.1998
KAWASAKI JET SKI® WATERCRAFT
SIX WATERCRAFT COVER THE
THREE-PASSENGER MARKET
Kawasaki makes it possible for the whole family to enjoy
personal watercraft recreation with its STX line of
three-passenger JET SKI watercraft. With three models offering
varying features, performance and price, there's a JET SKI STX
watercraft to fit every family's needs and budget.
From the top-of-the line 1100 STX, to the entry-level 750 STX and
the 900 STX in between, all of these Kawasaki JET SKI watercraft
come fully equipped with instrumentation, mirrors, and dynamic
new colors and graphics. They all have comfortable, long seats
with ample room for three people and the ability to pull various
towables for increased family fun on the water.
1100 STX:
Flagship
of Kawasaki's JET SKI Watercraft Fleet
Introduced
last year, the JET SKI 1100 STX watercraft is a versatile craft
that offers maximum performance without sacrificing the comfort
of leisurely touring. It features sporty handling for solo
riders, can easily pull water skiers and others needing a tow,
and is well-equipped for all-day exploration.
The 1100 STX gets the power to do it all from its 1,071cc
triple-cylinder engine that is based on Kawasaki's sporty JET SKI
1100 ZXi watercraft. This engine pumps out 120 horsepower over a
wide powerband that provides excellent acceleration, from a
standstill all the way through to the remarkable top-end. For
1998 the power is enhanced by the switch to constant velocity
(CV) carburetors to provide smoother acceleration, better
throttle response and increased fuel economy.
An advanced ignition system, with digital ignitor, precisely
delivers a hot spark to each cylinder no matter how fast engine
speed changes. There is also an intake air temperature sensor
that automatically signals the digital ignitor to advance
ignition timing when air intake temperature reaches a
predetermined level, reducing power fade on hot summer days.
Underhood temperatures are reduced through the use of a
water-jacketed exhaust system. The water surrounding the exhaust
also lowers the noise level. Power is directly connected to the
fully enclosed, three-blade stainless steel impeller. Thrust can
be reversed for easier maneuverability in tight quarters.
The deep-V hull is made of hand-laid fiberglass. New sponsons
provide improved cornering, increased stability, improved
tracking and less porpoising. It has a gelcoat topping for a
deep, lustrous, scratch-resistant finish and features the
molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) that helps minimize
spray.
Special attention went into the design of the 1100 STX's top
deck. The long roomy seat offers ample padding and the handlebars
are located in a cab forward position to provide plenty of room
for the skipper and passengers. Lots of floor space provides room
for the rider's feet and there are even footrests to help
stabilize a rear-facing spotter when pulling a water skier,
wakeboarder or other towable with the 1100 STX.
An open rear deck offers space for putting on skis or makes an
excellent diving platform. Reboarding in deep water is made easy
with the automatically-retracting boarding step located at the
rear of the hull. The rear deck can also accommodate a cooler or
other items needed for a long day on the water. Additional
water-resistant storage space includes a large, deep compartment
on the front of the craft, an easily accessible glove box and a
new 3.2-gallon storage area underneath the seat. The new
underseat storage area is easily accessible through the new
two-piece seat. Genuine Kawasaki accessories such as saddlebags,
rear deck bags, cargo nets and watertight storage bags are also
available at Kawasaki dealers to outfit the 1100 STX for touring.
Long tours can be enjoyed on the 1100 STX with its big 14-gallon
fuel tank. For 1998 the oil tank capacity was increased to 1.3
gallons for longer intervals between refilling the Superlube oil
injection system. Riders can monitor oil and fuel level, as well
as speed, engine rpm, trip distance and time on the easy-to-read
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) instrument panel. Two warning lamps
also alert the rider of low oil level and high engine
temperature. There is also a magnetic keyed ignition switch to
help deter unauthorized use.
With all of its luxury features, high-powered engine and
quick-handling hull, the Kawasaki JET SKI 1100 STX watercraft
fulfills the requirements of those looking for the best personal
watercraft available in the three-passenger category.
900 STX:
The
Blending of Performance, Comfort and Value
Designed to fit between the top-of-the-line 1100 STX and the
750 STX, the JET SKI 900 STX watercraft provides plenty of
three-up performance and comfort at a mid-level price.
The powerful 891cc two-stroke triple-cylinder engine is very
similar to the one found in the 1100 STX and produces a generous
100 horsepower. The 900 STX engine is also equipped with intake
air temperature compensating ignition.
This model also shares some similar top deck features with its
top-of-the-line sibling such as a long, comfortable seat and
footrests and large grab rail for a rear-facing spotter. It has a
generous covered storage box in the bow that holds a fire
extinguisher, tool kit, cooler and more. There are also two small
storage compartments, one at the front and rear of the seat. A
large-capacity fuel tank lets its operator explore longer without
refueling.
The deep-V hull is made of fiberglass reinforced resin transfer
molding (RTM) compound and features the Kawasaki Splash Deflector
(KSD) to help minimize spray splashing over the bow. An electric
nozzle trim system allows the operator to easily trim the thrust
angle for one, two or three riders, light or heavy loads, and
choppy or smooth waters. A "level limit" function
automatically stops the nozzle at the level position when
trimming up or down. There is also a reverse mode for increased
maneuverability. A bucket simply slides over the water outlet,
reversing the direction of thrust.
Instrumentation includes an analog speedometer, LED fuel gauge,
electric trim indicator, and low fuel, coolant temperature and
oil level warning lamps.
750 STX:
Twin-Cylinder
Engine Differentiates the 750 STX
For 1998 the 750 STX gets all of the hull and topdeck
features of the 900 STX so that now the two are virtually
identical. The 
difference lies in the engine as the 750
STX comes equipped with a 743cc two-stroke twin-cylinder engine
with double 40mm carburetors. It produces 83 horsepower and has
plenty of power for pulling a skier, other towables or touring
with three people aboard.
The 750 STX is the only model in its class to offer all of the
essential features such as a speedometer, fuel gauge, electric
trim and gauge, a stainless steel impeller and mirrors. The 750
STX has a level of performance and features not found among its
competitors in the entry-level price range to offer family fun
and entertainment at a reasonable price.
In the rapidly-growing three-passenger category of the personal
watercraft market, Kawasaki leads the way with its STX line of
JET SKI watercraft. With three models from which to choose
offering varying features, performance and price, Kawasaki has
the three passenger segment well covered.
1100
ZXi:
HIGH
PERFORMANCE AT A NOT-SO-HIGH PRICE
Kawasaki brings high performance to the water at a reasonable
price with the JET SKI 1100 ZXi watercraft. Sporting a
120-horsepower engine within its hull, the 1100 ZXi remains at
the top of high performance, two person personal watercraft.
However, it is priced closer to mid-performance machines and
boasts many convenience features.
The
1100 ZXi gets its awesome power from a 1071cc triple-cylinder,
high performance two-stroke engine. New for 1998 are triple 38mm
constant velocity (CV) carburetors. The CV design improves
throttle response, provides smoother acceleration and better fuel
efficiency. Intake manifold balance tubes and a crankcase
eight-petal reed valve design help boost low- and mid-range for a
wide spread of power.
A sensor in the waterproof digital capacitor discharge ignition
(CDI) system holds the advance of the ignition curve when engine
speed suddenly increases, such as when the craft leaves the water
when cresting a wave, to provide quick throttle response upon
landing. There is also a temperature compensating function that
advances timing when intake air temperature exceeds 95 degrees.
Engine compartment temperatures are reduced by using a cast
aluminum water- jacketed exhaust system while a double-wall
expansion chamber helps to reduce noise levels.
Engine power is directly linked to the fully shielded jet pump
with a rearward location for superior forward drive in choppy
water. The pump houses a three-blade stainless steel impeller
that creates over 800 pounds of thrust.
Thrust angle is controlled by a variable trim system with two
functions. The Kawasaki Automatic Trim System (KATS) is designed
for optimum low-speed acceleration and is activated with a
push-button on the handlebar. When activated, the KATS
automatically adjusts the jet pump nozzle for the quickest
acceleration from a standing start. As the boat gathers speed,
KATS raises the nozzle to the most effective high-speed position.
A manually controlled system, adjusted with separate handlebar-
mounted buttons, also lets riders choose their own thrust angle
according to changing water and load conditions.
The Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) deep-V hull slices through rough
water and provides precise turning with predictable cornering
characteristics for fun, recreational riding. Kawasaki Splash
Deflectors (KSD) are built into the bow to help prevent splash
from reaching the rider and passenger.
To improve acceleration and top speed, the Kawasaki Air Induction
System (KAIS) is used. Special air outlets strategically located
on the end of the inner strakes on the foam-filled double-wall
hull utilize negative pressure created at the end of the strakes.
Air pulled through these outlets reduces friction resistance
between the hull and water surface. The rubber tubes attached to
the outlets are also designed to prevent water from entering the
engine compartment. Any water that may reach the bilge is emptied
by the automatic bilge pumping system.
While intended to provide maximum performance, the 1100 ZXi
doesn't compromise rider comfort. A new stepped seat offers
enhanced all-day comfort for one or two persons, and the
trigger-type throttle prevents hand fatigue. Analog
instrumentation includes a fuel gauge, nozzle tilt indicator,
tachometer, speedometer and digital clock. A waterproof magnetic
keyed ignition helps prevent unauthorized use of the 1100 ZXi
watercraft.
Extended touring is no problem thanks to the 13.7-gallon fuel
tank. A four-quart oil tank holds plenty of lubricant for the
Superlube oil injection system. A water-resistant storage box at
the front of the craft holds enough provisions for touring rides.
With all of its high-tech and convenience features included in
the competitive price, the 1998 Kawasaki 1100 ZXi represents a
good value for those who want high performance, at a fair price.