Wetbike

What is a Wetbike?

The original Suzuki powered, 50 horsepower version of the Wetbike was introduced in 1978 by Spirit Marine, a division of Arctic Enterprises. Early advertisements marketed the product as the “Wetbike Watercycle”: A motorcycle on water with a combination of all the thrills and fun of motorcycling, boating and waterskiing. Throughout its production run, which lasted from 1978 through 1992, the Wetbike received various changes, up-grades, technical advancements, and additional safety features, the most notable changes being the introduction in 1985 of a strong, exceptionally lightweight Metton body unit and in 1986, the introduction of a 60 horsepower, 800cc Suzuki motor, which brought the performance of the Wetbike to the pinnacle level of being the fastest personal watercraft available at that time.

There are many personal watercraft produced today that reach speeds far in excess of those speeds that were achieved by the Wetbike. However, nothing found on the water today has the distinctive graceful appearance of a Wetbike or imitates the ride characteristics of all the freedom and feel of a motorcycle. Why? Because the Wetbike is the only personal watercraft that has front steering, producing an exhilarating feeling of turn carving maneuverability that no other watercraft can match. To achieve this, the Wetbike rises up on two skis to its planning position and then skims across the water as a hydrofoil watercycle. Precise cornering abilities and excellent handling characteristics are attributed to the “Hydro-Link” front suspension system, a uniquely responsive front steering system and skis that are hydro-dynamically designed, all combining to produce maximum turn carving ability and graceful maneuverability.

More information

One time out on Wetbike is one time to remember. The watercycle sits squarely in the water. Get behind is, grasp the handles and get the feel. With one good skootch you should be able to slide up into the saddle. Keep your balance. Turn the electric start. And gently open the throttle.

The 50 h.p. Spirit jet drive magnificently propels you to the surface, water beads glistening in the sun. And it does it without any propeller. The jet stream of water is backed by 723 cc's of factory tested Spirit power. Plus reliable Mikuni carburetors, super efficient reed valves and low maintenance CD ignition. Enough power to ride single or two up. Or even to pull a water skier.

You handle Wetbike like a motorcycle. Lean into turns, respond to the feel and Wetbike responds right back. To come to a stop, ease up on the throttle and Wetbike settles gently into the water again. It does the same if you take a spill, with a safety tether switch and spring loaded "off throttle".

Wetbike launches anywhere boats can and even where boats can't It trailers and unloads just like a boat or wheels across the sand on the two wheeled Beach Buddy.

This video clip is of John riding his high- performance, 1979 Wetbike 50+ mph. We will custom build high performance bikes to meet our customer's needs - call for price quote.

Wetbike Design

How to get on a Wetbike

Wetbike Specifications

1985

• Overall Length 7.5 ft.
• Overall Width 2.0 ft.
• Hull Length 6.0 ft.
• Overall Height - Hull & Skis 3.5 ft.
• Hull Height 2.5 ft.
• Overall weight (unfilled) 350 lbs.
• Floatation Capacity 600 lbs.
• Engine Type Two-Cycle Water-Cooled Gasoline Engine
• Intake System Reed Valve
• Maximum Horsepower 60 HP @ 5400 rpm
• Jet Pump Flush Inlet, Axial Flow
• Impellor Size 7.3 x 4.5 in.
• Bilge Pump, Electric Constant On When Ignition Switch is On
• Battery 12 volt 32 AMP/HR Marine Type
• Steering System Handlebars and Rotatable Front Ski 90 degrees Pivot
• Maximum Speed 32 mph
• Achieve Planing Speed 11-15 mph
• Draft 2.5 ft./ Stationary Planing 4.0 in..
• Driver Safety Stop Switch Positive Stop Throttle and Tether Switch
• Starter Fuse In-Line In-Line 20 AMP 20 AMP
• Bilge Pump Fuse In-Line In-Line AGC-2 AGC-2

1986 & up

• Overall Length 7.4 ft.
• Overall width 2.0 ft.
• Hull Length 5.93 ft.
• Overall Height - Hull & Skis 3.45 ft.
• Hull Height 2.45 ft.
• Overall weight (unfilled) 317 lbs.
• Floatation Capacity 600 lbs.
• Engine Type Two-Cycle Water-Cooled Gasoline Engine
• Intake System Reed Valve
• Maximum Horsepower 60 HP @ 5400 rpm
• Jet Pump Scoop Inlet, Axial Flow 
• Impellor Size 7.3 x 4.5 in.
• Bilge Pump, Electric Float Switch Operated
• Battery 12 volt 32 AMP/HR Marine Type 
• Steering System Handlebars and Rotatable Front Ski 90 degrees Pivot
• Maximum Speed 36 mph
• Achieve Planing Speed 11-15 mph
• Draft 2.5 ft. / Stationary Planing 4.0 in.
• Driver Safety Stop Switch Positive Stop Throttle and Tether Switch
• Starter Fuse In-Line In-Line 20 AMP 20 AMP
• Bilge Pump Fuse In-Line In-Line AGC-2 AGC-2

Wetbike history pictures