Early 2 Stroke Restos

[Gasngo]

Well as I have mentioned in a few previous posts been in a out of the forum lately but Im intrigued at the members going back to the earlier 2 strokes and restoring. Is there something there other than the bad karma of the Covid nightmare. This is one reason I why I took interest in a 1997 GTI it needs some attention but all in all its complete and in decent shape for its age. I still need further investigation but If I can get it with trailer under 1500 bucks with a running motor then Im in. How about some input who likes what and what would you do.

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, Covid was the big draw. People were looking to do something with family that wasn’t closed and was fun so all outdoor motor sports went crazy. At the time 2-strokes were cheap and easy to find. Now that demand has made the price crazy.

Most of us here already liked the 2strokes better before they were in demand because they are simple to fix and maintain, way cheaper than the 4-strokes and in my opinion way more fun and playful.

 

[AKnarrowback]

I have a hand full of two strokes, no four strokes. I'm keeping mine going as long as I can. Have two 94 XPs one running and one to get up and running. You simple can't buy short, small, sit down machines anymore. Modern machines are boring for me, you can only turn left or right......

 

[etemplet]

Not sure where you live but I wouldn't buy a two stroke Seadoo jet ski for that kinda money. Anything you get is gonna need a restoration front to back. That price you quote is an inbetween price. Broken skis are $500 with a trailer, Good skis are $3000 and will have a recent engine replacement. If you are mechanical I'd suggest the $500 and below skis. People just ride these things till they break, then the sit for years.

Beware the, "just needs a battery and tune up" or "needs a carb rebuild." To each is own opinion but I got 14 skis outside that says the ones you'll find will be junk so you may as well pay a junk price and fix it right. LOL Good Luck.

 

[mikidymac]

Not sure where you live but I wouldn't buy a two stroke Seadoo jet ski for that kinda money. Anything you get is gonna need a restoration front to back. That price you quote is an inbetween price. Broken skis are $500 with a trailer, Good skis are $3000 and will have a recent engine replacement. If you are mechanical I'd suggest the $500 and below skis. People just ride these things till they break, then the sit for years.

Beware the, "just needs a battery and tune up" or "needs a carb rebuild." To each is own opinion but I got 14 skis outside that says the ones you'll find will be junk so you may as well pay a junk price and fix it right. LOL Good Luck.

So true, my most expensive Seadoo I paid $500 for and the cheapest was $250. The most expensive was a 01’ superjet hull for $1,000.

 

[NickCawks]

2 strokes have more soul. They are also lighter. That said it comes down to what you want out of a ski.

I had the opportunity to ride a 2020 this summer and it was nuts. Fast I mean really fast and it didn't care about the waves at all, but it was exciting like a drag car is exciting. Straightline power and speed.

The old 2 strokes aren't slow but they arent fast like the new ones, but they can handle in a hull different league .

In many ways it's like an old car vs a new one. Yeah you've got all the bells a whistles with the new one but your less connected to the road.

I think the new ones have a place in an area that relates to stability and seat space. Great for a family weekend warrior, but it's nothing like getting on an older one and taking a turn so sharp that it slides out and even does a full spin if you put the power into and held on for dear life cuz it wanted to toss you.

 

[Gasngo]

Thanks for the input. Ill say this I offered 1k for ski and trailer. Title for ski and the trailer is registered so thats value here in Texas. The ski is clean over all considering its age. I would need to do a couple quick sand/light grind on the bottom and touch up with the white epoxy can think of the name rt now. Compression with a cheap gauge is rt at 140. The exhaust manifold has stripped out bolt so the pipe is coming off. I have buddy in the business that could supply me with a used one. Starts rt up no choke BAM running. Impeller looks decent and it does have a new battery! It really has not been sitting the guy just could not get the exhaust Rt and gave up.

 

[Gasngo]

Heres a couple of pics

 

[mikidymac]

Looks great.

You need a complete fuel system overhaul including carb rebuild with genuine Mikuni parts.

For the pipe, it’s the rubber grommets that cause the bolts to break and leak. Just replace new grommets, gasket goes on dry and follow factory thread lock and torque spec.

 

[Gasngo]

No doubt go over the fuel system but as I mentioned the kid rode it somewhat recent. Addressing the exhaust will obviously #1 because you cant hear anything with blast rt up at ya. ++