1998-1999 Kawasaki Xi Sport Review and Specs [Video]

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The 1998-1999 Kawasaki Xi Sport (a.k.a. 750 Xi Sport) was the more powerful successor of the popular Super Sport Xi. These skis shared the same hull and dual-carb, 743cc, twin engine, but the Xi offered 5 HP more thanks to its performance upgrades.

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

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki Xi Sport review!

1998-1999 Kawasaki Xi Sport Review

Kawasaki Xi Sport Hull

Kawasaki introduced the high-performance Xi Sport for the 1998 model year, as an upgraded version of the proven Super Sport Xi.

The Sport Xi inherited its SMC hull from its predecessor, which included a “step” on its keel intended to reduce bow spray.

Regarding dimensions, this deep-V platform measured 99.6 inches in length, 40.6 inches in width, and 37.2 inches in height.

Unlike the hull, the top deck of the Xi Sport had been slightly redesigned. Its handlebars were moved to the front for a more comfortable riding position. However, the ski lacked the innovative dashboard, which came standard on its predecessor.

Other features like the bow storage, 2-rider seat,  8.7-gallon fuel tank, and 2.4-quart oil tank were carried over without any changes.

In terms of color scheme, the hull and the top deck were covered with white Gelcoat, while the handlebar cover and column were painted black. These colors were complemented with green and purple decals on the 1998 model.

By 1999, the body of the ski remained white but it was dressed in a purple/black decal set. The seat, handlebar cover, handlebar column, and front storage lid were now a new, bright yellow color.

The dry weight of the Xi Sport was 408 pounds, which meant a 7-pound weight loss compared to the previous year’s model.

This was a big surprise since this revamped model now had a more powerful engine option.

Let’s drill into the details and talk about this engine detail!

Kawasaki Xi Sport Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the Kawasaki Xi Sport was a 2-stroke, 743cc, dual-carb, vertical twin engine rated at 80 HP. This advanced unit was also known as the “big-pin” 750 Kawasaki engine.

This 750 engine was inherited from the Super Sport Xi, which offered 75 HP in stock condition. But thanks to some performance upgrades, this engine produced 5 HP more than the one in the Xi Sport.

The key features of the Kawasaki Xi Sport engine were as follows:

  • 2-stroke, 2-cylinder architecture
  • 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
  • “Big-pin” configuration; ported for high-speed performance

Although they offered the same horsepower, the big-pin engine had very different characteristics than the small-pin configuration.

It came with more durable engine internals and was ported for high speed rather than bottom-end power.

Engine power was delivered to an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump utilizing a 3-blade impeller. This high-performance jet pump produced a maximum thrust of 653 pounds, which was 25 pounds more than its predecessor.

The fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Xi Sport was 8.2 GPH at WOT, which ensured a cruising range of 51 miles or a riding time of 1 hour and 4 minutes.

Kawasaki Xi Sport Features

The Xi Sport inherited most of its features from the Super Sport Xi, which were as follows:

  • 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 lever with a throttle limiter
  • Tow hook
  • Mooring cleats
  • Rear grab handle
  • Sponsons
  • Underwater exhaust outlet
  • Deck mats

As mentioned, this model lacked the predecessor’s dashboard, which housed an analog tachometer and trim level gauge.

Kawasaki marketed the Xi Sport from 1998 through 1999 when it was discontinued to make room for the more powerful sit-down models.

Kawasaki Xi Sport Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 1999 Kawasaki Xi Sport into these charts:

Kawasaki Xi Sport Engine Specs

Kawasaki Xi SportEngine 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 19 Ah
Engine oil type2-stroke, NMMA Certified for Service TC-W 3
Engine oil tank capacity2.3 L, 2.4 qt (US)

Kawasaki Xi Sport Tuning Specifications

Kawasaki Xi SportTuning Specifications
Spark Plug Type NGK BR8ES
Spark Plug Gap0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.)
Ignition Timing 13° 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 Xi Sport Drive System

Kawasaki Xi SportDrive System
Coupling Direct drive from engine
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Jet Pump Static Thrust296 kg (653 lb)
Steering Steerable nozzle
Braking Water drag

Kawasaki Xi Sport Performance

Kawasaki Xi SportPerformance
Minimum Turning Radius 3.3 m (10.8 ft)
Fuel Consumption31 L/hr (8.2 US gal/hr) @full throttle
Cruising Range (1)82 km (51 mi) @full throttle
Cruising Range (2)1 hour and 4 minutes

Kawasaki Xi Sport Dimensions

Kawasaki Xi SportDimensions
Overall length99.6 in (2 530 mm)
Overall width40.6 in (1 030 mm)
Overall height37.2 in (945 mm)
Dry Weight185 kg (408 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 Xi Sport:

What is a Kawasaki Xi Sport?

The Xi Sport was a 2-stroke sit-down Kawasaki Jet Ski.

When did the Kawasaki Xi Sport Come Out?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport debuted in 1998.

What Years Did Kawasaki Make the Xi Sport?

Kawasaki marketed the Xi Sport from 1998 through 1999.

What Size was a Kawasaki Xi Sport?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport measured 99.6 inches in length, 40.6 inches in width, and 37.2 inches in height.

How Much Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Weigh?

The dry weight of the Kawasaki Xi Sport was only 408 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki Xi Sport?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport could carry two riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki Xi Sport?

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

Was the Kawasaki Xi Sport Supercharged?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport was powered by a naturally-aspirated engine.

Was the Kawasaki Xi Sport a 2-stroke?

Yes, the Kawasaki Xi Sport was powered by a 2-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Have?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport produced 80 HP out of the box.

How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Hold?

The Kawasaki Xi Sport had an oil injection system featuring a 2.4-quart oil reservoir.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Hold?

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

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Xi Sport was 8.2 GPH at full throttle.

What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki Xi Sport?

The fuel range of the Kawasaki Xi Sport was about 51 miles at full throttle which translated to a riding time of 1 hour and 4 minutes.

How Fast Did a Kawasaki Xi Sport Go?

The top speed of a Kawasaki Xi Sport was about 48-50 mph under ideal conditions.

Did the Kawasaki Xi Sport Have a Reverse?        

No, the Kawasaki Xi Sport didn’t have a reverse system.

Did the Kawasaki Xi Sport Have a Brake?            

No, the Kawasaki Xi Sport was manufactured without a brake system.

How Much Does a Kawasaki Xi Sport Cost?

The asking price of a used Kawasaki Xi Sport varies between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the year and its condition.

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