![1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Specs and Review [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/review-and-specs-2.jpg)
1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Specs and Review [Video]
The most advanced Sea-Doo GSX model, the GSX RFI made its debut for the 1999 model year. The hull of this ski was slightly longer than its predecessor, but housed a semi-direct injected Rotax 787 RFI engine. Sea-Doo marketed the GSX RFI from 1999 through 2001.
If you want to learn all about this lively 2-stroke Sea-Doo, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GSX RFI review!
Sea-Doo GSX RFI Review
Sea-Doo introduced the 2-seater GSX line for the 1996 season. In the following years, this family underwent three different generations, including:- 1996-1997 Sea-Doo GSX 800 (Rotax 787)
- 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited (Rotax 947)
- 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI (Rotax 787 RFI)
Its smaller brother, namely the GSX RFI came with a more advanced, fuel-injected Rotax 787 RFI engine rated at 110 HP. Due to its power source, this model was often referred to as GSX 787 RFI or GSX 800 RFI.
The key features of the carbed Rotax 787 RFI engine were as follows:
- Ignition: Digital inductive type
- Variable-rate oil injection
- Rotary valve induction
- Open-loop water cooling
- 2 x NGK BR8ES spark plugs
- Semi-direct RFI (Rotax Fuel Injection) system
- High-performance tuned pipe
- R. A.V.E. exhaust valves
- Electric starter
In contrast, Sea-Doo’s DI engine came with a real fuel-injection system that forced the fuel into the top of the cylinders. This engine was equipped with an air compressor to atomize the fuel and boost its compression.
Since the 787 RFI lacked this secondary system, it was actually halfway between a carbed and a fuel-injected engine. Therefore, this engine was simpler and easier to repair than the Rotax 947 DI (Orbital Direct Injection) engine.
But unfortunately, the 787 RFI wasn’t completely bulletproof. It was less reliable and pickier in terms of oil and battery voltage than its carbed equivalent. What’s more, compared to carbureted engines, this unit was really hard to troubleshoot and repair.
Consequently, if you are considering buying a 2-stroke Sea-Doo GSX, it’s recommended that you avoid the GSX RFI. Instead, you may want to invest in aGSX 800 (carbed Rotax 787) or the more powerful GSX Limited (carbed Rotax 947).
Each of these models shared the same GSX platform, except the GSX RFI was 1.3 inches longer. This composite fiberglass body measured 106.3 inches in length, 45.7 inches in width, and 94 inches in height. In contrast, the XP with the X-4 hull was only 41 inches wide.
Thanks to this wider hull, the GSX RFI offered more stability and handled better on the chop.
The top deck housed a one-piece seat rated for two riders and front storage under its front hood. This storage basket incorporated two enclosed waterproof holders, one for the fire extinguisher and a second one for the tool kit and operator’s guide. This unit could also be used to store personal items.
Unlike the 3-seaters, the GSX lacked other storage units like the glovebox or the practical under-seat storage tray.
The standard Bombardier Formula jet pump provided plenty of thrust that quickly moved the tiny GSX RFI. Under ideal conditions, this lively craft topped out at 57 mph.
The ski was equipped with several advanced features, including handlebar-mounted control buttons, trim system, and sponsons, all of which greatly contributed to an amazing riding experience.
The fuel consumption of the GSX RFI was about 11 GPH, so its 15-gallon fuel tank offered a riding time of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Standard features of the 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI included:- One-piece seat rated for two riders
- Rear seat latch
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop button
- VTS trim system
- Bow storage
- 15-gallon fuel tank
- 1.6-gallon oil tank
- Electric start
- Tether cord
- 3-position fuel valve (ON, OFF, RES)
- Two gauges (tachometer, info center)
- Overheating warning device
- Ski tow eye
- Thumb throttle
- Bilge drain plugs
- Sponsons
- Rear grab handle
- Tool kit
- D.E.S.S. key
- Clock
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Peak speed
- Average speed
- Trip meter
- Engine hour meter
- Water temperature
- Chronometer
- VTS
- Fuel level
- Low fuel
- Low oil
- Low voltage
- Overheating
- Maintenance information
To the greatest regret of many fans, Sea-Doo dropped its entire 2-stroke GS line after the 2001 season.
1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI (GSX RFI 951) specifications into these charts!1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Dimensions
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 2 |
| Overall length | 270 cm (106.3 in) |
| Overall width | 116 cm (45.7 in) |
| Overall height | 94 cm (37 in) |
| Weight | 241 kg (515 lb) |
| Load limit | 159 kg (350 lb) |
| 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 |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Engine Specs
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 787 RFI, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled / water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust Valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (R.A.V.E.) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic injection oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 781.6 cm3 (47.7 in3) |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7100 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Open circuit. Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel Injection | Rotax Fuel Injection (RFI), single throttle body (56mm (2.21in)) |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Propulsion
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single-stage |
| Impeller Rotation (seen from rear) | na |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO synthetic polyolester oil SAE 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Electrical Features
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX RFI | Electrical Features |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Fuse - MPEM | 5A |
| Fuse – Electrical system | 2 x 20 A, 1X 15 A |
| Fuse – Fuel pump | 10 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | 20 A |
| Fuse – Info center | 1 A |
Sea-Doo GSX Comparison Chart
| 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 RFI For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GSX RFI for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 2001, it’s already a collectible item, so finding one is not an easy task!We recommend that you start your research on dedicated Sea-Doo forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.
Besides these sources, you may also find some used Sea-Doo GSX RFIs for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GSX RFI!What is a Sea-Doo GSX RFI?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI was a fuel-injected 2-stroke Sea-Doo manufactured around the Millennium.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the GSX RFI?
Sea-Doo marketed the GSX RFI from 1999 through 2001.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GSX RFI?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI was rated for two riders.
What Size was the Sea-Doo GSX RFI?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI was 106.3 inches long, 45.7 inches wide, and 37 inches high.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GSX RFI Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GSX RFI was 515 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Have?
The power source of the 1999-20001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI was a semi-direct injected Rotax 787 RFI engine (782cc, 2-stroke twin).
How Much Horsepower Did a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Have?
The 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI provided 110 HP at 7100 RPM.
Did the 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Have Reverse?
No, the Sea-Doo GSX RFI came without reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Have?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI featured only a small bow storage basket with two separated waterproof holders.
How Much Weight Could a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GSX RFI was 350 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Hold?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI utilized a 15-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Use?
The Sea-Doo GSX RFI fuel consumption was about 11 GPH at WOT.
Could the 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
No, the Sea-Doo GSX RFI was rated for two riders, so it wasn’t recommended for tow sports.
How Fast Did a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Go?
The top speed of a 1991-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI was 57 mph in stock condition.
Was a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GSX RFI utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Much is a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $500 up to $3,000.
