Be the Raddest Rider on the Water With This 1987 Wetbike
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Ready to own a rad piece of personal watercraft history? This 1987 Ultranautics Wetbike recently listed on eBay is your perfect opportunity.
Manufactured by the New York-based Ultranautics Corporation, the Wetbike’s kooky motorcycle-like design and riding position made the company a key player in the early days of personal watercraft (PWC - opens in new window or tab.). If Jet Skis and runabouts are too conventional for you, check out the Wetbike.
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A Ride Unlike Anything Else
The Wetbike hit the market in the late 1970s. It was one of the first watercraft models to offer a motorcycle-inspired riding experience, requiring riders to balance on the water like they would on a bike. Unlike modern PWCs, which are ridden standing (Jet Ski) or seated (runabout), you straddle the Wetbike on a snowmobile-style waterproof saddle.
Wetbike riders steer with motorcycle handlebars and use a twist-grip throttle to accelerate. At idle, the Wetbike sits partially submerged below the water line. When you give it throttle, the machine jumps to the surface as it gains speed. There's a bit of a learning curve, but once mastered, the Wetbike offers an exhilarating ride.
Motorcycle Dynamics for the Water
Acceleration is delivered by a 739-cc two-stroke twin-cylinder water-cooled Suzuki engine, making an impressive 60 horsepower. The water jet propulsion system pumps out a powerful 500 pounds of thrust, giving the Wetbike a claimed top speed of 30 to 40 mph, depending on water conditions. As one 1988 promotional video puts it, "It's an adventure every time you hit the water."
Integrated hydro-link front suspension smooths out rough waters. Unlike most PWCs, which steer from the rear by angling the water jet, the Wetbike’s front ski gives it motocross-like steering. A lightweight fiberglass-reinforced plastic hull allows the Wetbike to accelerate and carve corners with the familiar agility of a motorcycle.
A Rad, Rare Ride
Despite their exceptional design, Ultranautics struggled to achieve widespread commercial success. This was partly due to the fact that the Wetbike was more challenging to ride than a traditional sit-down or stand-up PWC. Seasoned motorcycle riders had a blast on the Wetbike, but first-timers found it puzzling. The model gained an underground following among watercraft enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it never sold in numbers that competed with Jet Skis or runabouts.
Ultranautics sold the Wetbike into the early 1990s, discontinuing production as more user-friendly stand-up and sit-down models from Kawasaki - opens in new window or tab. and Yamaha - opens in new window or tab. took over the market. While it faded into obscurity, the model is credited with influencing many of today's modern watercraft models.
Own a Piece of PWC History
Like digging up a time capsule, this 1987 Wetbike is a snapshot of 1980s-era design creativity. The seller says this all-original example runs excellently, and has only been in saltwater twice. The listing includes the original transport cart, trailer, cover, and "water wings," which are described as being like motorcycle training wheels.
As a bonus, the Wetbike comes with an original marketing brochure, which is certainly a collector's item.
The 1987 Ultranautics Wetbike is a consequential piece of watercraft history - opens in new window or tab.. It showcases an innovative and clever design and offers the next owner a unique motorcycle-like riding experience. While it may have only been produced briefly, the Wetbike’s influence on personal watercraft makes it a legend.
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