I Bought a Rare 1970's Jet Powered Water Bike (Suzuki WetBike)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- I buy a rare 1978 jet powered WetBike. #Jet, #Bike,
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The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. 2vintage( Joe Weber, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL 2vintage( Joe Weber) CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
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You find some of the coolest and weird things keep it up!
I have to say this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen and I have been a boat builder for 20 plus years.
Vinny always brings a smile to my face, especially when he is in the driver's seat
I had a 79 when I was a kid and they are an absolute blast to run. You just have to get used to being top heavy.
You may want to drill an 1/8" hole thru one or both of the studs that the seat latch snaps over and install a hair pin in their to prevent the seat from coming off when you high side it. You definitely want the kill to work because you will not have time to shut it down when you get dumped. The first time you try to ride you don't want to slowly pull up to plane as you will go over the side, pin it full throttle and it will jump to a plane then just get use to the way it turns and rides as it is top heavy, then in a few hours you'll get used to it. There is nothing more fun than making a full throttle tight turn hanging off the side dragging a knee in the water. This also causes the aforementioned high side, you'll get a warning of it as you can feel the rear ski starting to slide, but when it happens it's instant and you'll end up 20-30 feet away from the ski, hence you need the seat fix and the kill lanyard or you will fill the engine compartment full of water or watch the ski leave you behind.
The Suzuki dealers back then used to have speed parts for them. If you can try to find a jet scoop for under the rear ski which pushes water directly into the intake and also give better grip when doing hard turns. If taken care of the wet bike is bullet proof and will give you many years of fun.
Edit: when getting on it in the water use the jet nozzle as a step and keep centered on the bike as you scoot up it.
Yup, all of this. Rode one in the late 80's. Full throttle until you're on plane, then you can back off a little and cruise. And, yeah, getting tossed is a part of the experience. It's like catching an edge on a snowboard. Instant toss. We put a strap around the steering column so you could grab it and help pull yourself on it from the rear. Otherwise getting back on in the water is a chore.
@@riccochet704 you know what the high side does on a wetbike then, like you said it's all part of the fun, if you don't wipeout your not having fun :)
Perfect description on how to ride one,my cousins still have there wetbike and i think i was maybe 12 or so when i first rode the beast,lol.They live up in minnesota and when i would go up to visit during the summer,we would ride the wetbike,seemed like there were more up north as i didnt seem to see that many around the lakes in southern illinois.
I actually remember seeing these as a kid at lake of the Ozarks until stand up skis started taking over & then the newer sit downs took over. Kinda cool to have watched the the different stages of pwc's through the years.
The hybrids are my favorite. With the 3 cylinder swap. Shit
My neighbor bought 2 non running wetbikes and turned them into 1 running wetbike. We had never seen one operated before and had no idea what to expect. For the first attempt he wore work boots, a life jacket, and a motorcycle helmet which made him look like the Great Gazoo (young people may need to look that up). Once he figured out how to ride it, only the life jacket was required. They can be awkward to start off. We are both over 6' and found that we could not sit still on the bike in the water. We were top heavy and would roll over right away. We were unable to get stable enough to start in the seat. We had to start from behind, one foot in the end of the jet so that the nose and front ski are pointed upwards, then push forward as far as possible gunning the throttle at the same time, holding the front ski straight while attempting to lean out over the handle bars. It took multiple attempts to master it, but we eventually got the hang of it. Once it gets up to speed, it levels out and the ride is amazing. It is like riding a motorcycle across the top of the water, much more exciting than a seadoo type. Beware, waves or wakes can put you in a speed wobble, just like a motorcycle, that can throw you off the wetbike. That is when I also learned that getting back on the bike is trickier in deep water when you can't touch the bottom. You are younger and in better shape than we were, so maybe you will have an easier time getting up, but, whatever it takes, it is worth it.
Joe your content lately has been awesome hope you and jade are well dude.
is there anything you can't fix man your getting good brother you are really an amazing mechanic awesome job !
That is in amazing shape for the year!! Especially being a water machine!! You definitely got a steel on this one!! Really 😎
they had a shape like a toilet paper roll back then, nothing amazig bout that 🤣
imagine trying to sell that concept today
i doubt i would take it, even if it came free with another machine 🤣
thses are often dnagerous toys for beginners, and no one with skill want to ride it, after they try it 1 time
I hope your camera girl is feeling better! That thing is super neat, I definitely remember seeing those back in the 80s and 90s.. not so much any more, it looks like it's going to be a peach to ride!! Thanks for taking the long drives to give great content like this Joe, you are the man!
Dude your killing it with the weird water toys content. Glad i found this channel
Joe, don’t turn on the water until the engine is running and shut it off before you kill the engine. It’s the opposite of a boat motor when running all these jet skis you’ve been buying.
I was working on my bike yesterday and having to remove and install the carb over and over for jet testing and crap. At one moment I said "What a pain in the ass!" then I thought 5 minutes to remove the entire fuel system..... compared to my Ford Diesel Superduty would be a all day thing!!!! That puts things in perspective for me. Great drive you have my friend
Had one of these 40 or so years ago, fun as hell but hard to remount after a few cold snacks.
Drinking and driving not recommended
Buddy of mine bought one in 78.
It was a pain on the ass to get up on at first, but it didn't beat you to death like a standup jet ski.
I've seen people tow a skier with one, but we never had the combination of competent rider/skier to make that happen.
@ClickOnProfile655 Does anyone fall for your shit ever?
So cool! Not Only did James Bond 007 Ride one in "The Spy Who Loved Me" But Jon and Ponch in "Chips" Rode them also! I seen one in the flesh as a younger fellow on Devils Lake once. never rode one only ever ridden a Modren jet Ski! But they look like fun1 great Video Joe! you do find the coolest things! 45 yrs young the wet bike is!
They were so much fun to ride. We could ride it with a passenger, we even water-skied behind ours. Lots of fun in ruff water. You could jump it out of the water if you hit a big enough wave. I wish I still had it.
Its notoriously hard to ride and your going to run it without the kill switch! Great idea
What I really like about this guy is no thousands of dollars worth of tools just kind of basic tool set and a small garage area to work in
That one man jet boat was my favorite video... I have felt empty lately. This filled that void. Thank you.
You are definitely one of the top youtubers for finding these cool older machines. Definitely get that lanyard changed though so if you fall off it dont take off on ya, that would be bad lol
Can't wait to see it on the water 👍
Just started watching and you’ve called it a ski several times when, in fact, it’s a hydrofoil. They were known to not have low speed stability, especially in 5mph “no-wake” zones.
I want to THANK YOU for putting these 2 videos up!
I had one of these in the 80s and was thinking about getting another. Your video brought back every PIA issue I had (except the blown impeller case) and cured me once and for all! 😂😂
Another video, thank you! No one puts out more quality videos than you.
I found them easy to ride. It just took a few minutes to figure out how to get it up for the first time. The rougher the water the better. It was like riding a motocross bike on the water. We could pull a water-skier, no problem. I could cat walk it across the lake with no easy. We lived 20 minutes from the lake and spent every weekend out there. They were pretty expensive back in the day but we'll worth it. I wish I never sold it. Too bad they stopped making them.
You can get that zoom oil from refrigeration/HVAC supply shops. They make rust buster and turbine oil as well, comes in the same exact bottles.
Get well soon Jade! Love the channel!
Phenomenal, you are making some amazing finds, watersports classics. Series title - Evolution of the jet ski
Super rare, I lived on a lake and have been boating for 40+ years I have only ever seen one on the water in person.
You definitely find some rare machines. You are also pretty handy with getting them unhinged everytime too
Make sure you release the front suspension lock. Before you ride it. Its almost impossible to get it on plane if you dont.one of my crew had one we meet Lake Houston. They bet me I couldn't get it up on my first try. Almost did the front suspension wasn't unlocked . They unlocked it was a blast to ride. You'll enjoy it a lot.
On two strokes check the laminations on the stator/ignition coil. If it looks suspect it can be the cause of the bogging.
Water in the fuel?
We got 40 gallons of 50:1 premix at the pump. After 12 hours of being on the water in the big boat and looking at the gas cans? Each one had three inches of water settled on the bottom. Dad was not a happy camper.
Looks like this one will be tons of fun
Cool! I have a 50hp Wetbike engine, impeller and throttle that were in great shape last they ran. They've been sitting since the late 90's if anyone is interested.
That machined float bowl was crazy! I’ve never seen one.
You really need to get a big barn or a big shed to put all this big toys in it
Interesting finds atm Joe,love it!👍👁👁🙏🦾🦾🦾
Man this sure is convenient! Reviving one of these this weekend. Definitely gonna die
If you put the catch pan lower than the tank the pump would siphon the gas out without you having to pump it all out. But great video Joe! You get the best toys!😂
I remember riding one like that back in the 70s. Had to hold on to handle bars while laying stomach on seat to hold vehicle upright. After giving it the juice and it drags you, you hop up onto the seat. Don't think you can start like a modern PWC. Think it was a different brand but looks same style. Can't wait to see you try to ride it. Should be worth a laugh or two!
I rode one a lot in the 80's. What a pita to ride. You want to avoid going slow on it or you will look like a goob for falling over non-stop. Trust me, major goob trophy here.
i love your recent water toys videos and if you want more rare finds look for a mercury water mouse. I just recently missed an opportunity to buy one. i seen it in the background of a photo of a seadoo for sale so i emailed asking about the mini boat in the background only to find out he sold it the day before.
Didn't even know these existed, another cool machine.
Joe, it's hard not to be envious of all the fun your having with the Vintage mechanicals you bring back to life and all that Sparks everyone's interest most importantly yours, all really enjoyable, Thanks Joe.
Awesome content Joe, so many cool and rare machines we usually never see, love learning about these things.
A freind of mine had one in the early to mid 1980s it was a little tricky for me anyway to stay on while trying to get it up on plane but once you did it was fun to ride what a good time it was.
I’ve seen a few of those Wet Bikes back in the day. Never had the opportunity to ride one but, always wanted to. I’m not sure why they never really caught on maybe, because they were a little under powered. They sure looked like fun though. Great job on the repair and good luck ripping that thing around.
balance is the main reason why these toys are not that fun.
i bet this one turns upside down if you sit on it while its standing still
i bet the reason it is fixed it because people never tried it, and people probetly not would have spend the time or money if they tried that next to a more new toy
this is more or less a toilet paper tube on water, look at the shape.
that can be dangerous on open water, with no experience
getting back on these things and starting them, when they stall is often something that requeres a little bit of skill
my gues is you have a hard time sitting on it, if it does not move, and getting on that seat while it moves is not that easy for most people
Never forget watching those things when I was a kid in the 80's. Lol they looked wild
The dang CBoys had a bike just like this not too long ago! Crazy how these pop up in some great TH-camrs!
Had one back in the day, a bit of advice it's best to take off on full throttle till you get balance.
Since you like to find these old rare oddities watercraft
There was this one that I remember from 1985
That I can't seem to find on the internet
I remember these from when we used to take our summer trips to Chincoteague Island VA
It was an oversized motorized surfboard that you sat down on no seat
had a large fin sticking straight up in the air that move from side to side
The engine area took up the most room
Given you very little room to sit in the front
My dude is absolutely killing it
They used to race those things outside of Redbud Il. they always looked so cumbersome to ride.
Yeah you sure get a hold of the oddities but is fun seein ya bring em to life and demonstrate them!!!
I remember these. They are very difficult to ride, effective at keeping shallow thinkers off them and out of danger (unlike the newer sit-downs.)
The early ones were too weak and the front ski was a bad design making them very challenging. The later ‘Tomcat’ had more power and a better pickle-fork design that was more reasonable. Still like riding a motorcycle with flat tires at best.
It’s basically a 2-cup Suzuki outboard power head in there. Fit the strongest one you can, power is everything.
I've heard that wetbikes were dangerous to ride, lots of people got hurt on them that's why they stopped selling them just like three wheelers.
Dude. You are gonna need a warehouse / museum soon. What a frickin collection
One of my neighbors had something like a hyro cycle. It may have been home made ... it had a 90 hp johnson with a long bench seat and a steering wheel. It could pull a skier easily.
Thanks for the great content. Keep it up
That tach is out of a snowmobile. The warmer light is for when the heated grips on the sled are turned on.
Super clean and good luck. Those things were like anchors.
You know what's super RARE you speaking truth!
Awesome man!! Guess next is a jet mate ?
Awesome. Only time I recall seeing anything like it is in one of the police academy movies
You always find the coolest things to work on.
I clicked to see if you actually ride it. My brother had 2 of them for many years. The hardest part is getting it up on plane. Once you do, don't let off for nothing. (Unlees you're going to hit something) Good luck getting back on it if you wipe out. I want to see the maiden voyage. And don't cut out the bloopers. Lol.
I was just doing a job at the Bass Lake town garage in Hayward Wisconsin last week and they had a wet bike sitting in the shed near where I was working
If I remember correctly, these were somewhat difficult to ride for most people... Heck, stand up jet ski's can be tough..
Aquaman has scored another Jet Ski...your on a roll with the nautical theme👍
Pretty cool to see you get one right after Cboys had them in a video!
i never had a chance to have one of these back when they were a thing and i was young but in the mid 90's i finally was able to get my hands on one and as hard as it was to master driving it was sooo fun. I took mine out on the Ohio river. I dont remember the ski being that wide though i believe mine was a bit slimmer but could be wrong my memory not what it once was lol
Hopefully, you get the Tether Kill fixed. If the throttle sticks WFO try to get it on video. Can't wait to see you on the lake with the Hydrofoil. I think you can get Vinnie's approval if you watch some 007 movies with him !
My dad has a Wetbike, and he loves it!
It looks mint with the trailer 😮 he practically gave it to you 😁
@ClickOnProfile655 scammer you have been reported
Faster than my 85 550 if I remember that was in rough water but I was impressed.
Finnally got my phone back and ready for more great content
Water drain should be emptied for winter
Also I noticed that your boat is sitting with the trailer hitch down you need to keep it up and the drain plug out so that condensation can drain
If you are going to keep your water craft you need to know about sea foam fuel additive and fog for winter storage
You're amassing quite the fleet there, Joe!😎👍
I remember one from one of the Police Academy movies in that huge water chase scene. Very cool stuff man.
thats the cleanest one i ever seen..nice find
Ppl that work on home or apartment outside air conditioning get the same little oil bottles I think they are mineral oil but same bottle
My Cousins still have there WetBike,Pretty neat machine.They are kinda hard to get up on as they jump up out of the water when u are taking off so be sure your going straight otherwise you fall over.Suzuki actually owns artic cat (artco),thats why it has the suzuki based engine.I almost bought one when i worked at the Suzuki shop,but decided a Kawi Stand up Jet Ski (slightly used)was The PWC For me.
Joe Awesome find! Mint condition and a great deal WOW! 👍👍👍 You conquering this will be a good video! Looks like it’s real unstable! 😃
Love this channel I learn so much from you I csn get something junk and make it run. I love the variety of machines you work on
Fella your killing it with the unusual water toys content. Happy I tracked down this channel
Get some vacuum gauges and check the balance on the carbs too.
The new and interesting content on this channel is 2nd to none. The guy needs his own clerk at the license bureau. Kudos
I remember seeing the Bond movie in the theater... at the time these things looked like something from the future. Yours appears to be in very good condition. Curious to see how you make out on your first ride. You are definitely on a roll buying odd old toys....anything built in the 70s with a motor keeps my attention.
Cousins had 2 of these in the late 70's. I thought they were made by Kawasaki but might be wrong. Don't remember any Artic Cat gauges. Color scheme was similar to the sticker all white with the blue/white pin striping. I thought the front sled was black. Yeah they were a challenge to get on. Had to mount from the back, or it was instant tip over. They were a blast at the time...
The front ski was black composite, this one has an aluminum ski which would hold up better when you pull it up on a beach.
they all did that back then
it is dangerous for beginners in the open water, those things takes a bit of skill.
and no one with experince from a new machine want to ride it more then 1 time
if this stalls when you are alone and you cant get it stated, then you are in a bad situation
never ride these without a safe vessel going along for the ride, to bring you back home again
if a macine reacts like that today, most people would wear a helmet.
its the machine that is in control much of the time, and not you
but todays machines also have more power
Those bottles are for lubing furnace bearings,without taking the squirrel cage out. I’ve used em for 20+ years
What an awesome score! You definitely find the coolest projects. But this one I’ve wanted for many years. They rarely come up for sale. Great content. I really enjoy your channel. 👍
Wow, what a classic, but where do I put my tacklebox and beer? 😂
Alot of older arctic cat snowmobiles came with suzuki motors in them just some knowledge 😊
Also in 2003 suzuki artic cat and kawasaki merged to make the ltz400 dvx400 and kfx400
That's kinda weird. Just got done watching this one and went out to have a cup of coffee on the porch and I see one sitting on a trailer at my neighbors house. He works on all those things too. Haven't seen one in years and then I see 2 in an hour lol
Oh boy!
You stole it! Whoa! So cool. I saw the Bond movie when it came out.
Joe..... left us hanging young man... lol.. j/k... Hope jade feels better.... 🎉
Had one when I lived on Lake Shasta in California mid 80's. Loved it!
Yes, debuted in James Bond - The Spy Who Loved Me, coolest thing I ever saw next to his Lotus submarine car. lol I was about 10, saw it at the movie theater.
Chrysler Sno-runner should be next on your list of motorcycle-ish vehicles.
Loving the content these machines are truly unique
Very hard to ride, I never road one, but hear they are difficult to ride. Got to take off fast, or tip right at first. Can't really go slow with them. Good luck. You know you got skills if you don't tip or fall over. Very different from a jet ski.
👍keep the great videos coming, much love from the uk 🇬🇧.