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1992-1997 Kawasaki 750SS Review and Specs [Video]

1992-1997 Kawasaki 750SS Review and Specs [Video]

The Kawasaki 750SS was a 2-seater sit-down Jet Ski manufactured from 1992 through 1997. It shared its 2-stroke, 743cc, single-carb, vertical twin engine with the stand-up 750SX but was built on a runabout platform. The bigger brothers of the SS were the more powerful 750SS Xi and the 3-seater 750ST.

If you want to find out more about this popular 2-stroke runabout Jet Ski, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki 750SS review!

1992-1997 Kawasaki 750SS Review

Kawasaki 750SS Hull

Kawasaki introduced the high-performance 750SS for the 1992 model year, as the first high-performance sit-down Jet Ski.

This model was known by many names including Kawasaki Super Sport 750, Jet Ski SS, and just 750SS.

Its smaller sibling was the 650TS (Tandem Sport), manufactured from 1989 through 1996. But unlike its tippy predecessor, the sporty 750SS was built on a much larger and more stable hull.

This deep-V platform was made of SMC and measured 99.6 inches in length, 40.6 inches in width, and 37.2 inches in height.

To increase its rigidity, it featured an aluminum reinforcement mounted under the fire extinguisher.

It also had a “step” at the front of the hull intended to reduce bow spray.

The dry weight of the machine was 375-401 pounds depending on the model year.

Unlike the “moped-like” 650TS, the innovative 750SS featured a modern top deck design, which became the standard for all future runabout PWCs.

The 750SS featured a long comfortable seat rated for two riders, an 8.7-gallon fuel tank including a 1.6-gallon reserve, and a 2.4-quart oil reservoir under the seat.

Although the front of the ski housed a bow storage, there was no glovebox.

Kawasaki 750SS Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the Kawasaki 750SS was a 2-stroke, 743cc, single-carb Kawasaki marine engine, which was often referred to as the 750 Jet Ski engine.

From 1992 through 1995, this power source featured a “small pin” configuration rated at 63 HP.

For the 1996 model year, the engine was upgraded to a “big pin” configuration but unlike the 750SS Xi or the 750SX, it didn’t get dual carbs, so its performance only jumped to 70 HP.

In contrast, the dual-carb, big-pin Kawasaki 750 engine was rated at 75 HP.

The key features of the Kawasaki 750SS engine were as follows:

  • 2-stroke, 2-cylinder architecture
  • Single Keihin CDK 40-34 carburetor
  • NGK BR8ES spark plugs
  • Crankcase reed valve configuration
  • Oil injection system
  • Magneto CDI ignition system
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • Electric starter
  • Power – (1992-1995) “Small pin” configuration: 63 HP
  • Power – (1996-1997) “Big pin” configuration: 70 HP
Are you wondering what the difference was between Kawasaki’s small-pin and big-pin 750 engines?

In a nutshell, the manufacturer produced its base small-pin 750 (743cc) engine from 1992 through 1995. This engine was designed with lighter and less durable components and was ported for more bottom-end power. It was rated at 63 HP with a single carb and 75 HP with dual carbs.

In contrast, from 1996 onwards Kawasaki manufactured its 750 Jet Skis with a more durable, “big-pin” engine configuration. This engine design was much more durable and was ported for higher top speeds. Based on our research, the single-carb big-pin Kawasaki 750 engine was rated at 70 HP while its dual-carb equivalent produced 75-83 HP.

The key upgrades of the big-pin 750 engine over its small-pin predecessor were as follows:

  • The big end of the connecting rods and the wrist pins were larger and more durable, which ensured higher durability. (This is where the name “big pin” comes from.) Due to this difference, the pistons and the rods of the ’92-’95 small-pin and ’96 big-pin 750 engines were not interchangeable.
  • It was designed with a heavier and more durable crankshaft.
  • The big-pin 750 engine featured a slightly smaller carburetor(s), reed cages, and inlet tracts, which increased air speed in the inlet.
  • The cylinders had higher exhaust ports than its predecessor.
  • It had different ignition timing, port timing, and compression ratio, which translated to less bottom end power but ensured much better acceleration and a higher top speed.
  • It had significantly more horsepower.
Thanks to its advanced features, the big-pin engine was not only more powerful but was also much more reliable than the small-pin configuration.

The propulsion system of the 750SS was an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump housing a three-blade impeller. This advanced pump produced a maximum thrust of 595 pounds.

The fuel consumption of the ‘92-‘95 750SS was 6.1 GPH at WOT, which jumped up to 7.1 GPH on the ’96-97’ models due to their more powerful, big-pin engine.

Kawasaki 750SS Features

The 750SS came standard with many advanced features, including:

  • Innovative display panel with oil and fuel level warning lights, fuel indicator lights, and an engine overheating warning light
  • Choke knob
  • Fuel knob
  • Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
  • Shut-off switch with safety lanyard
  • Front storage compartment
  • Fire extinguisher compartment (under the storage case)
  • Rear storage pocket
  • Tool kit
  • Drain plugs
  • Finger throttle with a throttle limiter
  • Tow hook
  • Mooring cleats
  • Rear grab handle
  • Underwater exhaust outlet
  • Deck mats
The most innovative features of the 750SS were arguably its display panel, finger throttle lever, and the shut-off valve with a safety lanyard.

Kawasaki marketed the 750SS from 1992 through 1997, and its dual-carb brother, the 750SS Xi, from 1993 onwards.

Kawasaki 750SS Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 1997 Kawasaki 750SS into these charts:

Kawasaki 750SS Engine Specs

Kawasaki 750SSEngine Specs
Engine type2-stroke, vertical twin, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled
Displacement743 mL (45.3 cu in.)
Bore and stroke80.0 x 74.0 mm (3.15 x 2.91 in.)
Compression ratio7.0 : 1
Ignition systemMagneto CDI (digital)
Lubrication systemOil injection (break-in period: oil injection and gas/oil mixture 50:1)
CarburetorKeihin CDK 40-34
Starting systemElectric
Battery12 V 19 Ah
Engine oil type2-stroke, NMMA Certified for Service TC-W II or TC-W 3
Engine oil tank capacity2.3 L, 2.4 qt (US)

Kawasaki 750SS Tuning Specifications

Kawasaki 750SSTuning Specifications
Spark Plug TypeNGK BR8ES
Spark Plug Gap0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.)
Ignition Timing13° BTDC @1250 r/min (rpm) - 16° BTDC @2500 r/min (rpm)
Carburetor Idle Speed - in water1 250 ±100 r/min (rpm)
Carburetor Idle Speed - out of water1 700 ±100 r/min (rpm)
Compression Pressure1 196 kPa (12.2 kg/cm2) 173 psi

Kawasaki 750SS Drive System

Kawasaki 750SSDrive System
CouplingDirect drive from engine
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Jet Pump Static Thrust270 kg (595 lb)
SteeringSteerable nozzle
BrakingWater drag

Kawasaki 750SS Performance

Kawasaki 750SSPerformance
Minimum Turning Radius3.3 m (10.8 ft)
Fuel Consumption27 L/hr (7.1 US gal/hr) @full throttle
Cruising Range (1)88 km (54.7 mi) @full throttle
Cruising Range (2)1 hour and 13 minutes

Kawasaki 750SS Dimensions

Kawasaki 750SSDimensions
Overall length99.6 in (2 530 mm)
Overall width40.6 in (1 030 mm)
Overall height37.2 in (945 mm)
Dry Weight182 kg (401 lbs)
Fuel tank capacity8.7 US gal (33 L) including 1.6 US gal (6 L) reserve
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Kawasaki 750SS:

What is a Kawasaki 750SS?

The 750SS was a sit-down type, high-performance, “Super Sport” Kawasaki Jet Ski.

When did the Kawasaki 750SS Come Out?

The Kawasaki 750SS debuted in 1992.

What Years Did Kawasaki Make the 750SS?

Kawasaki marketed the 750SS from 1992 through 1997.

What Size was a Kawasaki 750SS?

The Kawasaki 750SS measured 99.6 inches in length, 40.6 inches in width, and 37.2 inches in height.

How Much Did a Kawasaki 750SS Weigh?

The dry weight of the Kawasaki 750SS was 375-401 pounds depending on the model year (’92-’95: 375 lbs, ’96-’97: 401 lbs.)

How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki 750SS?

The Kawasaki 750SS could carry two riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki 750SS?

The Kawasaki 750SS was powered by a 2-stroke, vertical twin, 743cc, single-carb Kawasaki marine engine (’92-’95: small-pin, ’96-’97: big-pin configuration).

Was the Kawasaki 750SS Supercharged?

The Kawasaki 750SS was powered by a naturally-aspirated engine.

Was the Kawasaki 750SS a 2-stroke?

Yes, the Kawasaki 750SS was powered by a 2-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki 750SS Have?

The Kawasaki 750SS produced 63-70 HP in stock condition (’92-’95 small-pin: 63 HP, ’96-’97 big-pin: 70 HP).

How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki 750SS Hold?

The Kawasaki 750SS had an oil system featuring a 2.4-quart oil reservoir.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 750SS Hold?

The Kawasaki 750SS was equipped with an 8.7 fuel tank including a 1.6-gallon reserve.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 750SS Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki 750SS was 6.3-7.1 GPH at full throttle. (’92-’95 small-pin: 6.3 GPH, ’96-’97 big-pin: 7.1 GPH).

What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki 750SS?

The fuel range of the Kawasaki 750SS was about 55-57 miles at full throttle.

How Fast Did a Kawasaki 750SS Go?

The claimed top speed of a Kawasaki 750SS was 40-45 mph under ideal conditions.

Did the Kawasaki 750SS Have a Reverse?           

No, the Kawasaki 750SS didn’t have a reverse system.

Did the Kawasaki 750SS Have a Brake?

No, the Kawasaki 750SS was manufactured without a brake system.

How Much Does a Kawasaki 750SS Cost?

The asking price of a used Kawasaki 750SS varies between $500 and $2,500 depending on the year and its condition.