| Common Name(s): | JS550SX; 550SX |
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| Manufacture: | Kawasaki |
| Engine Type: | Two Stroke |
| Engine Common Name: | Piston Port 550, Reed Valve 550 |
| Years Into Production: | 1990-1995 |
| Horsepower: | 41 |
| Displacement: | 530 cc |
| Compression: | 6.0:1 |
| Type of Lubrication: | Pre Mixed Oil & Gas |
| Mixing Ratio: | Piston Port: 40:1; Reed: 50:1 |
| Spark Plug: | BR8ES |
| Length: | 214 cm |
| Width: | 62 cm |
| Height: | 64 cm |
| Weight: | 114 kg |
The JS550SX is a stand-up personal watercraft created by Kawasaki from 1990 to 1995 in response to the original JS550's popularity. When it was first built, stand-up watercraft were dominating the market, and from 1992–93 Kawasaki offered three different stand-up models (the 550SX, 650SX and 750). One of the biggest appeals of the 550SX is its light weight, the lightest stand-up ever produced. It brings cosmetic as well as functional updates to the same familiar hull as the JS300, JS400, JS440 and JS550.
A common complaint about the 550SX is its handling. When compared to newer models, it is significantly harder to keep "hooked-up" in tight corners. When exceeding speeds of about 45 mph, the hull tends to "seek", which means it takes a lot of rider skill to keep it moving in a straight line. Despite this, the 550 is still a very popular ski to this day, in part due to its wide availability.
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Cosmetically, the graphics kit was updated with pink and blue lightning highlights. The rider area also was refitted with rubber sides instead of the older turfed sides. The new rear exhaust, as opposed to the front tube exhaust, helps to keep the exhaust fumes out of the rider's face.
The mid 91 models also got an engine upgrade. The displacement is the same, but it now has reeds. This motor received a lot of praise from being easier to start, more reliable and generally better running than the older pistion port motors. All SX models also have a newer pump design which reduces maintenance mostly because of the sealed bulk-head bearing.
Here are the year differences:
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