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2001-2002 Kawasaki 900 STS Review and Specs [Video]
The Kawasaki 900 STS was virtually a rebranded 2000 900 STX manufactured from 2001 through 2002. This machine was a reliable and predictable runabout Jet Ski featuring the 3-seater STX platform. Its power source was a 2-stroke, 891cc, crankcase reed valve, triple-carb, triple-cylinder engine rated at 100 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 900 STS review!
2001-2002 Kawasaki 900 STS Review
The history of the 900 STS goes back to the ‘90s when Kawasaki released the popular STX line as the successor of the outdated STS 750.This family included three members, the short-lived 750 STX, the mid-range 900 STX, and the high-end 1100 STX (later re-introduced as the STX 1100 STX D.I.).These 2-stroke, 3-seater Jet Skis built their reputation on great handling and durability.
While the 1100 STX was discontinued in 1999, the 900 STX was manufactured from 1997 through 2006. Over that decade the model underwent many upgrades and changes.
For the 2001 season, the 900 STX got some key improvements including a more advanced digital gauge and a refreshed hull and top deck.
Besides the revamped 900 STX, the manufacturer rebranded the 2000 model as 900 STS and marketed it from 2001 through 2002.
This means that the 2000 Kawasaki 900 STX and the 2001-2002 Kawasaki 900 STS are completely identical except for different color schemes.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this ski in detail!
Kawasaki 900 STS Hull and Top Deck
The 900 STS borrowed its hull and top deck from the STX family.
This platform measured 122.1 inches in length, 46.1 inches in width, and 41.3 inches in height, while the dry weight of the ski was 613 pounds.
It housed a comfortable 3-rider seat, a glovebox, an under-seat storage pocket, a tool kit container, and a standard box-type storage compartment located in the bow.
The latter featured a separate fire extinguisher container while the practical tool kit container was mounted under the seat.
In terms of capacities, the ski was designed with a 5.3-quart oil reservoir and a 14-gallon fuel tank including a 1.8-gallon reserve.
Regarding the color scheme, its white hull and top deck were completed with a red front hood and a two-tone, grey/red saddle.
Kawasaki 900 STS Engine and Propulsion
The engine of the Kawasaki 900 STS was the proven 2-stroke, 891cc, vertical triple Kawasaki marine engine rated at 100 HP. This power source was used in many popular Jet Skis including the entire 900 STX series and the 2-seater 900 ZXi.
The key features of this triple-carb 900 Kawasaki marine engine were as follows:
- 2-stroke, vertical triple architecture
- Crankcase reed valve configuration
- 3 x Keihin CDCV 38-33 carburetors
- NGK BR9ES spark plugs
- Oil injection system
- DC-CDI (Digital) ignition system
- Open-loop cooling system
- Electric starter
Engine power was delivered to an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump rated at a maximum thrust of 732 pounds.
Kawasaki 900 STS Features
The 900 STS came standard with many advanced features, including:
- Digital multifunction gauge
- 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)
- Tool kit
- Tool kit container
- 3-rider seat
- Seat latch
- Drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Throttle limiter
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Rear grab handle
- Sponsons
- Underwater exhaust outlet
- Deck mats
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Time meter
- Trip meter
- Hour meter
- Fuel level gauge
- Low fuel warning light
- Water temperature symbol
- Engine oil level gauge
- Low oil warning light
- Clock
Kawasaki 900 STS Performance
Thanks to its powerful 100 HP engine, the STS could hit a top speed of 48-49 mph and got on plane fairly quickly.
Its claimed fuel consumption was 13.1 GPH at WOT, so its 14-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising range of 67.1 miles or 1 hour and 23 minutes of riding time.
It could handle the weight of two riders but became unstable with three adults onboard.
The deep-V hull of the 900 STS featured long strakes and a deep keel, which offered predictable and smooth rides.
Therefore, this ski was a great choice for tow sports or even touring.
Kawasaki 900 STS Problems
It is safe to say that the biggest problems of the Kawasaki 1100 STX were as follows:
- Complex engine with triple CDCV carbs
- Poor electrical box and trim box sealing
- Aging oil hoses
- “Swelling” wear ring issue
Also, its advanced CDCV carburetors were more difficult to set correctly than the regular Keihin CDK cabs in older engines.
The trim box and the electrical box also featured poor sealing, which was prone to breaking over time. Water leakage into the boxes caused various electrical malfunctions.
The stock hoses of the oil injection system were also prone to breaking over time.
Keeping safety in mind, many owners replaced them with new polyurethane oil lines or switched back to premix by removing the entire oil system.
Since the 900 STS borrowed its pump from the STX family, it also suffered from the “swelling” wear ring issue.
When salt water got between the vane housing and the impeller, the former started to corrode, which caused the wear ring to swell.
Therefore, the tight clearance between the impeller and the wear ring was drastically decreased causing the impeller blades to reach the ring. In the worst-case scenario, the stuck impeller locked up the engine.
In case of excessive corrosion, the vane housing would have to be replaced.
Kawasaki 900 STS Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2002 Kawasaki 900 STS into these charts:Kawasaki 900 STS Engine Specs
| Kawasaki 900 STS | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 2-stroke, 3-cylinder, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled |
| Displacement | 891 mL (54.4 cu in.) |
| Bore and stroke | 73.0 x 71.0 mm (2.87 x 2.80 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 5.5 : 1 |
| Ignition system | DC-CDI (Digital) |
| Lubrication system | Oil injection (break-in period: oil injection and gas/oil mixture 50:1) |
| Carburetor | Keihin CDCV 38-33 x 3 |
| 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 900 STS Tuning Specifications
| Kawasaki 900 STS | Tuning Specifications |
|---|---|
| Spark Plug Type | NGK BR9ES |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.) |
| Ignition Timing | 15° BTDC @1250 r/min (rpm) - 25° BTDC @3000 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - in water | 1 250 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - out of water | 1 800 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
| Compression Pressure | 834 kPa (8.5 kg/cm2) @ 408 r/min (rpm) - 121psi |
Kawasaki 900 STS Drive System
| Kawasaki 900 STS | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Coupling | Direct drive from engine |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump Static Thrust | 332 kg (732 lb) |
| Steering | Steerable nozzle |
| Braking | Water drag |
Kawasaki 900 STS Performance
| Kawasaki 900 STS | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minimum Turning Radius | 4.0 m (13.1 ft) |
| Fuel Consumption | 38 L/hr (10.0 US gal/hr) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (1) | 108 km (67.1 mi) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (2) | 1 hour and 23 minutes |
Kawasaki 900 STS Dimensions
| Kawasaki 900 STS | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 122.1 in (3 100 mm) |
| Overall width | 46.1 in (1 170 mm) |
| Overall height | 41.3 in (1 050 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 278 kg (613 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.0 US gal (53 L) including 1.8 US gal (7 L) reserve |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2001-2002 Kawasaki 900 STS:What is a Kawasaki 900 STS?
The 900 STS was a 3-seater, 2-stroke runabout Kawasaki Jet Ski.
When did the Kawasaki 900 STS Come Out?
The Kawasaki 900 STS debuted in 2001.
What Years Did Kawasaki Make the 900 STS?
Kawasaki marketed the 900 STS from 2001 through 2002.
What Size was a Kawasaki 900 STS?
The Kawasaki 900 STS measured 122.1 inches in length, 46.1 inches in width, and 41.3 inches in height.
How Much Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Weigh?
The dry weight of the Kawasaki 900 STS was 613 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki 900 STS?
The Kawasaki 900 STS was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki 900 STS?
The Kawasaki 900 STS was powered by a 2-stroke, 891cc, triple-carb, three-cylinder Kawasaki marine engine.
Was the Kawasaki 900 STS Supercharged?
The Kawasaki 900 STS utilized a naturally-aspirated engine configuration.
Was the Kawasaki 900 STS a 2-stroke?
Yes, the Kawasaki 900 STS was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Have?
The Kawasaki 900 STS produced 100 HP out of the box.
How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Hold?
The Kawasaki 900 STS had an oil injection system featuring a 5.3-quart oil tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Hold?
The Kawasaki 900 STS was equipped with a 14-gallon fuel tank, including a 1.8-gallon reserve.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki 900 STS was 10.0 GPH at full throttle.
What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki 900 STS?
The fuel range of the Kawasaki 900 STS was 67.1 miles or 1 hour and 23 minutes at WOT.
How Fast Did a Kawasaki 900 STS Go?
The claimed top speed of a Kawasaki 900 STS was 48 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Kawasaki 900 STS Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater configuration, the Kawasaki 900 STS could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Kawasaki 900 STS Have a Reverse?
No, the Kawasaki 900 STS came standard with a reverse system.
Did the Kawasaki 900 STS Have a Brake?
No, the Kawasaki 900 STS was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Kawasaki 900 STS Cost?
The asking price of a used Kawasaki 900 STS varies between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the year and its condition.
