Sea Doo Trixx Top Speed
2019 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx review
The Sea-Doo Spark is one of the most affordable jet skis on the market, and yet the Trixx edition is arguably the most fun
There are no wheels of course, so it's technically not a wheelstand, but that's the easiest way to describe the capability of the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx that can "pop a mono" like a motorcycle.
It even has foot pegs or "step wedges", adjustable handlebars, and meaty hand grips so it's easier to balance when near vertical. Genius.
How new is it? The Trixx originally arrived in late 2017 as a 2018 model year as an addition to the regular Spark range launched in 2014.
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It has proven to be a hit. After just a year on sale, the Trixx accounts for more than half of all Spark sales in Australia.
Changes for the 2019 model year are largely cosmetic, including this new green and yellow colour scheme (the other colour option, orange, carries over from last year). But it's such a hoot we decided it was time to get reacquainted.
Given that model lifecycles in the personal watercraft world tend to run for about six years or so, it's likely the first generation Spark is nearing the end of its run, with a full model change due within the next couple of years.
Sea-Doo isn't saying when the next generation Spark range will be released because the first generation is still selling like hotcakes.
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As the name suggests, the budget-priced Spark helped "spark" a new jet ski category, bringing a level of affordability never seen before.
The cheapest ticket into the regular Spark line-up over the 2018-19 summer has been as low as $8600 ride-away – including rego and trailer – once a factory rebate was taken into account.
However, just a few thousand dollars more brings the Spark Trixx stunt model tested here.
Model line-up
The Spark range is complex and it is easy to get bamboozled in the showroom. Here's the simple version.
All Spark models are powered by the same 899cc three-cylinder Rotax four-stroke petrol engine available with 60 or 90 horsepower, depending on the model. The engine and its power outputs are unchanged since the Spark range was introduced in 2014.
Today there are three regular Spark models, starting with the aforementioned two-seater 60 horsepower version (RRP $7699), a two-seater 90 horsepower model (RRP $8799) and a two-seater with 90 horsepower and "IBR" controls (RRP $9799), which is Sea-Doo speak for "Intelligent Brake and Reverse".
If the budget stretches that far it's definitely worth opting for the model equipped with IBR, which has intuitive throttle and reverse levers, making it easier to manoeuvre at low speeds.
There are two options in the SeaSpark Trixx range – both with the 90 horsepower engine – starting with the Trixx two-seater from RRP $10,199 and the Trixx three-seater from RRP $11,099.
Add between $1500 and $2000 for trailer and rego to the above RRPs and you're looking at a bit over $13,000 drive-away for the top Trixx model.
That said, over summer, selected models across the Spark range have had factory-backed discounts of between $500 and $1250 – and either a standard two-year warranty or extended three-year coverage. It's worth keeping a close eye on the Sea-Doo website for deals that change monthly, though discounts tend to be slim on the Trixx.
The three-seater gets a pontoon attachment that lengthens the rear deck, and it comes with a slighter longer seat and has a towing hook.
Being one of the lightest watercraft on the market makes it easy to manoeuvre. The dry-weight difference on the Trixx variants is modest: 192kg for the two-seater and 199kg for the three-seater (versus 184kg and 191kg for the regular Spark two- and three-seat models).
Service intervals for all Sparks remain at 12 months or 100 hours, whichever comes first, and usually cost about $450 per visit, depending on the dealer. There is no easy customer access to the engine bay; body panels need to be removed with tools for routine servicing.
Popular accessories include a large portable and detachable Bluetooth audio speaker pod ($700), a 27-litre front storage bin ($210), a rear re-boarding step ($150), and a "LINQ" fitting ($99) to attach a soft dry-storage case ($299) onto the rear deck.
Another option worth considering is the security key ($295) which is paired electronically (like a car immobiliser) to your specific watercraft. On standard Spark models anyone with a Sea-Doo lanyard can ride it away as it's effectively "unlocked".
If you already own a regular Spark and are miffed that you missed out on a Trixx, you can add the Trixx bits that enable it to perform the same stunts for $1200 in parts and about $500 in labour.
On the water
The key to the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx's capability is the extended range variable trim system, or VTS.
The VTS switch on the left handlebar and the software behind it add 10 degrees of movement to the standard trim settings (17 degrees upward and 6 degrees downward). There are nine positions in total, including a clearly marked neutral setting, for flatter riding.
In "wheelie" mode it points the jet pump further upwards. With your feet on the wedges near the rear of the deck the Trixx can stand nearly vertical if you get the balance right.
I thought it would take me an hour to perfect the technique. To my astonishment I got it first go.
The trim is adjusted via two buttons near the left grip handle. If you press the top arrow for long enough the trim with skip directly to "wheelie" mode.
The up and down buttons are a bit too sensitive and you end up developing patience while you tap them carefully so you don't end up in the wrong mode. A software update to make them more intuitive would be welcome.
The digital dash display shows the remaining fuel level from the 30-litre tank, your speed in MPH or KMH, and is a gateway to two driving modes: touring and sport. The sport mode doesn't deliver more power but it does change throttle sensitivity and makes it feel more lively.
Touring is a great mode for first-time riders or for parents who want to give one of their kids a turn, but most seasoned PWC riders will go straight to sport mode.
The 80km/h top speed is modest compared to sports jet skis which are up in the 100km/h to 120km/h range but the Spark Trixx is all about tight turns and nimble manoeuvres.
I've mostly ridden larger, heavier jet skis but the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx is awesome in its own way.
It's extremely intuitive to change direction, making it easy for novice riders to quickly build their confidence.
And "wheelie" mode is a cinch to master. Just be aware that it is deemed as "irregular riding" in most states and, in particular, you need to be 200 metres away from the shoreline in Queensland, NSW and Victoria if you want to explore its potential.
The Spark's lightweight scratch-resistant plastic "Polytec" body and hull have copped a beating online over the years for being fragile, but it's apparent in the videos some riders have had so much fun with the Spark that they've clearly pushed it beyond its limits.
Providing you're not trying to set a world record for wave jumping or going out of your way to harm you or the ski, the Spark and Spark Trixx will be more than fine. Sea-Doo has also made running changes to improve the strength of the deck and hull on the most recent models.
The engine has a nice three-cylinder thrum. It sounds unrefined until you start to rev it. Redline is 8000rpm but peak torque is at 6500rpm, giving the engine plenty of flexibility. Most of the time, though, you'll have it pinned.
The other surprising aspect is fuel economy. I filled it with a belly of 98 premium unleaded, rode for several hours (much of it in "wheelie" mode) and the digital fuel gauge barely moved.
I was hoping to run it dry so I could give you an idea of what the fuel range is like but I ran out of time before I ran out of fuel. Suffice to say you'd safely get a few hours of riding fun out of it, even though the tank is tiny.
There are few criticisms. The glovebox is too small to stow a large smartphone in a waterproof case (or a tube of sunscreen), so I would definitely opt for the front storage bin so you can at least carry spare life jackets and/or a towel. Just be aware the optional front storage area is not waterproof, so carrying a phone or camera could still be tricky.
The difficulty in accessing the engine bay may frustrate technically minded owners but Sea-Doo says that as long as the Spark or Spark Trixx haven't been upside down in the water there's little chance of water ingress.
As with other Sea-Doo models, flushing the craft after a ride should be done sparingly. Although the Spark has a rubber seal around the driveshaft rather than the carbon seal on other Sea-Doo models, it's still best to flush for no more than 60 to 90 seconds. Because Sea-Doo has a closed loop engine cooling system, you're really only flushing salt water out of the exhaust.
Verdict
Make sure you wear sunscreen, otherwise the grin from riding the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx will be etched in your face for days. It's the most fun for the least amount of money.
Specifications
Model: 2019 Sea-doo Spark Trixx three-seater
Length: 3.05m
Width: 1.18m
Weight: 199kg (dry)
Power: 899cc three-cylinder four-stroke petrol, 90hp
Top speed: 80km/h
Fuel tank: 30L
Seating capacity: 3
Warranty: Two years (check for three-year warranty offer)
Service intervals: 12 months or 100 hours, whichever comes first
Priced from: $11,099 (not including trailer and rego) with foot wedges, adjustable handlebars, digital speed display, 1.6-litre glovebox, deck extension, tow hook
Price as tested: $11,799 (not including trailer and rego). Options fitted: portable Bluetooth audio system ($700)
Supplied by: Beaches Sea-Doo and CanAm, Sydney
Source: https://www.boatsales.com.au/editorial/details/2019-sea-doo-spark-trixx-review-117420/
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