements and will post the second change when I get to it.
One hot day after filling and left to sit in the sun the machines fuel vented from the caps and spilled down the side and discolored the seadoo decal on my machine. It should have a drain for this occurance somewhere other than to footwell.
I find the seats comfortable for several hours of riding. Fuel consumption was stellar between 1.5 and 3.5 gallons per hour which compared to our gas guzzling 2 strokes our sparks will pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years just in saved fuel alone. I could ride 3 times doing exactly the same run on 8 gallons of fuel where my polaris would be on fumes burning 11 gallons on just one ride. Way to go technology.
Power wise I am happy with both machines and will not throw money away on the wastefull mods that dont do much. I have most of my fun from 1 to 30 mph where this machine really shines. If I was ever into the boring all out speed I would certainly never waste money on modding spark and just buy the high powered sea cows already out there. I have snowmobiles and atvs for high speed fun. The only mod I regret is wasting a hundred bucks on the seadoo matts. I wear aqua socks and the stock footwells work better than the foam .
The one thing that made me really like the spark more than my old sl750 was removing the sponsons. This opened the door to allow the spark to do things I dont think any other machine made today can do. For safety my wife keeps hers on as she rides like most people . After many hour of practice I have been able to get my sliding and drifting skills to where I can get the machine to slide up to 100 feet sideways without having to do any aggressive tossing . A nearly empty tank of fuel seems to help with this . Getting the intake grate out of the water is the secret to a very long slide. So balancing on the just the edge of the tunnel takes a bit of time to find the sweet spot.
My wifes spark has a storage box which is plenty of room for sodas ,sandwiches for our short rides but I might buy one for my machine as I do go out with buddies and need one as well.
All in all I think the spark has been one of the best new machine investments I have ever made. Even breaking the "never buy a first year rule" worked out.
The only upgrades I would like to have seen is a slightly larger console bin and making the machine 20 to 25 percent smaller . It is a little to large for its weight and a bit to bouyant for trick riding. Even with a full tank of fuel I cannot get the front end to submerge enough to do nose stabs ,water spouts,and run underwater like my old polaris or a seadoo SPX. Of course this will never happen but we can always dream.
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Can u post a pic of the discolored decal? Wonder if i did the same thing...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
After over 20 years of owning PWC from all brands and kind the Spark is still my favourite ...
Only thing I dislike is not being able to hit 100kph/ 60mph , after reflash , FA removed and prop rep-itched I can comfortably keep up with the big couches on a open cruise ...
I still own my RXTX 260 that does 84mph and drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion and still rather ride a Spark ...
Can't wait to see an X version Spark ...
Only thing I dislike is not being able to hit 100kph/ 60mph , after reflash , FA removed and prop rep-itched I can comfortably keep up with the big couches on a open cruise ...
I still own my RXTX 260 that does 84mph and drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion and still rather ride a Spark ...
Can't wait to see an X version Spark ...
Great review/write up, thanks for sharing!
Do You think they will throw us another 5 MPH? That would seem a Lot faster than it is!After over 20 years of owning PWC from all brands and kind the Spark is still my favourite ...
Only thing I dislike is not being able to hit 100kph/ 60mph , after reflash , FA removed and prop rep-itched I can comfortably keep up with the big couches on a open cruise ...
I still own my RXTX 260 that does 84mph and drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion and still rather ride a Spark ...
Can't wait to see an X version Spark ...
I think BRP could do it if they made a X hull , smaller , more like Old My 95 XP-L X4 hull and bumped up the HP which we know they can do easily!
Iam about to do a Spark - Hx or Xp conversion to see what the motor can do in another Seadoo hull ...
Great thing they have the same spline design as the old Seadoo 2 strokes ...
I bet in the old Xp hull it will hit 60mph all day ...
Great thing they have the same spline design as the old Seadoo 2 strokes ...
I bet in the old Xp hull it will hit 60mph all day ...
Unless they're trying to save HP increase for some future production year to keep things alive and interesting.Do You think they will throw us another 5 MPH? That would seem a Lot faster than it is!
I think BRP could do it if they made a X hull , smaller , more like Old My 95 XP-L X4 hull and bumped up the HP which we know they can do easily!
I've loved my first season on my 2up spark and am really torn about what I want to do with it. If I was in a place where I could afford to own two skis I'd do it in a heartbeat. But there's been a few times when I've taken another person with me and it's just not feasible to ride 2up for very long on it. So I'm really looking at a slightly used GTI to trade towards. Any of ya'll have a 3up and think it's drastically better than the 2up??
I have 2 3-ups, and my friends ride 2 up on them. I think if the total weight is < 350# it seems to be pretty stable based on what I have seen.
Up grading in the spring to VTS and depth finders. I really like my sparks.
The GTIs are more stable, but so much less nimble, and way under powered for their weight. IMO.
Up grading in the spring to VTS and depth finders. I really like my sparks.
The GTIs are more stable, but so much less nimble, and way under powered for their weight. IMO.
I have 2 3-ups, and my friends ride 2 up on them. I think if the total weight is < 350# it seems to be pretty stable based on what I have seen.
Up grading in the spring to VTS and depth finders. I really like my sparks.
The GTIs are more stable, but so much less nimble, and way under powered for their weight. IMO.
I'm gonna be able to get some time on my buddy's GTI this weekend and will be able to make a direct comparison between it and my 2up. Hope it'll clear things up for me. Wish I could afford to own two skis...
is it the extra weight that you feel is killing the riding experience for you when riding 2up?I've loved my first season on my 2up spark and am really torn about what I want to do with it. If I was in a place where I could afford to own two skis I'd do it in a heartbeat. But there's been a few times when I've taken another person with me and it's just not feasible to ride 2up for very long on it. So I'm really looking at a slightly used GTI to trade towards. Any of ya'll have a 3up and think it's drastically better than the 2up??
is it the extra weight that you feel is killing the riding experience for you when riding 2up?
Weight is less of the issue. Once it planes out it gets up to speed it's fine. It's really more stability and space. There's space for 1.5 people on a 2up spark(that's pretty well documented and I was aware before I bought it). For example, in light chop, if I'm riding 2up it is an extremely uncomfortable ride for myself and for the passenger. The ski bounces so much I'm forced to about 20mph to keep ourselves on the ski. On the flip side, when I'm riding solo(I like to stand when I ride), that exact situation is what makes the ski INCREDIBLY fun. You can see why I'm torn on the matter.
I'm also very interested in opinions on Spark vs GTi. Here in Australia prices of Sparks are comparable to lightly used GTi's. I test rode a Spark 2 up which was fun, but didn't like the way it rode in small chop, then rode a GTi 130, which felt much better, but obviously not as responsive. Felt out of those two, if I could only have one ski, the GTi was more versatile.
Would really like opinions from those who have ridden 3 up Spark or GTi 155, as I certainly can't afford to have one of each!
Would really like opinions from those who have ridden 3 up Spark or GTi 155, as I certainly can't afford to have one of each!
I have ridden both. I have 2 spark 3-ups. I agree it is less pleasant in the chop, but I find the GTi gets boring much faster due to the less responsive nature. YMMV.I'm also very interested in opinions on Spark vs GTi. Here in Australia prices of Sparks are comparable to lightly used GTi's. I test rode a Spark 2 up which was fun, but didn't like the way it rode in small chop, then rode a GTi 130, which felt much better, but obviously not as responsive. Felt out of those two, if I could only have one ski, the GTi was more versatile.
Would really like opinions from those who have ridden 3 up Spark or GTi 155, as I certainly can't afford to have one of each!
I am also a spark owner and have a Rxp. I bought the Rxp new and only have 30 hours on it but I only have have have my spark since August and have 12 hours on it now. I tuned it with the vtech tuner and also find that the touring mode is useless it take too long for the throttle to open up. I wished the touring mode was like the 60 hp stock tune. But maybe they will change it. I also bought the manual reverse kit and went to get the depth sounder for it and found out you need the accessory kit so $375 for a depth sounder is too deep for me. I have not put on the reverse kit yet open it up to take a look and I have a bag full of screws and bolts Looks like a half aday project. Over all I like my spark and would recommend it to any one. I I dought I would modify the motor any more Than the programer I just think I am pushing it hard enough with the programer and the Rxp does fast enough for my speed needs. Complaints is the steering is hard to turn. I think from plastic steering bushings. It is a little hard to board back on compared to all the other skis I have had in the past. So far I have had no problems.
Wish I'd had a chance at the test ride day last summer to try a Spark 3 up, but they didn't have one available. I liked the responsiveness of the Spark 2 up but not the ride - so would have liked to compare the feel of the. 3 up.
How does the 3 up cope with towing a tube, kneeboard or wakeboard? Is it powerful enough or does it feel like its straining? What about the stability? These were the reasons I'd been looking for a second hand GTi if I could only have the one ski for the family.
How does the 3 up cope with towing a tube, kneeboard or wakeboard? Is it powerful enough or does it feel like its straining? What about the stability? These were the reasons I'd been looking for a second hand GTi if I could only have the one ski for the family.
are there any future mods you plan on doing to your spark?I am also a spark owner and have a Rxp. I bought the Rxp new and only have 30 hours on it but I only have have have my spark since August and have 12 hours on it now. I tuned it with the vtech tuner and also find that the touring mode is useless it take too long for the throttle to open up. I wished the touring mode was like the 60 hp stock tune. But maybe they will change it. I also bought the manual reverse kit and went to get the depth sounder for it and found out you need the accessory kit so $375 for a depth sounder is too deep for me. I have not put on the reverse kit yet open it up to take a look and I have a bag full of screws and bolts Looks like a half aday project. Over all I like my spark and would recommend it to any one. I I dought I would modify the motor any more Than the programer I just think I am pushing it hard enough with the programer and the Rxp does fast enough for my speed needs. Complaints is the steering is hard to turn. I think from plastic steering bushings. It is a little hard to board back on compared to all the other skis I have had in the past. So far I have had no problems.
what things do you think seadoo can improve on for future year models?
If you haven't done your reverse kit yet make sure before you start you group all of the hardware with like pieces, when I did mine I took the parts list and separated all the parts out and put them in a pile with a piece of paper beside it with the corresponding item number, that way if you are missing a part you will know it right away instead of wondering if you mistakenly installed it somewhere else and it makes it much quicker when you are gathering the parts for the next step. Read though the instructions at least once before you start so you know what to expect. Make certain you follow the cable routing to a "T" otherwise the already stiff lever will be much harder to move. Good luck!I am also a spark owner and have a Rxp. I bought the Rxp new and only have 30 hours on it but I only have have have my spark since August and have 12 hours on it now. I tuned it with the vtech tuner and also find that the touring mode is useless it take too long for the throttle to open up. I wished the touring mode was like the 60 hp stock tune. But maybe they will change it. I also bought the manual reverse kit and went to get the depth sounder for it and found out you need the accessory kit so $375 for a depth sounder is too deep for me. I have not put on the reverse kit yet open it up to take a look and I have a bag full of screws and bolts Looks like a half aday project. Over all I like my spark and would recommend it to any one. I I dought I would modify the motor any more Than the programer I just think I am pushing it hard enough with the programer and the Rxp does fast enough for my speed needs. Complaints is the steering is hard to turn. I think from plastic steering bushings. It is a little hard to board back on compared to all the other skis I have had in the past. So far I have had no problems.
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
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