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The Kawasaki JS600, a prototype from 1973, was a more powerful alternative to the underpowered JS440 but never reached production, overshadowed by the successful JS550. The JS600 featured a redesigned fiberglass hull and improved handling but was possibly deemed too advanced and costly for mass production.
In 1998, Japan exclusively released 300 stand-up JS550SX jet skis. It is uncertain where these jet skis are currently located. Where are they now?
The article provides a concise timeline detailing the evolution of the Kawasaki JS550, which began production in 1982. It charts the significant updates and changes made to this model over the years, reflecting its impact on the water sports industry.
So recently my ’82 550 with the SX motor and pump seemed to be slowing down – very gradually. I kind of noticed it more and more until one day without a few months of use it stopped.
So I got my hands on the new R&D Hydro Force Steering Nozzle for the SXR 1500 allowing you to carve tighter turns with an increased positive feel - let’s see how hard it is to install.
One of the nicest upgrades to your SXR 1500 is a mat kit. It not only looks great but provides a nicer tray experience!
So I'm writing this post just give my personal experience and what I've really learned over the years since I've been in the 550 game.
This non-profit group is worth a look and focuses on the History of Jet Skis: 'who and what came before, during and after', the creators, inventors and international pursuits.
At the start of the 70’s - after KMC ( Kawasaki Motors Corp ) had decided to take a leap and build Clayton Jacobsen’s little invention to be called the Jet Ski.
You all could save a lot of old parts by following a few simple rules.
In the times of the old mariners, water-speed was measured in knots...literally speaking...
Compression ratios are referred to and measured in two generally accepted ways.
After he finishes his detailed description I always ask, "When was the last time you pressure checked the engine?" The caller usually tells me, "Oh it's always had about 180 psi compression"
It's a common sight. You see a boat on the beach with the hood upside down and the top end off.
Every technician that has any PWC experience has seen it. The engine whose rear piston has scored (seized) for no diagnosable reason.
With high performance carburetors and carb kits, there seems to be a desperate shortage of folks providing "understandable" carburetor tuning information.
This Article will provide the most current possible fine tuning information for the Mikuni "Super BN" and "I" series, as well as the Keihin CDK II series carbs.
If you have an SX-550 that has been modified in any way - even just the rev limiter removed - anything at all changed - you will be wise to...
For all our Kawasaki 550 Jet Ski friends out there, here is file regarding Carb Tuning from Factory Pipe.
Hey Guys. Here's a Primer / Choke Replacement trick that I've used for years...
Everything you need for a 550 to 550SX Conversion
Get lots of skiers asking about rebuilding their engines and what to do to make sure the work is correct.
If you have a 1981 thru 1990 JS-440 or JS-550 it most likely has an iron - or - solid steel cylinder unlike earlier and later models that have alloy cylinders with steel sleeves.
Fitting sponsons to your PWC is like fitting extra wide tires to your road car. Unbelievable cornering, better control in the rough and predictable inline tracking.
Ride plates for Jet skis are like oil for 2-strokes - everyone has an opinion and most of them are wrong. The facts part is true to most any personal watercraft.
The subject has come up and been beaten to death the past few days - FIRST - let us "put to bed" what I said.
Follow these simple steps to ensure your Jetski runs for as long as possible.
All 440/550 engines came with one of 4 different flywheels … and the difference matters a lot.
There are still some nice 440’s out there - and - contrary to the “bigger is better” crowd - a well prepped 440 will run with most 550’s and run away from many.
There is plenty of controversy among 440/550 owners about “what is the best pump?”. We have done a great deal of testing and evaluation to answer this question.