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1995-1997 Kawasaki 750 ZXi Review and Specs [Video]

1995-1997 Kawasaki 750 ZXi Review and Specs [Video]

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi was the smaller brother of the more powerful 900 ZXi and 1100 ZXi. It shared its 750cc, dual-carb engine with the 3-seater 750 STS but was built on a lighter, 2-seater platform.

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

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

1995-1997 Kawasaki 750 ZXi Review

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Hull and Top Deck

Kawasaki released the 2-seater 750 ZXi in 1995, as a 2-seater relative of the larger 750 STS.

Unlike its 3-seater counterpart, the ZXi featured a smaller platform, measuring 108.7 inches in length, 42.1 inches in width, and 39.3 inches in height.

Compared to the STS family, this shell was 4.4 inches narrower, 13.3 inches shorter, and significantly lighter.

Although the top deck of the ZXi resembled the deck of the STS, it had a slightly revamped design. It featured two grooves carved into the front hood with larger mirrors that were placed lower on the deck.

The ZXi housed a large 2-rider seat, standard bow storage, an under-seat storage pocket, a tiny glovebox, and an 11.4-gallon fuel tank. The latter was upgraded to a 13.7-gallon unit for the ’97 model year.

The dry weight of the 750 ZXi was 522.6 pounds, 45 pounds less than the bulky STS. (It jumped up to 529 pounds for ’97.)

In terms of color scheme, the white Gelcoat was complemented with purple decals and other elements with greenish blue accents. The latter was repainted red for the last model year.

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the Kawasaki 750 ZXi was a 2-stroke, 743cc, dual-carb, “big-pin” vertical twin Kawasaki engine rated at 83 HP.

The key features of the dual-carb 750 ZXi engine were as follows:

  • 2-stroke, vertical twin architecture
  • “Bin-pin” engine configuration: ported for high-speed performance
  • Dual Keihin CDK 40-31 carburetors
  • NGK BR8ES spark plugs
  • Crankcase reed valve configuration
  • Oil injection system
  • Magneto CDI ignition system
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • Electric starter
Just like any big-pin Kawasaki power mill, this twin-carb 750 engine was also known for its durability and great power.

Engine power was delivered to an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump rated at a maximum thrust of 679 pounds.

The claimed fuel economy of the 750 ZXi was 8.7 GPH at WOT, so its 13.7-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising range of 81.4 miles or 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Thanks to its small lightweight hull, the top speed of the ski was about 51 mph, 3 mph more than the 3-seater 750 STS and STX. Also, it got on plane easier and accelerated faster.

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Features

The 750 ZXi came standard with many innovative features, including:

  • Innovative dashboard
  • Choke knob
  • Fuel knob
  • Adjustable trim
  • Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
  • Engine shut-off lanyard
  • Front storage compartment
  • Fire extinguisher compartment
  • Under-seat storage pocket
  • 3-rider seat
  • Seat latch
  • Front storage pocket (glovebox)
  • Tool kit
  • Drain plugs
  • Finger throttle lever with throttle limiter
  • Dual mirrors
  • Tow hook
  • Mooring cleats
  • Rear grab handle
  • Sponsons
  • Underwater exhaust outlet
  • Deck mats
The ZXi also came with rich instrumentation, including:

  • Speedometer
  • Fuel gauge
  • Trim indicator
  • Cooling water temperature warning light
  • Oil level warning light
There’s no question that the biggest flaw of the 750 ZXi was its lack of a reverse system.

While the 3-seater STS line came standard with a mechanical reverse, the ZXi family was designed without this key feature.

Kawasaki marketed the 750 ZXi and the 900 ZXi from 1995 through 1997 while the top-of-the-line 1100 ZXi remained in production until 2003.

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Specs Charts

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

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Engine Specs

Kawasaki 750 ZXiEngine 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 ratio7.2 : 1
Ignition systemMagneto CDI (digital)
Lubrication systemOil injection (break-in period: oil injection and gas/oil mixture 50:1)
CarburetorKeihin CDK 40-31 x 2
Starting systemElectric
Battery12 V 18 Ah
Engine oil type2-stroke, NMMA Certified for Service TC-W II or TC-W 3
Engine oil tank capacity3.3 L, 3.5 qt (US)

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Tuning Specifications

Kawasaki 750 ZXiTuning Specifications
Spark Plug TypeNGK BR8ES
Spark Plug Gap0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.)
Ignition Timing13° BTDC @1250 r/min (rpm) - 20.2° BTDC @4000 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 270 kPa (13 kg/cm2) 185 psi

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Drive System

Kawasaki 750 ZXiDrive System
CouplingDirect drive from engine
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Jet Pump Static Thrust308 kg (679 lb)
SteeringSteerable nozzle
BrakingWater drag

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Performance

Kawasaki 750 ZXiPerformance
Minimum Turning Radius4 m (13.1 ft)
Fuel Consumption33 L/hr (8.7 US gal/hr) @full throttle
Cruising Range (1)131 km (81.4mi) @full throttle
Cruising Range (2)1 hour and 35 minutes

Kawasaki 750 ZXi Dimensions

Kawasaki 750 ZXiDimensions
Overall length108.7 in (2 760 mm)
Overall width42.1 in (1 070 mm)
Overall height39.3 in (999 mm)
Dry Weight240 kg (529 lbs)
Fuel tank capacity13.7 US gal (52 L) including 1.8 US gal (7 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 750 ZXi:

What is a Kawasaki 750 ZXi?

The 750 ZXi was a 2-seater 2-stroke sit-down Kawasaki Jet Ski.

When did the Kawasaki 750 ZXi Come Out?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi debuted in 1995.

What Years Did Kawasaki Make the 750 ZXi?

Kawasaki marketed the 750 ZXi from 1995 through 1997.

What’s the Difference Between the Kawasaki ZXi and STX?

The Kawasaki ZXi and STX lines shared the same enignes but they were built on different hulls. The latter was a larger 3-seater while the ZXi was a smaller 2-seater ski.

To be more precise, the SXT family utilized a 3-seater platform measuring 122 inches in length, 46.5 inches in width, and 39 inches in height.

In contrast, the 2-seater ZXi plafrom was only 108.7 inches long, 42.1 inches wide, and 39.3 inches high.

What Size was a Kawasaki 750 ZXi?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi measured 108.7 inches in length, 42.1 inches in width, and 39.3 inches in height.

How Much Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Weigh?

The dry weight of the ‘95 750 ZXi was 522.6-529 pounds depending on the model year (‘95-’96: 522.6 lbs., ’97: 529 lbs.)

How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki 750 ZXi?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi was rated for two riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki 750 ZXi?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi was powered by a 2-stroke, vertical twin, 743cc, dual-carb, “big-pin” Kawasaki marine engine.

Was the Kawasaki 750 ZXi Supercharged?

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

Was the Kawasaki 750 ZXi a 2-stroke?

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

How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Have?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi produced 83 HP out of the box.

How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Hold?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi had an oil injection system featuring a 3.5-quart oil tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Hold?

The Kawasaki 750 ZXi was equipped with an 11.4/13.7-gallon fuel tank, including a 1.8-gallon reserve. year (‘95-’96: 11.4 gal., ’97: 13.7 gal.)

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki 750 ZXi was 8.7 GPH at full throttle.

What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki 750 ZXi?

The claimed fuel range of the ’95 – ‘96 Kawasaki 750 ZXi was 67.1 miles or 1 hour and 18 minutes at WOT.

In contrast, the claimed cruising range of the ‘97 750 ZXi was 81.2 miles or 1 hour and 35 minutes at WOT.

How Fast Did a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Go?

The claimed top speed of a Kawasaki 750 ZXi was about 51 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Kawasaki 750 ZXi Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Due to its two-seater configuration, the Kawasaki 750 ZXi couldn’t legally tow a wakeboarder or skier in states where a spotter is required.

Did the Kawasaki 750 ZXi Have a Reverse?         

No, the Kawasaki 750 ZXi came without a reverse system.

Did the Kawasaki 750 ZXi Have a Brake?             

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

How Much Does a Kawasaki 750 ZXi Cost?

The asking price of a used Kawasaki 750 ZXi varies between $750 and $3,000 depending on the year and its condition.