650/X-2 js550 to sx650 hull

[d3v0311]

aight guys im new to the forum so sorry if this has been talked about already, which im sure it has been but i didnt find exactly what i needed. Im brand new to standup jetskis and want a winter project. Im lookin at getting a 89 js550 with a few mods for 500 bucks, seems like a fair price. But i like the look of the SX hull alot better than the JS. I found a "For sale is a hull from a 1987 Kawasaki 650 SX Jet Ski. Bare hull, fuel tank and handle pole only. No motor, jet pump, nothing else. Hull is in good condition overall" for 50 bucks. I want to do a swap and was wonderikng what all is compatible and will go right in to the SX hull. thanks for any help! worst case senario ill just wait for a crashed sx and use the motor out of that.

also to add. i found another for sale but it says its a 91 js550 with no pictures, after doing some research i thought 1990 they stoped the js and it was only SX? thanks

 

[Vumad]

Don't do it. The 650sx is much heavier than the 550 hull. The SX will be very under powered with a 550 motor in it. If you said you wanted to put the 650 motor in the 550 hull, I'd say go nuts. But a 550 motor in a 650sx hull... a turd for sure...

 

[d3v0311]

Didn't even consider weight issue, guess I'll be sticking w rebuilding n customizing the 550. Thanks

 

[dbattersby20]

^^ what he said... no one puts a 550 in a 650 hull and that's for a reason. Also, my suggestion would be to ride for a season before you start project like that.

 

[dbattersby20]

you could put it in a 300sx though

 

[d3v0311]

I appreciate the suggestion but I've grown up riding dirt bikes n four wheelers n jetskis, just nvr a stand up. Very mechanically inclined n correct me if I'm wrong aren't these two stroke motors? Cake to wrk on

 

[Joker]

If you want the look of a SX hull go with the 300sx it is light.

And idk how close you are to la Porte, Indiana I got a 300sx hull for $25

 

[d3v0311]

How light we talking....shipping reasons cuz I'm ne Ohio

 

[Vumad]

Just rip the 550 while you look for something better. Take the cheap SX hull if you like it and look for a clean 750 motor for it. You can get one for about $400. People hate on the 650sx but I really enjoyed mine. I did not like the 750sx series. I'd prefer a 650sx conversion over a 750 hull. The SXR is sick. I'd take a SXR hull.

 

[d3v0311]

well i guess my nxt question then is. are the JS n the SX all pretty compatible with complete part swaps?

 

[dbattersby20]

Not really. But anything can be switched in with some work. Pumps are different. engines are pretty compatible, but some of the electronics aren't universal...etc. really depends.

 

[d3v0311]

aight you guys have been a big help, thanks. just have one more questrion. guy is selling: 1-1989 kawasaki js 440 & 1 1991 js 550 on a double trailer. trailer is in excellent condition has storage/toolbox on front of it. the 440 runs perfect / the 550 needs a starter dont know much about fixing it. ran great last season. have three good batteries and a charger.both skis are stand up type and are hard to ride.both look new and have covers.:

im assuming the starter can be pulled off the 440 n put on the 550 to make sure it actually just needs a starter n its not the hole "just needs a battery!" deal...??

 

[Vumad]

well i guess my nxt question then is. are the JS n the SX all pretty compatible with complete part swaps?

No. The 650, 750 and 800 stuff are interchangeable. The motors line up and use the same couplers, just bolt them in. Pumps bolt in, but pump shoes are not interchangeable. It's best to use the pump designed for the hull, but the shoes can be modified to fit a 750/800 setup in the 650 hull.

The 550 stuff is all different. To install a 650+ motor you have to mock up new motor mounts, modify the driveshafts/couplers to work, and the pumps are pretty small. Anything can be done, but it's not a easy or simple project. Changing from 650 to 750 is simple, just change the motor, leave the pump. Interchanging the skis that came before the 650 with those that came after the 650 would be a significant project.

 

[Vumad]

aight you guys have been a big help, thanks. just have one more questrion. guy is selling: 1-1989 kawasaki js 440 & 1 1991 js 550 on a double trailer. trailer is in excellent condition has storage/toolbox on front of it. the 440 runs perfect / the 550 needs a starter dont know much about fixing it. ran great last season. have three good batteries and a charger.both skis are stand up type and are hard to ride.both look new and have covers.:

im assuming the starter can be pulled off the 440 n put on the 550 to make sure it actually just needs a starter n its not the hole "just needs a battery!" deal...??

I'd keep looking for a clean 650sx. That's not a setup I'd be interested in. However, I am in FL and have lots of choices. You might be limited and be stuck looking for a long time. If you can get it for a good deal, then do as you please.

You have too many questions to get involved in a conversion project. Either buy a 650 and plan a motor swap, or buy a 440/550 and leave it alone until you can find something better, then sell the 440/550. Don't get in over your head. That is a decision that will cost you in the long run in both fun and money wasted.