Copied with permission from RSJ, from Rich Foreman.

First of all, until I hear otherwise, I would like to claim for myself the distinction of being possibly the very first owner of Polaris' new MSX 140, at least as far as being a regular, end-user/customer, not a pwc pro, connected or in the business in any
way. I know the dealer I bought it from in Florida went way out of his way to be on the short list of dealers getting one of the ones off the very first shipments that went out on the trucks from Minnesota, and he drove out himself to meet the drivers on the road rather than wait for them to arrive, to ensure that he'd have mine ready for me
when I needed it at the beginning of my vacation. I took delivery at about 10am on Tuesday, 12/24, haven't heard from anybody else at least on any of the online pwc boards and forums I read, who actually had one or was getting one before that.

Well, I know some people are interested in reading real-world impressions of this new watercraft, and I'm dying to share mine! I broke it in meticulously using the James Crone method for two days (maybe I skimped a little, the total break in was about 8.5 engine
hours, not even half a tank of gas, but I was varying the throttle level every 15 to 30 seconds in ranges that increased with every 40-minute-or-so ride, with half-hour cool downs in between for the first 4 hours...the second 4 hours I used more throttle going up to maybe 5.5k rpm, still really no wot except for a couple very quick bursts). After that I rode it all over the place for the following two days. I was mostly riding in and around the channels and mangrove trails of Marco Island, Florida, where my girlfriend and I were staying with my parents; ventured a little farther north towards Naples and south into the 10 thousand islands; we saw lots of dolphins playing and jumping around us every day and rode up real close to a couple of them on the last day. One fun highlight when exploring the 10KI was pulling up to a beach on an island out toward the gulf, settling in for some snacks and sunning and walking around exploring, and using my chart and gps to figure out that the island I was on was called Gulliver's Key...I don't know, I just love stuff like that, don't you? My previous pwc was a 1999 Yamaha XL1200 ltd. that I've been riding the **** out of for the last four years since it first
came out, and most of my impressions and opinions of the new boat are in contrast with that one, which is the 'ski I know best up 'til now.

Before I even rode my new 'ski, the first things that jumped out at me were some very nice features in the ergonomics/usability categories. One thing that struck me right away as being leagues apart from any other 'ski I've ridden, was the extremely useful glove
compartment. On my xll, it was a tiny little thing; I could barely fit into it, let's say my water-wallet and a pair of sunglasses and then I would have to really clamp it down hard to get it to shut (and everything would get drenched). The MSX, forget it. 2 full gallons
right at your fingertips. While I was riding, I had in the glove box: the wallet, goggles, riding gloves, keys, a tube of sun block and a small spray bottle of Deep Woods Off; a butane lighter and a plastic bag with some materials I thought might need lighting at some point , and I forget what else. And there was PLENTY of room still left
over, it was all easily accessible and stayed DRY, and there'd be pretty much no chance of it popping open (the lid is heavy and strong and latches very securely) or even if it did somehow, of anything flying out of there (because it was so deep). Maybe it seems a little lame to be getting excited about the glove box of the new 'ski, but if you like to really ride and tour a lot all day and for long distances like I do, features like this (and there are more) make ALL the difference in the overall experience of riding and living with a 'ski. Like I said, with 2 full gallons there it is absolutely legit to count this space among the overall usable storage space on the boat (bringing it to a pretty respectable 32 gallons). There's even a mesh net affixed to one side of the glove box so you can have one or two items there to be able to get at even more easily without fishing through the other stuff. The glove box also has a cup- or can-holder that you can easily store a can of soda in or whatever while riding, or rest it there between swigs if you're resting/hanging. Yup, amazing that this little space is tall enough to hold a can of soda upright and in place.

Still more on the ergonomics before we get to any riding!....the fuel fill is so intelligently and usefully placed that I'm sort of embarrassed about having ****ed with the one on the Yam for all these years. Whereas with that one, the fill was way up on the starboard
bow and you had to lean almost impossibly up and over the whole front of the ski to fill up from on board...and water could easily splash up if the boat was rocking, so (if there was any chop or wake or movement at a gas dock), you had to use your other hand to buffer up against the dock and try to hold the 'ski steady while you pumped the fuel...and if you are a space cadet like me (come on let's admit it I know some of you have done this too!), you could forget to put the cap back on after fueling up which would result in filling the gas tank with water when you started the ski up, and at that point you could
also easily lose the gas cap if it fell off its chain from banging against the hull....or even if none of this happened, it was way too easy to just spill a little gas into the water if you over-filled just a little bit. Well, no such problems like any of this on the new
MSX. The fuel fill is on directly in front of you as you sit on the ski, just aft of the front storage bin and still UNDER THE FRONT HOOD and facing STRAIGHT UP. Amazing to me now that the other guys didn't think of this. It's RIGHT THERE for you from the driver's seat, you can sit or stand and don't have to lean or contort at all. There's absolutely no way you could overfill and spill gas into the water, or that water could splash up into the gas tank, or that you could ever lose the gas cap even if you were so impossibly stoned or drunk or catatonic that you somehow still forgot to screw the cap back on before closing the front hood and it broke off. (I don't think even I could do this.) It really couldn't go anywhere, wouldn't be banging against the hull and again if you somehow (I don't see how this could happen, like I said, even with me) forgot to screw the cap back on, I still don't see how the cap could or would ever be in danger of
breaking off the chain, and if it did it would still be right there under your hood. So right there, before even turning the engine over, I liked the ski a lot better than my beloved old xll. (The oil fill is there too, right next to the gas, again about a million times easier, neater and more convenient than my xll, where adding oil when you're on the water is just a pain)

The info display is much better and more useful than on my last ski too. It switches between modes (rpms to time of day to odometer and I think something else), with a simple touch of a button that's on the left handlebar right by your finger (near the start and stop buttons) - almost too easy and convenient when you're riding, way easier than on my xll where you'd have reach forward to the display to press the mode button (taking your hand off the bar and having to really push down hard on the display to get it to "take"). And the readings are big and easy to read, the tach #s are displayed out (you
don't have to look at bars for that), which was very useful in doing the break-in where I was trying to monitor and vary the rpm level scrupulously. Your speed and fuel and oil levels are always displayed.

The mirrors. It's a miracle, but again they are actually useful. When riding they give an absolutely helpful, wide view behind you left and right. I don't think I even ever bothered to look at the mirrors on my xll, they just didn't help you much, too small and the way they were situated they didn't give you much information. On the new ski, obviously you still have to look around before you turn or maneuver, but for continuing straight ahead, you can get a really good picture of what's going on behind you without moving at all.
So based on things like this, I already was loving my new ski before I put it in the water. But I imagine some readers are interested in how things went AFTER that point. Well, the most striking feature on the water is that the boat delivers exactly what was advertised ahead of time: a silky-smooth ride in ALL water conditions. Again, just worlds apart from what I was used to on my last ski, where I always loved the rough-water handling but had to admit it gave a bumpy ride in the chop that forced you to stand up, or just beat the heck out of a passenger when you had one. The MSX just glides along the water when it's glassy, choppy or big, and my girlfriend who rode with me on the back of my xll all last summer, noticed the difference immediately and kept marveling at it the whole vacation, how much smoother and easier the ride was on her. I got to take it out in the surf on the Gulf of Mexico a couple of times and the 'ski handles like a dream, staying
hooked up at all times and letting you steer it precisely and confidently over the waves at whatever speed and angle you want....I never felt nervous or skittish zooming along in waves at all. Actually I can see some more extreme-oriented riders, XPL fans and
such, to find this ski TOO smooth and stable and not aggressive enough, it doesn't lean in even on a sharp fast turn, and doesn't seem to specialize in catching air for launching, I'm sure you can do it, the boat is certainly light enough and has the acceleration to jump,
but it prefers to just stay hooked up and glue to the water. Yet again, in comparison to my xll, the entire steering and handling of the xll is way more accurate, easy, smooth, predictable and intuitive....perfect for creek and trail riding, it responds like a video game. Not really much of a physical challenge, again I can see some finding it "too" smooth and easy to ride.

The question that everybody is waiting for, top speed numbers, well, I wasn't doing that much speed testing in the time I was riding the boat so far; the highest speed I saw on my gps was 59, that was with a full tank of gas and riding two-up, so I'm certainly hoping
that with the engine a bit more broken in and loosened up, and riding solo and let's say with a half tank, there'll be some higher numbers in store this summer. An honest (full-tank) 59 with all these amenities and creature comforts and the superb handling and smooth ride, I am already very happy with. I was hoping to see the 'ski
break 60 and still am!

I should try to come up with some negatives so you guys won't think I'm being paid off by Polaris or anything. Although I'm not done with the positives yet. The gas mileage, unbelievable. I never got to run a tank dry or anywhere near it, since I topped the fuel off before every ride, but I did some mental calculations each time based on the
amount of gas I could take and the trip amounts on the odometers both on my 'ski and gps for the previous ride, and all my calculations point to my MSX being able to go at LEAST 110, probably more like 120 or more, miles on a tank of gas.....roughly double what I was getting on my modified XLL. And with a stock machine now, no high compression and only needs regular low-octane gas, well, I know the difference in
the amounts I will be spending to ride this summer will be felt, noticed and appreciated all season long. (Oil usage seems impossibly low too.)

The biggest negative on my MSX, and it is fairly big, is the lack of a trim control, which would be very helpful in lots of situations, especially negotiating around shallows at low tide or in unfamiliar areas, would probably also help get higher speed numbers in glass and make the handling more flexible in different chop and surf situations.

My other two previous 'skis, including my first, the entry-level Kawa '97 STX 900, had trim, so I'm disappointed that a deluxe/luxury touring-type craft like this one lacks it.

Second complaint, the machine, mine anyway, has an AWFUL vibration/rattle at medium idle speeds, around 2500 RPM or 4-5 miles an hour (none at DEAD idle, which is 1150 on mine, and goes away once you get back up to 6-7 mph but this will be too fast for a lot of idle-speed/no wake zones). This can give you a headache quick and I suspect it's gonna make my newly-bought replacement etrex legend, which I keep mounted on the handlebars when I ride, exhibit the infamous "auto-shut-off" behavior before too long.

Anything else on the negative side?....I dunno...that glove compartment I was raving about, on mine it sticks a bit when opening it, always seems to take me a second or two longer than it should. The speedometer is a typical "dreamo," the one on my xll usually
matched the gps readings much more closely. A compass built in to the display would be nice, and I was also disappointed to find that Polaris' own depth finder accessory, made to be installed onto their Genesis models, doesn't fit or work with the MSX (maybe they'll make a new one for it). Maybe this next one is an unfair complaint since NO pwc has it, but obviously Polaris is trying to innovate, look forward and appeal to the cruising/touring/boating-type customer, so if anyone from the company is listening: (I've said it before, but) a built-in, basic mapping gps built into the electronics and display, would be enormously useful and I'd pay an extra grand for it. The ride wasn't
always dry either, usually it was but when it got windy, it did throw bow spray. The boat rides low in the water especially at idle, water ac***ulates in the foot wells; so that the saddlebag I mount under the seat was getting soaked, I had to make sure to double-bag my sandwiches and stuff.

On the other hand, strictly my humble opinion, but I think the MSX 140, the red one that I have, is about the sharpest, classiest-looking 'ski I've seen. The color scheme and graphics, and the mean-looking design of the hood I know are going to turn some heads here on Long Island this summer.

Oh well, there you go. Let's sum up:

Pros:
*Outstanding ergo/features - glove box, fuel/oil fills, mirrors, storage, display, reverse, all very intelligently and usefully designed and placed
*"Silky-smooth," super comfortable and stable ride in all water conditions. Handles rough and big water with ease - very comfortable for a passenger too.
*Excellent steering/handling: precise, easy, quick, intuitive, responsive, versatile
*Great acceleration, good top speed
* Fantastic fuel efficiency/gas mileage/cruising range
*Really cool looks IMO

Cons:

*Lack of trim control
*Vibration/rattle at idle speeds
*Speedo not accurate
*Polaris' depth finder for the Genesis, not available
*Wet ride in wind

richforman

Thanks for the review! It sounds like you have a nice craft. If the fit and finish is better this year, Polaris has a winner.

Excellent post! Thanks for the info.

Mark, have you ever ridder an STXR? Someone who rode them both tells me the New Polaris hull is much better than the stx and feels it will be the boat to beat.....how do you compare the two?

In case you missed it fellas, Mark didnt write the review but is rather a reprint from another forum written by Rich Foreman.

To RForman,
Any GPS readings????
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He says in the review that the highest speed he saw was 59 with a full tank of gas and two riders. He also goes on to state he wasn't really questing for top speed numbers on these particular rides.

...and yes that was from the gps

richforman

Thanks, gave me a "demo feel" of the Polaris almost as if I was on it

GP1200R-acer

Actually YES I have ridden the MSX140 pre-production model at Havasu. It was a very limited ride, with ultra-smooth water, and very little to compare it to. There is a write up somewhere else on the general forum. One of our endurance riders now rides a STXR in Am Stock Class for 2003.

Comparing the MSX140 and the STXR is like apples and oranges.

Most Outstanding differences IMHO:
STXR:
*Built for cc racing. Not alot of amenities.
*The STXR is lightning quick out of the corners, and off the line. I love the feeling. It rocks.
*Rough water ability is good, but it becomes a handful in cross waves.
*STXR ergonomics are for midgets. You will need to adjust seat/bar height to keep from killing your body on this ski.
*Gas tank is too small at 14 gallons. Big obstacle to endurance racing, but not CC.
*2002 colors are bad-arsed and possibly one of the most attractive skis ever made. 2003 colors are, well... green. Okay, I can't lie, the 2003 is ugly as sin.
MSX140:
*Built for all around good ride. Lots of creature comforts.
*It's quick, but not STXR quick. Top speed with a GPS was 59.
*Ergonomics fit a wide range of rider sizes.
*The gas tank is over 17.5 gallons with a mizerly engine setup. Yummie!
*The styling is definately, "Love it, or hate it".
*Print out Rich's report, and head to the toilet. He makes very good points.

Thanks Mark....sounds like MSX down, Honda R12-X to go. I realy would like to hear about the R12X now, I think this is the only other boat that has a chance to win my interest over. The MSX is not for me, sounds like more of a luxury sporty boat. Since none of the Kawi Dealers want to take my money (so far) It gives me a little time to hear about the other new boats that can be a competitive stock class racer......
One thing is for sure, there will be a new Boat in my garage soon, to compliment the GPR. Thanks

I think if you are going to race stock class, you STILL only have one choice.

The MSX sounds like another very nice/ho hum ski. Just what we needed, another "nice" ski. When are these manufacturers going to wake up and give us a real eye opener? Build a "nice" lightweight rocketship with a state of the art hull and pump combo and I'm first in line!

VooDoo,
I'm with ya! However, I have learned over the years that the ergo features of seat/bars/footwells is just as important.

I keep typing it, but haven't worked up the brass-nads to do it yet... GPR top deck, STXr Hull/Motor.

Maybe somebody with more money and time than I will run with the idea.

Well, just what I expected, 59, good ski obviously, but what about killing the stxr?????
Maybe we'll have to wait one more year.
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just a little note about the msx140 i have talked to billy womack who rides endurance races in region 1 under the polaris banner. it has been stated that this boat will be there racing platform for this year in enduro and c/c to quote there words it will be a gpr and stxr killer in other words there already testing triples and all the other goodies on this boat. just thought you guys would want to know this before making a final decision on buying a new ski.

Don't get me wrong, it sounds like a very nice ski with great amenities. BUT, if they are going to push it as a performance ski it seems to fall way short. If it needs triples to run with the big dogs it should come with them from the factory. There is no reason we should have to spend upwards of ten thousand dollars and then have to put several thousand more into them to make them run the way they should come from the factory. That's my 2 cents.

Rich posted an honest top speed but keep in mind it was with 2 adults on board and full tank of gas on a brand new ski. I bet when everyone else posts their top speed numbers they go for the max with one rider, low fuel tucked and leaning back etc. etc. Once the ski is more familiar, riding it solo with less fuel and finding the sweet spot for body position will put it in the 62-63 range imo. 59 with with 2 adults and full tank is pretty darn good top speed imo. Holding that speed in most water conditions will be a key factor too.