Jet ski BRP Spark: reviews, operation, maintenance.

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I can imagine how most traditional boat owners would react when 60, much less 90, horsepower is mentioned. With. in relation to a body of less than three meters, add “only” pejoratively. However, PWCs exist in a slightly different dimension. Here power is something like a drug, which, after addiction, regularly requires increasing the dose. By aquabiker standards, the Sea-Doo Spark really doesn’t “flex its muscles” at all. After all, even in the “calm” Recreation category, twice as much power is quite common, not to mention purely sports models whose turbocharged engines develop more than 250 hp. With. So how should we perceive the most affordable jet ski from BRP in such an environment: as a “moped” or still as a normal bike?

Power in relation to personal watercrafts does not always mean speed, especially since even on sports models it is usually “strangled” by hardware (for the sacramental 105 km/h, let’s thank the US Coast Guard). It’s not speed, but acceleration that excites hotheads looking for thrills. After all, a jet ski is by no means a means of transportation, but primarily a sports equipment on which you can perform all sorts of figures and feints without moving too far from the shore (and, naturally, the spectators gathered on it).

Advanced athletes call this “freestyle,” but most ordinary aquabikers don’t even know the word, but are content with a much more modest set of tricks and get no less pleasure from it. I drove the Spark and began to think: do you really always need exorbitant power and the acceleration it generates, tearing the steering wheel out of your fingers and your arms out of your body?

But first, about speed. Thanks to the built-in GPS receiver, the Spark display shows the real speed “relative to the ground”, and on the simplest version with a 60-horsepower engine it showed 67 - 68 km/h. The more powerful version (90 hp) accelerated to exactly 80 km/h without any additional effort; Having moved to the passenger side of the seat and holding the steering wheel almost with my fingertips, due to the stern trim I was able to add about 3 km/h to this figure. Isn't it so far from the already mentioned limitation with almost three times the power?

The acceleration is also quite noticeable and “elastic”, although not the kind in which the device, breaking out of your hands, can jump out from under your “fifth point”. But the acceleration speed can be increased even more by holding down the red button under the display, on which the word “Sport” will appear and a running reminder line, the meaning of which is to ensure that the passenger (if there is one) grabs your sides more tightly - maximum speed remains the same, it’s just that the electronic “brains” of the engine significantly increase traction at the “bottoms” and, accordingly, dynamics.

Actually, I usually don't read instructions. I looked into this “manual” to check whether the stern stabilizer fins in the stern part were not adjusted or removed at all. It turned out that no, but at the same time I came across this. “Slow down”, “do not jump off the wave or wake”... The bike was designed and such safety warnings were clearly written by different people!

And now about what, in fact, the vast majority of people use aquabikes for. The “everyman” set of figures is quite simple - as a rule, these are turns and rotations (on the spot and on the move), as well as jumps (from a wave or a wake or without them). As it turned out, when performing such tricks and their “combinations,” Spark is capable of giving no less pleasure than a much more powerful and expensive device, often requiring noticeably less physical effort, and also generously forgiving possible mistakes, which I also carefully simulated. The only thing you are unlikely to succeed in is jumping into the air from calm water like a rocket, but for these cases there is such a technique as deliberate dolphining, the main thing is to catch the rhythm. And the turning radius at full speed is limited not even by your driving skill and the “feeling” of the bike, but by ordinary common sense, and power doesn’t have much to do with it either - centrifugal force is capable of providing such overloads and accelerations that even a 500-horsepower vehicle has never dreamed of engine during normal acceleration.

In order to turn the Spark over even with the most desperate, at an outside glance, maneuvers, you need to try very, very hard. The machine is incredibly stable (during some tricks, if I had performed them on a sports-style “sharpened” device, I would inevitably have thrown myself a couple of times), including on a treacherous longitudinal wave. Riding along the 45-degree “wall” of a wake spread by a large boat, as well as along its crest itself, is not at all a problem. By the way, you can climb into the saddle not traditionally from the stern, but directly from the side, leaning your knee on the footrest - at least, with my weight of just over 70 kg, this was possible without problems.

SUMMARY

I omit technical details about the various versions of Spark here, since finding them on the Internet is not a problem. The main purpose of the test was different. Like many for whom aquabike and power have always been almost synonymous, I felt that most of my ideas about these devices and the requirements for them required serious revision. Yes, the Spark is truly a great car for beginners - but believe me, not only for them.

№ 4 (86) 2014

Jet ski BRP Spark: reviews, operation, maintenance.

Hi all! Let's talk about Sparks? I created a separate topic, here I will try to describe not only the appearance, technical characteristics, but also impressions, emotions from the water baby, the BRP company.

There are still many questions about Spark. I will try to describe and tell everything in detail.

Let me start with the fact that when this model was presented back in the fall, its size and characteristics immediately inspired me to buy it. Being the owner of an RXP-X 260 at that time, I drove 130 m/h in two seasons. Honestly, it’s kind of boring, it’s boring! You get used to the dynamics and speed very quickly. He is, of course, a RRROCKET, then a ballistic, intercontinental one! I wanted something lighter, like good old XP. Many friends and acquaintances with whom I exchanged the idea of ​​buying a Spark were surprised: after 260 hp. change to 90? Never mind! I want everything! Moreover, after talking with representatives of the dealer who went to Turkey for a test drive, after reading reviews on the Internet, on American sites, I realized that I had to take it, the emotions were only enthusiastic! I decided to take a two-seater, 90 hp. with IBR, orange color. My friend, Mikhail, inspired by the Spark theme, also decided to buy, 90 hp. but only 3-seater with IBR, yellow.

We decided to order Spark from a dealer, who had a clear choice: NLM motors, in Yaroslavka. I service all my equipment from them, the guys are great: an individual approach, very attentive, interested, ready to help, suggest, advise. And the team is pleasant and, most importantly, professional, led by the director of the center, Sergei Ershkov.

On Friday, April 11, the BRP center called me and said that my Spark had arrived. The day before, Misha took his jet ski. It was interesting to be present, when the box was opened, I asked the guys not to get it until I arrived. And here it is, a yellow box with the inscription Sea-Doo!

The whole process takes no more than an hour. You need to connect the battery, screw on the sponsons and flash the brains! Now, under the seat, there is no usual open engine compartment, everything is closed! The set includes one key, in a new design and execution, like on snowmobiles of 2015 - now you don’t need to adjust it!

On the side, on the left, there is a lockable technological hole, from where you can connect the battery, check the coolant level, fuse box and diagnostic connector.

On the other hand, on the right, there is another hole where you can get the oil dipstick, as well as a plug for filling oil.

Those. All technological openings are only for routine maintenance of a working hydraulic valve. If you need to repair the engine and other components of the jet ski, for this, the body of the jet ski is split in half and all the components and parts are in clear view (a mechanic’s dream)

I would like to note that the standard package of the Spark does not include the front cover and box. This is an additional option. Moreover, there are two options: you can buy just a front cover that covers the hole, or you can buy it together with the inner box. It is not airtight, but you can put something in there, a vest or a halyard, for example. The box is small, 18-20 liters.

And in front, under the steering wheel, there is also a small glove box, well, very small, only a phone, documents and a small camera – a point-and-shoot camera – can fit there. So I highly recommend that everyone buy a front box, at least there is somewhere to put water!

And a couple more points that I wanted to voice. At the end of the stern, there are no metal eyes - like on all fiberglass hulls. It's a shame, because... we tied canisters to them when we went on long trips. Apparently we need to come up with something!

And one more thing you need to be careful with. Unlike the three-seater Spark, which is longer than the two, the water cannon with the IBR system extends beyond the hull. I think this is a weak point, because... You can damage it by reversing or simply mooring in strong seas. We must be careful!

Having installed the box with a lid and drilled several holes, which took about half an hour, the hydraulics began to look more solid, without this embrasure in the front.

The last step remains, to flash the brains!

5 minutes and you're done!

Well, tomorrow, Saturday, run-in! Because stagnant bodies of water are still partially covered in ice, we decided to test hydriki on the Moscow River, in the Krasnogorsk region, next to Arkhangelsk. From there you can go to the Mozhaisk reservoir! In the morning, having arrived at the place, this is an oxbow of the Moscow River, which connects after 2 km with the main channel, we saw that half of the reservoir was covered in ice!

I lower my Spark first, with the hope that there is a passage.

I'm starting it up. The sound of the 900 ACE engine is almost no different from the 1503 4-Tes engine - which is now installed on all models of jet skis except Spark. I warm it up at idle for about 5 minutes. I give it gas, the Spark immediately and very easily goes on the glider! It should be noted that the hydraulics are very stable compared to XP. It has become wider, so stability has improved. I was truly delighted with the maneuverability. Spark clearly reacts to steering wheel turns. Due to its length, it unfolds almost on the spot. These first sensations of owning Spark, after the heavy RXP-X 260, are unforgettable. It's very light. It feels like you are in control of the surf, but at the same time realizing that you definitely won’t fly off it! So, having recovered a little from the euphoria and driving forward, I saw that further the passage narrowed, there was ice everywhere.

Modern jet skis

So, in this section we propose to familiarize ourselves with several characteristics of modern jet skis in order to better navigate this topic. After this, it will become possible to more accurately and comprehensively represent one of the specific models of aquabike.

1. The mass of jet skis today can be divided into several main groups. Firstly, these are the jet skis that are ridden standing up. These motorcycles are designed for lovers of fast riding with the wind and for lovers of all kinds of water tricks and maneuvers. Initially, these models were conceived as jet skis for racers or as jet skis for those who often participate in races and competitions.
2. Another of the main categories of jet skis involves riding these vehicles on water in a seated position. Such jet skis are more suitable for family vacations or for short walks with the breeze. Although you can organize real races on such jet skis if you wish.
3. Most modern jet skis are equipped with outboard motors. Exactly the same as those found on motor boats and motorboats. That is, if you have a motorboat and a jet ski, you can even have one outboard motor for both types of transport.

We recommend reading: How to choose a boat for a jet ski?

Many jet skis are equipped with the most modern and reliable two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motors. They are distinguished by their safety and environmental friendliness. These are very important advantages in the modern world. After all, today there are enough areas of environmental pollution. In addition, these types of motors are considered very powerful - their speed reaches up to 300 horsepower. Surprisingly, with such high power, these types of motors are considered very economical.

1. Modern jet skis are equipped with an extremely convenient panel on which you can find a clock, compass, ambient air and sea water temperature levels, as well as fuel and oil indicators. Depending on the particular model of your jet ski, there may be other indicators on this panel. In addition, modern jet skis are equipped with extremely comfortable seats, comfortable steps leading on board and other elements of comfort and even a certain coziness of this transport.

Design

All models of BRP jet skis, including lightweight and budget options, have a stylish design and are made in rich, bright colors. The body combines combined elements - a stepped shape of sharp and rounded cheekbones. The rear sponson (protrusion) can be used as an additional footrest.

The comfortable, anatomical seat is made in such a way that the driver avoids falling even on sharp turns. The elongated shape of the hull and slightly raised nose make the design of the jet ski stable and reliable on the water, without distortions when moving at high speed.

Family and 2-seater models have additional seats for passengers, footrests and slings, and comfortable handles for safety. The unique shape of the bottom gives stability and reliability to the jet ski. The hull is rarely monochromatic - usually a combination of colors is black-red, blue-white, black-yellow and others, making the jet skis impossible not to notice on the water.

2015 Sea-Doo Spark Review

The affordable jet ski is back after a successful first year.

He is back!

Yes, the most affordable and most innovative jet ski in years is back for the 2015 model year. And perhaps most amazingly, the 2015 Sea-Doo Spark has maintained its incredibly attractive price tag despite all odds.

So what do you get for this money? Let's brush up on what Spark is.

Innovation building

Now almost everyone has seen Spark. The jet ski looks very modern, but its design is dictated not only by style. This colorful matte finish, available in a variety of vibrant colors, looks fashionable, but is primarily a result of BRP's move away from using fiberglass in the Spark's hull and deck. Instead, the manufacturer developed its own unique material, called PolyTec. It's polypropylene reinforced with long strands of fiberglass, and the material is much lighter than regular fiberglass, but still quite strong. And the big open hole in front? This is part of the Exoskel jet ski system. By using an internal lever-type frame at the front, BRP designers created a unique appearance, reduced the amount of materials (which ultimately reduced the weight and price of the jet ski), but at the same time retained the necessary margin of safety.

The innovative Sea-Doo Spark returns for the 2015 model year in an assortment of bold and eye-catching colors.

It is impossible not to mention the unique connection between the deck and the hull. The two halves of the Spark are not glued together, but sandwiched with a rubber gasket and held together. The owner has only a few access points to the “internals” for daily maintenance of the jet ski, but they are quite enough. The fuel filler neck is located under the seat, and the battery and oil dipstick are accessible through small holes through which the owner can also spray the engine with anti-corrosion agent if desired. And for the buyer, that’s basically it, and service technicians at dealerships can unscrew the entire upper deck in about 10 minutes and completely remove it from the hull. As a result, they will have full and open access to the engine, fuel system and transmission, just like during factory assembly.

Small engine, high power density

Thanks to the Spark's light weight, its relatively small engine makes for a fun ride on the water without any problems.

Of course, the main goal of all these body technologies was not only to reduce the price of the car, but also the weight. The fact is that a much lighter boat (the Spark weighs only 183 kilograms in its basic configuration) can use an engine of less power, size and volume. The Spark is powered by a 900cc Rotax ACE engine, which was developed in collaboration with Ski-Doo for use in snowmobiles. The power of the base model is only 60 horsepower, but this is enough to accelerate the jet ski to a maximum speed of about 64 kilometers per hour. Upgrading to the 90-horsepower version of the engine, which we highly recommend for all but the most conservative drivers, will allow it to reach 77 kilometers per hour and also significantly improve low-end power. Additionally, the 90-horsepower model features the familiar Sea-Doo Touring and Sport modes, allowing the driver to switch between a more relaxed fuel-saving mode and a maximum-performance mode.

The Rotax 900 ACE engine was developed with the Ski-Doo snowmobile design team and is available in two versions with 60 or 90 horsepower.

One of the most common questions about the Sea-Doo Spark is: Can the watercraft tow a water skier, wakeboarder, etc.? The short answer is yes. In a three-seat configuration (this option includes an extended seat and a cleverly built-in extension to the body), the Spark can ride a tube and a board. But you shouldn't expect anything supernatural from this model. After all, Sea-Doo makes the WAKE models, which (like the other three-seat model they almost love) are much better for towing. Still, the Spark can handle the basic set of actions for water sports, and this undoubtedly adds to the versatility and attractiveness of the jet ski.

The watercraft can't compete with other Sea-Doo models, but the Spark is still fast enough for towing.

Old school

The Spark can certainly handle more, but the watercraft is best suited for relatively small bodies of water and a playful riding style. In a sense, this is the reincarnation of the old SP model. Squeeze the gas all the way in a straight line, then release the gas lever for a second, pull the steering wheel to the side and slide along the water surface. Or shift your weight forward, freeing the back of the watercraft, twist the handlebars and turn the watercraft on the bow. In general, this machine is a lot of fun to just fool around with and rush back and forth through the water, which is no longer possible on most modern watercraft these days, crammed with technology and bells and whistles.

But that doesn't mean that with the right driver commands, the Spark can't execute precise and intelligent maneuvers. Of course, the watercraft is much freer on the water than most of the current models with a sharp cornering style, but if you put your outside foot further on the stern to press the watercraft into the water and launch it into a turn, the Spark is quite sharp, especially if you are driving on a model with a 90 horsepower engine. The model is somewhat reminiscent of the good old Yamaha WaveBlaster - a very good comparison, given the jet ski’s loyal fan base.

The Spark isn't as sharp or precise in corners as some models, but it's still plenty nimble.

And yes, many thrill-seekers have already taken the Sea-Doo Spark beyond the boundaries of calm lakes and reservoirs. It turned out that if you are not afraid of difficulties, then you can quite happily and successfully ride a jet ski on choppy water, especially if there are waves to jump on.

Customization options

Is the basic version of Spark not enough for you? As mentioned earlier, the jet ski can be “stretched” to a three-seater model by enlarging the hull or increasing power by choosing a 90-horsepower engine. But besides this, you can customize the appearance of the jetski. To make your Spark stand out even more from the rest, the manufacturer's catalog has many sets of stickers in different colors. In addition, owners can invest in more practical items like a 26.5-liter front cargo area, a fold-down water boarding step, and even Sea-Doo Intelligent Brake and Reverse. Yes, iBR will add some money to the price of the model, the main advantage of which is its low cost, but the usefulness and convenience of the system is undeniable, so the choice is yours.

Comments and changes

The model's first year certainly pointed to some potential problems. One concern is that it is difficult to spray the inside of the engine compartment due to its fairly closed design. BRP advised using the few entry holes to access the interior, especially for those riding in salt water. There were also some initial problems with the strength of the steering wheel and steering column in difficult rough water conditions, but the source of the problem was identified as one of the Sea-Doo parts manufacturers, and a recall was issued for the problematic models.

For the cheap 2015 Sea-Doo Spark, there are many options that can make the watercraft better, but also more expensive.

But ultimately, the Spark (remember, the model name translates as “spark”) did what Sea-Doo wanted—it lit a small fire at the foundation of an already stagnant industry. The 2014 model batch sold out early, and even competitors were forced to acknowledge the positive impact of this new model. Will this momentum carry over into the 2015 model year? Yes, at least partially. There is still unsatisfied demand from those who were unable to buy this jet ski in the 2014 model year, and in general the model should gain popularity. Some may be disappointed that Sea-Doo hasn't expanded its range of colors or added bold new colors like Apple did with its iMacs.

But this is nitpicking.