JS550

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**1982 JS550**

Common Name(s):	JS550; 550; 550sx
Manufacture:	Kawasaki
Engine Type:	Two Stroke
Engine Common Name:	Piston Port 550, Reed Valve 550
Years Into Production:	1982-1995
Horsepower:	41
Displacement:	530 cc
Type of Lubrication:	Pre Mixed Oil & Gas
Mixing Ratio:	40:1
Spark Plug:	BR8ES
Length:	214cm
Width:	62cm
Height:	64cm
Weight:	114kg

The 550 is a personal water craft made by Kawasaki. It was first built in 1982 and has been very popular. The 550 shares many of the same parts with the JS440 including the fiberglass hull, hood and hand pole. This craft played a huge role in the popularity of personal watercraft. It was arguably the most popular watercraft throughout the 1980s and early 90s. The 550 was a very popular choice for racing. The 550 underwent very few changes over its production history. The 550 slowly lost popularity when the larger more stable and powerful stand ups began appearing like the Kawasaki 650, 750 and Yamaha Superjet. Many consider the era of the 550 the heyday of personal watercraft racing.

[edit] Model differences

  1982-1985 Known as JS550
  Motor:Black Piston Port 550
  Single ring piston
  Carb:single 38mm Mikuni BN
  Front left side exhaust outlet
  Finger throttle
  Aluminum pump inlet wear ring (only 82-83)

  1986-1990(mid) Known as JS550
  Motor:Black Piston Port 550
  Single ring piston
  Carb:single 44mm Mikuni BN
  Front right side exhaust outlet
  Thumb throttle
  JETPOWER exhaust
  Stainless pump inlet wear ring

  1990(mid)-1991(mid) Known as 550sx
  Motor:Black Piston Port 550
  Single ring piston
  Carb:single 44mm Mikuni BN
  rear exit exhaust outlet
  thicker rubber side mats
  Maintenance free pump
  Thumb throttle
  JETPOWER exhaust
  Stainless pump inlet wear ring

  1991(mid)-1995 Known as 550sx
  Motor:Silver Reed Valve 550 (Highly sought after, known for smooth throttle response)
  Dual ring piston
  Carb:single 38mm keihin
  rear exit exhaust outlet
  thicker rubber side mats
  Maintenance free pump
  Thumb throttle
  JETPOWER exhaust
  Stainless pump inlet wear ring