![1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Specs and Review [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/review-and-specs-1.jpg)
1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Specs and Review [Video]
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI made its debut in 1998 as the first fuel-injected Sea-Doo in history. This ski inherited its stable platform from its predecessor (GTX 800) but it was powered by the fuel-injected Rotax 787 RFI engine. The Canadian manufacturer marketed the innovative GTX RFI from 1998 through 2001.
If you want to learn all about this amazing fuel-injected 2-stroke Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTX RFI review!
1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Review
Sea-Doo introduced its famous 3-seater GTX line in 1993. Over the years, this series underwent many changes through various generations, including:- 1993 Sea-Doo GTX 580 (Rotax 587)
- 1994 Sea-Doo GTX 650 (Rotax 657)
- 1995 Sea-Doo GTX 650 (Rotax 657x)
- 1996-1997 Sea-Doo GTX 800 (Rotax 787)
- 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GTX Limited (Rotax 947)
- 2000-2002 Sea-Doo GTX 951 Millennium (Rotax 947)
- 1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI (Rotax 787 RFI)
- 2000-2001 Sea-Doo GTX DI (Rotax 947 DI)
- 2002-2003 Sea-Doo GTX DI (Rotax 947 DI)
It was built on the large GTX platform measuring 124.4 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 37 inches in height. This innovative body had a more modern, rounded design and was larger than the old-school GS-style platform.
The top deck housed three separate storage compartments, split into a regular front storage, a unique under-seat storage tray, and a small glovebox.
Keeping convenience in mind, the GTX RFI was designed with a large, 2-piece seat. This soft well-shaped saddle was not only rated for three people, but it could actually accommodate three adult riders.When it comes to design, the GTX RFI stood out from the crowd in many ways. Its stunning white/gold color scheme with some woodgrain accents virtually turned every head on the water.
Power source?
There’s no question that the most exciting part of this ski was the Rotax 787 RFI engine, utilizing the all-new semi-direct Rotax Fuel Injection (RFI) technology.
This power mill was the first fuel-injected Sea-Doo engine making its debut in the 1998 GTX RFI.
In the following years, this engine powered many other popular Sea-Doo PWCs, including:
Regarding specifications, the Rotax 787 RFI was a 782 cc, 2-stroke, in-line twin featuring an open-loop water cooling, oil injection, electric start, and RAVE power valves.Like its carbureted counterpart, the 787 RFI was also rated at 110 HP. But thanks to its advanced fuel-injection system, this innovative engine ran cleaner, had better fuel consumption, and didn’t require any “carb work.”On the other hand, it was much more difficult to service than any carbed Sea-Doo engine. It was great when operating perfectly, but troubleshooting its problems was very difficult and required a special diagnostic tool.On top of that, parts for the Rotax 787 RFI engine were significantly more expensive.
Because of this, if you are on the marketplace for a vintage 2-stroke Sea-Doo, it’s highly recommended that you steer clear of RFI Sea-Doo models. Regular carbed 2-stroke Sea-Doos are much simpler and easier to fix, even at home.
The top speed of the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was about 55 mph out of the box, which could be increased up to 60-62 mph with some performance mods.The GTX RFI was one of the most luxurious PWCs of its time, and it was also one of the most powerful. Its stable hull, advanced engine, and innovative features made this craft the perfect “tow-PWC.”Standard features of the GTX RFI included:
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop button
- Large front storage
- Glove box
- Watertight removable rear storage tray
- 15-gallon built-in fuel tank
- 1.6-gallon oil reservoir
- Electric start
- Tether cord
- 2 gauges (speedometer, multi-gauge)
- Information center
- 4 fender cleats
- Overheating warning device
- Docking eyelets
- Ski tow eye
- Dual mirrors
- Bilge drain plugs
- Sponsons
- Rear grab handle
- Manual reverse
- Large, 2-piece seat with seat strap
- Tool kit
- D.E.S.S. key
By 2000, the GTX RFI had a larger body measuring 124 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 42.1 inches in height. Most of the features had been carried over from the ’99 model without any significant changes.
Sea-Doo marketed the GTX RFI from 1998 through 2001, while the most advanced GTX DI was offered in the 2000-2003 model years.
2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI specifications into these charts!Sea-Doo GTX RFI Dimensions
| Sea-Doo GTX RFI | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 3 (refer to load limit) |
| Overall length | 315 cm (124 in) |
| Overall width | 123 cm (48.4 in) |
| Overall height | 107 cm (42.1 in) |
| Weight | 292 kg (642 lb) |
| Load limit | 243 kg (535 lb) |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 95 mL (3.9 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
Sea-Doo GTX RFI Engine Specs
| Sea-Doo GTX RFI | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 787 RFI, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled / water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust Valve | R.A.V.E. (Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | BOMBARDIER Formula XP-S synthetic injection oil (or equivalent) |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 781.6 cm3 (47.7 in3) |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7200 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Water cooled, total loss type. Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel injection | Rotax Fuel Injection (RFI) - semi-direct. Single throttle body (56mm (2.21 in)) |
Sea-Doo GTX RFI Propulsion
| Sea-Doo GTX RFI | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single-stage |
| Reverse system | Yes |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
Sea-Doo GTX RFI Electrical Features
| Sea-Doo GTX 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 | 0.45 mm (.018 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 Ah |
| Fuse - Battery | 15 A |
| Fuse - Main | 20 A |
| Fuse - MPEM | 5 A |
| Fuse - Charging System | 20 A |
| Fuse - Info center | 1 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | 7.5 A (installed but not in use) |
| Fuse - Fuel pump | 10 A |
Sea-Doo GTX Comparison Chart
| Year | Model | Engine | HP | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | GTX 580 | Rotax 587 | 60 | 465 |
| 94 | GTX 650 | Rotax 657 | 70 | 484 |
| 95 | GTX 650 | Rotax 657x | 80 | 484 |
| 96-97 | GTX 800 | Rotax 787 | 110 | 578 |
| 98-99 | GTX LTD | Carbed Rotax 947 | 130 | 645 |
| 98-01 | GTX RFI | Rotax 787 RFI | 110 | 642 |
| 00-02 | GTX 951 | Carbed Rotax 947 | 130 | 662 |
| 00-01 | GTX DI | Rotax 947 DI | 130 | 680 |
| 02-03 | GTX DI | Rotax 947 DI | 130 | 715 |
Sea-Doo GTX RFI For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GTX 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 GTX 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 GTX RFI!What is a Sea-Doo GTX RFI?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI was a fuel-injected, 2-stroke Sea-Doo manufactured around the Millennium.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the GTX RFI?
Sea-Doo marketed the GTX RFI from 1998 through 2001.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GTX RFI?
The Sea-Doo GTX RFI was rated for three riders.
What Size was the 1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI?
The 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GTX RFI was 124.4 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 37 inches high, while the 1999-2001 model measured 124 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 42.1 inches in height.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTX RFI Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was 642 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo GTX RFI Have?
The power source of the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was a fuel-injected Rotax 787 RFI engine (782cc, 2-stroke twin).
How Much Horsepower Did a 1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Have?
Like its carbed counterparts, the Sea-Doo GTX RFI provided 110 HP.
Did the Sea-Doo GTX RFI Have Reverse?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was equipped with manual reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo GTX RFI Have?
The Sea-Doo GTX RFI featured three storage compartments (front storage, glovebox, under-seat storage tray).
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTX RFI Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was 535 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTX RFI Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTX RFI utilized a 15-gallon (56.5L) fuel tank and a 1.6-gallon (6L) oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTX RFI Use?
The Sea-Doo GTX RFI fuel consumption was about 11 GPH at WOT.
Could the Sea-Doo GTX RFI Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTX RFI was rated for three riders, so it could legally tow a skier.
How Fast Did a 1998-2001 Sea-Doo GTX RFI Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTX RFI was about 55 mph in stock condition.
Was a Sea-Doo GTX RFI a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTX RFI utilized a 2-stroke, fuel-injected twin engine.
How Much is a Sea-Doo RFI Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a Sea-Doo GTX 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.
