Kawasaki X2

The Kawasaki X2 was the first mass produced "sit down" watercraft. Kawasaki began production on this PWC in 1986 and ended in 1995. This craft is small and light. The idea behind it was that 2 people would be able to sit though it is most often ridden by one rider standing up. this craft has gained much respect in the stand up communities.

The X2 shared the same pump and motor with the Kawasaki JS650, TS650 and Jetmate.

In 2005, Kawasaki re-introduced the x-2 (JF800A) with a completely redesigned hull and top deck and utilizing the same pump and powerplant as their highly successful SX-R 800 stand up model Jet Ski.

X2 year by year differences

1986

'86 was the first year of production. 28mm Keihin carb. This year has no rev limter built into the CDI. Air intake on hood is in the middle of the "hump" which looked cool, but tends to take on A LOT of water. Fuel tank is vented to open air, and does not have the water trap found on subsequent model years. Waterbox is much quieter than subsequent years, but also more restrictive.

1987

Water trap is added to fuel tank vent, trim adjuster mechanism changed slightly, air scoop on hood is moved to left side of hood. External fuel pump design changed.

1988

Same as '87, except minor jetting chages are made, and flame arrestor element is changed slightly. (Rubber gasket added.) Crankshaft positioning ring is built into the crankshaft bearing beginning this year. Head pipe to expansion chamber coupler is changed from bolt together style to rubber coupler style.

1989

"Squirrel cage" steering mechanism eliminated in favor of direct cable linkage. However, this steering configuration is much less responsive than the "squirrel cage" setup. Flywheel bolt is changed from 8mm to 10mm. According to the service manual, this was the year the rev limiter was added to the CDI. Reliable sources say that the rev limiter was added on the '87 model year.

1990

Flame arrestor element changed again, and direct steering linkage is ditched halfway through the model year in favor of the old "squirrel cage' style. This setup becomes the standard all the way through the '95 model year. Metal reed petals are tossed in favor of plastic reed petals that won't harm engine internals if they disintegrate.

1991

The X-2 gets the 38mm Keihin carb! Gone is the rinky dink 28mm carb with its remote fuel pump. Electrics are consolidated inside a single, larger box mounted to the side of the hull between the battery and carb. Fuel petcock "On" and "Reserve" positions are reversed. Water box gets one piece molded hoses. Gone are the aluminum elbows to the waterbox. A larger bilge hose and filter is fitted as compared to previous years. Driveshaft is beefed up -- it is now the same diameter from tip to tip, instead of narrower in spots like those found on previous years.

1992 and 1993

Insignificant changes. A few wire colors are changed inside the electrical box, and a larger engine flush fitting is installed. Motors are now painted silver instead of black.

1994

The 38m Keihin is upgraded to a 40mm Keihin carb. Rubber trim is now gray instead of black. Upholstery is now purple instead of blue. Additional foam is added to the engine compartment area to aid in flotation.

1995

Same as '94, except a 5 blade stainless steel impeller is added.

Motor

* Common name 650 Kawasaki
* Displacement 635
* HP 52 (later bumped up to 57)
* Premix 50:1
* Single carb (Keihin 28mm-early, 38mm-later)

2005 to 2007

JF800A - Around 80mm longer and 39mm wider than the original. Now with an inbuilt engine flushing hose fitting. I believe that production ceased in 2007 and that only 500 were made for the world market.

Motor

* Common name 800 Kawasaki
* Displacement 781
* HP 80
* Premix 60:1
* Twin carb Mikuni BN40-38
* 3 blade stainless steel impeller