Opportunity to buy SX-650, what are your opinions?

[Skidude]

My 91 superjet that I've had since 2000 finally called it quits on me, and I'm looking for a new hooptie. A family friend has an early 90's SX 650 that runs but has been in storage for awhile, and he's looking to get rid of it. What are your opinions of this ski compared to the square nose Yamaha? And how much do you think one of these in decent shape is worth?

Thanks

 

[Kohldanielzimmer]

I really haven't enjoyed my time on 650 sx hulls. The pole is so awkward and the ski feels top heavy. That said, riding any stand up jet ski is pretty fun. It's just when you compare riding a 650 sx to a SN the 650 sx will leave a sour taste in your mouth.

I wouldn't pay more than 1000 for a mint 650 sx.

 

[Mdavies_02]

Calling it quits? Get it rebuilt lol.

 

[Midlake Crisis]

I love my SN but I also love my 650sx. My SN is torn down right now so I have been riding my SXi Pro and 650sx a lot. I put a bunch of work in to footholds, padding and turf on my 650sx, and upgraded the carb and steering but it is otherwise stock and I absolutely love riding it. I left the side rails off for now - first because I was in a hurry to get on the water, and then because I love playing sideways on it. It lacks the power of my other skis, but is super fun to slide around on and I think leaving the rails off adds to the slippery feel. The only thing I really miss on it compared to the other skis is low end snap. You can't rely on brap to get you in the air, you need to pick up speed ahead of time and hit things faster to get out of the water. The pole position doesn't bother me at all, took a short time to get used to and now I don't even think about it being different.
As for what it is worth, IMHO you should be able to get a clean good running stock 650sx for roughly $700.
To read from some more satisfied 650sx owners who have come out of the closet check out this thread: http://www.pwctoday.com/showthread.php?t=419157&highlight=brotherhood

 

[makejetskiinggreatagain]

I have a 650sx. Its been super reliable, and has never let me down. I ride it every outing when my wife wants to take out the superjet. IMO I think they are decent skis. Underpowered and heavy lie midlake says, but its way better than any sit down. QUIT BEFORE YOU SIT! I think anything under 1k for a mint one is worth it. I also think you should rebuild the SN.

 

[j0hnny]

i enjoy my 650 as a backup ski. but i wouldnt ever pay more than 750 for one. but local markets obviously differ

 

[Skidude]

Thanks for your opinions everyone! I'm hoping to pick this one up for around $800 but I'll start a little lower.. We'll see what condition it's in. My SN is in ROUGH shape, sadly, although I might try to rebuild it someday.. The Hydroturf got eaten almost completely off by a raccoon or some other animal, and the hull has been cracked and repaired countless times from hitting logs in the sound and also another jetski collision by the previous owner. The pump and motor are seized too lol.

 

[j0hnny]

wow yeah i was all about save or use it as a donor ski until u said drivetrain was siezed... that sucks

 

[crazy4sand]

Coming from a SJ you will hate it, spend the money and rebuild your sj instead of buying the SX

 

[Scraggly]

dont

 

[Skidude]

Haha some seriously mixed feelings! I rode an ancient 1984 440sx over 4th of July weekend and it was horrible. I think I'm going to have this guy bring the ski out for me to try first and if it's decent, offer $600 for it and see where that gets me.. I just want to get on the water for cheaaaaap!! Haha. The cheapest SN for sale in my area right now is still $1500 :/

 

[j0hnny]

440's are a blast.... once they have a 650 engine lol

 

[tor*p*do]

650sx = turd log of the standup world

 

[MikeyB]

Fix your SN and put a 701 in it.

 

[kevbo]

650sx = turd log of the standup world

Condition is everything in an old ski. A Rickter slides around just as much as a 650sx yet nobody complains so its mostly negative sentiment. All stock skis made before 1994 need a lot of work before they are worth riding. Newer SJs need a little less but they are all old POS now.

 

[Vumad]

650sx is a fun ski, but if you already have a sn sj, buy a waveraider doner ski for $500 or so. It will have motor, electronics, carbs and a pump. Half of the parts you need to rebuild your square.

Otherwise I'd part out the sn best possible and find a rn.

 

[Skidude]

I had the guy selling the 650 SX bring them over on Sunday to give it a test ride, and it may be permanently staying there pending sale. The ski is surprisingly quick (It has a coffman pipe and other bolt-ons), it just won't carve to save it's life... I was also riding straight ahead and got knocked off balance by a sideways wave and the ski tipped on its side and stayed like that until I swam over to get it.... So top-heaviness confirmed. That being said, although it's different, I still had *almost* as much fun on it as I did on my SN...

Also, I haven't checked it out yet, but it feels like it has a a scoop grate or something because as soon as I get the revs up and take to some chop, the thing just pulls like nobody's business! Very strong engine.. Comparing it to my memory of riding a RN and 2008 SX-R a couple years back.

As for the SN, maybe I will rebuild it someday. I just need to fix all of the bad body work/bondo and fix all of the other cracks in the hull, paint, turf, new handpole, engine, pump, electronics, impeller, and she'll be good... Otherwise, keep your eye out as I may be throwing the hull up for sale for someone interested in a project ski.

 

[iangdesign]

In the end you will see a bigger return and many more smiles if you rebuild the SJ...but whatever keeps ya on the water good sir! Enjoys the new ski!

 

[bored&stroked]

I have a 650sx. Small pin 750, dual SXR carbs, shaved head, stock pipe mod, 650 flywheel, toploader intake grate, rend ride plate, footholds, bars, finger throttle etc. Love the ski, but a superjet it ain't. I'll ride my SN with 701, protec exhaust+ride plate, toploader grate and ocean pro head over the 650sx any day! But I'll never get rid of the sx.

 

[Midlake Crisis]

bored&stroked - What do you find so much better about your SJ? I have a stock motor 650sx with footholds and am seriously considering a motor upgrade like yours. Worth it? Further comparison with your SN would be really helpful.