Your production skills are great man. The editing on these are top notch and comparable to channels with millions of subs. The sparks are great to ride but have fun taking it apart to do the spark plugs. Not a fan of doing all that for simple maintenance. They really wanted to sell labor at dealerships with those given they don't make a ton of money when they sell them. Thanks BRP. No thought given to the average consumer.
Honestly thank you so much for the appreciation for the effort that goes into these videos... Every video I really try to push the standard to the best I can... Hopefully in due course more people see my content and I grow...but equally I started this channel as I generally just love these skis...The fact that others like the skis and content is amazing! I'll report back on how I find the spark over a sustained maintenance period... currently have 24 hours on it... I did 10 hours break in and then an oil change at 10 hours, where the top deck came off... IMO it was pretty easy...whilst it was off I took the time to completely protect the engine to minimise salt corrosion over time, as for every ride wash its hard to reach all areas from the small hatchs... I have seen the RIVA aftermarket access mod...and annoyingly the new spark now has the access panel but overall I'm aware of the things to look out for... do I wish I had the XP access... 1000% but there are positives to less openings also... after every ride I see virtually no water from the drain plug... the main area where salt gets in, is actually the air the ski breaths I would say. Anyway thanks for watching and the support, means a lot🙌
The hull splitting is the exact reason why I went with the sparks. I got so tired of breaking my arms to work through the seat hatch and dropping bolts into the abyss. Now when I have to do anything serious (basically never) I have complete access to every little crevice of the engine after a 15 minute hull decoupling. You can also lift it off alone.
@@maccoretti51 Thanks for the feedback dude, I will keep this in mind as do agree I love hearing the engine. If I had my way I would have nothing but engine lol...not everyone is as die hard as that sadly... Thanks for watching 💪💪
@@sliceablejoe Interesting take on this, whilst I agree with the fact its great being able to take the full top deck off to access everything for maintenance with the Spark, the biggest issue for me with the Spark is the routine washing between rides, where realistically its not practical to take the full top deck off to just wash down the engine bay. I ride in both salt and fresh and for me on all of my older 2 strokes I take time to wash down and air line blow off any water, and dry out the engine bay, before spraying it in XPS. This has always kept my engine bays looking like new. The biggest issue with the spark, is you only have 2 holes to wash down into (battery small hatch and oil hole) and lets face it, squirting water through the engine bay hatch you then can't really dry it out. I have tried lots of methods but now use a long flexible air line hose that I feed in to blow off as much water as I can reach, but inevitably you are always left with water sat inside the spark hull. Seadoo claimed back in 2014 when they launched the spark that it was something silly like 99% water tight so no water can get in, but years later they introduce a top engine access hole as they realised water does get in, and even in the cases when you ride calm and no water gets in, salt air gets in and the salt crystallises resulting in salt deposits. Some people say about coating the whole spark engine whilst the top decks off, in fluid film or alike, but the issue with this strategy is its been proven to actually trap in salt particles and stop evaporation. Moral of the story is its much harder to wash and keep a spark engine bay clean vs an old 2 stroke. As for actually maintenance, I agree full top deck off is great. Thanks for watching dude 👌👌
First I have to say: Thank You for being the first person on youtube to properly put the classic XP up against the Spark. When I was a kid my dad had a pair of matching '94 Xp's and I have to say I love the green and white much more then the yellow and white. He later on bought a 3 up yamaha wave runner from around the year 2000. I hated that machine as a kid, It was so boat like and almost impossible to get wet on. I just hated the machine, it was so boring. Ironically enough I ended up getting a pair of Xp's a '94 and a '95, Its amazing how much more power the 717 has over the 650. Its neat to stumble across your channel as I was hunting for videos to fix odds and ends on my machines. Last time I was in the dealership I was shocked at how big these sparks seem, especially out of the water. It does seem like they did a proper job of attempting to emulate the XP's pf the 90's however they seem to have made them a lot more novice friendly. Which while good for the sport theres something untamed about the xp"s in my opinion, they never 100% will behave how you think they will, and I have to love them for it.
Thank you dude, really appreciate the support and glad you liked the video... I have for sometime wanted to see how the Spark stacks up against the 717 XP...I couldn't find a video so I thought I would just make it aha. I do love the 93-94 XP in that neon green and pink/red... interestingly though, not many people realise the 93-94 XP although they share the identical top deck design as the 95-96 xp, the 93-94 didn't have the X4 hull... the 93-94 used what was called the 'SP gen 2 hull' Great skis... I agree though, mid 90s skis being naturally smaller IMO are the prime great examples of what a PWC should be, so get your sentiment about the later GP/Wave runner etc being too big. Yes I agree the 717 does feel like a power step up and from what I was told (as I was born in 93) is the 95 717 at the time was mind blowing for people that would upgrade, as not only was it an engine power upgrade, but the introduction of the X4 hull! Glad you found my channel and enjoying the videos, thats epic! Your closing point couldn't be more on the money dude! The spark is as close to an XP in the modern day and the design/dev team at Seadoo did a great job, but they also 1000% ironed out a lot of the rider skills needed like we saw from the XP... if you look at the sponsons on the spark, they are way more aggressive to help the cornering, thus rider compliance... ironically this is what the aftermarket scene was doing to the XP back in the day... i.e. adding aftermarket sponsons... In general, the spark is a great 4 stroke remake...could it be better, sure... but we have to remember sadly unlike 95 and the 90s, in general the XP were top of the tree in terms of high performance craft... the industry now is geared towards machines like the RXPX with the T3 hull and RXTX with the ST3 hull, its sad but the spark isn't seen as the platform for performance, its seen as the platform for fun... Can you imagine if Seadoo harnessed the spark in the right way with more power.... I can only imagine a lot of the 90s xp die hard fans would then be tempted if we see a 170hp spark doing 65mph stock! Great comment, thanks for watching dude!🙌
I rode one of those xp's and yea, they really are a ride and I kinda want one but am happy with my Yamaha FX cruiser because it makes a ton of power for how old it is.
I used to work at SeaDooʻs testing facility in Florida in the late 1990s, and this brought back so many good memories. My "job interview" was on an XP800, and I got thrown pretty far after trying to do a 45-degree turn at top speed. My body skipped like a stone and came up laughing, and so they game me the job. I have spent hundreds of hours riding the 717 engines. They were the most reliable of the two strokes that we tested. But you always wanted to be riding anything 800+ when they were assigning the boats at the beginning of the shift. When you are riding that XP through the buoys (assuming that you still have factory sponsons), you need to change your stance going into turns. Since itʻs a lean-out hull, plant your foot that will be in the outside of the turn in the front of the footwell, and then hang all your weight outside as you crank the handlebars. It feels completely unnatural, but keep the throttle wide open, and the boat will hook a sharp turn. Once you get the hang of it, it feels so good.
Dude, that’s an epic story! Working at SeaDoo’s testing facility must have been a wild, especially with that job interview on the XP800-sounds like a blast (literally)! 😂 Thanks for sharing those tips on riding the XP through the buoys. It’s awesome to get some insider advice on handling that lean-out hull. I’ll definitely keep that stance in mind and give it a go 👌✌ Thanks for watching and supporting the channel, mate!
@@classicjetskis I was on the staff of "test riders". it was a perfect minimum-wage job for this guy in his young 20s! We had a set course to follow most of the day. And the point of the job was to put as many hours on next year's parts/boats as possible. We would run the hell out of whatever new things were coming out. So that could be something like new carbs or RAVE valves or entirely new hulls or engines. Everything was a hodgepodge. And when something broke, we towed eachother back to the shed, handed our boats to the engineers, and they handed us something else to ride. So we were riding for 20-40 hours a week. It could be very fun or exhausting depending on what the weather was like. Thanks for keeping the old old 90s boats alive, and keep that xp hull flat to the water through the turns! I look forward to more of your videos.
@@tylerskywalker5862 Same cornering style on the raider. Lean out, keep it flat and it’ll hookup and turn. I think I like my 760 Raider as much my XP800.
The trick to the 95XP or 96SPX hull was to NOT lean into the turns. She would corner like she was on rails and flat as a pancake at-speed. Watching you ride the XP brought back fond memories. I spent much of my 20s riding the mouth of the Detroit River and the west end of Lake Erie getting pounded by the chop. She was sporty, but put a hurtin' on me. I did love seeing the XP out-run the spark though! The spark is a fun ride, but just too light for me any more. I'm at the age now that I need a three-seater sea couch with a nice cushy seat on it. That being said, serviceability on the Spark is FAR better. Splitting the hill takes all of 15 minutes and EVERYTHING is completely accessible. I loathed working thru the seat opening on my SPX. It was impossible!
Thanks for the advice 🙌 I have to be honest, riding a spark and then X4 back to back is hard work... the spark just gives you complete confidence and does everything effortlessly... whereas the X4 you have to work for it... I'm not saying thats a bad thing and I love it as it tests me more but the evolution of the spark hull has made use of the years of refinement of hull improvement from a compliance point of view. I love hearing that I bought back memories for you... the XP is so much fun in the chop and as you say, still has a respectable top speed to this day... kind of embarrassing that a spark can be outrun by a stock 717! Interesting what you say about the spark being better access wise... I would agree for proper maintenance as in spark plugs, service etc, but as for routine ride access... its terrible... I hate not being able to fully thoroughly wash down the engine bay, mounts etc on the spark like an xp... on my xp I wash it and can air line it all to be completely dry then re-lube/spray to everywhere... with the spark its spray into the access engine panel and oil hole and pray for no corrosion... whilst you can wash down into a spark access hole, its virtually impossible to get all the water out and dry it all off... I have a flexible airline hose I put in the access hole and try to blow off everywhere I can reach, but its not the same... Its not as if you can/ would want to take the top deck off after every ride on a spark, in the same way you can take the seat of a xp... My Dad is also the same, he loved riding the xp, gsx but now he loves his 3 seater RXTX 300! Both great but IMO you need both lol. Thanks for watching ✌
I rode a regular 3up spark, really impressed with how fun they are to spin and jump. Super linear power band vs my 94 VXR Pro and 96 Wave Venture 700 2 smokers! Nothing like sliding 90's hulls though.
Yeh agree the spark is a blast and yeh what you have described with the power band is spot on... its because it fly by wire electric throttle vs mechanical throttle... that said you can't beat that 2 stroke kick in power! Thanks for watching dude 🙌
Its on the 'to find' list for sure, however I would prefer to find a 1999 SPX 787 x4 as would like a SPX badge model as already have a X4 717 xp... IMO the 717 offers good reliability... and if you're like me, I have a 951 if I want to go faster and hit 60+... The rav 787 are great skis from everything I have seen, but come with their problems hence why I went for the more reliable 717... my understanding is the xp800 has more mid range... I'm keen to ride one for sure, but like I say, want a 1999 spx more... that has the hump seat also... Thanks for watching dude 🙌
@@classicjetskisI’ve had both the XP 800 and SPX. They are identical. The SPX came out when the XP Limited took over. so pretty much an SPX is a XP 800.
I found one original owner but I’m scared looks like new
5 หลายเดือนก่อน +5
Wheelies are very easy on the XP: While holding the handlebar, stand with one foot at each corner at the rear of the ski. Lean your body over to one side so that the whole craft begins to tilt on its side. Just before you land in the water, turn the handlebar opposite of the direction of the fall and punch it (full throttle). Voila, instant wheelie!
Thanks for the advice, as time has gone on, I have gotten better at the wheelie on the XP and for sure agree, you can do it but honestly dude, the spark is effortless in a way the XP isn't for wheelies, thats not to say it can't be done as you say in your comment, but the extended VTS on the spark for this specific skill, hands down is better, as much as I hate to admit it. Thanks for watching dude ✌
I can drink a beer while doing a wheelie on my spark. I sold my 3 xps and bought 3 sparks. Never looking back. Go all day on a tank of gas. Some simple mods and a flash and the spark is better in all ways.
Yes. You can also make the xps faster but the fuel economy alone is worth getting a spark. I can jump waves for 4 hours or more on a tank. If I'm just flat out on the river wot you get about 2 hours. Wot with the xp I got like 30mins lol
The Spark is a nice and bold move from Sea doo. Something to bring for beginners but I really love my 96 XP 785. Outruns a Spark easily. Mine just got an R&D intake grate and beachhouse Sponsons and a MX handlebar which is wider then the OEM. Besides that I like the X-4 hull which first is made of Fiberglass instead Sparks recycled plastic. I doubt unfixable hull, if damaged, can handle the surfriding that I do most of the time. Still the Spark has its followers and on the long run it we all are having fun on the water. That's most important
Agree with a lot of what you have said buddy, nice to hear someone with a balanced view on old vs new... I would say though, the spark IMO is about being a beginner ski, as really its the only modern day ski that is truly lightweight, playful fun, so to me the spark is the only ski comparable to old skis fun factor... the issue with this spark as you say is it needs more top end... as for low end the spark is comparable...that fly by wire throttle on the spark has great pick up but top end it leaves a lot to be desired for sure... IMO the 951 XP/GSX is the perfect top end... 63pmh stock and turns, feels connected to the water... As for polytech vs fiberglass, there is pros and cons to both... IMO wave jumping a spark is as good, if not better than an X4, so that low end instant fly by wire throttle gives you on demand power, faster and the sparks are so light you can effortlessly 180 spin them in the air... at this point polytech is pretty much proven as being perfectly fit for purpose and strong even with riders jumping them a lot, so don't think the argument of strength is really relevant any more... after all, if you jump a fiberglass hull and not pencil it on the hull, you will crack that with stress cracks too... the great thing about the spark hull is pulling it up onto a sand beach, those hulls just don't mark like a gel coat hull... they're so resilient. I love my old skis but owning a spark has opened my eyes to how well the engineering of seadoo did to bring back the 90s spirit in 2014 with the spark, as for the trixx that is pretty much a modded handlebar x4. Thanks for watching dude
I have the 96 xp, strictly stock. What mod would you recomend that dont affect the engine. Its been bullet proof so far and i dont want to jeoprdize that.
Thanks mate 🙏 I think I need to get you on the xp to see if you still feel the same… the spark is definitely a better ski for you to start with, as it will allow you to build confidence whilst maintaining speed. But the xp is a blast to get the hang of.
Great video. I wouldn't call the 95XP 717 the "holy grail", the 95 XP 800 with the 787x engine would be the holy grail with 2500 made and only 500 of them having the 787x engine. As far as comparing the 90HP Spark to the 717cc 85HP XP is more comparable HP to HP. But really I feel comparing the 90 HPSpark to the 787 (800) X4 would be better. And comparing the 60HP Spark to the 717cc XP would be ideal. If you're hitting 50mph on the 717 XP then you got it tuned perfectly as the 787 XP would average only 56-58mph. I typically see about 47mph on my 95 XP 717s and about 56 on my 800 XP. With about 63 on my X4 with a 951 swapped in. Love the video. Also adding aftermarket bars on the X4 will make it feel totally different as well, more like the Spark feel. Aftermarket intake and sponsons on the XP will help alot, especially in the chop and the corners. Love my WORX sponsons on mine.
Hey dude, Holy grail was referring to the X4 hull in general, which I think is a fair comment, but agree engine wise most would say the 787 is the true GOAT! Still trying to find one... when I do, I will for sure make the comparison, although 110hp in the 787 vs a 90hp spark isn't a fair comparison, the 717 with the 85hp is a perfect match up to compare. It made me chuckle reading, 'As far as comparing the 90HP Spark to the 717cc 85HP XP is more comparable HP to HP. But really I feel comparing the 90 HP Spark to the 787 (800) X4 would be better. And comparing the 60HP Spark to the 717cc XP would be ideal'. This just feels like a way to make the Spark look less impressive... You have to keep in mind the 60hp spark is just a detuned same 900 ace engine, so really we are just talking about the Seadoo tiering of the same engine... I think the likes of the earlier SP would be interesting against the 60hp spark, based on me riding both they feel similar power wise although the Spark power band is more linear! I've been told that I should be seeing 54mph from my 717, I've currently only see 50mph... However I'm using a phone GPS App so likely isn't that accurate. I agree 63-64 for a 951 is what I see... most I have ever seen on my XPDI is 65 on glass... that was epic! I would love a full race trim X4 as never going to mess with my pristine beauties mate, the sponsons are very tempting though aha! Thanks for watching and supporting dude, hope you're recovered now from your ride injury. Take it steady!
@@classicjetskis GPS app is probably more accurate than the stock oem speedo wheel sensor. Im healing up, the purple bruising is gone but I still have some swelling around the waist belt area and some pain when sitting and sitting back in a chair and laying on my back. My new job doesn't help. Im working 11to 12 hour days at a tractor assembly plant building tractors. Good money tho, making $26.22 hr. But leaves me little time to make and work on videos for my channel. Hoping to get a microphone soon tho as you suggested. If you ever get a chance to come to the USA, specifically Minnesota, it would be awesome to do a video with you and let you ride my custom 95XP800 with the 951 engine swapped in As far as the X4 being the holy grail, well holy grail is usually referred to as something rare and hard to find. They might be hard to find in the UK..but theres tons of X4s here..so many that people are literally trashing X4 empty hulls. I just took a 95XP717 hull to the dump that i parted out cuz the hull was in horrible condition not worth saving and i still have 4 more of them. And theres tons of X4s in my Facebook Marketplace for sale..they are everywhere. And theres like 3 powersports businesses that part out skis and they have piles of empty X4 hulls. Very sad to see them all parted out and destroyed. You know me, i prefer to restore and save them whenever possible. I hate seeing good solid hulls being destroyed. Which is why i have 2 storage units and a yard full of skis hahaha. Also i am really surprised you haven't added any 3 seaters to your line up, i mean old 2 stroke 3 seaters. I guess your spark 3up is the only one but i wouldn't really consider that a 3up just like i dont consider the XP a 2up haha. You need something like a 717 GTI or GTX with a 787 or 951. After you get an X4 787 of course. My fiancee and her daughter love riding my 96 GTI 717.
@@GCEXTREMEMN Nice man, glad to hear you're making a recovery... riding season is coming to an end now, so you're not missing too much! Thanks for the ride offer, if I'm ever over there I will defo take you up on it! I saw Neewer just launched a slightly cheaper pair of mics thats worth checking out... very similar to the rode ones I use but a fraction of the cost... I hear you dude, for me they're rare here but get over there, maybe not so much... over here no one has clean ones like mine, people don't really understand its history or what it is! As for 3 seater, I love the millennium GTX 951 red one... thats stunning but honestly I have not much interest in a 3 seater... I like the smallest hulls... the only reason we have a 3up spark is like you say, really its a real world 2up... in any case the plan is to keep the longer seat on it but take the 3up platform off to make it lighter and shorter...
I have the 1996 sea doo xp. Which enhine and hullis that? It is sooo much fun. When i ride with my fiends who have all kinds of new ones they all want to ride mine, lol. They are faster obviously but mine is way more fun.
We radared a 1995 XP 720 at 54mph and our 95' Kawasaki 900 Zxi hit the same and our 96' GTX 787 hit 55 in 1996. I'm not sure how much gas was in the tank of any of them. The 787 XP was about 58mph but the motor was more of a pain in the *** to work on and sometimes oil would leak into the cyls causing a lock. 54 on the 720 is not bad at all in comparison. It's not the same but it's not bad.
Yes one of my other buddys pointed out 50mph is incorrect...currently investigating it lol... to be honest the tanks were both full to keep it fair and the speed runs I was only using an app on my phone which is likely not very accurate...I need to run it back... I'm sure with the spark though 50-51 is max. Thanks for watching dude... I totally agree the 717 is a great balance between everything with good reliability for its time vs the rav 787... I do want a xp800 though lol... or a spx 800 as its a x4 also.
I have same 2 skis and they are very close but the 2 cycle is my favorite for playing with jumping the spark is great for cruising around keeps the water out of your face
Exactly mate, the XP is the ultimate playful machine 👍🏻😍 the spark is a great modern day remake that does some of what the XP does but has all the creature comforts... I love both but could never let my XP go... so special 😍😍 thanks for watching 💪🏻👍🏻
I’m still die hard, waveblaster and superjet man, I still have a few seadoo 580s kicking around in the fleet, And I’m wayy to cheap to buy a new ski.. but I enjoyed this video.
I hear you man, thats why my garage is still full of 8 classics including a B2 and Raider 1100... still trying to find a clean B1 and square nose Yam... The spark is great as an all rounder and work horse ski to keep the classics clean... Thanks for watching
Man I miss my waveblaster and superjet! Lost both in a hurricane while I was in Iraq. Big bore on both, and set to flip in the surf. Just had reinforced the stand up w new bars and braced the hull after cracking it at Hatteras... So many good memories man!
Just want to say I might not be the only one that's considerate of fuel economy on any kind of vehicle I buy new or used.. but I'm still right for the channel and thanks for doing the video.
No offence intended buddy, I just mean for us 2 stroke lovers economy is bottom of the list… the spark just happens to be good on fuel. Really appreciate you watching 👍🙏
i have a 95 720 and a 96 787 xp that i recently inherited from a friends death been sitting 10 years , eventually i plan to put new seats on and test them out . I had a 93 xp with the 650 and it was an absolute blast to jump waves with
Nice man (not the friend passing 😢) but you can now give them another lease of life 💪 Do all the usual recommissioning stuff before you ride and they will run well. The 93-94 were epic but didn't have the x4 hull so you will love the 95/96 even more I would think. Thanks for watching dude ✌
I hear you dude, the 2 strokes are irreplaceable but the Spark does offer a comparable, close as you will get, modern day remake... what I would say is, perfect scenario is to have at least 1 2 stroke and a Spark to get best of both worlds...and IMO the 717 is such a great ski that you can pick up for a good price....thanks for watching dude 🙌
Your wish is my command... I have to first clue myself up on the stand up world... I do love the old school square nose yam but don't see myself buying a new modern stand up... never say never though... I 100% will buy an old stand up, just whether its a yam or kaw.
Went from my 98 XP limited 951CC into my new spark trixx 3 up last year. I do like the spark better. Has the power i want and all the options. I find it more stable for sure :)
Thats super interesting... So I have a 951 XPDI and have a 951 GSX and IMO the 951 eats the 900 ace spark all day long... my XPDI 951 does 63mph, my spark will only do 50-52 on glass... I would agree the 3up is way more stable, which coupled with the better fuel economy, extended trim is a great overall package... but better than a 951 I find hard to agree with (sorry dude). I love my spark but I would be gutted if I didn't have a 951 in my garage for its better top end. Thanks for watching ✌
Great video, as a kid we had all the x4’s and tbh you cant beat them imo, i can see the idea of the spark and tbh its grown on me, i think the best of the x4’s is the 99 spx and as i recall is the lighter of the x4 hulls and that hump seat 😎 but the holy grail has to be the 96 xp! Without a doubt the best xp there has been!! Love how clean the 95 is you have 😎 love the videos
Thanks dude for watching 👌I would agree the 1999 SPX is my favourite X4 also, as its the most refined from all the years to that point... I believe what you are referring to with the weight though with the 1999 is actually the 1998, the 1998 has something lighter to do with the pump... I did know the details but slipped my mind exactly what it was... In any case I love the full circle with the 99 having the throw back hump seat... But would also concede as far as most iconic X4 goes, that the yellow and pink from the 1996 is by far the most iconic! It just looks so retro and love it! That said from the super hardcore X4 fans I have spoke to, they do say the 1996 had more issues vs the later SPX... one of the reasons I actually bought the 1995 717 was people told me it was a far more reliable easy ski to work on, with out the ravs... I would still buy a 1996 though if a clean one came up, never seen one though in the UK in good enough shape. Thanks again for watching
@@tjolly5378 Hell yes, please do send over some more details and pics if he does, assuming you're UK.... Send to classicjetski@gmail.com Thanks in advance
That's awesome! The 96 GTI has a classic style that's hard to beat. Taking the time to get your Spark in top shape before hitting the water with both skis sounds like a smart move. Have fun getting them ready-I'm sure it'll be worth the wait! Thanks for watching dude 🙌💪
I know, still looking for a super clean one. Love my 717, though, and as I'm sure you know, the 717 is historically considered a more reliable ski. Thanks for watching! 👌
Hi, just discovered your page. I had a few questions if you don't mind. When I was a teen the 96 XP came out and I really wanted that cause of the huge horespower difference. But I believe the 96xp 951cc engine weighed a lot more than the 95. Is that why you have the 95 rather than the 96? Also, Do you know when and why PWCS got rid of the thumb accelerator pedal. I loved using those. Thanks.
Hey man, welcome to the channel 😎✌Thanks for the support... Great questions. The 96 XP did have a horsepower boost with the 787cc engine, but wasn't as reliable as the 717. As for the thumb throttle, it was phased out because the industry was moving towards more ergonomic and user-friendly designs, and many found the traditional trigger style easier to pull with control especially for long rides. Thanks for dropping by and for your support! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 😎
i have a 96 xp. It was the last year with that small hull i believe. it is sooooo much fun. Ill never get rid of it. Where it really shines is wake jumpng. Im a big guy over 250 lbs and i can easily jump 6-8 feet high on big wakes.
Sounds like you're having an absolute blast! The 96 XP is indeed legendary for its agility and performance, especially with its smaller X4 hull design. It's impressive how it handles wake jumping, even with your size-it really speaks to its power and being lightweight. The X4 hull carried on to 1999 but was rebadged to the SPX for 1997-1999 when they XP switched to the parabolic spring seat design(1997-2004) Thanks for watching dude 🙌😎
In the future I will run it back but from all the videos, stats I've seen, I don't think its as big a deal as it visually looks... on the plane the 3up platform sits out the water, so lap time wise don't think we are talking a lot of difference... if you look at top speed runs on a spark 3up vs 2up its negligible... the area where maybe it would show is spinning the spark and wheeling as the platform makes it longer, thus harder to spin vs the smaller XP... IMO the 3up spark is great as if you're like me, I can still ride it like a 2 stroke but me and Megs can go exploring on it and its ideal for 2... IMO the 2up spark isn't comfortable for 2 for extended time... At some point I will take the 3up platform off, as it's a plug and play part... we can still keep the bigger seat on... I'll report back with how this effects things... Thanks for watching dude 😊
This is a great video... I've got a 1994 XP with the 657cc one only gotten to ride it once, and I love it. Want to add another XP like the one you have or a GTI
Thanks for watching! Your 1994 XP with the 657cc in that iconic green is goals! That said adding another XP or a GTI to your collection would definitely shake things up with the X4 and three seater. Thanks for watching and supporting dude 🙌😎
I'm 95% sure about doing a remap but then I have seen online guys that have done remaps, new impeller, new intake, new ride plate, ribbon delete, filter, new sponsons, exhaust and you are looking at like 4-5mph for 5-6k spent... I feel like a turbo kit is a better investment to get real gains... plus if you're not running crazy boost levels I've seen good longevity from people with turbos.... a turbo spark not pushing it will do 65 easy.... its when people start pushing 70+ I think you will see a big drop off in longevity...we will see what happens, the other tricky thing is, If I want to do 60+ I have the 951 gsx ltd or xpdi so is it worth messing with the spark 🤔
@@classicjetskis you only need the tune and the impeller to get the difference. Top speed isn't what you gain, but you do get a massive throttle response and acceleration gain. Much better hole shot
This video made me buy a 1994 Sea-Doo xp green colour and my god I got a good one wish I could send pics on here too you it’s like ur xp but done less than 50 hrs maybe 40 he said and he’s been the owner for 30 years it’s mint really happy and got it for less than 1500 thank u for your vids
Man thats mega! Congratulations on the barnfind! It sounds like you found an amazing deal on that 1994 Sea-Doo XP. Less than 50 hours and mint condition after 30 years of ownership-that's incredible! Enjoy it man, and I'm glad my videos were helpful in your decision. Happy riding! Thanks for watching 🙌✌
@@classicjetskis thanks mate much appreciated keep up the good work and yes loving every minute off it defo a fun ski and takes a bit to get used too with the handling but so much fun
Hey man, great video. You influenced me to look for an older ski. I was about to buy that 97 spx but i did a vin check on it, found out it was some type of total loss and the seller didnt tell me, then i drove 600 miles total to buy a 91 xp, but it ended up not starting, big waste of time, im gonna end up buying something new, either a new yamaha or a spark x if it ever comes out. Maybe one day i can find something mint like you have!
Thanks for watching dude 🙌 I love that the channel and my videos have inspired you to buy a 2 stroke, thats epic! So glad you didn't get burnt, a big part of looking for and buying old is taking your time to do your homework... The amount of times I have drove hundreds of miles and then the ski be a flop... I feel your pain but don't give up dude, one will come up. As for going new, IMO if you're thinking of a spark...I was like you and holding out for a spark x... I can't see them doing it for some time... I have made a video on this topic, check it out. Seadoo don't want to take sales from the GTI, GTR etc... if they made a faster spark IMO would devalue the bigger ski value proposition...talking about the polytech 2 hull skis, not the HPC rxp etc, they are a different category all together... A turbo spark would be perfect.... do let me know what ski you go for and hopefully this video helped give an insight to the merit of new and old.
@@travisanderson4557 Agree the 91 XP is pretty old but thats not a reason to not buy one, if a good one comes up, I love my 1991 XP its like a SP on steroids. That said having been exposed to the X4 hulls I don't find myself reaching for the SP Gen 1 hull under the 91 XP as much. If you're talking X4 hulls, the 717 is more reliable than the 787. But the 787 in the 96-99 XP/SPX is more powerful. Thanks for watching dude 🙌🙌
I have toyed with the idea of removing it however online the consensus is the platform once you're up on the plain doesn't create any drag... that said I think it would be easier to jump and be more playful. I will try at some stage as easy to take off. Thanks for watching ✌
Thank you, really appreciate the acknowledgment of this XP... Yes there isn't alot in it between the XP 717 and Spark 900 but for sure the XP seems to pull harder and just feels faster IMO... The Spark does handle more effortlessly though, with less skill to ride fast in the corners. Thanks for watching ✌
Yes a lot of people have said to take the sponsons off… I have literally just taken the rear 3up deck off and that’s defo made it more playful, still not an XP but better… The spark is great but I don’t think any amount of stuff you do to it will make it a XP, XPs are just historic and special. Thanks for watching dude 🙏👍
Nice man, they are lots of fun for sure, you must have the extended vts as there is no way you can pull and hold a wheelie without it… thanks of watching 👍🙏
What's the best year XP models are? Also for reliability how much hours this machine can do with good maintenance? Thanks I ride trixx 2023 found it unstable on the beach with choppy water but very fun
So the 717 XP in this video is regarded as one of the most reliable, easy to work on 2 strokes... If you're looking for more power then you need to step up to either a 787 XP (1995.5 or 1996) or SPX (1997-1999) Or you could go for a 951 1998-2004 XP parabolic v but these are not as reliable as the 717. Hope this helps. What I would say is, if you found the spark unstable, you wouldn't like the XP, as its an even more unstable version of the spark. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@classicjetskis haha i guess it's like anything else (cars, motorcycles..) you will need 2 models one for comfy cruising and one for adreno sessions. Thanks for your very informative video
how did you get a stock spark to do 55mph??? the most i've seen out of mine is 52mph and that is on a perfect glasstop lake... normally it is a 48mph ski... my old 1997 787 110hp SPX would hit 57mph all day long however...
I weigh 70kg and on glass you can get 53mph... I'm sure in the video I put a text box correcting myself saying 50mph... but yes 53 is max I've seen... I would say however 48mph seems 2-3mph off what you should be seeing.... Yes agree older 2 strokes kick ass... my GSX 951 does 63-65 on glass all day... the spark really needs to be a 60mph ski for me.. Thanks for watching
Great question, so 2 reasons, 1 buying a 3up from the factory gives you a longer seat plus the rear 3up platform, my plan was to remove the 3up rear platform but benefit from always keeping the longer seat, irrespective if I removed the rear deck. The 3up longer seat can be fitted to a 2up after the fact, but seemed easier to just have the parts fitted direct from manufacture. If you're buying the parts to make a 2up into a 3up, theres a number of parts needed, see end of this comment. In reality a 3up longer seat on a 2up i.e no rear 3up platform, is beneficial even if you're riding 1up on a 2up if that makes sense. IMO the 3up seat length is better even on the 2up as you can stand on it when wheeling to do tricks and your that further back to tip it more. In essence I wanted the flexibility to go between 3up and 2up by just removing the bolts holding the rear deck on. The reality is me and Megs love riding together so keeping the platform makes sense for now, but sure at some stage I will remove. 2nd reason is top speed wise the 3up platform is out the water once you're up on the plane, so doesn't create any drag. Yes 2up will be slightly more manoeuvrable for low speed tricks, spinning and wheeling but I've never struggled wheeling my 3up and the benefits and flexibility of keeping it 3up means its balanced for fun and practicality of 2 riders. Hope this helps, if you're buying new I would just buy 3up as the price difference is small and then its future proof as you have the parts there for swapping between. Here in the UK a 1up (2up) is £10,199 and the 3up is £10,999 so £880 difference. I'm not sure if buying the parts after the fact would be cheaper, see below parts, but just faff: • A spark 3-up seat, I highly recommend getting a comfort seat if you're gonna get a new seat. • A seat extension support • The rear handle support • An upper rear platform (Deck) • A lower rear platform (Hull Extension) • 3 foam floats to go in the rear platform (rear deck, RH and LH deck extension floats) • A bunch of the BRP Torx screws M6.81 X 30 • A bunch of the BRP flanged hex screws M6.81 X 30 Hope this helps. Thanks for watching
We currently own three 1993 XPs and love them dearly. Great rides, tricks, and easily the best bang for your buck on the jetski market. Recently, though, we have been looking into some Sparks to try something else. First off, thank you for the amazing in depth overview you provided in this video. Besides that, its been a tough desicion! Since your video, the 2024 Spark Trixx's have come out and seem to have fixed a lot of cosmetic complaints from older models. With that and its performance, do you think the Spark would be a good option to try or even replace the XPs? I know your bias is similar to mine with the old beauts, just looking for an honest reponse on its overall value. Thanks in advance!!
Thanks for the comment and great questions dude... So off the top as you have said I love the old stuff as you do, but if you're looking for the closest modern day XP remake, it is the spark through and through. The spark emulates alot of what the older XP does but with a little more restriction, as in with those aggressive sponsons it stops the hull letting go like the older XPs. You can remove the sponsons on the spark to reduce this effect but just keep in mind the spark is a refined XP. IMO if you're looking to dip a toe into the new gen 4 strokes, the spark is the only thing remotely similar so you have the right idea, outside of that the only other machine is the GTRX 300 as those polytec 2 hulls are playful for a bigger hull. If it were me and budgets can permit I would keep 1 old XP and get a spark aswell, so let one of your XPs go, that way you can have best of both worlds and not jump before you're sure. I have to say I love my spark but would be gutted if I couldn't still jump on my XP to give me that high reving 2 stroke power and spin/fun factor. The spark is tame compared to an XP. Hope this helps, any other questions let me know Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 👌
@@classicjetskis Wow, this is exactly the explanation and opinion I needed! I seriously appreciate this my man!! I’ll definitely be back for more content :)
Great question! The Yamaha EXR and JetBlaster are both ace new gen models with modern features and performance. Compared to the 95 XP, the EXR offers more stability, while the JetBlaster is designed for playful, freestyle riding to compete mainly against the Spark. Both Yamahas can bring a lot of new gen fun, but the 95 XP has that classic, nostalgic feel that I just love. It really depends on whether you prefer vintage charm or modern performance. Thanks for watching dude 😍
The XP is definitely a bit smaller and can be a tight fit for larger riders. The Spark 3 Up offers more room and stability. Thanks for watching dude 😎✌
So both great machines for there respective time periods, honestly the Blaster is a blast (excuse the pun) but for me since getting the X4 I find I reach for that more as much as I love the Blaster, I think that will change though when I find a B1. Its a great question though between the spark and B2. Honestly, I’ve got a soft spot for the classic 2-stroke Wave Blaster 2. It’s got that raw, old-school thrill that the Spark struggles to match. Don’t get me wrong, the Spark is fun and a great bit of kit to have, but the Wave Blaster 2 just has this unique, exhilarating feel that’s hard to beat. If you love that classic vibe, buddy, the Wave Blaster 2 is where it’s at! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel ✌😎
The only problem with the Spark to me is the seat. If you jump and are used to having the seat or thigh width assist your recovery, you will find it sucks. It is SO narrow to. That alone had us trade up within 2 years as we generally ride rough water.
I can see how the narrow seat on the Spark might be an issue, I personally love the motocross style narrow seat. If you’re used to wider seats that assist with stability, I can see why the spark would feel narrow. Sounds like you’ve had an epic journey through different models. Upgrading to the 2015 RXP-X 260 sounds like a solid move for your needs. How does the RXP-X 260 compare to your past skis and the spark? Thanks for watching 💪😎
@@classicjetskis It has so much more speed even with all the weight. You don't get as much air obviously. But the turning and handling is night and day I really love the hull/sponson combination. If wake jumping is your thing, spark trix any day of the week. If you just want speed and aggressive launch / donuts the 260 is there. I see the 325 on the horizon, but sadly I doubt I will be able to afford it before I am too old.
@@classicjetskis The audio commentary was spot on. It offers real time feelings about what you’re doing plus we can hear the engine noises as well. It’s not just some voice over after the fact without context. Job well done sir.
If you remove the rear deck (extended deck) on the trixx you will find its easier to spin I have a 3up had an oops with the extended deck took it off and went for a ride with out and it spun wayyyy easier
I have actually literally just removed the 3up platform and have to say it has massively improved the playfulness, its still no XP but its better for sure. I love both for their own strengths. I have a video coming where I remove the platform and test it for the first time. Thanks for watching dude 🙌😎
Great content, but the spark can turn way better and be more playful but you need to use weight transfer. If you lean on the turn it will immediately do a 180 on the spot. Like the back end slips out because you lifted the back sponson out of the water.
I hear you dude but what this video was trying to show is how both compare with the exact same rider input, for sure you can make the spark more playful with throwing your weight around more, but this would sku what I was showing, the XP and spark need different levels of rider input to be playful. Seadoo have made the spark more of a compliant easy hull to ride. Compliance IMO takes alot of the fun factor away and then you have to push the skis nearer the edge of what it doesn't really want to do... As for the XP 1995, that spins with very little need to use your body weight as its inherently designed to be a playful hull... Where the spark comes into its own with those aggressive sponsons is around a course, its an easier faster ski to ride fast but again whether thats a good thing I'm not sure, as it takes alot of rider skill out of it. I love both, but when you ride both back to back, you will see what 180 really feels like on an old hull vs a spark, even when a spark hull lets go and flicks around, it still feels so controlled vs an xp... Hard to explain what I mean, but some of the footage in the video when I'm spinning the XP on the drone clips, shows how loose it is. Thanks for watching
@@classicjetskis Not gonna lie, I have ridden both and I feel differently about what you just said. Having to put a little body weight to make it work exactly how you want is way more fun.
If I had to guess I bet you own a spark hence the reluctancy for you to accept the sparks limitations.... Dude I have both a 717 XP and a spark so have no reason to put down the spark as I love it, but if you really have rode an old XP X4 hull and still find a spark as playful, then I would have to politely say you likely didn't ride the X4 to its full potential, to draw an accurate conclusion on both hulls characteristics... Honestly the spark is a blast and agree with you that you can spin it but not to the same effortless degree a XP spins.... have a watch of my birthday lodge tattershall vlog where I'm spinning the spark as you say, but it 100000% does not flick around like a X4 hull and my point around using your body weight you misunderstood, I was explaining how Seadoo have designed the spark to be more rider friendly and compliant, so in order to get it to flick around like an older hull, you have to essentially bi pass the sponsons which are designed to give that hull compliance.... thats why loads of riders take the sponsons off the spark, to make it looser... I can ride the spark at virtually full throttle around this course in the video, and the handling is very tight with those sponsons, the negative of that is when it comes to spinning it, you have to essentially push it to let go in a fashion it wasn't designed to like the XP! IMO the spark is a great fun hull but doesn't require anywhere near the rider skill level to ride like an old X4... what ever way you cut it, a 30 year old 717 as this video shows, out drag races a 900cc spark and turns way more directly... Conclusion you need both a spark and old skis for both their merits (and Seadoo need to make a spark X lol) Thanks again for watching, appreciate the input
@@Blackomega95265 We can agree on that, I do respect your opinion but as you can see from everyone of my videos I get back to every comment, but when I read something I know to be biased, I like to give a view on it, as if not, someone reads your comment and maybe takes it as accurate... from my point of view I come at this as objective as I can, I have 8 different classics and 2 new skis, I bought the new skis to give a balanced opinion vs commenting on new without real world experience. I think the video shows my point perfectly, but like I say, appreciate you watching and giving your thoughts. I'm not saying you're wrong, just struggled to see how you came to such a conclusion... I guess it could be I literally rode these back to back so its about as close a comparison you can have, in terms of feeling the difference. What I would say is, if you do like that playfulness dude, you need a 2 stroke as they do what the spark does but better. The sparks main strength is its reliability, stability extended VTS and fuel economy. I think if Seadoo brings out a spark X, then it could be more of a compelling argument. Thanks again 🙌🙌
Bottom line with simple upgrades the 95;xp is the ski…. I’ve had one for 30 years meanwhile I friend bought a plastic spark 4 years ago and it’s in the junk yard already plastic hull and never worked
And by this magnificent video u got me subscribed Keep the good work borther And what about doing a vid about yamaha waverunner 700xl I think it's the most reliable 2stroke pwc ever made
That’s ace man… love this, to be honest when I made this video, it had a special feeling about the way it turned out, the level feels much better than other videos… feel proud of this video, so thanks for the appreciation 🙏
In the future I will run it back but from all the videos, stats I've seen, I don't think its as big a deal as it visually looks... on the plane the 3up platform sits out the water, so lap time wise don't think we are talking a lot of difference... if you look at top speed runs on a spark 3up vs 2up its negligible... the area where maybe it would show is spinning the spark and wheeling as the platform makes it longer, thus harder to spin vs the smaller XP...At some point I will take the 3up platform off, as it's a plug and play part... we can still keep the bigger seat on... I'll report back with how this effects things... Thanks for watching dude 😊
I hear you dude but its a Spark, we all care about throw around fun, jumping waves, not storage, if you want storage you have the GTI, RTX etc. I think people get to caught up with these sort of features which is why Seadoo then for 2024 focused on things like waterproof phone storage, linq attachment because moan about that vs focusing on more performance. Personally all I care about is the riding experience not the storage but do hear what your saying, after all like I say in the video, the 1995 has water tight storage. Thanks for watching 👍😎
Great video but MAN that music was AWESOME! when you were fast lapping on the XP i was absolutley vibing. Crazy good song choices! Is it all epidemic sound? or where do you get your music?
Thanks man, its epic to hear you like the audio choice as it honestly takes alot of time finding the right music. Yes I use a range of different music sites including ES, I pay an arm and a leg but worth it to have copyright free audio for sure. Thanks for watching and really love hearing the positive feedback on the smaller details.
Yes there was a drag race towards the end... I'm going to add in time stamps to help people find each segment of the video...No top speeds in the video documented as thus far I haven't accurately recorded both... Most I've seen on the Spark is 50mph on glass... The XP i'm told will be 52-54 range...Thanks for watching 🙌
1000000% I would argue maybe one of, if not the most iconic sitdown models, alongside the likes of the Blasters... The XP ran from 1991 to 2004 so with a lifespan like that, its iconic. Thanks for watching dude ✌
Hello I am in the market for a reliable and fast classic jetSki that is fun on the water. I am a snowmobile/ Dirtbike rider! I want to stay away from the full standup but would like something that is fast, agile and reliable. My buddy’s all ride the wave raider 701 but I want to have something different. Unless that really is the best ski. Thank you in advance!
Great question! Ok so for out and out reliability, agility and still gives you 50mph (comparable with 700 wave raiders) a 717 XP or SPX Seadoo would be perfect. The 717 are one of the most reliable engines Seadoo made. I actually have the 1100 wave raider, so can't comment on the 700 but know the wave raider hull well and comparably to the X4 XP hull (X4 hulls are iconic for their playfulness and race craft) is night and day, the X4 are a much better hull. If you want a bit more power you could look at the 787 or 951 Seadoo engines or like I say the Wave Raider 1100 is a beast 65mph vs the baby 700 raider. Hope this helps, thank you for watching 💪 P.s. 2 strokes inherently there is no such thing as consistent reliability, they require work to keep them running sweet ( just to manage expectations)
I would love to have a blast on a 787 just very had to find here in the UK... Would be ace to see a turbo spark against a stock 787... Tuned Spark vs 787, I think the Spark would do well out the hole as the mods you can do to a spark mainly aid low end improvement, most never see top see big gains... 2-3mph max... I always say if you're going to remap, new impeller, ribbon delete etc on Spark, do it if its low end punch you want, if you want top end, forget it, jump back on a 951 or 787... Thanks for watching...
I know right, come on Seadoo... I'm sure it will happen but atm Seadoo are selling this new gen 2 Spark on the small features and looks change. Let hope right... Thanks for watching ✌👌
The GSX 951 has alot more power and top end but the Spark holds its own for the initial launch if you get it right. The GSX is more fun to ride and spin but the spark on a course is faster as handles consistently better over a lap, as its more predictable so you're confidence curve is higher vs the GSX which bites back. The GSX is a beast and love it for its raw power. Thanks for watching
@@classicjetskis Thanks for the feed back, I just picked up a 98 gsx with original 100 hours one owner. So I am excited to test it out. I paid $1500. AUD for it.
I love the 951 and for sure it’s got a better top end but a lot of people say the 787 is the true race king, keep in mind in this video I’m riding the 717 not the full fat 787. I do have the 951 gsx and xp and love them! Thanks for watching dude 👍🙏
You said no reverse on a 2 stroke I’m just here to say your wrong 1990 Yamaha wra650 had a reverse it was manual no electric but you had a lever you pull that dropped the bucket in front of the jet to reverse the thrust push the lever back down and the bucket stows so their are 2 strokes with reverse
My bad I was referring to most of the 1-2up skis from the 90s dude. I must admit my knowledge of the earlier wave runners isn't as strong as the Seadoos... I was born in 1993 after all.😂 Thanks for watching dude ✌
@@classicjetskis 2 strokes are unique, even if the power was the same the 2 strokes would give more torque so immediate acceleration is achieved, and the motor would be lighter. Thank you for the video
@@paulojorgemachado5573 I agree dude, one of the main things that keeps me riding 2 strokes even now having been exposed to 70mph 1630 super chargers and the 4 stroke 900 ace spark, is the power band, for me that arm pull is unmatched... I do think noise and smell has a big play to plan as well... When you ride a 2 stroke its an event, the same can't be said about the newer stuff, even though the performance of the new stuff is insane! Thanks for watching ✌✌
I think it would be a better comparison with 2up spark, I have mine with additional deck and it makes it very sluggish comparable to 2up no deck setup. Also in the end of a race, the second driver looks significantly heavier than you, that should have been accounted for and maybe you could swap jet skis for the second run for example.
Yeh a couple of people have said about taking the 3up platform off... I might do this, this season, as would still have longer seat for Megs but would hopefully give it more playful characteristics. As for the race at the end, honestly dude we ran this every which way and this was the most competitive out of all the races, hence why I did a fair lap with me riding both the Spark and XP which was timed. I did it where I was on the Spark and the other way around and each time the XP is faster off the line, it has alot more pull than the spark. The biggest thing about the Spark is they have ironed out alot of the rider skill needed to ride it fast, its a very compliant hull to ride which is great for newer riders, but after literally 1-2 laps you can basically ride it full throttle around most of the track, which compared to the XP, the XP requires alot more practise and skill, but once you master it, its quick and you get alot more satisfaction on nailing a lap, as you have earnt it, if that makes sense. Maybe the Spark could be faster without the platform, so will try it out and see, however from what I have read online though, is once on the plane the platform is out the water so drag really isn't an issue, the main area of difference would be playfulness with spinning etc. I love them both but for out and out performance the XP is a faster hull, just has more pull than the Spark. The Sparks main strength is reliability and wheelies but outside of that I would pick a 2 stroke as the Spark feels slow to me, which sucks, as I spent 10k buying a new one... I'm holding out for a Spark X 150hp, then things would get interesting, as this comparison is using the 717 baby XP from 1995, if I would have put it against the 787 XP the gap would be bigger... Thanks for watching
I was going to but easy to take 3up platform off 2up, but still get longer seat if you get 3up from manufacture. Also we ride 2 people on spark so 3up is the way to go... Will make a video showing the 3up off at some point, thanks for watching ✌
There are lots of cheaper skis out there dude, if you’re prepared to work on them, there’s lots of fun to be had on skis that cost as little as 1k. Thanks for watching 🙏👍
We ran it every way you can, me on the Spark, him on the XP and vice versa the XP always has more power and more of a riders ski... the spark is great but the XP is special for so many reasons. Thanks for watching 👍✌😎
I like the new 2024 design but not a fan of the permanent mount on the 1st gen... a lot of the ancillary accessories are way more considered on the new gen...shame it looks worse than the original spark IMO... thanks for watching ✌
I must admit music on PWC is epic... however they need to make it more intelligent and be able to get louder when you're full speed.... never understood why the speaker didn't have some kind of intelligence to give more volume at higher speeds, as when you're going fast you really can't hear anything...
I'm still restoring my HX... I will for sure run it back with HX VS spark but keep in mind, Seadoo based the Spark hull on the X4 not the limited run HX.... the HX only ran for 3 years so that hull isn't as renowned as the X4... I will compare all the hulls against the spark at some point.. Thanks for watching 💪🙌
@classicjetskis I'm aware. In 1996 I bought a HX off the showroom floor and parted with it before the spark came out in favor of a stand up. I have always wanted to see someone who can ride an HX properly, do a comparison with the spark. Hope you get yours running, the HX was the best thing to come out of the 90s for Sea Doo.
Wow thats ace, so did you have a 95,96 or 97 HX? so you had it until around 2014? Thats mega! Yes got all the parts together now for a minty restore... then can't wait to get out on it... Thanks again for watching 🙌
Really 😳 I think your on your own with this one buddy! I would say the exact opposite… the XPs for me (and many others) are some of the most stunning skis ever made… the spark is nice in its own right but the XP is special. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@classicjetskisI 100% agree with you man. The x4 XP’s from the 90’s are ALL sexy. They have such classic/retro look from that era. I never liked the spark. Looks ugly to me.
@@7771ham I know right, the XP along with alot of the 90s styling is where it is at! I think new gen riders struggle to understand just how different skis looked in this period, so understand that they can misunderstand a time period styling as odd now but for its time, they where right at home. This many years later I just really appreciate the style, every newer ski seems to be black or mass market safe. Thanks for watching 💪💪
Love this, this is the best compliment I think I could get. Guy before me had it 22 years. Its a keeper. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 😎💪
Your production skills are great man. The editing on these are top notch and comparable to channels with millions of subs. The sparks are great to ride but have fun taking it apart to do the spark plugs. Not a fan of doing all that for simple maintenance. They really wanted to sell labor at dealerships with those given they don't make a ton of money when they sell them. Thanks BRP. No thought given to the average consumer.
Honestly thank you so much for the appreciation for the effort that goes into these videos... Every video I really try to push the standard to the best I can... Hopefully in due course more people see my content and I grow...but equally I started this channel as I generally just love these skis...The fact that others like the skis and content is amazing! I'll report back on how I find the spark over a sustained maintenance period... currently have 24 hours on it... I did 10 hours break in and then an oil change at 10 hours, where the top deck came off... IMO it was pretty easy...whilst it was off I took the time to completely protect the engine to minimise salt corrosion over time, as for every ride wash its hard to reach all areas from the small hatchs... I have seen the RIVA aftermarket access mod...and annoyingly the new spark now has the access panel but overall I'm aware of the things to look out for... do I wish I had the XP access... 1000% but there are positives to less openings also... after every ride I see virtually no water from the drain plug... the main area where salt gets in, is actually the air the ski breaths I would say. Anyway thanks for watching and the support, means a lot🙌
@classicjetskis The videos are great, but as is commonly the case, music dominates when I just want to hear the skis.
The hull splitting is the exact reason why I went with the sparks. I got so tired of breaking my arms to work through the seat hatch and dropping bolts into the abyss. Now when I have to do anything serious (basically never) I have complete access to every little crevice of the engine after a 15 minute hull decoupling. You can also lift it off alone.
@@maccoretti51 Thanks for the feedback dude, I will keep this in mind as do agree I love hearing the engine. If I had my way I would have nothing but engine lol...not everyone is as die hard as that sadly... Thanks for watching 💪💪
@@sliceablejoe Interesting take on this, whilst I agree with the fact its great being able to take the full top deck off to access everything for maintenance with the Spark, the biggest issue for me with the Spark is the routine washing between rides, where realistically its not practical to take the full top deck off to just wash down the engine bay.
I ride in both salt and fresh and for me on all of my older 2 strokes I take time to wash down and air line blow off any water, and dry out the engine bay, before spraying it in XPS. This has always kept my engine bays looking like new. The biggest issue with the spark, is you only have 2 holes to wash down into (battery small hatch and oil hole) and lets face it, squirting water through the engine bay hatch you then can't really dry it out. I have tried lots of methods but now use a long flexible air line hose that I feed in to blow off as much water as I can reach, but inevitably you are always left with water sat inside the spark hull.
Seadoo claimed back in 2014 when they launched the spark that it was something silly like 99% water tight so no water can get in, but years later they introduce a top engine access hole as they realised water does get in, and even in the cases when you ride calm and no water gets in, salt air gets in and the salt crystallises resulting in salt deposits.
Some people say about coating the whole spark engine whilst the top decks off, in fluid film or alike, but the issue with this strategy is its been proven to actually trap in salt particles and stop evaporation. Moral of the story is its much harder to wash and keep a spark engine bay clean vs an old 2 stroke.
As for actually maintenance, I agree full top deck off is great. Thanks for watching dude 👌👌
First I have to say: Thank You for being the first person on youtube to properly put the classic XP up against the Spark.
When I was a kid my dad had a pair of matching '94 Xp's and I have to say I love the green and white much more then the yellow and white. He later on bought a 3 up yamaha wave runner from around the year 2000. I hated that machine as a kid, It was so boat like and almost impossible to get wet on. I just hated the machine, it was so boring.
Ironically enough I ended up getting a pair of Xp's a '94 and a '95, Its amazing how much more power the 717 has over the 650. Its neat to stumble across your channel as I was hunting for videos to fix odds and ends on my machines.
Last time I was in the dealership I was shocked at how big these sparks seem, especially out of the water. It does seem like they did a proper job of attempting to emulate the XP's pf the 90's however they seem to have made them a lot more novice friendly. Which while good for the sport theres something untamed about the xp"s in my opinion, they never 100% will behave how you think they will, and I have to love them for it.
Thank you dude, really appreciate the support and glad you liked the video... I have for sometime wanted to see how the Spark stacks up against the 717 XP...I couldn't find a video so I thought I would just make it aha.
I do love the 93-94 XP in that neon green and pink/red... interestingly though, not many people realise the 93-94 XP although they share the identical top deck design as the 95-96 xp, the 93-94 didn't have the X4 hull... the 93-94 used what was called the 'SP gen 2 hull' Great skis... I agree though, mid 90s skis being naturally smaller IMO are the prime great examples of what a PWC should be, so get your sentiment about the later GP/Wave runner etc being too big.
Yes I agree the 717 does feel like a power step up and from what I was told (as I was born in 93) is the 95 717 at the time was mind blowing for people that would upgrade, as not only was it an engine power upgrade, but the introduction of the X4 hull!
Glad you found my channel and enjoying the videos, thats epic!
Your closing point couldn't be more on the money dude! The spark is as close to an XP in the modern day and the design/dev team at Seadoo did a great job, but they also 1000% ironed out a lot of the rider skills needed like we saw from the XP... if you look at the sponsons on the spark, they are way more aggressive to help the cornering, thus rider compliance... ironically this is what the aftermarket scene was doing to the XP back in the day... i.e. adding aftermarket sponsons...
In general, the spark is a great 4 stroke remake...could it be better, sure... but we have to remember sadly unlike 95 and the 90s, in general the XP were top of the tree in terms of high performance craft... the industry now is geared towards machines like the RXPX with the T3 hull and RXTX with the ST3 hull, its sad but the spark isn't seen as the platform for performance, its seen as the platform for fun... Can you imagine if Seadoo harnessed the spark in the right way with more power.... I can only imagine a lot of the 90s xp die hard fans would then be tempted if we see a 170hp spark doing 65mph stock!
Great comment, thanks for watching dude!🙌
I rode one of those xp's and yea, they really are a ride and I kinda want one but am happy with my Yamaha FX cruiser because it makes a ton of power for how old it is.
I used to work at SeaDooʻs testing facility in Florida in the late 1990s, and this brought back so many good memories. My "job interview" was on an XP800, and I got thrown pretty far after trying to do a 45-degree turn at top speed. My body skipped like a stone and came up laughing, and so they game me the job. I have spent hundreds of hours riding the 717 engines. They were the most reliable of the two strokes that we tested. But you always wanted to be riding anything 800+ when they were assigning the boats at the beginning of the shift.
When you are riding that XP through the buoys (assuming that you still have factory sponsons), you need to change your stance going into turns. Since itʻs a lean-out hull, plant your foot that will be in the outside of the turn in the front of the footwell, and then hang all your weight outside as you crank the handlebars. It feels completely unnatural, but keep the throttle wide open, and the boat will hook a sharp turn. Once you get the hang of it, it feels so good.
Dude, that’s an epic story! Working at SeaDoo’s testing facility must have been a wild, especially with that job interview on the XP800-sounds like a blast (literally)! 😂
Thanks for sharing those tips on riding the XP through the buoys. It’s awesome to get some insider advice on handling that lean-out hull. I’ll definitely keep that stance in mind and give it a go 👌✌
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel, mate!
@@classicjetskis I was on the staff of "test riders". it was a perfect minimum-wage job for this guy in his young 20s! We had a set course to follow most of the day. And the point of the job was to put as many hours on next year's parts/boats as possible. We would run the hell out of whatever new things were coming out. So that could be something like new carbs or RAVE valves or entirely new hulls or engines. Everything was a hodgepodge. And when something broke, we towed eachother back to the shed, handed our boats to the engineers, and they handed us something else to ride. So we were riding for 20-40 hours a week. It could be very fun or exhausting depending on what the weather was like. Thanks for keeping the old old 90s boats alive, and keep that xp hull flat to the water through the turns! I look forward to more of your videos.
Any similar advice on riding a 94 yamaha wave raider?
@@tylerskywalker5862
Same cornering style on the raider. Lean out, keep it flat and it’ll hookup and turn.
I think I like my 760 Raider as much my XP800.
@@kevinw2283 ok so plant outside foot near the front of the foot well, and lean on it through the turn?
The trick to the 95XP or 96SPX hull was to NOT lean into the turns. She would corner like she was on rails and flat as a pancake at-speed.
Watching you ride the XP brought back fond memories. I spent much of my 20s riding the mouth of the Detroit River and the west end of Lake Erie getting pounded by the chop. She was sporty, but put a hurtin' on me. I did love seeing the XP out-run the spark though!
The spark is a fun ride, but just too light for me any more. I'm at the age now that I need a three-seater sea couch with a nice cushy seat on it.
That being said, serviceability on the Spark is FAR better. Splitting the hill takes all of 15 minutes and EVERYTHING is completely accessible. I loathed working thru the seat opening on my SPX. It was impossible!
Thanks for the advice 🙌 I have to be honest, riding a spark and then X4 back to back is hard work... the spark just gives you complete confidence and does everything effortlessly... whereas the X4 you have to work for it... I'm not saying thats a bad thing and I love it as it tests me more but the evolution of the spark hull has made use of the years of refinement of hull improvement from a compliance point of view.
I love hearing that I bought back memories for you... the XP is so much fun in the chop and as you say, still has a respectable top speed to this day... kind of embarrassing that a spark can be outrun by a stock 717!
Interesting what you say about the spark being better access wise... I would agree for proper maintenance as in spark plugs, service etc, but as for routine ride access... its terrible... I hate not being able to fully thoroughly wash down the engine bay, mounts etc on the spark like an xp... on my xp I wash it and can air line it all to be completely dry then re-lube/spray to everywhere... with the spark its spray into the access engine panel and oil hole and pray for no corrosion... whilst you can wash down into a spark access hole, its virtually impossible to get all the water out and dry it all off... I have a flexible airline hose I put in the access hole and try to blow off everywhere I can reach, but its not the same...
Its not as if you can/ would want to take the top deck off after every ride on a spark, in the same way you can take the seat of a xp...
My Dad is also the same, he loved riding the xp, gsx but now he loves his 3 seater RXTX 300!
Both great but IMO you need both lol. Thanks for watching ✌
X4's do NOT "lean" they rail.... Blasters and HX's lean and carve
I rode a regular 3up spark, really impressed with how fun they are to spin and jump. Super linear power band vs my 94 VXR Pro and 96 Wave Venture 700 2 smokers! Nothing like sliding 90's hulls though.
Yeh agree the spark is a blast and yeh what you have described with the power band is spot on... its because it fly by wire electric throttle vs mechanical throttle... that said you can't beat that 2 stroke kick in power! Thanks for watching dude 🙌
If you find a 95xp 785 or 800 buy it, best 2 stroke ever made. If not a 787 96 xp that 110 hp engine is a lot faster than the 720 on the regular 95 xp
Its on the 'to find' list for sure, however I would prefer to find a 1999 SPX 787 x4 as would like a SPX badge model as already have a X4 717 xp... IMO the 717 offers good reliability... and if you're like me, I have a 951 if I want to go faster and hit 60+... The rav 787 are great skis from everything I have seen, but come with their problems hence why I went for the more reliable 717... my understanding is the xp800 has more mid range... I'm keen to ride one for sure, but like I say, want a 1999 spx more... that has the hump seat also... Thanks for watching dude 🙌
@@classicjetskis yes i think like you, the spx 1999 have the best color and graphics plus the hump seat but they are hard to find.
@@classicjetskisI’ve had both the XP 800 and SPX. They are identical. The SPX came out when the XP Limited took over. so pretty much an SPX is a XP 800.
I found one original owner but I’m scared looks like new
Wheelies are very easy on the XP: While holding the handlebar, stand with one foot at each corner at the rear of the ski. Lean your body over to one side so that the whole craft begins to tilt on its side. Just before you land in the water, turn the handlebar opposite of the direction of the fall and punch it (full throttle). Voila, instant wheelie!
Thanks for the advice, as time has gone on, I have gotten better at the wheelie on the XP and for sure agree, you can do it but honestly dude, the spark is effortless in a way the XP isn't for wheelies, thats not to say it can't be done as you say in your comment, but the extended VTS on the spark for this specific skill, hands down is better, as much as I hate to admit it. Thanks for watching dude ✌
I can drink a beer while doing a wheelie on my spark. I sold my 3 xps and bought 3 sparks. Never looking back. Go all day on a tank of gas. Some simple mods and a flash and the spark is better in all ways.
@jthovey9035 what mods would you recommend?
@colebz420 for the sparks? Tune and impeller is all you need. Nothing else makes a noticeable difference.
Yes. You can also make the xps faster but the fuel economy alone is worth getting a spark. I can jump waves for 4 hours or more on a tank. If I'm just flat out on the river wot you get about 2 hours. Wot with the xp I got like 30mins lol
I have a 91 XP (which is what brought me to your channel) and that is the most fun machine I've been on
Nice man, like you I love my XP 1991... my plan is to make alot more videos this year on it... Stay tuned. Thanks for watching buddy ✌🙌
The Spark is a nice and bold move from Sea doo. Something to bring for beginners but I really love my 96 XP 785. Outruns a Spark easily. Mine just got an R&D intake grate and beachhouse Sponsons and a MX handlebar which is wider then the OEM. Besides that I like the X-4 hull which first is made of Fiberglass instead Sparks recycled plastic. I doubt unfixable hull, if damaged, can handle the surfriding that I do most of the time. Still the Spark has its followers and on the long run it we all are having fun on the water. That's most important
Agree with a lot of what you have said buddy, nice to hear someone with a balanced view on old vs new... I would say though, the spark IMO is about being a beginner ski, as really its the only modern day ski that is truly lightweight, playful fun, so to me the spark is the only ski comparable to old skis fun factor... the issue with this spark as you say is it needs more top end... as for low end the spark is comparable...that fly by wire throttle on the spark has great pick up but top end it leaves a lot to be desired for sure... IMO the 951 XP/GSX is the perfect top end... 63pmh stock and turns, feels connected to the water... As for polytech vs fiberglass, there is pros and cons to both... IMO wave jumping a spark is as good, if not better than an X4, so that low end instant fly by wire throttle gives you on demand power, faster and the sparks are so light you can effortlessly 180 spin them in the air... at this point polytech is pretty much proven as being perfectly fit for purpose and strong even with riders jumping them a lot, so don't think the argument of strength is really relevant any more... after all, if you jump a fiberglass hull and not pencil it on the hull, you will crack that with stress cracks too... the great thing about the spark hull is pulling it up onto a sand beach, those hulls just don't mark like a gel coat hull... they're so resilient. I love my old skis but owning a spark has opened my eyes to how well the engineering of seadoo did to bring back the 90s spirit in 2014 with the spark, as for the trixx that is pretty much a modded handlebar x4.
Thanks for watching dude
I have the 96 xp, strictly stock. What mod would you recomend that dont affect the engine. Its been bullet proof so far and i dont want to jeoprdize that.
Ya but the sparks ride 10 times better . XPS on big lakes will beat the heck out of you
Unbelievable how clean that XP is, but the Spark wins for me! Thanks for sharing, love your videos! 🙌
Thanks mate 🙏 I think I need to get you on the xp to see if you still feel the same… the spark is definitely a better ski for you to start with, as it will allow you to build confidence whilst maintaining speed. But the xp is a blast to get the hang of.
Great video.
I wouldn't call the 95XP 717 the "holy grail", the 95 XP 800 with the 787x engine would be the holy grail with 2500 made and only 500 of them having the 787x engine.
As far as comparing the 90HP Spark to the 717cc 85HP XP is more comparable HP to HP. But really I feel comparing the 90 HPSpark to the 787 (800) X4 would be better. And comparing the 60HP Spark to the 717cc XP would be ideal.
If you're hitting 50mph on the 717 XP then you got it tuned perfectly as the 787 XP would average only 56-58mph.
I typically see about 47mph on my 95 XP 717s and about 56 on my 800 XP. With about 63 on my X4 with a 951 swapped in.
Love the video.
Also adding aftermarket bars on the X4 will make it feel totally different as well, more like the Spark feel.
Aftermarket intake and sponsons on the XP will help alot, especially in the chop and the corners.
Love my WORX sponsons on mine.
Hey dude, Holy grail was referring to the X4 hull in general, which I think is a fair comment, but agree engine wise most would say the 787 is the true GOAT! Still trying to find one... when I do, I will for sure make the comparison, although 110hp in the 787 vs a 90hp spark isn't a fair comparison, the 717 with the 85hp is a perfect match up to compare.
It made me chuckle reading, 'As far as comparing the 90HP Spark to the 717cc 85HP XP is more comparable HP to HP. But really I feel comparing the 90 HP Spark to the 787 (800) X4 would be better. And comparing the 60HP Spark to the 717cc XP would be ideal'.
This just feels like a way to make the Spark look less impressive... You have to keep in mind the 60hp spark is just a detuned same 900 ace engine, so really we are just talking about the Seadoo tiering of the same engine...
I think the likes of the earlier SP would be interesting against the 60hp spark, based on me riding both they feel similar power wise although the Spark power band is more linear!
I've been told that I should be seeing 54mph from my 717, I've currently only see 50mph... However I'm using a phone GPS App so likely isn't that accurate.
I agree 63-64 for a 951 is what I see... most I have ever seen on my XPDI is 65 on glass... that was epic!
I would love a full race trim X4 as never going to mess with my pristine beauties mate, the sponsons are very tempting though aha!
Thanks for watching and supporting dude, hope you're recovered now from your ride injury.
Take it steady!
@@classicjetskis
GPS app is probably more accurate than the stock oem speedo wheel sensor.
Im healing up, the purple bruising is gone but I still have some swelling around the waist belt area and some pain when sitting and sitting back in a chair and laying on my back.
My new job doesn't help. Im working 11to 12 hour days at a tractor assembly plant building tractors. Good money tho, making $26.22 hr. But leaves me little time to make and work on videos for my channel. Hoping to get a microphone soon tho as you suggested.
If you ever get a chance to come to the USA, specifically Minnesota, it would be awesome to do a video with you and let you ride my custom 95XP800 with the 951 engine swapped in
As far as the X4 being the holy grail, well holy grail is usually referred to as something rare and hard to find.
They might be hard to find in the UK..but theres tons of X4s here..so many that people are literally trashing X4 empty hulls. I just took a 95XP717 hull to the dump that i parted out cuz the hull was in horrible condition not worth saving and i still have 4 more of them. And theres tons of X4s in my Facebook Marketplace for sale..they are everywhere. And theres like 3 powersports businesses that part out skis and they have piles of empty X4 hulls. Very sad to see them all parted out and destroyed. You know me, i prefer to restore and save them whenever possible.
I hate seeing good solid hulls being destroyed. Which is why i have 2 storage units and a yard full of skis hahaha.
Also i am really surprised you haven't added any 3 seaters to your line up, i mean old 2 stroke 3 seaters. I guess your spark 3up is the only one but i wouldn't really consider that a 3up just like i dont consider the XP a 2up haha.
You need something like a 717 GTI or GTX with a 787 or 951. After you get an X4 787 of course.
My fiancee and her daughter love riding my 96 GTI 717.
@@GCEXTREMEMN Nice man, glad to hear you're making a recovery... riding season is coming to an end now, so you're not missing too much! Thanks for the ride offer, if I'm ever over there I will defo take you up on it!
I saw Neewer just launched a slightly cheaper pair of mics thats worth checking out... very similar to the rode ones I use but a fraction of the cost...
I hear you dude, for me they're rare here but get over there, maybe not so much... over here no one has clean ones like mine, people don't really understand its history or what it is!
As for 3 seater, I love the millennium GTX 951 red one... thats stunning but honestly I have not much interest in a 3 seater... I like the smallest hulls... the only reason we have a 3up spark is like you say, really its a real world 2up... in any case the plan is to keep the longer seat on it but take the 3up platform off to make it lighter and shorter...
I have the 1996 sea doo xp. Which enhine and hullis that? It is sooo much fun. When i ride with my fiends who have all kinds of new ones they all want to ride mine, lol. They are faster obviously but mine is way more fun.
@@michaelsutherland9180 96 XP has the 787 engine, its an X4 gen hull. These hulls ran from 95-99.
We radared a 1995 XP 720 at 54mph and our 95' Kawasaki 900 Zxi hit the same and our 96' GTX 787 hit 55 in 1996. I'm not sure how much gas was in the tank of any of them. The 787 XP was about 58mph but the motor was more of a pain in the *** to work on and sometimes oil would leak into the cyls causing a lock. 54 on the 720 is not bad at all in comparison. It's not the same but it's not bad.
Yes one of my other buddys pointed out 50mph is incorrect...currently investigating it lol... to be honest the tanks were both full to keep it fair and the speed runs I was only using an app on my phone which is likely not very accurate...I need to run it back... I'm sure with the spark though 50-51 is max. Thanks for watching dude... I totally agree the 717 is a great balance between everything with good reliability for its time vs the rav 787... I do want a xp800 though lol... or a spx 800 as its a x4 also.
I have same 2 skis and they are very close but the 2 cycle is my favorite for playing with jumping the spark is great for cruising around keeps the water out of your face
Exactly mate, the XP is the ultimate playful machine 👍🏻😍 the spark is a great modern day remake that does some of what the XP does but has all the creature comforts... I love both but could never let my XP go... so special 😍😍 thanks for watching 💪🏻👍🏻
I’m still die hard, waveblaster and superjet man, I still have a few seadoo 580s kicking around in the fleet, And I’m wayy to cheap to buy a new ski.. but I enjoyed this video.
I hear you man, thats why my garage is still full of 8 classics including a B2 and Raider 1100... still trying to find a clean B1 and square nose Yam... The spark is great as an all rounder and work horse ski to keep the classics clean... Thanks for watching
Man I miss my waveblaster and superjet! Lost both in a hurricane while I was in Iraq. Big bore on both, and set to flip in the surf. Just had reinforced the stand up w new bars and braced the hull after cracking it at Hatteras... So many good memories man!
Just want to say I might not be the only one that's considerate of fuel economy on any kind of vehicle I buy new or used.. but I'm still right for the channel and thanks for doing the video.
No offence intended buddy, I just mean for us 2 stroke lovers economy is bottom of the list… the spark just happens to be good on fuel. Really appreciate you watching 👍🙏
i have a 95 720 and a 96 787 xp that i recently inherited from a friends death been sitting 10 years , eventually i plan to put new seats on and test them out . I had a 93 xp with the 650 and it was an absolute blast to jump waves with
Nice man (not the friend passing 😢) but you can now give them another lease of life 💪 Do all the usual recommissioning stuff before you ride and they will run well. The 93-94 were epic but didn't have the x4 hull so you will love the 95/96 even more I would think. Thanks for watching dude ✌
I love my 2-stroke, but I'm planning to get a Spark in the near future.
I hear you dude, the 2 strokes are irreplaceable but the Spark does offer a comparable, close as you will get, modern day remake... what I would say is, perfect scenario is to have at least 1 2 stroke and a Spark to get best of both worlds...and IMO the 717 is such a great ski that you can pick up for a good price....thanks for watching dude 🙌
Please do one of these videos with old and new superjet! I want to get into stand-up and would love you see some in your very high quality videos 👍
Your wish is my command... I have to first clue myself up on the stand up world... I do love the old school square nose yam but don't see myself buying a new modern stand up... never say never though... I 100% will buy an old stand up, just whether its a yam or kaw.
Went from my 98 XP limited 951CC into my new spark trixx 3 up last year. I do like the spark better. Has the power i want and all the options. I find it more stable for sure :)
Thats super interesting... So I have a 951 XPDI and have a 951 GSX and IMO the 951 eats the 900 ace spark all day long... my XPDI 951 does 63mph, my spark will only do 50-52 on glass... I would agree the 3up is way more stable, which coupled with the better fuel economy, extended trim is a great overall package... but better than a 951 I find hard to agree with (sorry dude). I love my spark but I would be gutted if I didn't have a 951 in my garage for its better top end. Thanks for watching ✌
Oh for sure the XP was faster.... :) I just think nowadayz for me the trixx has all i need. :) Im getting old i know hahahaa@@classicjetskis
Fair enough, enjoy my friend 💪
Great video, as a kid we had all the x4’s and tbh you cant beat them imo, i can see the idea of the spark and tbh its grown on me, i think the best of the x4’s is the 99 spx and as i recall is the lighter of the x4 hulls and that hump seat 😎 but the holy grail has to be the 96 xp! Without a doubt the best xp there has been!! Love how clean the 95 is you have 😎 love the videos
Thanks dude for watching 👌I would agree the 1999 SPX is my favourite X4 also, as its the most refined from all the years to that point... I believe what you are referring to with the weight though with the 1999 is actually the 1998, the 1998 has something lighter to do with the pump... I did know the details but slipped my mind exactly what it was... In any case I love the full circle with the 99 having the throw back hump seat... But would also concede as far as most iconic X4 goes, that the yellow and pink from the 1996 is by far the most iconic! It just looks so retro and love it! That said from the super hardcore X4 fans I have spoke to, they do say the 1996 had more issues vs the later SPX... one of the reasons I actually bought the 1995 717 was people told me it was a far more reliable easy ski to work on, with out the ravs... I would still buy a 1996 though if a clean one came up, never seen one though in the UK in good enough shape. Thanks again for watching
A friend of mine may have a 96 xp coming up for sale in future, will let you no if it does 😎👍🏻
@@tjolly5378 Hell yes, please do send over some more details and pics if he does, assuming you're UK.... Send to classicjetski@gmail.com Thanks in advance
Just bought a 96 gti, love the styling, just need to get the spark 100% before I bring it out
That's awesome! The 96 GTI has a classic style that's hard to beat. Taking the time to get your Spark in top shape before hitting the water with both skis sounds like a smart move. Have fun getting them ready-I'm sure it'll be worth the wait! Thanks for watching dude 🙌💪
The 96 xp was far superior than the 95 the bigger motor made it a completely different beast
I know, still looking for a super clean one. Love my 717, though, and as I'm sure you know, the 717 is historically considered a more reliable ski. Thanks for watching! 👌
@@classicjetskis use search tempest
@@classicjetskis look in michigan 48189 zip
Hi, just discovered your page. I had a few questions if you don't mind. When I was a teen the 96 XP came out and I really wanted that cause of the huge horespower difference. But I believe the 96xp 951cc engine weighed a lot more than the 95. Is that why you have the 95 rather than the 96? Also, Do you know when and why PWCS got rid of the thumb accelerator pedal. I loved using those. Thanks.
Hey man, welcome to the channel 😎✌Thanks for the support... Great questions. The 96 XP did have a horsepower boost with the 787cc engine, but wasn't as reliable as the 717. As for the thumb throttle, it was phased out because the industry was moving towards more ergonomic and user-friendly designs, and many found the traditional trigger style easier to pull with control especially for long rides. Thanks for dropping by and for your support! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 😎
i have a 96 xp. It was the last year with that small hull i believe. it is sooooo much fun. Ill never get rid of it. Where it really shines is wake jumpng. Im a big guy over 250 lbs and i can easily jump 6-8 feet high on big wakes.
Sounds like you're having an absolute blast! The 96 XP is indeed legendary for its agility and performance, especially with its smaller X4 hull design. It's impressive how it handles wake jumping, even with your size-it really speaks to its power and being lightweight. The X4 hull carried on to 1999 but was rebadged to the SPX for 1997-1999 when they XP switched to the parabolic spring seat design(1997-2004) Thanks for watching dude 🙌😎
Is a more equivalent comparison to the spark 2up rather than the 3up.
In the future I will run it back but from all the videos, stats I've seen, I don't think its as big a deal as it visually looks... on the plane the 3up platform sits out the water, so lap time wise don't think we are talking a lot of difference... if you look at top speed runs on a spark 3up vs 2up its negligible... the area where maybe it would show is spinning the spark and wheeling as the platform makes it longer, thus harder to spin vs the smaller XP... IMO the 3up spark is great as if you're like me, I can still ride it like a 2 stroke but me and Megs can go exploring on it and its ideal for 2... IMO the 2up spark isn't comfortable for 2 for extended time... At some point I will take the 3up platform off, as it's a plug and play part... we can still keep the bigger seat on... I'll report back with how this effects things... Thanks for watching dude 😊
This is a great video... I've got a 1994 XP with the 657cc one only gotten to ride it once, and I love it. Want to add another XP like the one you have or a GTI
Thanks for watching! Your 1994 XP with the 657cc in that iconic green is goals! That said adding another XP or a GTI to your collection would definitely shake things up with the X4 and three seater. Thanks for watching and supporting dude 🙌😎
I'm looking forward to when you get the Spark Trixx MAP tune. You should borrow another Spark so you can A/B test it!
I'm 95% sure about doing a remap but then I have seen online guys that have done remaps, new impeller, new intake, new ride plate, ribbon delete, filter, new sponsons, exhaust and you are looking at like 4-5mph for 5-6k spent... I feel like a turbo kit is a better investment to get real gains... plus if you're not running crazy boost levels I've seen good longevity from people with turbos.... a turbo spark not pushing it will do 65 easy.... its when people start pushing 70+ I think you will see a big drop off in longevity...we will see what happens, the other tricky thing is, If I want to do 60+ I have the 951 gsx ltd or xpdi so is it worth messing with the spark 🤔
@@classicjetskis you only need the tune and the impeller to get the difference. Top speed isn't what you gain, but you do get a massive throttle response and acceleration gain. Much better hole shot
This video made me buy a 1994 Sea-Doo xp green colour and my god I got a good one wish I could send pics on here too you it’s like ur xp but done less than 50 hrs maybe 40 he said and he’s been the owner for 30 years it’s mint really happy and got it for less than 1500 thank u for your vids
Man thats mega! Congratulations on the barnfind! It sounds like you found an amazing deal on that 1994 Sea-Doo XP. Less than 50 hours and mint condition after 30 years of ownership-that's incredible! Enjoy it man, and I'm glad my videos were helpful in your decision. Happy riding! Thanks for watching 🙌✌
@@classicjetskis thanks mate much appreciated keep up the good work and yes loving every minute off it defo a fun ski and takes a bit to get used too with the handling but so much fun
i have a Polaris SLH 2001, i love it 2 stroke jet for life
Nice man, I love all my 2 strokes. Thanks for watching 💪👌
Hey man, great video.
You influenced me to look for an older ski.
I was about to buy that 97 spx but i did a vin check on it, found out it was some type of total loss and the seller didnt tell me, then i drove 600 miles total to buy a 91 xp, but it ended up not starting, big waste of time, im gonna end up buying something new, either a new yamaha or a spark x if it ever comes out. Maybe one day i can find something mint like you have!
Thanks for watching dude 🙌
I love that the channel and my videos have inspired you to buy a 2 stroke, thats epic! So glad you didn't get burnt, a big part of looking for and buying old is taking your time to do your homework...
The amount of times I have drove hundreds of miles and then the ski be a flop... I feel your pain but don't give up dude, one will come up. As for going new, IMO if you're thinking of a spark...I was like you and holding out for a spark x... I can't see them doing it for some time... I have made a video on this topic, check it out. Seadoo don't want to take sales from the GTI, GTR etc... if they made a faster spark IMO would devalue the bigger ski value proposition...talking about the polytech 2 hull skis, not the HPC rxp etc, they are a different category all together... A turbo spark would be perfect.... do let me know what ski you go for and hopefully this video helped give an insight to the merit of new and old.
Don’t give up! 91 xp is too old. Keep looking for a 96xp, 97,98,99 Spx. You will not be disappointed!
@@travisanderson4557 Agree the 91 XP is pretty old but thats not a reason to not buy one, if a good one comes up, I love my 1991 XP its like a SP on steroids. That said having been exposed to the X4 hulls I don't find myself reaching for the SP Gen 1 hull under the 91 XP as much. If you're talking X4 hulls, the 717 is more reliable than the 787. But the 787 in the 96-99 XP/SPX is more powerful. Thanks for watching dude 🙌🙌
I feel like if I ever get enough money I will buy a top of the line 3 seater, but will have a 787 xp on hand for sheer fun on the lake
Makes sense dude, over the years I have come around to the fact embracing new gen and keeping old is the best balance. Thanks for watching ✌
If you havent already, try riding it without that 3up deck on. You'll see why
I have toyed with the idea of removing it however online the consensus is the platform once you're up on the plain doesn't create any drag... that said I think it would be easier to jump and be more playful. I will try at some stage as easy to take off. Thanks for watching ✌
That XP IS MINT bro, as soon as i learned from you the extra drag on the plastic hull ill always stick to fiberglass so thanks for that info
Thank you, really appreciate the acknowledgment of this XP... Yes there isn't alot in it between the XP 717 and Spark 900 but for sure the XP seems to pull harder and just feels faster IMO... The Spark does handle more effortlessly though, with less skill to ride fast in the corners. Thanks for watching ✌
Tame those sponsons off an it will really feel like a xp
Yes a lot of people have said to take the sponsons off… I have literally just taken the rear 3up deck off and that’s defo made it more playful, still not an XP but better…
The spark is great but I don’t think any amount of stuff you do to it will make it a XP, XPs are just historic and special.
Thanks for watching dude 🙏👍
Bought a 2 pack of the Sparks not Trixx and I can do every single thing the Trixx models do no problem. Love these boats.
Nice man, they are lots of fun for sure, you must have the extended vts as there is no way you can pull and hold a wheelie without it… thanks of watching 👍🙏
What's the best year XP models are? Also for reliability how much hours this machine can do with good maintenance? Thanks
I ride trixx 2023 found it unstable on the beach with choppy water but very fun
So the 717 XP in this video is regarded as one of the most reliable, easy to work on 2 strokes... If you're looking for more power then you need to step up to either a 787 XP (1995.5 or 1996) or SPX (1997-1999) Or you could go for a 951 1998-2004 XP parabolic v but these are not as reliable as the 717. Hope this helps. What I would say is, if you found the spark unstable, you wouldn't like the XP, as its an even more unstable version of the spark. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@classicjetskis haha i guess it's like anything else (cars, motorcycles..) you will need 2 models one for comfy cruising and one for adreno sessions. Thanks for your very informative video
how did you get a stock spark to do 55mph??? the most i've seen out of mine is 52mph and that is on a perfect glasstop lake... normally it is a 48mph ski... my old 1997 787 110hp SPX would hit 57mph all day long however...
I weigh 70kg and on glass you can get 53mph... I'm sure in the video I put a text box correcting myself saying 50mph... but yes 53 is max I've seen... I would say however 48mph seems 2-3mph off what you should be seeing.... Yes agree older 2 strokes kick ass... my GSX 951 does 63-65 on glass all day... the spark really needs to be a 60mph ski for me.. Thanks for watching
Why did you pick the 3 up ? I’m stuck trying to decide 3 up or 1 up on a 24 model.
Great question, so 2 reasons, 1 buying a 3up from the factory gives you a longer seat plus the rear 3up platform, my plan was to remove the 3up rear platform but benefit from always keeping the longer seat, irrespective if I removed the rear deck. The 3up longer seat can be fitted to a 2up after the fact, but seemed easier to just have the parts fitted direct from manufacture. If you're buying the parts to make a 2up into a 3up, theres a number of parts needed, see end of this comment. In reality a 3up longer seat on a 2up i.e no rear 3up platform, is beneficial even if you're riding 1up on a 2up if that makes sense. IMO the 3up seat length is better even on the 2up as you can stand on it when wheeling to do tricks and your that further back to tip it more. In essence I wanted the flexibility to go between 3up and 2up by just removing the bolts holding the rear deck on. The reality is me and Megs love riding together so keeping the platform makes sense for now, but sure at some stage I will remove.
2nd reason is top speed wise the 3up platform is out the water once you're up on the plane, so doesn't create any drag. Yes 2up will be slightly more manoeuvrable for low speed tricks, spinning and wheeling but I've never struggled wheeling my 3up and the benefits and flexibility of keeping it 3up means its balanced for fun and practicality of 2 riders.
Hope this helps, if you're buying new I would just buy 3up as the price difference is small and then its future proof as you have the parts there for swapping between. Here in the UK a 1up (2up) is £10,199 and the 3up is £10,999 so £880 difference. I'm not sure if buying the parts after the fact would be cheaper, see below parts, but just faff:
• A spark 3-up seat, I highly recommend getting a comfort seat if you're gonna get a new seat.
• A seat extension support
• The rear handle support
• An upper rear platform (Deck)
• A lower rear platform (Hull Extension)
• 3 foam floats to go in the rear platform (rear deck, RH and LH deck extension floats)
• A bunch of the BRP Torx screws M6.81 X 30
• A bunch of the BRP flanged hex screws M6.81 X 30
Hope this helps. Thanks for watching
On the seadoo gtx rfi from 1998 you have neutral and reverse already
I hear you dude but let’s be honest it’s not quite the same as modern day IBR which is so slick… but fair point… thanks for watching 👍🙏
We currently own three 1993 XPs and love them dearly. Great rides, tricks, and easily the best bang for your buck on the jetski market. Recently, though, we have been looking into some Sparks to try something else. First off, thank you for the amazing in depth overview you provided in this video. Besides that, its been a tough desicion! Since your video, the 2024 Spark Trixx's have come out and seem to have fixed a lot of cosmetic complaints from older models. With that and its performance, do you think the Spark would be a good option to try or even replace the XPs? I know your bias is similar to mine with the old beauts, just looking for an honest reponse on its overall value. Thanks in advance!!
Thanks for the comment and great questions dude... So off the top as you have said I love the old stuff as you do, but if you're looking for the closest modern day XP remake, it is the spark through and through. The spark emulates alot of what the older XP does but with a little more restriction, as in with those aggressive sponsons it stops the hull letting go like the older XPs. You can remove the sponsons on the spark to reduce this effect but just keep in mind the spark is a refined XP.
IMO if you're looking to dip a toe into the new gen 4 strokes, the spark is the only thing remotely similar so you have the right idea, outside of that the only other machine is the GTRX 300 as those polytec 2 hulls are playful for a bigger hull.
If it were me and budgets can permit I would keep 1 old XP and get a spark aswell, so let one of your XPs go, that way you can have best of both worlds and not jump before you're sure. I have to say I love my spark but would be gutted if I couldn't still jump on my XP to give me that high reving 2 stroke power and spin/fun factor. The spark is tame compared to an XP.
Hope this helps, any other questions let me know
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 👌
@@classicjetskis Wow, this is exactly the explanation and opinion I needed! I seriously appreciate this my man!! I’ll definitely be back for more content :)
Other question please, how does these compared to Yamaha EXR / JetBlaster? Also did a jetblaster bring more fun?
Great question! The Yamaha EXR and JetBlaster are both ace new gen models with modern features and performance. Compared to the 95 XP, the EXR offers more stability, while the JetBlaster is designed for playful, freestyle riding to compete mainly against the Spark. Both Yamahas can bring a lot of new gen fun, but the 95 XP has that classic, nostalgic feel that I just love. It really depends on whether you prefer vintage charm or modern performance. Thanks for watching dude 😍
Do the Older XP’s have a plastic wear ring similar to the new ones?
Yes they do, I believe from that period Seadoo were plastic and Yam used metal, both have pros and cons. Thanks for watching dude 🙌
I'm a big dude so I don't think I'd even fit on that XP. I do fit okay on the Spark 3 up tho
The XP is definitely a bit smaller and can be a tight fit for larger riders. The Spark 3 Up offers more room and stability. Thanks for watching dude 😎✌
How does this compare to your wave blaster 2?
So both great machines for there respective time periods, honestly the Blaster is a blast (excuse the pun) but for me since getting the X4 I find I reach for that more as much as I love the Blaster, I think that will change though when I find a B1. Its a great question though between the spark and B2. Honestly, I’ve got a soft spot for the classic 2-stroke Wave Blaster 2. It’s got that raw, old-school thrill that the Spark struggles to match. Don’t get me wrong, the Spark is fun and a great bit of kit to have, but the Wave Blaster 2 just has this unique, exhilarating feel that’s hard to beat. If you love that classic vibe, buddy, the Wave Blaster 2 is where it’s at! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel ✌😎
The only problem with the Spark to me is the seat. If you jump and are used to having the seat or thigh width assist your recovery, you will find it sucks. It is SO narrow to. That alone had us trade up within 2 years as we generally ride rough water.
Current Ski, 2015 RXP-X 260, Past Ski 1999 GSX Limited, First Ski, 1996 SPX.
I can see how the narrow seat on the Spark might be an issue, I personally love the motocross style narrow seat. If you’re used to wider seats that assist with stability, I can see why the spark would feel narrow. Sounds like you’ve had an epic journey through different models. Upgrading to the 2015 RXP-X 260 sounds like a solid move for your needs. How does the RXP-X 260 compare to your past skis and the spark? Thanks for watching 💪😎
@@classicjetskis It has so much more speed even with all the weight. You don't get as much air obviously. But the turning and handling is night and day I really love the hull/sponson combination. If wake jumping is your thing, spark trix any day of the week. If you just want speed and aggressive launch / donuts the 260 is there. I see the 325 on the horizon, but sadly I doubt I will be able to afford it before I am too old.
Amazing content as usual.
Thank you dude that means a lot... trying to keep levelling up my content... think the audio commentary helps keep the ride sections interesting 😊
@@classicjetskis The audio commentary was spot on. It offers real time feelings about what you’re doing plus we can hear the engine noises as well. It’s not just some voice over after the fact without context. Job well done sir.
If you remove the rear deck (extended deck) on the trixx you will find its easier to spin
I have a 3up had an oops with the extended deck took it off and went for a ride with out and it spun wayyyy easier
I have actually literally just removed the 3up platform and have to say it has massively improved the playfulness, its still no XP but its better for sure. I love both for their own strengths. I have a video coming where I remove the platform and test it for the first time. Thanks for watching dude 🙌😎
@classicjetskis heck yeah thank you for actually testing my suggestion!! Videos are great
Great content, but the spark can turn way better and be more playful but you need to use weight transfer.
If you lean on the turn it will immediately do a 180 on the spot. Like the back end slips out because you lifted the back sponson out of the water.
I hear you dude but what this video was trying to show is how both compare with the exact same rider input, for sure you can make the spark more playful with throwing your weight around more, but this would sku what I was showing, the XP and spark need different levels of rider input to be playful. Seadoo have made the spark more of a compliant easy hull to ride. Compliance IMO takes alot of the fun factor away and then you have to push the skis nearer the edge of what it doesn't really want to do... As for the XP 1995, that spins with very little need to use your body weight as its inherently designed to be a playful hull... Where the spark comes into its own with those aggressive sponsons is around a course, its an easier faster ski to ride fast but again whether thats a good thing I'm not sure, as it takes alot of rider skill out of it. I love both, but when you ride both back to back, you will see what 180 really feels like on an old hull vs a spark, even when a spark hull lets go and flicks around, it still feels so controlled vs an xp... Hard to explain what I mean, but some of the footage in the video when I'm spinning the XP on the drone clips, shows how loose it is. Thanks for watching
@@classicjetskis Not gonna lie, I have ridden both and I feel differently about what you just said. Having to put a little body weight to make it work exactly how you want is way more fun.
If I had to guess I bet you own a spark hence the reluctancy for you to accept the sparks limitations.... Dude I have both a 717 XP and a spark so have no reason to put down the spark as I love it, but if you really have rode an old XP X4 hull and still find a spark as playful, then I would have to politely say you likely didn't ride the X4 to its full potential, to draw an accurate conclusion on both hulls characteristics... Honestly the spark is a blast and agree with you that you can spin it but not to the same effortless degree a XP spins.... have a watch of my birthday lodge tattershall vlog where I'm spinning the spark as you say, but it 100000% does not flick around like a X4 hull and my point around using your body weight you misunderstood, I was explaining how Seadoo have designed the spark to be more rider friendly and compliant, so in order to get it to flick around like an older hull, you have to essentially bi pass the sponsons which are designed to give that hull compliance.... thats why loads of riders take the sponsons off the spark, to make it looser...
I can ride the spark at virtually full throttle around this course in the video, and the handling is very tight with those sponsons, the negative of that is when it comes to spinning it, you have to essentially push it to let go in a fashion it wasn't designed to like the XP!
IMO the spark is a great fun hull but doesn't require anywhere near the rider skill level to ride like an old X4... what ever way you cut it, a 30 year old 717 as this video shows, out drag races a 900cc spark and turns way more directly...
Conclusion you need both a spark and old skis for both their merits (and Seadoo need to make a spark X lol) Thanks again for watching, appreciate the input
@classicjetskis just different opinions that is all! Nice to see the subtle attacks from a TH-camr lol
@@Blackomega95265 We can agree on that, I do respect your opinion but as you can see from everyone of my videos I get back to every comment, but when I read something I know to be biased, I like to give a view on it, as if not, someone reads your comment and maybe takes it as accurate... from my point of view I come at this as objective as I can, I have 8 different classics and 2 new skis, I bought the new skis to give a balanced opinion vs commenting on new without real world experience. I think the video shows my point perfectly, but like I say, appreciate you watching and giving your thoughts. I'm not saying you're wrong, just struggled to see how you came to such a conclusion... I guess it could be I literally rode these back to back so its about as close a comparison you can have, in terms of feeling the difference.
What I would say is, if you do like that playfulness dude, you need a 2 stroke as they do what the spark does but better. The sparks main strength is its reliability, stability extended VTS and fuel economy. I think if Seadoo brings out a spark X, then it could be more of a compelling argument.
Thanks again 🙌🙌
i have the same spark seadoo i love it
Sparks are a blast for sure but you have to jump on an XP... now that is another level... Thanks for watching 👌🙌
If I had a dime for the amount of times this guy said "obviously" I'd have enough to buy a Sea-doo 🤣
And If I had one for every time you commented that, I could buy more 2 strokes. Thanks for watching dude 😉✌
Another top notch video. 👌
Thank you Steve, I'm really glad you appreciate the time and work that goes into these. Thanks for watching 🙌
Bottom line with simple upgrades the 95;xp is the ski…. I’ve had one for 30 years meanwhile I friend bought a plastic spark 4 years ago and it’s in the junk yard already plastic hull and never worked
And by this magnificent video u got me subscribed
Keep the good work borther
And what about doing a vid about yamaha waverunner 700xl
I think it's the most reliable 2stroke pwc ever made
That’s ace man… love this, to be honest when I made this video, it had a special feeling about the way it turned out, the level feels much better than other videos… feel proud of this video, so thanks for the appreciation 🙏
I think the Spark Trixx 2 up would compare closer to the XP
In the future I will run it back but from all the videos, stats I've seen, I don't think its as big a deal as it visually looks... on the plane the 3up platform sits out the water, so lap time wise don't think we are talking a lot of difference... if you look at top speed runs on a spark 3up vs 2up its negligible... the area where maybe it would show is spinning the spark and wheeling as the platform makes it longer, thus harder to spin vs the smaller XP...At some point I will take the 3up platform off, as it's a plug and play part... we can still keep the bigger seat on... I'll report back with how this effects things... Thanks for watching dude 😊
2024 and we don’t even have water tight storage compartments, nice.
I hear you dude but its a Spark, we all care about throw around fun, jumping waves, not storage, if you want storage you have the GTI, RTX etc. I think people get to caught up with these sort of features which is why Seadoo then for 2024 focused on things like waterproof phone storage, linq attachment because moan about that vs focusing on more performance. Personally all I care about is the riding experience not the storage but do hear what your saying, after all like I say in the video, the 1995 has water tight storage.
Thanks for watching 👍😎
You need to get a blast on a seadoo hx
I have one that I’m restoring, loads on content coming soon. Thanks for watching 🙏💪🏻
Really enjoying your videos
Thank you, really appreciate that and the support, thanks for watching 🙏🌊🌊
Spark wins , but nice bright colour woukd be nice !ike yellow
717 XP is a close match and keep in mind this isn't the full fat 787 XP... Both great machines but the XP is special. Thanks for watching✌
Great video but MAN that music was AWESOME! when you were fast lapping on the XP i was absolutley vibing. Crazy good song choices! Is it all epidemic sound? or where do you get your music?
Thanks man, its epic to hear you like the audio choice as it honestly takes alot of time finding the right music. Yes I use a range of different music sites including ES, I pay an arm and a leg but worth it to have copyright free audio for sure. Thanks for watching and really love hearing the positive feedback on the smaller details.
Did I miss the Drag race? What was the top speed of both machines?
Yes there was a drag race towards the end... I'm going to add in time stamps to help people find each segment of the video...No top speeds in the video documented as thus far I haven't accurately recorded both... Most I've seen on the Spark is 50mph on glass... The XP i'm told will be 52-54 range...Thanks for watching 🙌
Sounds about right. My spark hits 49mph. On light chop. My Superjet gets up to 47. Likes a bit of a head wind. lol@@classicjetskis
@@StefanMailey I think if I did some mods I can get 52-53 but not sure if the cost is worth it... we will see...
Do you think the xp is iconic?
1000000% I would argue maybe one of, if not the most iconic sitdown models, alongside the likes of the Blasters... The XP ran from 1991 to 2004 so with a lifespan like that, its iconic.
Thanks for watching dude ✌
Hello I am in the market for a reliable and fast classic jetSki that is fun on the water. I am a snowmobile/ Dirtbike rider! I want to stay away from the full standup but would like something that is fast, agile and reliable. My buddy’s all ride the wave raider 701 but I want to have something different. Unless that really is the best ski.
Thank you in advance!
Great question! Ok so for out and out reliability, agility and still gives you 50mph (comparable with 700 wave raiders) a 717 XP or SPX Seadoo would be perfect. The 717 are one of the most reliable engines Seadoo made. I actually have the 1100 wave raider, so can't comment on the 700 but know the wave raider hull well and comparably to the X4 XP hull (X4 hulls are iconic for their playfulness and race craft) is night and day, the X4 are a much better hull. If you want a bit more power you could look at the 787 or 951 Seadoo engines or like I say the Wave Raider 1100 is a beast 65mph vs the baby 700 raider.
Hope this helps, thank you for watching 💪
P.s. 2 strokes inherently there is no such thing as consistent reliability, they require work to keep them running sweet ( just to manage expectations)
Now get a Spark tuned and the XP with the 800 Rotax. The Spark will have no shot in hell…
I would love to have a blast on a 787 just very had to find here in the UK... Would be ace to see a turbo spark against a stock 787... Tuned Spark vs 787, I think the Spark would do well out the hole as the mods you can do to a spark mainly aid low end improvement, most never see top see big gains... 2-3mph max... I always say if you're going to remap, new impeller, ribbon delete etc on Spark, do it if its low end punch you want, if you want top end, forget it, jump back on a 951 or 787... Thanks for watching...
so when is seadoo gonna put a 850 etec in a spark?
I know right, come on Seadoo... I'm sure it will happen but atm Seadoo are selling this new gen 2 Spark on the small features and looks change. Let hope right... Thanks for watching ✌👌
I tried not to subscribe but had too. I love vintage jetskis too much.
Welcome dude, well I'm glad you did hit the sub as you're in the right place for old 2 stroke content. Thanks for watching ✌
How does the spark go against the 98 gsx 951 ?
The GSX 951 has alot more power and top end but the Spark holds its own for the initial launch if you get it right. The GSX is more fun to ride and spin but the spark on a course is faster as handles consistently better over a lap, as its more predictable so you're confidence curve is higher vs the GSX which bites back. The GSX is a beast and love it for its raw power. Thanks for watching
@@classicjetskis Thanks for the feed back, I just picked up a 98 gsx with original 100 hours one owner. So I am excited to test it out. I paid $1500. AUD for it.
@@adamg6199 Nice man, enjoy it dude 🙌🙌
The 951 xp limited from the 90's way better and faster ski and more fun then both the spark and the 800 xp
I love the 951 and for sure it’s got a better top end but a lot of people say the 787 is the true race king, keep in mind in this video I’m riding the 717 not the full fat 787. I do have the 951 gsx and xp and love them! Thanks for watching dude 👍🙏
You said no reverse on a 2 stroke I’m just here to say your wrong 1990 Yamaha wra650 had a reverse it was manual no electric but you had a lever you pull that dropped the bucket in front of the jet to reverse the thrust push the lever back down and the bucket stows so their are 2 strokes with reverse
My bad I was referring to most of the 1-2up skis from the 90s dude. I must admit my knowledge of the earlier wave runners isn't as strong as the Seadoos... I was born in 1993 after all.😂 Thanks for watching dude ✌
Gotta love a 2 stroke BUT there's people in America running V8 turbos! 😅
2 stroke will always be king for me... just love them! Thanks for watching dude 💪
@@classicjetskis 2 strokes are unique, even if the power was the same the 2 strokes would give more torque so immediate acceleration is achieved, and the motor would be lighter. Thank you for the video
@@paulojorgemachado5573 I agree dude, one of the main things that keeps me riding 2 strokes even now having been exposed to 70mph 1630 super chargers and the 4 stroke 900 ace spark, is the power band, for me that arm pull is unmatched... I do think noise and smell has a big play to plan as well... When you ride a 2 stroke its an event, the same can't be said about the newer stuff, even though the performance of the new stuff is insane! Thanks for watching ✌✌
I think it would be a better comparison with 2up spark, I have mine with additional deck and it makes it very sluggish comparable to 2up no deck setup. Also in the end of a race, the second driver looks significantly heavier than you, that should have been accounted for and maybe you could swap jet skis for the second run for example.
Yeh a couple of people have said about taking the 3up platform off... I might do this, this season, as would still have longer seat for Megs but would hopefully give it more playful characteristics. As for the race at the end, honestly dude we ran this every which way and this was the most competitive out of all the races, hence why I did a fair lap with me riding both the Spark and XP which was timed. I did it where I was on the Spark and the other way around and each time the XP is faster off the line, it has alot more pull than the spark.
The biggest thing about the Spark is they have ironed out alot of the rider skill needed to ride it fast, its a very compliant hull to ride which is great for newer riders, but after literally 1-2 laps you can basically ride it full throttle around most of the track, which compared to the XP, the XP requires alot more practise and skill, but once you master it, its quick and you get alot more satisfaction on nailing a lap, as you have earnt it, if that makes sense.
Maybe the Spark could be faster without the platform, so will try it out and see, however from what I have read online though, is once on the plane the platform is out the water so drag really isn't an issue, the main area of difference would be playfulness with spinning etc.
I love them both but for out and out performance the XP is a faster hull, just has more pull than the Spark. The Sparks main strength is reliability and wheelies but outside of that I would pick a 2 stroke as the Spark feels slow to me, which sucks, as I spent 10k buying a new one... I'm holding out for a Spark X 150hp, then things would get interesting, as this comparison is using the 717 baby XP from 1995, if I would have put it against the 787 XP the gap would be bigger...
Thanks for watching
Shoulda got a 2up
I was going to but easy to take 3up platform off 2up, but still get longer seat if you get 3up from manufacture. Also we ride 2 people on spark so 3up is the way to go... Will make a video showing the 3up off at some point, thanks for watching ✌
i wish i could afford one :/
There are lots of cheaper skis out there dude, if you’re prepared to work on them, there’s lots of fun to be had on skis that cost as little as 1k. Thanks for watching 🙏👍
That green water looks gross!
Theres a 30 year old pristine XP in the video, and a new spark and you're focusing on the water... classic! Thanks for watching ✌
@@classicjetskis I know! Must be the OCD in me, lol.
All the red 🔴🟥♥️
I think it’s a good decision you got a spark I’ll be interested to see what route you take to make it faster too 👊🏼
Red all day long... when I saw the 2021-2022 year colour, thats what made me jump and buy one!
Thanks man, really appreciate the support.... Turbo time 😉
well i would say your dad out weighs you by a lot, switch riders for one cause that 2 stroke will slow more with the weight
We ran it every way you can, me on the Spark, him on the XP and vice versa the XP always has more power and more of a riders ski... the spark is great but the XP is special for so many reasons. Thanks for watching 👍✌😎
The spark has a sweat speaker mount on the front too
I like the new 2024 design but not a fan of the permanent mount on the 1st gen... a lot of the ancillary accessories are way more considered on the new gen...shame it looks worse than the original spark IMO... thanks for watching ✌
@@classicjetskis I do agree completely!! The mount is clunky but the speaker is good for what it is! Enjoy the content!!!
I must admit music on PWC is epic... however they need to make it more intelligent and be able to get louder when you're full speed.... never understood why the speaker didn't have some kind of intelligence to give more volume at higher speeds, as when you're going fast you really can't hear anything...
introduced in what? 😂
2014 😉 thanks for watching
Keeping my kawasaki
Nice man, I love all the brands and want to get a Kaw at some point... Thanks for watching 👌
Should have ran the sea doo hx as opposed to xp
I'm still restoring my HX... I will for sure run it back with HX VS spark but keep in mind, Seadoo based the Spark hull on the X4 not the limited run HX.... the HX only ran for 3 years so that hull isn't as renowned as the X4... I will compare all the hulls against the spark at some point.. Thanks for watching 💪🙌
@classicjetskis I'm aware. In 1996 I bought a HX off the showroom floor and parted with it before the spark came out in favor of a stand up. I have always wanted to see someone who can ride an HX properly, do a comparison with the spark. Hope you get yours running, the HX was the best thing to come out of the 90s for Sea Doo.
Wow thats ace, so did you have a 95,96 or 97 HX? so you had it until around 2014? Thats mega! Yes got all the parts together now for a minty restore... then can't wait to get out on it... Thanks again for watching 🙌
XPis the ugliest jet ski I've ever seen (purple & yellow yuck)the red/black spark pretty looks good
Really 😳 I think your on your own with this one buddy! I would say the exact opposite… the XPs for me (and many others) are some of the most stunning skis ever made… the spark is nice in its own right but the XP is special.
Thanks for watching 🙏
@@classicjetskisI 100% agree with you man. The x4 XP’s from the 90’s are ALL sexy. They have such classic/retro look from that era. I never liked the spark. Looks ugly to me.
@@7771ham I know right, the XP along with alot of the 90s styling is where it is at! I think new gen riders struggle to understand just how different skis looked in this period, so understand that they can misunderstand a time period styling as odd now but for its time, they where right at home. This many years later I just really appreciate the style, every newer ski seems to be black or mass market safe. Thanks for watching 💪💪
Where did you find a brand new xp
Love this, this is the best compliment I think I could get. Guy before me had it 22 years. Its a keeper. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 😎💪