Buying a 97 xp questions

[Drewster2010]

Hi all, first post here
Looking at buying a 97 xp and had some questions.
The guy selling the ski is saying that it needs a new keyfob? It runs but when you give it gas it loses connection and stalls out or shuts off. Is that a easy fix? The other thing is one of the rave valves is leaking. That seems like a easy fix. But not sure about the key? Thanks$

 

[Coastiejoe]

A FOB, aka "Lanyard", will not cause what you describe. If it loses connection it will basically shut off just like you pushed the STOP button and or pulled the lanyard. It is possible to have a poor connection that would allow for a basics on off type miss due to a poor connection and or bad DESS.

Sound like a Carb issue to me. See if it has Grey Tempo Fuel lines. If so, that is much more likely the issue.

 

[Matt Braley]

You need to get with a ski that you can test ride to verify that it performs correctly. Don't let a seller belittle his issues. He should have handled it and that's why it's still available. Issues are like an onion... you fix one or two on the surface just so you can see what issues are underneath.

 

[Drewster2010]

You need to get with a ski that you can test ride to verify that it performs correctly. Don't let a seller belittle his issues. He should have handled it and that's why it's still available. Issues are like an onion... you fix one or two on the surface just so you can see what issues are underneath.

There isn't much around here that I could test, my options are driving 1.5 hours to test some, and none of them are decent or what I want.

 

[Matt Braley]

You'll spend a lot more hours then that bent over the wrong ski when you want to be riding if your not careful. At this point the guy has a project to sell. At least it's a ski with "issues" and those are not worth much. It should be priced accordingly.

 

[Drewster2010]

Asking 1300, im not afraid to get my hands dirty and work on it. I perfer buying projects and fixing them up, but I just wonder if this ones worth it, otherwise I'll wait till next year.. The xp's are priced insane round here most go from 1500-2500 for the 97s.

 

[Matt Braley]

Well if it's a good looking ski on a nice trailer and has perfect compression then try to get it for a grand. That would leave you room to work all the bugs out and still be ahead. Those commonly have MPEM issues and it is a very expensive part on the used market being a one year, one model part.

 

[Drewster2010]

The mpem is going for like 115$ on eBay.. So if that's the part not too expensive, already got them down from 1800-1300. Don't think they will go much lower...

 

[motogotro]

Unless the lanyard is vibrating off of the post when you give it gas then it is not the problem. Down here in Texas, $1300 would be high for a that ski not running right but it may be the market price in your area. As has been recommended here, do a compression test and if it checks good and you are comfortable with the price then buy it. Plan on rebuilding the carbs with genuine Mukini kits and replacing the fuel lines and you'll probably be good to go. I just sold a 97 XP in near perfect condition for $1800 but again, that's here in Texas and it didn't take long so I think my price may have been on the low side. The 97 XP was a 1 year only ski and has a bad rep from a lot of people but I had a lot of fun on mine. I've switched to a 96 XP which is quicker but the 97 was a better rough water ski and will do close to 60mph once you get it running right.