From a Kawasaki Technician's Perspective

[Spooling]

Went to a dealership south of me earlier today to drag my buddy's ski home for him earlier today.

I was "snooping" around in the showroom at the new skis there - and in comes a Mechanic "pilfer-aging" something off of a new SD in the showroom. I asked if it was an IBR Module - he said no, was a rectifier.

I then began a conversation about reliability and what he sees least - he said Yamaha.

I then asked about the clutch for the supercharger and their reported failures - he said that he almost never replaces those things on a "recreation" ridden ski but those that are raced and modded seem to be the weak link.

I then asked about the Kawasaki stuff - to which he said he had 2 engine failures in there now - due to people beating them hard - not letting off when the pump comes un-hooked - and said one broke a piston skirt and another dropped a valve.

Just wanted to share an interesting conversation I had with a guy that "sees and works" on all 3 of the major PWC Brands.

[steve45]

Almost all the rental PWCs I've seen were Yamahas. Rental places can't afford to have broken equipment, Yamaha reliability is well known.

[Ski Hacks MG]

But of course.

[steve45]

But of course.

Reliable, yes. I owned a couple of WR-500s one time, they were so boring even the kids wouldn't ride them. I've never ridden a Yamaha Waverunner that I liked.

As you'll note, I DO own a Yamaha boat.

[Ski Hacks MG]

The WR-500 runs a whopping 20mph. Who wouldn't be bored?

[nicjak]

from my discussions with dealerships the majority of there repairs come from seadoo then yamaha and kawasaki. seadoo being the number 1. if it weren't for seadoo they would be broke.

[r33pwrd]

from my discussions with dealerships the majority of there repairs come from seadoo then yamaha and kawasaki. seadoo being the number 1. if it weren't for seadoo they would be broke.

Yea that's not a legit format to use. That's like saying ford fixes more focuses than gt500s. Obviously they sell a lot more of the focus so they will repair more.

[STX11]

from my discussions with dealerships the majority of there repairs come from seadoo then yamaha and kawasaki. seadoo being the number 1. if it weren't for seadoo they would be broke.

Yea that's not a legit format to use. That's like saying ford fixes more focuses than gt500s. Obviously they sell a lot more of the focus so they will repair more.

So you are saying they sell way more sea donkeys then yamahas? I have no idea if they do or not, but I'd be surprised if thats the case

[Spooling]

they sell a lot more of the xxx PWC so they will repair more.

-------------------------
Interesting Observation.

[nmpeter]

a whole lot depends on market.

I see a whole bunch of Polaris here, as there was, at one time, a Polaris-Kawasaki dealer in our little town.

That was when the lake was always around 80% and the state cops were here by the dozen during big weekends.

So I see a high number of Polaris, that's what is used around here

Then comes Kawasaki, seadoo, Yamaha

Yamahas only seem to get into trouble when junior uses his vise grip and hammer to fix something.