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Article Where are they now?
June 2021

Where are they now?

In 1998 300 of these skis were released exclusively in Japan. Where are they now?

Article Kawasaki JS550 time line
May 2020

Kawasaki JS550 time line

Here is a worked digital version of the well known article describing a short time line describing the changes on the Kawasaki JS550 that began production in 1982.

Article Review: Wax Racing All Stainless Pump Liner
March 2020

Review: Wax Racing All Stainless Pump Liner

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.

Article Review: R&D Hydro Force Steering Nozzle Kawasaki SXR 1500
March 2020

Review: R&D Hydro Force Steering Nozzle Kawasaki SXR 1500

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.

Article Review: SXR 1500 Jettrim Mat Installation
March 2020

Review: SXR 1500 Jettrim Mat Installation

One of the nicest upgrades to your SXR 1500 is a mat kit. It not only looks great but provides a nicer tray experience!

Article Trials & Tribulations of Mikes 550 days
March 2020

Trials & Tribulations of Mikes 550 days

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.

Article History of Jet Skis - A Must for Enthusiasts
November 2019

History of Jet Skis - A Must for Enthusiasts

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.  

Article From The Beginning - The Jetski Motor
November 2019

From The Beginning - The Jetski Motor

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.

Article 550 Ignition Blues
November 2019

550 Ignition Blues

You all could save a lot of old parts by following a few simple rules.

Article Instruments of Speed
November 2019

Instruments of Speed

In the times of the old mariners, water-speed was measured in knots...literally speaking...

Article Compression Ratios & Measurement
November 2019

Compression Ratios & Measurement

Compression ratios are referred to and measured in two generally accepted ways.

Article About Air Links
November 2019

About Air Links

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"

Article Piston Seizures
November 2019

Piston Seizures

It's a common sight. You see a boat on the beach with the hood upside down and the top end off.

Article About Rear Cylinder Piston Seizure
November 2019

About Rear Cylinder Piston Seizure

Every technician that has any PWC experience has seen it. The engine whose rear piston has scored (seized) for no diagnosable reason.

Article Carburetor Fine Tuning Guide
November 2019

Carburetor Fine Tuning Guide

With high performance carburetors and carb kits, there seems to be a desperate shortage of folks providing "understandable" carburetor tuning information.

Article Carburetor Fine Tuning Guide 1998 by Group K
November 2019

Carburetor Fine Tuning Guide 1998 by Group K

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.

Article Proper Water Line routing for SX-550 Jet skis - 1991 thru 1995
September 2018

Proper Water Line routing for SX-550 Jet skis - 1991 thru 1995

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...

Article 440/550 Carb Tuning
September 2018

440/550 Carb Tuning

For all our Kawasaki 550 Jet Ski friends out there, here is file regarding Carb Tuning from Factory Pipe.

Article In Tank Fuel Filter Check Valve Modification
September 2018

In Tank Fuel Filter Check Valve Modification

Hey Guys. Here's a Primer / Choke Replacement trick that I've used for years...

Article JS440/550 to 550SX Pump Conversion:
September 2018

JS440/550 to 550SX Pump Conversion:

Everything you need for a 550 to 550SX Conversion

Article Jet Ski Leakdown Tester
September 2018

Jet Ski Leakdown Tester

Get lots of skiers asking about rebuilding their engines and what to do to make sure the work is correct.

Article Water Line Placement - 440/500
September 2018

Water Line Placement - 440/500

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. 

Article Why do I need sponsons?
September 2018

Why do I need sponsons?

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.

Article Ride Plates - Facts and Feelings
September 2018

Ride Plates - Facts and Feelings

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.

Article Pump Nozzles - To BORE or NOT to BORE
September 2018

Pump Nozzles - To BORE or NOT to BORE

The subject has come up and been beaten to death the past few days - FIRST - let us "put to bed" what I said.

Article After Every Ride - Jet Ski Maintenance
September 2018

After Every Ride - Jet Ski Maintenance

Follow these simple steps to ensure your Jetski runs for as long as possible.

Article About Ignition Flywheels
September 2018

About Ignition Flywheels

All 440/550 engines came with one of 4 different flywheels … and the difference matters a lot.

Article 400 and 440 Modifications
September 2018

400 and 440 Modifications

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.

Article Pumps - 440 vs 550
September 2018

Pumps - 440 vs 550

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.