![Sea-Doo GSX, GSX RFI, and GSX Comparison [Specs Charts]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sea-doo-gsx-review.jpg)
Sea-Doo GSX, GSX RFI, and GSX Comparison [Specs Charts]
Sea-Doo released the all-new 2-seater GSX in 1996. Just like their brothers, the GTX and the legendary XP, the GSX also featured the new DESS key system. Two years later the GTX was updated with the more powerful 947cc engine, which was marketed under the name of GSX Limited. The most advanced model in this series was the GSX RFI powered by the 800cc RFI (fuel-injected) Rotax engine.If you want to find out more about the Sea-Doo GSX family, you are in the right place.
We, at JetDrift, have compiled all the key info and specs of these iconic Sea-Doos into this post!
(If you are also interested in the latest models, you can browse and compare them head-to-head with this tool.)
Sea-Doo GSX vs. GSX Limited vs. GSX RFI Comparison Chart
Without further ado, let’s start with the comparison chart, where you can compare the key specs of these three models head-to-head.| GSX | GSX Ltd | GSX RFI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2-stroke, Rotax | 2-stroke, Rotax | 2-stroke, Rotax |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Displacement | 782 cc | 951.2 cc | 782 cc |
| Performance | 110 HP | 130 HP | 110 HP |
| Top speed | 54-56 mph | 60-62 mph | 56-58 mph |
| Carburetion | (2) Mikuni BN 40-38 | (2) Mikuni BN 46 | Fuel injection |
| Lubrication | Oil Injection | Oil Injection | Oil Injection |
| Dry Weight | 500 lbs | 523 lbs | 515 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 US gal | 15 US gal | 15 US gal |
| Oil Capacity | 1.6 US gal | 1.6 US gal | 1.6 US gal |
| Rider capacity | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Length | 105 | 105 | 106.3 |
| Width | 45.7 | 45.7 | 45.7 |
| Height | 39 | 39 | 39 |
Sea-Doo GSX Review
It’s safe to say that the GSX family was the biggest competitor of Yamaha’s GP760 and GP800 WaveRunners.The first Sea-Doo GSX was introduced in 1996 and was powered by a 782cc, 2-stroke twin Rotax engine that produced no less than 110 HP.The hull of the Sea-Doo GSX was 105 inches long and 45.7 inches wide, so it was bigger and more stable than the “tipsy” X4 hull. Thanks to its stability, the GSX was able to accommodate two passengers safely and comfortably.
The dry weight of the GSX was only 500 pounds and it featured a 15-gallon fuel tank and a 1.6-gallon oil tank.
For more convenience, this craft was manufactured with electric trim, a tiny LCD gauge, and the new electric control system (CDI) with a DESS key.The latter was Sea-Doo’s new security system, which was also available on the XP and GTX models as well.
The hidden advantage of this new electric control system was that it made it possible to use an LCD information gauge on these new Sea-Doo models.
Sea-Doo GSX Top Speed
Thanks to the 782cc, 110 HP engine, the top speed of the Sea-Doo GSX was about 54-56 mph in stock condition.
According to the original operator’s guide, the fuel consumption of the GSX was about 11.7 gallons per hour at WOT.
Surprisingly, this craft was the smallest model in Sea-Doo’s fleet, yet it featured the larger 15-gallon fuel tank.
This extended fuel capacity combined with a small hull resulted in an excellent fuel range. The GSX offered more than one hour of riding on one tank of gas even if you hammered the throttle.
On top of that, the GSX was famous for how smooth it ran and its outstanding turning abilities. Thanks to its longer and more stable hull, this Sea-Doo handled rough waters much better than its smaller brothers.
All of these features made the Sea-Doo GSX very successful in endurance races. But for closed-course racing the smaller XP series was still far more suitable, so the GSX was rarely used in these races.
But as you can see in this video, this Sea-Doo offered a lot of fun for everyday riders as well!
1996 Sea-Doo GSX Specs
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the specifications of the Sea-Doo GSX into one chart:
| ENGINE | 1996 GSX |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Bombardier-Rotax 787 |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled/water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | VROI (Variable Rate Oil Injection) |
| Lubrication - oil type | Formula XP-S synthetic injection oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 781.6 cm3 (47.7 in3) |
| Engine rev limiter setting | 7200 RPM ± 50 |
| Starting system | Electric start |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Horsepower | 110 |
| Maximum fuel consumption at wide open throttle | 44.5 L/h (11.7 U.S. gal/h) |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve | ~ 1 hour 8 minutes |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve | ~ 9 minutes |
| ELECTRICAL | |
| Magneto generator output | 180 W @ 6000 RPM or 5.0 A @ 2000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | DC-CDI |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.5 - 0.6 mm (.020 - .024 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 Ah |
| Fuse - Starting system | 5 A |
| Fuse - Charging system | 2 x 15 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | 7.5 A |
| CARBURETION | |
| Carburetor - type | Mikuni BN-40I-38 (diaphragm) |
| Carburetor - quantity | 2 |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel - minimum octane no. | 87 |
| COOLING | |
| Type | Open Circuit - Direct flow from jet propulsion unit |
| PROPULSION | |
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | 26° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | ± 8° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Number of passengers (driver included) | 2 |
| Overall length | 267 cm (105 in) |
| Overall width | 116 cm (45.7 in) |
| Overall height | 99 cm (39 in) |
| Weight | 227 kg (500 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 165 kg (364 lb) |
| CAPACITIES | |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 90 mL (3 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | Up to plug |
| Oil injection reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
| MATERIALS | |
| Hull | Composite |
| Inlet grate | Aluminum |
| Impeller housing / venturi / nozzle | Plastic / Plastic / Aluminum |
| Air intake silencer | Thermoplastic |
| Flame arrester | Multi-layer wire screen |
| Exhaust muffler | Aluminum |
| Steering padding | Thermoplastic elastomer with polystyrene foam |
| Fuel Tank | Polyethylene |
| Oil injection reservoir | Polyethylene |
| Seat | Polyurethane foam |
Sea-Doo GSX Limited Review
The upgraded version of the GSX, the Sea-Doo GSX Limited, was released in late 1997. This new model was powered with a 951cc, 2-stroke twin engine that put out an amazing 130 HP.This powerful Rotax power source featured an electronically controlled valve exhaust system, which was referred to as a RAVE (Rotax Adjustable Valve Exhaust).
This system automatically opened and closed the exhaust valve in each cylinder based on the engine’s RPM and cylinder compression. With a wide open throttle, the valve opened sooner for better performance.
Just like any other Sea-Doo engine, this power source was also manufactured with a variable oil injection system to optimize oil consumption.
What’s more, with the advent of the new electronic choke, starting this craft was easier than ever.
Unfortunately, this engine struggled with a couple of issues that were solved in the following model year.
The carburetors were also upgraded with the more efficient Mikuni BN 46. (The predecessor featured two Mikuni BN 40s). Tweaking the electric system and the carburetion resulted in better fuel mileage.The new model was not only more powerful but was also slightly heavier, as the dry weight of the Sea-Doo GSX Limited was 523 pounds.
Another key addition to the Sea-Doo GSX Limited was the innovative D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system, which dampened the engine noise by up to 50%.
Let’s move on to the propulsion system!
The GSX Limited was propelled with Sea-Doo’s new “Bombardier Formula” jet pump. This large-diameter (155.5mm) pump featured a replaceable wear ring and a stainless steel impeller. The latter featured a progressive swirl shape.
Unlike the engine, the fiberglass hull and deck basically remained unchanged, except for the new color of course.
The color scheme of the craft was labeled “Viper Red-and-Black,” which described a vibrant red deck, along with some black elements, resulting in a harmonious color scheme.
Just like the predecessor, the GSX Limited also featured an LCD gauge and the innovative DESS key.
Sea-Doo GSX Limited Top Speed
With the upgraded 951cc, 130 HP twin-engine, the top speed of the Sea-Doo GSX Limited jumped up to a whopping 60-62 mph. Compared to today’s flagship models it seems like a relatively modest performance, but don’t forget that the GSX was released decades ago! At that time, this Sea-Doo was among the fastest watercrafts on the water.
To the greatest regret of many fans, the heavier GSX Limited offered worse handling on choppy waters than its lighter predecessor.
1998 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Specs
| ENGINE | GSX LIMITED |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Bombardier-Rotax 947, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Reed valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled/water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil Injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | Formula XP-S synthetic injection oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 951.2 cm3 (58 in3) |
| Engine rev limiter setting | 7200 RPM ± 50 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Horsepower | 130 |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve | ~ 49 minutes |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve | ~ 13 minutes |
| ELECTRICAL | |
| Magneto generator output | 180 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital DC-CDI |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.5 - 0.6 mm (.020 - .024 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Fuse - Starting system | 5 A |
| Fuse - Charging system | 2 x 15 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | 7.5 A |
| CARBURETION | |
| Carburetor - type | BN 46I (diaphragm) Fuel accelerator pump |
| Carburetor - quantity | 2 |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| COOLING | |
| Type | Water cooled, total loss type. Direct flow from propulsion unit. |
| PROPULSION | |
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO jet pump synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~23° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | ± 8° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Number of passengers (driver included) | 2 |
| Overall length | 267 cm (105 in) |
| Overall width | 116 cm (45.7 in) |
| Overall height | 94 cm (37 in) |
| Weight | 237 kg (523 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 159 kg (351 lb) |
| CAPACITIES | |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 70 mL (2.4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | Up to plug |
| Oil injection reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
| MATERIALS | |
| Hull | Composite |
Sea-Doo GSX RFI Review
In 1999, Sea-Doo unveiled only one new model in its lineup, the GSX RFI. Or to be more precise, this model wasn’t really new as it used the same platform as the GS and GSX line.This means that in this model year the GSX Limited remained in production as well. It’s safe to say that these two models were basically identical except for their color schemes and power sources of course.
Unlike the more powerful GSX Limited, the GSX RFI was powered by the “new” RFI 800 engine, which was actually the same 782cc, 2-stroke, power source found in the original Sea-Doo GSX.
However, the GSX RFI, as its name suggests (RFI = Rotax Fuel Injection) already featured Sea-Doo’s new fuel injection system. This innovative system was introduced on the three-seater Sea-Doo GTX RFI a year earlier.
These fuel-injected Sea-Doos had become very popular among buyers, and for good reason.Fuel injection was far more reliable and offered better fuel consumption than outdated carburetors. It resulted in reduced emissions and less maintenance.
“Carb work” caused many headaches for the owners of older models as jet ski carburetors require frequent cleaning and adjustment.
One of the major drawbacks of the entire GSX line was that all of these models featured a two-passenger seat, meaning that they couldn’t be used for towing a wakeboarder or a tube.
The hull was equipped with a pair of “hooked” sponsons and spray deflectors in the bow to reduce water spray.
Regarding features, the Sea-Doo GSX RFI arrived with an LCD tachometer, an analog fuel gauge, a speedometer, as well as a VTS (trim) gauge.
Just like any other model in the lineup, the GSX RFI also used the secure DESS key, which is actually a special programmable chip integrated into the safety lanyard.
Sea-Doo GSX RFI Top Speed
Due to the smaller displacement, the GSX RFI offered slightly lower performance (110 HP) than the Limited (130 HP). Therefore, the top speed of the Sea-Doo GSX RFI was about 56-58 mph under ideal conditions.
Although it was possible to crank out a little more power from the 800RFI engine with some aftermarket modifications, it was not recommended. This is because this engine didn’t tolerate performance modifications very well.
2000 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Specs
| ENGINE | GSX RFI |
|---|---|
| Engine type | BOMBARDIER-ROTAX 787, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled/water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil Injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic injection oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 781.6 cm3 (47.7 in3) |
| Engine rev limiter setting | 7100 RPM ± 50 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Horsepower | 110 |
| ELECTRICAL | |
| Magneto generator output | 270 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital inductive type |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.5 - 0.6 mm (.020 - .024 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 Ah |
| Fuse - MPEM | 5 A |
| Fuse - Electrical system | 2 x 20 A, 1 x 15 A |
| Fuse - Fuel pump | 10 A |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel injection | Rotax Fuel Injection, single throttle body (56 mm (2.21 in)) |
| COOLING | |
| Type | Open Circuit - Direct flow from jet propulsion unit |
| PROPULSION | |
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO jet pump synthetic polyolester oil SAE 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | ± 8° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Number of passengers (driver included) | 2 |
| Overall length | 270 cm (106.3 in) |
| Overall width | 116 cm (45.7 in) |
| Overall height | 99 cm (39 in) |
| Weight | 234 kg (515 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 159 kg (350) |
| CAPACITIES | |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 100 mL (4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | Up to plug |
| Oil injection reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
| MATERIALS | |
| Hull | Composite |
Sea-Doo GSX for Sale
As you can guess, it’s not easy to find a Sea-Doo GSX for sale. Since the entire GSX line went out of production in 2001, most of these machines wore out and were scrapped.However, if you are lucky you can find a Sea-Doo GSX for sale on Craigslist, eBay, or other dedicated jet ski classified websites.Besides these places, you may want to visit some online jet ski forums as well, where you can find some great deals, along with a lot of valuable info about these vintage crafts under one roof.
Conclusion
The GSX line was unfortunately often overlooked because it ran in the shadow of the shining and extremely popular XP family.The first Sea-Doo GXS hit the market in 1996 followed by the more powerful GSX Limited in 1998. The final upgrade in this model line was the 800RFI engine, which came with an innovative fuel injection system.Finally, the whole GSX family was canceled in 2001 to make room for the bulkier Sea-Doo RX.
To the regret of many Sea-Doo fans, these models were getting bigger and heavier each year.
A couple of years later, the industry switched to 4-stroke technology and the engines and hulls became even larger.
Finally, the latest Sea-Doo models already look like small boats rather than a “personal” watercraft!This is our short Sea-Doo GSX review. We hope you like it!
Related Posts:1996-1997 Sea-Doo GSX 800 (787) Review1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Review1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Review
