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1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Specs and Review [Video]

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Specs and Review [Video]

The 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x was an upgraded version of the 1993 XP 650 (or XP 657). While the latter offered 70 HP, the engine of the ‘94 XP 657x was rated for 80 HP. The Sea-Doo XP 657x was the last second-generation XP model and was replaced by third generation models in 1995.

If you want to learn all about this legendary machine, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x review!

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Review

The story of Sea-Doo’s legendary XP line started in 1991 when the lively XP 587 was revealed.  

This deservedly-popular Sea-Doo family had several members, including:

You can learn about the other generations by following the links above!

It’s safe to say that the 1994 XP 657x was almost identical to the ‘93 XP 657, except for some minor changes. The most important of these were as follows:

  • Minor graphic changes
  • Engine upgrades
  • Optional sponsons
  • Heavier weight (373 to 412 pounds)

There’s no question that the biggest improvement on the 1994 XP was its more powerful engine. This power mill was a 2-stroke, 650cc ‘Rotax 675x’ twin featuring dual Mikuni carburetors, an oil injection system, and CDI ignition.

Major improvements on this engine were as follows:

  • Tuned exhaust system with a slightly larger expansion chamber
  • Two Mikuni BN-38I carburetors (the base Rotax 657 engine featured two Mikuni BN-38s)
  • Full circle counterweights
  • Improved timing

Thanks to these innovative features, the 1994 XP 657x offered 80 HP, which was about 10 HP more than its predecessor.

On the other hand, the Mikuni BM-38I carbs were more expensive and hard to find than the base BN-38 carbs. (This drawback made the model less appealing on the used market.)

Another key advantage of the 1994 XP was its optional sposons. Thanks to these large sponsons inherited from the GTX line, the ski offered more predictable handling in the corners.

Sadly, the sponsons slightly reduced the top speed of the machine. Therefore, despite its increased engine power, the XP 657x topped out at about 48-50 mph under ideal conditions.

Regarding fuel range, its 9-gallon fuel tank offered a playtime of 1.1 hours, even if you were hard on the throttle.

Aside from these changes, the hull, top deck, and other features were carried over from the 1993 model year without any significant changes.

This platform measured 100 inches in length, 41.5 inches in width, and 36.2 inches in height. The dry weight of the 1994 XP 657x was only 412 pounds, which meant a weight gain of 39 pounds over the previous year.

The standard features of the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x were as follows:

  • Watertight front storage
  • Safety lanyard
  • Dual mirrors
  • Rear grab handle
  • Integrated vents
  • Electric trim system (VTS) with handlebar button
  • Tow hook
  • Front and rear eyes
  • Tachometer
  • Electric fuel level gauge
  • Low-oil warning light
  • Trim indicator gauge
  • Overheating beeper
  • Bilge drain plug
  • Tool kit

The second-generation Sea-Doo XP retired after the 1994 model year to make room for the more powerful third generation.

(Besides the new XP 657x, the 1993 XP with the dual-carb 657 engine was also offered in 1994 under the name SPX.)

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x specifications into these charts!

Dimensions

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657xDimensions and Capacities
Number of passengers1 operator and 1 passenger
Overall length254 cm (100 in)
Overall width105 cm (41.5 in)
Overall height92 cm (36.2 in)
Weight187 kg (412 lb)
Load limit160 kg (352 lb)
Hull MaterialComposite (fiberglass)
Fuel tank34 L (9 US gal)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity65 mL (2.2 US oz)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level heightup to plug
Injection oil reservoir4.5 L (153 US fl oz)

Engine Specs

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657xEngine Specs
Engine typeRotax 2-stroke, type 657
Induction typeRotary valve
Exhaust systemWater cooled/water injected
Lubrication - typeOil injection
Lubrication - oil typeSea-Doo Injection Oil
Number of cylinders2
Displacement650 cm3 (39.66 in3)
Maximum Power (approximately)80 HP
RPM Limiter Operation @7000 RPM ± 100
Coling TypeWater cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit
Fuel - typeRegular unleaded gasoline
Carburetor - type and numberDiaphragm type - 2 x Mikuni BN-38I
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve~ 1.10 hours
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve~ 10 minutes

Propulsion

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657xPropulsion
Propulsion systemBombardier Formula pump
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller Rotation (seen from rear)na
TransmissionDirect drive
Coupling Typena
Impeller shaft reservoir oil typeSea-Doo synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5
Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle)~ 26°
Pivoting angle of variable trim system± 10°
Minimum required water level for jet pump60 cm (2 ft)
Impeller Diameterna

Electrical Features

1994 Sea-Doo XP 657xElectrical Features
Magneto generator output160 W @ 6000 RPM
Ignition system typeCapacitor Discharge Ignition (Breakerless)
Spark plug - Make and typeNGK BR8ES
Spark plug - Gap0.5 - 0.6 mm (0.020-0.024 in)
Starting systemElectric starter
Ignition timing - BTDCna
Ignition timing - Notena
Battery12 V, 19 A
Starting system Fuse 5 A
Charging system Fuse15 A
Gauges Fusena

These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Sea-Doo XP Comparison Chart

We’ve also compared the key specs of the different Sea-Doo XP models head-to-head in one chart:

Gen.NameYearEngineccHPTop Speed (mph)Weigth (lbs)Hull Design
IXP 5801991"Yellow" 5875805545365I gen. SP
IXP 5801992"White" 5875805645365I gen. SP
IIXP 65019936576507045373II gen. SP
IIXP 650x1994657x6508050412II gen. SP
IIIXP 72019957177188550412X-4
IIIXP Limited 8001995787x RAVE786+11056434X-4
IIIXP 8001996787 RAVE78111056434X-4
IVXP 8001997787 RAVE78211056525Parabolic
IVXP Limited1998947 RAVE95113060551Parabolic
IVXP Limited1999947 RAVE95113060551Parabolic
IVXP Limited2000947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP Limited2001947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP Limited2002947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP DI2003947 DI95113060561Parabolic
IVXP DI2004947 DI95113060605Parabolic

Vintage Sea-Doo XP 657x For Sale

If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo XP 657x for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1993, it’s already a collectible item, so finding one is not an easy task!

We recommend that you start your research on dedicated vintage Sea-Doo forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.

Besides these sources, you may also find some used Sea-Doo XP 657xs for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.

Takeaway

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x!

What is a Sea-Doo XP 657x?

The Sea-Doo XP 657x was a high-performance 2-stroke runabout PWC manufactured by Bombardier.

What Year did Bombardier Make the Sea-Doo XP 657?

The Canadian manufacturer marketed the Sea-Doo XP 657x in the 1994 model year.

What Kind of Engine Did the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Have?

The engine of the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x was a 2-stroke, 650cc Rotax twin featuring two Mikuni BN-38I carbs.

How Much Horsepower Did a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Have?

The engine of the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x cranked out 80 HP at 7,000 RPM.

How Many People Could Ride a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x?

The tiny Sea-Doo XP 657x was rated for two riders, but riding with a passenger on this ski was virtually impossible!

How Much Weight Could a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Hold?

The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo XP 657x was 352 pounds.

What Size was the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657?

The Sea-Doo XP 657x was 100 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 36.2 inches high.

How Much Did a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Weigh?

The dry weight of the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x was only 412 pounds.

Did the Sea-Doo XP 657x Have Reverse?

No, the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x was manufactured without reverse.

Was a Sea-Doo XP 657x a 2-Stroke Ski?

Yes, the 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.

What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo XP 657x Have?

The Sea-Doo XP 657x featured only a tiny front storage bin.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 657x Hold?

The 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x utilized a 9-gallon fuel tank and a 1.2-gallon oil reservoir.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 657x Use?

The Sea-Doo XP 657x fuel consumption was about 8 GPH at WOT.

How Fast Did a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x Go?

The top speed of a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x was 48-50 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Sea-Doo XP 657x Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Although it was equipped with a tow eye, the Sea-Doo XP 657x was not recommended for tow sports.

How Much is a Sea-Doo XP 657x Worth?

It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $300 up to $2,000.