With summer in full glorious effect, it’s time to get outside and enjoy these warm sun-drenched days. While nothing beats sucking summer up in the seat of your motorcycle, sometimes you need a break from the asphalt or off-road grind. And if you love being in or around the water than nothing beats getting your motorsports fix in the water at the controls of a Kawasaki 800 SX-R Jet Ski.
 
I know what you’re probably thinking, isn’t this a motorcycle magazine? Yes, no one can question our devotion to all things two wheels but after spending some time on the SX-R the parallels between it and motorcycling are just too similar not to discuss.
 
Piloting an 800 SX-R is as close as it gets to riding a motorcycle in the water. It feels like a cross between the corner carving precision of a Ninja sportbike and the aerial freedom of a KX motocross bike. Turn the handlebar, swing your hips into the turn, mash the throttle and the SX-R carves a turn as if you were on pavement. Find a big frothy wake thrown up by another boat and launch yourself through the air just like on your trusty Kawasaki dirt bike. The best part is that when you do inevitably crash, water is way more forgiving than the ground which reduces your chances of getting hurt.
 
One of the biggest misconceptions about stand-up Jet Skis is that they’re difficult to ride. True, they do require more effort than a sit-down ski, but if your patient and have a reasonable degree of coordination, then you’ll find it not any more difficult than riding a motorcycle, seriously. Even better is the relatively low $6,699 cost factor. Add a life jacket, riding gloves and some premix and 87-octane gas and you’re ready to shred. Plus other than washing it off and keeping debris from getting into the pump, maintenance costs are nil.

If you’re a motorcyclist looking for a fresh new hobby, check out Kawasaki’s SX-R. See ya on the water.