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1997-2006 Kawasaki 900 STX Review and Specs [Video]
The Kawasaki 900 STX was a 2-stroke, 3-seater Jet Ski, marketed as the mid-range model between the 750 STX and the high-end 1100 STX. It was powered by a 2-stroke, 891cc, triple-carb, 3-cylinder engine rated at 100 HP. (Surprisingly, the 2001-2002 Kawasaki 900 STS was a rebranded to the 2000 900 STX.)
If you want to find out more about this popular 2-stroke 3-seater Jet Ski, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki 900 STX review!
1997-2006 Kawasaki 900 STX Review
Kawasaki 900 STX Hull and Top Deck
The Kawasaki 900 STX was released in 1997 as the successor of the outdated 3-seater STS 750.The all-new STX was a 2-stroke, 3-seater Jet Ski that built its reputation on great handling and durability.
It was built on the 3-seater STX platform measuring 122.8 inches in length, 46.5 inches in width, and 39 inches in height. The width of the ’97 model was only 42.5 inches, which was increased to 46.5 inches for the following season.
In the following years, the dimensions of the ski were only slightly changed but the design of its top deck was revamped a couple of times.
Besides the 900 STX, this platform was used on many other popular models including the 1100 STX and the 900 STS.
Its deep-V hull architecture featured long strakes and a deep keel, which ensured smooth and predictable handling.
It housed a relatively flat, 3-rider seat, and a 23-gallon storage space split into a standard bow storage, a rear storage pocket, and a glovebox.
The dry weight of the 900 STX varied between 613 and 664 pounds depending on the model year.
Kawasaki 900 STX Engine and Propulsion
The power source of the Kawasaki 900 STX was a 2-stroke, 891cc, triple-carb, 3-cylinder Kawasaki Jet Ski engine rated at 100 HP.
The key features of this power mill were as follows:
- 2-stroke, vertical triple architecture
- Three Keihin carburetors
- NGK BR8ES spark plugs
- Crankcase reed valve configuration
- Oil injection system
- Electric starter
- Open-loop cooling system
- ’97-’98: Keihin CDK 38-29 (x3)
- ‘99: Keihin CDCV 38-29 (x3)
- ’00-‘06: Keihin CDCV 38-33 (x3)
- ’97-’99: Magneto CDI Ignition (Digital)
- ’00-‘06: DC-CDI (Digital)
The propulsion system of the 900 STX was an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a 3-blade, stainless-steel impeller.
Kawasaki 900 STX Features
The Kawasaki 900 STX came standard with many innovative features, including:
- Manual reverse system
- Innovative dashboard
- Choke knob
- Fuel knob
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- Shut-off switch with safety lanyard
- Front storage compartment
- Fire extinguisher compartment
- Rear storage pocket
- Glovebox
- Tool kit
- Drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Throttle limiter
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Rear grab handle
- Sponsons
- Underwater exhaust outlet
- Deck mats
Kawasaki 900 STX Timeline (’97-’06)
1997-1998 Kawasaki 900 STX (JT900-A)
The 900 STX (JT900-A) was introduced for the 1997 season and was carried over to 1998 without any significant changes.
This model came standard with three Keihin CDK 38-29 carburetors and a basic dashboard that had an analog tachometer and a trim gauge.
It also had a small display panel with oil and fuel level warning lights, fuel indicator lights, and an engine overheating warning light. The latter was integrated into the lid of the glovebox.
The weight of this model was 622 pounds and it featured a 12.2-gallon fuel tank and a 3.5-quart oil reservoir.
The claimed fuel economy of the ski was 9.8 GPH at WOT and its fuel range was 59 miles or 1 hour and 15 minutes of fun.
The ’98 model got a 46.5-inch wide hull, which was 4 inches wider than its predecessor.
1999 Kawasaki 900 STX (JT900-B1)
Changes and upgrades over ’98 include:
- Innovative LCD gauge with speedometer
- Carburetors upgraded to triple Keihin CDCV 38-29
- Larger bow storage with fire extinguisher container
- Tool box container located under the seat
- Fuel capacity increased from 12.2 to 14.0 gallons
- Oil capacity upgraded from 3.5 quarts to 5.3 quarts
- Weight dropped to 613 pounds from 622 pounds
- Fuel consumption increased from 9.8 to 12.2 GPH
- The cruising range decreased from 59 to 55.8 miles
- New, sleeker top deck design
- Slightly wider (.4”) and longer (.1”) hull
- New black/yellow top deck with a white hull
2000 Kawasaki 900 STX (JT900-B2)
Changes and upgrades over ’99 include:
- New triple Keihin CDCV 38-33 carburetors
- New DC-CDI ignition
- Fuel consumption decreased from 12.2 to 10.0 GPH
- Fuel range increased from 55.8 to 67.1 miles
These skis were completely identical except for some cosmetic changes.
2001-2003 Kawasaki 900 STX (JT900-C/D)
Changes and upgrades over ’00 include:
- New, more advanced LCD gauge
- Redesigned hull and top deck
- Weight jumped from 613 to 673 pounds
- Cruising range increased from 67.1 to 71.5 miles
- New white/beige/dark red color scheme
2004-2006 Kawasaki 900 STX (JT900-E)
- Weight decreased from 673 to 664 pounds
- Fuel capacity increased from 14 to 16.4 gallons
- Fuel range increased from 71.5 to 81.4 miles
- Color scheme and cosmetic changes
Kawasaki 900 STX Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the most advanced, 2006 Kawasaki 900 STX into these charts:Kawasaki 900 STX Engine Specs
| Kawasaki 900 STX | 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 | Magneto 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 STX Tuning Specifications
| Kawasaki 900 STX | 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) |
Kawasaki 900 STX Drive System
| Kawasaki 900 STX | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Coupling | Direct drive from engine |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump Static Thrust | 3 260 N - 332 kg (733 lb) |
| Steering | Steerable nozzle |
| Braking | Water drag |
Kawasaki 900 STX Performance
| Kawasaki 900 STX | 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) | 131 km (81.4 mi) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (2) | 1 hour and 34 minutes |
Kawasaki 900 STX Dimensions
| Kawasaki 900 STX | 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 | 301 kg (664 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16.4 US gal (62 L) including 1.3 US gal (5 L) reserve |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Kawasaki 900 STX:What is a Kawasaki 900 STX?
The 900 STX was a 2-stroke, 3-seater, sit-down Kawasaki Jet Ski.
When did the Kawasaki 900 STX Come Out?
The Kawasaki 900 STX debuted in 1997.
What Years Did Kawasaki Make the 900 STX?
Kawasaki marketed the 900 STX from 1997 through 2006.
What Size was a Kawasaki 900 STX?
The dimensions of each Kawasaki 900 STX were as follow: (L x W x H, inches)
- 1997: 122.0 x 42.5 x 39.0
- 1998: 122.0 x 46.5 x 39.0
- 1999-2000: 122.1 x 46.1 x 41.3
- 2001-2006: 122.8 x 46.5 x 40.2
How Much Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Weigh?
The dry weight of each Kawasaki 900 STX was as follows:
- 1997-1998: 662 pounds
- 1999-2000: 613 pounds
- 2001-2003: 673 pounds
- 2004-2006: 664 pounds
How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki 900 STX?
The Kawasaki 900 STX was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki 900 STX?
The Kawasaki 900 STX was powered by a 2-stroke, 891cc, triple-carb, 3-cylinder Kawasaki marine engine.
Was the Kawasaki 900 STX Supercharged?
The Kawasaki 900 STX was powered by a naturally-aspirated engine.
Was the Kawasaki 900 STX a 2-stroke?
Yes, the Kawasaki 900 STX was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Have?
The Kawasaki 900 STX produced 100 HP out of the box.
How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Hold?
The Kawasaki 900 STX had an oil injection system featuring a 5.3-quart oil reservoir. (’97-’98 model: 3.5 quarts).
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Hold?
The fuel capacity of each Kawasaki 900 STX was as follows:
- 1997-1998: 12.2 US gallons (inc. 2.0 gal. reserve)
- 1999-2003: 14.0 US gallons (inc. 1.8 gal. reserve)
- 2004-2006: 16.4 US gallons (inc. 1.3 gal. reserve)
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Use?
The fuel economy of each Kawasaki 900 STX was as follows:
- 1997-1998: 9.8 GPH
- 1999: 12.2 GPH
- 2000-2006: 10.0 GPH
What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki 900 STX?
The fuel range of each Kawasaki 900 STX was as follows:
- 1997-1998: 59 miles
- 1999: 55.8 miles
- 2000: 67.1 miles
- 2001-2003: 71.5 miles
- 2004-2006: 81.4 miles
How Fast Did a Kawasaki 900 STX Go?
The claimed top speed of each Kawasaki 900 STX was as follows:
- 1997-1998: 47 mph
- 1999-2000: 48 mph
- 2001: 51 mph
- 2002-2006: 52 mpg
Could the Kawasaki 900 STX Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its dual mirrors and 3-rider seat, the Kawasaki 900 STX could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier with ease.
Did the Kawasaki 900 STX Have a Reverse?
No, the Kawasaki 900 STX came standard with a mechanical reverse.
Did the Kawasaki 900 STX Have a Brake?
No, the Kawasaki 900 STX was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Kawasaki 900 STX Cost?
The asking price of a used Kawasaki 900 STX varies between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the year and its condition.
