View Full Version : whats the best year of the x2 and why.
2nd nature
10-09-2007, 08:01 PM
besides the new ones are any years better then others and why?im thinking about a new project.
Just about any year with sqirrell cage steering is good, assuming you go with big power and many mods.
2nd nature
10-09-2007, 08:13 PM
Just about any year with sqirrell cage steering is good, assuming you go with big power and many mods.
what is that? and big power is a must .
what is that? and big power is a must .
That contraption of cages behind and above the motor.
D Slicker
10-09-2007, 08:16 PM
The earlier ones had a direct cable then they went to a cage in which you could get more throw out of it.
shawn_NJ
10-09-2007, 08:16 PM
Ya, direct steering BLOWS! I have one and I hate the steering.
2nd nature
10-09-2007, 08:18 PM
so what years did they change it.?
don't quote me, but the 89 model and a few units before and after. My 88 and 90 do not have cable, but I lucked out.
dbrutherford
10-09-2007, 08:58 PM
I have an 89 hull I am selling and it has the direct cable. It looks less complicated but everyone says it sucks!
Fnny thing is the sub plate and steering system were all the same. The sub plate even has a place for the squeirl cage to bolt up to.
cattledog
10-09-2007, 10:07 PM
does it have a squirrel cage i have had no time yet to look at it
does it have a squirrel cage i have had no time yet to look at it
yes
sflsurfrider
10-09-2007, 11:09 PM
i have an 86 750 x2 w/ a cage steering and a 89 or 90 hull with direct. if im not mistaken, the direct cable is fine if you sleeve the long rod under the hood to keep it from bending. my 89 (90?) hull has a beefed up cable so im hoping its okay for a future build.
is there any difference in ratio or ease of steering between the 2?
shawn_NJ
10-09-2007, 11:27 PM
Without modifing/installing longer hardware on the 89 steering arm, the throw seems less than my 93. Although I will admit that I did not play with the 89 long enough to be 100% certain of that. I am sure with some minor tweaking it can be made to perform as good as the cage setup.
By the way, my 93 with umi and a quicksteer plate is the nicest steering setup I have EVER felt on an x2. I dont think it can get any better than this. It is soo effortless that it does not even feel like the nozzle ball joint is connected!
Without modifing/installing longer hardware on the 89 steering arm, the throw seems less than my 93. Although I will admit that I did not play with the 89 long enough to be 100% certain of that. I am sure with some minor tweaking it can be made to perform as good as the cage setup.Pete said something like that.
w-nut
10-10-2007, 02:24 AM
on my 1990 x2 with cage and accuster and a pjs nozzel set up ive got way to much thro i had to limit it on the arm on the accuster and i havedit set up now so the just clip the edge off the pump tunnel , it turns on a dime
professor961
10-10-2007, 06:34 AM
I agree totally with this discussion. The squirrel cage steering, coupled with a quick steer is the best way to go.
Kawasaki made the straight cable in 1988 and as said, a few units before and after. Then they went back to the squirrel cage.
If you can choose between the two hulls, the squirrel cage is the best.
I will add that the later hood seals (the double lip kind) seem to work better.
Prof
dbrutherford
10-10-2007, 07:20 AM
I will say when I took off my quick steer, I couldn't ride my X2 for a few rides. it is great for balancing the ski side to side. You only have to turn the bars a little instead of a lot. I had problems with the straight link on the squeirl cage. On the 94/95 it is a solid rod. You cannot rotate the the ends to compensate for the thickness of a quick turn. On an older style they have a threaded rod in there. I bent several home meade thread rods and a few Kawasaki ones too. I also destroyed a few of the cable ball/socket ends. Well just the sockets and they are $$$$ from Kawasaki. Good thing I had a friend with an old JS 400 I robbed the ends from.
djyox
10-10-2007, 08:13 AM
Wait, so is the sqirrell cage pre '89, or post '89?
also does anyone have a picture of a Rip Turn nozzle? I've never seen one but heard about them....
shawn_NJ
10-10-2007, 10:20 AM
Wait, so is the sqirrell cage pre '89, or post '89?
also does anyone have a picture of a Rip Turn nozzle? I've never seen one but heard about them....
Its pre and post 89, but I have heard some 88's and some 90's have had them.
In an ideal world.....Get a 94-95 if you can. Its got squirell cage (with solid bar connecting rod), the electric SHOULD be in much better shape than an 80's model, if you want to keep the stock waterbox the 2" id hoses are the least restrictive, and if you plan on keeping the 650, the 95 has the 40mm carb.. Other than that there all pretty much the same.
sjetrider
10-10-2007, 10:22 AM
DUH, 2008, and cuz its PIMP
dbrutherford
10-10-2007, 12:36 PM
Yeah I like how the newer models have the bigger carbs, 38 or 40 mm. Those 28mm Keihins are way too small. Also I like how the newer models have a consolidated e-box. Everything is all there in on place except for the CDI. Also on 95's the water box sits on a styrofoam pad which weighs less than the rubber feet. Speaking of water boxes, those years that have the metal elbows, the elbows restrict flow some.
For hood seal replacement, you must order late model type like 92 and up double lip, the single lip seals are discontinued.
Surferchris1
10-10-2007, 12:52 PM
Its pre and post 89, but I have heard some 88's and some 90's have had them.
Yes there are some 88's with the squirrel cage steering, my x2 is an 88 and it has it.
Yes there are some 88's with the squirrel cage steering, my x2 is an 88 and it has it.
Ditto here.
2nd nature
10-10-2007, 04:52 PM
DUH, 2008, and cuz its PIMP
read the first post besides the new ones. duh
sjetrider
10-10-2007, 04:54 PM
read the first post besides the new ones. duh
Missed that DUH!!!!!!!!!!:shrug:, I still say SXR w/ 24/7 type hood conversion is the way to go. Some one please make one already.
Legdragger
10-10-2007, 05:19 PM
Any hull works fine. you can get the newer floatation foam from the 95 I think for the waterbox bed. I do like the 93, 94, 95 E-box but the other ones can be made to work fine if you are careful. My red hull was direct steer. Make a huge quick steer and sleeve the cable with brass pipe nipples and couplers. Grab a handfull of brass at home depot and go make it work.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/racerboypete/X2steering001.jpg
Legdragger
10-10-2007, 05:20 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/racerboypete/X2steering002.jpg
djyox
10-11-2007, 01:52 AM
Well I took a peak today, and I'm happy to say that my '88 does have th cage in there!
So now when I get my hands on a UMI system, I still keep using that cage set up correct?
dbrutherford
10-11-2007, 06:47 AM
Yeah, UMI just replaces the part the bars bolts too. I highly recommend a steering system of any kind over the socker.
djyox
10-11-2007, 08:49 AM
I can agree with that. The stock is so sloppy that its almost sad that kawi let it go like this...
The only problem is, where do I get a UMI/Acusteer or what ever else is out there? Do I have to just wait until one comes up on the x or pwctoday, or ebay? Does anyone make batches of steering systems at a time that we can all (well those who are in need/want of one) could jump into a group buy?
Legdragger
10-11-2007, 09:27 AM
The accusteer hayday is over as far as I can tell. You can tighten up the stocker with a bolt through the spring loaded pin though. I never broke the stock unit when had one and I tried pretty hard. I actually bent my bars with my chest once without breaking the steering.
dbrutherford
10-11-2007, 10:13 AM
For the Accusteer you need to get ahold of Roy at www.getrealperformance.com Most people have had good luck with him. I on the other hand waited for about 4 months for a 1-1/8" bar version for about 4-5 months. It was the typical "next week" scenario you hear from other sellers/vendors. Sucked for me because it was near Memorial Day Weekend and he had all these boat orders to take care of. What about me I already paid? I get it and it wasn't even polished after he promised me he would get it polished for me. I may just have it powder coated instead. If you wanty one, you better get on it, he only had a few left!
For the UMI: www.umiracing.com They cost more say around $300 new where you can get the Accusteer for $150.
I have never used the Accusteer yet but I will say that the UMI does have its flaws. The steering stops start getting worn more than my liking, especially for the $300 price tag. The bearings will aso rut up soild if it sits. I recommend taking it apart, popping the seals off of the bearings, and packing them full of marine water proof grease. If you shop around, I have seen new ones go for $225-250.
I wanted to try FAT BARS so I got the Accusteer. Unless you use a set of adapters, I doubt you could ever have the UMI machined for the 1-1/8" bars. It is just the way it is designed. There are several Japanese companies making steering systems. However you will get a better? I mean cheaper deal buying one of the two mentioned above.
I did see this weird steering stet up on eBay months back for an X2. I forgot to bid though :( I will have to see if I have pics of it.
djyox
10-12-2007, 05:25 AM
I have been looking on Japan websites, however, not only does the cost seem high by itself, I can't even think of the cost of shipping it over here. I wonder if it would be worth it to get on a plane, putt over there, box up a bunch of stuff, rent a container, and ship it to the states to just turn around and sell all the stuff here in the states? I know of people who do that with china goods, but they go over there to save money and buy for themselfs (such as remodeling a house)
I think for now, I'll just end up bolting up the stocker system, and see what I can do about finding either a used set up or new on ebay or here. A 4-5 month wait would drive me crazy. Even a Month would push me over the edge, I can't wait that long with out knowing if I just got took for my money, or whats happening.
Thanks for the tips guys!
wadman
10-12-2007, 10:28 AM
i like any x2 with cage and accuster. a lot better then umi.
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