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2000-2004 Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Review and Specs [Video]
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was the first fuel-injected Kawasaki Jet Ski, manufactured from 2000 through 2004. It shared its platform with the carbed 1200 STX-R but was powered by a 2-stroke, 1071cc, 3-cylinder, direct fuel-injected Kawasaki engine rated at 130 HP.
If you want to find out more about this popular 2-stroke Kawasaki Jet Ski, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. review!
2000-2004 Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Review
Kawasaki introduced its popular 3-seater STX series in 1997 as the high-end 3-seater runabout line.This family included the STX 750, the 900 STX, and the carbed 1100 STX, which was manufactured from 1997 through 1999.
This model was re-introduced as the fuel-injected 1100 STX D.I. model for the 2000 model year.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this 2-stroke, fuel-injected Kawasaki Jet Ski in detail.
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Hull and Top Deck
The 1100 STX D.I. inherited its hull and top deck from the carbed 1100 STX.
For 2000, this deep-V platform was revamped with longer strakes that offered better tracking and a quicker acceleration. It also got a rounded keel for a smoother riding experience.
In terms of materials, this shell was made of hand-laid fiberglass, while the hull was covered by scratch-resistant Gelcoat. It featured a built-in spray deflector, which effectively reduced the bow spray.
This body measured 122.8 inches in length, 46.5 inches in width, and 40.2 inches in height. The dry weight of the ski was 692 pounds which was reduced to 679 pounds in 2003.
Its roomy top deck was also redesigned in 1999 and housed a large 3-rider seat, a glovebox, an under-seat storage bin, and a large bow storage. The latter was covered by a hinged hood, featuring a hydraulic shock.
It had an enclosed the fire extinguisher container and the tool kit was mounted to the bottom of the seat.
The fuel capacity of the 1100 STX D.I. was 14.0 gallons along with a 5.3-quart oil reservoir.
The platform of the 1100 STX D.I. was carried over to the more powerful 1200 STX-R without any significant changes.
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Engine and Propulsion
The engine of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was based on the proven 2-stroke, 1071cc, vertical triple Kawasaki marine engine. But unlike its carbed predecessor, this power mill featured a Ficht direct fuel injection system and delivered 130 HP.
The key features of the fuel-injected 1100 Kawasaki Jet Ski engine were as follows:
- 2-stroke, vertical triple architecture
- Ficht fuel injection system
- PZFR7G-G spark plugs
- Crankcase reed valve configuration
- Oil injection system
- DC-CDI ignition
- Open-loop cooling system
- Electric starter
For example, the EMM monitored the air intake temperature, atmospheric pressure, engine temperature, speed, and even the position of the crankshaft.
Based on these factors the computer calculated the optimal fuel delivery curves (a.k.a. mapping) which ensured easy starts and smooth operation.
The propulsion system of the 1100 STX D.I. was a standard axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a stainless-steel, 3-blade, oval-edge impeller. This high-performance pump was rated at a maximum thrust of 851 pounds.
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Features
The 1100 STX D.I. came standard with many advanced features, including:
- Magnetic keyed ignition switch
- LCD instrument panel
- Choke knob
- Fuel knob
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- Engine shut-off lanyard
- Front storage compartment
- Fire extinguisher compartment
- Under-seat storage pocket
- Front storage pocket (glovebox)
- Smart Steering System
- 3-rider seat
- Seat latch
- Tool kit
- Drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Recessed hooks
- Mooring cleats
- Reboarding step
- Rear grab handle
- Sponsons
- Underwater exhaust outlet
- Deck mats
As the name suggests, this feature was a steering-assist system intended to provide steering force in off-throttle situations.
The system detected the position of the handlebar and automatically applied some throttle to provide a little thrust.
This was a game changer for novice riders who were not fully aware of how these machines worked.The LCD instrument panel of the 1100 STX D.I. had many useful functions, including:
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Clock/Time/Trip/Hour meter display
- Fuel level gauge
- Low fuel warning light
- Water temperature symbol
- Engine oil level gauge
- Low oil warning light
- Battery symbol
- Check engine symbol
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Performance
Powered by a 130 HP engine, the 1100 STX D.I. could reach an amazing top speed of 52-53 mph under ideal conditions. With some aftermarket mods, it could be pushed into the ballpark of 55-62 mph!
The advanced fuel-injection system offered smooth acceleration, lower emissions, and quieter operation.
What’s more, the STX D.I. had better fuel economy and an increased cruising range.
The claimed fuel consumption of this fuel-injected Jet Ski was 10.8 GPH at full throttle, so its 14.26-gallon tank ensured a fuel range of 74.5 miles or 1 hour 19 minutes.
In contrast, the carbed 1100 STX got 12.2 GPH and its range was only 57.8 miles.
The deep-V hull of the STX D.I. offered a comfortable and smooth riding experience along with great rough water capabilities.This predictable and easy handling paired with the 3-seater seat made this Jet Ski a great touring PWC, but it was also commonly used for tow sports.
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Problems
Based on our research, the biggest problems of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. were as follows:
- Complex fuel-injected engine
- Defective cooling system
- EMM overheating issues
- Aging oil lines
On the other hand, working on this model was much harder since fixing and setting its fuel-injection system required more expertise.
Compared to this complex system, servicing and adjusting carburetors were much easier tasks.
Also, this engine was harder and much riskier to modify than carbed units. Improper modifications could easily foul its fuel mapping, resulting in a lengthy troubleshooting procedure.
However, the biggest flaw of the 1100 STX was arguably its poorly designed cooling system.
Unfortunately, the cooling system of early models was prone to sucking up debris from the pump, which often resulted in a clog.
These issues often caused the engine, exhaust, EMM, or other important systems to overheat.
The EMM was especially endangered since it could be easily fried due to overheating. When this happened, it meant an expensive replacement.
For 2003, the pump was upgraded with an integrated filter to keep debris away from the inlet of the cooling system. This effectively blocked larger piece of debris but it couldn’t filter out the sand.
Because of this, beaching or riding the STX D.I. in shallow water was not recommended. It could also only run intervals of a couple of seconds on the hose to avoid overheating.
The factory-installed oil lines were also prone to getting brittle over time.
Because of this, they had to be periodically replaced, but some owners preferred to remove the entire oil system instead.
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2003 Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. into these charts:Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Engine Specs
| Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 2-stroke, 3-cylinder, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled |
| Displacement | 1,071 mL (65.4 cu in.) |
| Bore and stroke | 80.0 x 71.0 mm (3.15 x 2.80 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 6.6 : 1 |
| Ignition system | DC-CDI |
| Lubrication system | Oil injection |
| Fuel System | Direct fuel injection |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Battery | 12 V 18 Ah |
| Engine oil type | 2-stroke, NMMA Certified for Service TC-W 3 |
| Engine oil tank capacity | 5 L, 5.3 qt (US) |
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Tuning Specifications
| Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. | Tuning Specifications |
|---|---|
| Spark Plug Type | PZFR7G-G |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.) |
| Spark Plug Terminal | Solid post |
| Ignition Timing | 17° BTDC @1,100 r/min (rpm) - 24° BTDC @3,000 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - in water | 1,100 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - out of water | 1,100 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Drive System
| Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Coupling | Direct drive from engine |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump Static Thrust | 3,790 N - 386 kg (851 lb) |
| Steering | Steerable nozzle |
| Braking | Water drag |
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Performance
| Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minimum Turning Radius | 4.0 m (13.1 ft) |
| Fuel Consumption | 41 L/hr (10.8 US gal/hr) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (1) | 120 km (74.5 mi) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (2) | 1 hour and 19 minutes |
Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Dimensions
| Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 122.8 in (3 120 mm) |
| Overall width | 46.5 in (1 180 mm) |
| Overall height | 40.2 in (1 020 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 3,020 N - 308 kg (679 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.26 US gal (54 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2000-2004 Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.:What is a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.?
The 1100 STX D.I. was the first fuel-injected Kawasaki Jet Ski. It was a 2-stroke, 3-cylinder runabout built on the large 3-seater STX platform.
When did the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Come Out?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. debuted in 2000.
What Years Did Kawasaki Make the 1100 STX D.I.?
Kawasaki marketed the 1100 STX D.I. from 2000 through 2004.
What Size was a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. measured 122.8 inches in length, 46.5 inches in width, and 40.2 inches in height.
How Much Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Weigh?
The dry weight of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was 692 or 679 pounds depending on the model year (’00-’02: 692 lbs, ’03-’04: 679 lbs).
How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was powered by a 2-stroke, three-cylinder, 1071cc, fuel-injected Kawasaki marine engine.
Was the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Supercharged?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. utilized a naturally-aspirated engine configuration.
Was the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. a 2-stroke?
Yes, the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Was the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Fuel Injected?
Yes, the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was designed with a Ficht fuel injection system.
How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Have?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. produced 130 HP in stock condition.
How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Hold?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. had an oil injection system featuring a 5.3-quart oil tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Hold?
The Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was equipped with a 14.26-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was 10.8 GPH at full throttle.
What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I.?
The claimed fuel range of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was 74.5 miles or 1 hour and 19 minutes at WOT.
How Much Weight Could a 1100 Kawasaki STX D.I. Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was 496 pounds.
How Fast Did a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Go?
The top speed of a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was about 52 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater configuration and powerful engine, the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. could easily and legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Have a Reverse?
No, the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. came standard with a reverse system.
Did the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Have a Brake?
No, the Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. Cost?
The asking price of a used Kawasaki 1100 STX D.I. varies between $1,000 and $6,000 depending on the year and its condition.
