Left: Tony Longhurst tries out the new Ultra250x at the recent lauch.

I dont often write 'editorials' - in fact I can't remember when I wrote my last but I feel this is an important time for Kawasaki so have ventured back to the word processor.

The longer you kick around in this life the better you can appreciate history. Back when I first got involved in the jetski scene back in the mid 80's Kawasaki owned the market - 440's & 550's were all the rage and guys like Scotty Miller and Mark Nelson were at their peak. Its remarkable how  the intervening years have become a blur of new release, revised and ever increasingly sophisticated watercraft from a handful of dedicated manufacturers that bring us to this point in time in 2007. And this time, right now is significant because during those 20 odd years Kawasaki have had to endure massive competition from Seadoo and Yamaha that left them, for the most part, playing catch up. Egg on the face for the big K that relegated them into a relatively consistent third place in the PWC sales war.

Now, it appears Seadoo and Yamaha's days of beating down the slumbering giant are over.

The release, a couple of days ago, of Kawasaki's 2007 range is heralding in a new era, a watershed year for the company that started it all and one that will finally kick the monkey off the back.

And the watercraft that will do it for them are the Ultra250x and UltraLX.

Ok so a supercharged 250hp engine will definitely turn heads - a sure fire way to garner attention in anyones books but marry it up with a superbly designed, confidence inspiring hull and you have a world beater.

And if you want to save $3300 and still get the same good manners on the water but without the extra 90 supercharged horses then the LX is your baby.

Add in the awesome fun of the X2, the tried and tested SXR800 standup and Kawasaki can rightly lay claim to a complete 'jetski' lineup that is hard to beat.

Together with launching two new watercraft and re-releasing a retro funster in the X2, Kawasaki have repositioned the brand with all new pricing that is a critical component in the marketing push to once again dominate the personal watercraft world.

I can only offer congratulations on finally getting it right.

Take note of the $2000 reduction on the 15F & a $1000 reduction on the 12F together with very competitive pricing on the new Ultras.

Ultra250X - $21,290
UltraLX - $17,990
STX15F - $17,490
STX 12F - $15,490
800SXR - $11,990
X2 - $11,990 

A new website has been launched that features manufacturer's outboard, boating and jetski product in a way that allows easy comparison of various specs etc. You can check it out at http://www.boatsplus.com.au/ 

Protest Rant submitted by Mike King on behalf of Jeff Hardman

New South Wales was once a great State, now because of twelve years under a mismanaged and out of touch State Government, New South Wales is officially in a recession.

Thanks for that Mr Carr, Mr Egan, Mr Iemma & Mr Kosta.

Bob Carr, now on the Board for Macquarie bank, but made decisions affecting the bank whist Premier of NSW, conflict of interest?

Vote for Morris Iemma at your own peril.

Below is a schedule of the upcoming Gravity Games H20 Program for Channel 9 and Fuel TV, with the first program on Channel 9 this weekend.  An International Broadcast schedule is also being finalised and will be forwarded to appropriate parties as soon as available.
Channel 9
Sunday 25 February 2007 @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm (covers Wakeboarding + event overview)
Sunday 4 March 2007 @ 12:30pm - 1:30pm (covers Jetskiing & Thundercat Racing + event footage)
Fuel TV/Foxtel
Monday March 12 at 8.30pm     EP # 1 x 52mins Best of H20 2004 - 2006
Monday March 19 at 8.30pm     EP # 2 x 52mins Wakeboarding + event footage
Monday March 26 at 8.30pm     EP # 3 x 52mins Thundercats + event footage
Monday April 2 at 8.30pm          EP # 4 x 52mins Jetskiing + event footage
Programs will be repeated on Fuel TV in May.  Please check your local guides for confirmed times.