whats the best year of the x2 and why.

[2nd nature]

besides the new ones are any years better then others and why?im thinking about a new project.

 

[Crab]

Just about any year with sqirrell cage steering is good, assuming you go with big power and many mods.

 

[2nd nature]

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 .

 

[Crab]

what is that? and big power is a must .

That contraption of cages behind and above the motor.

 

[D Slicker]

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]

Ya, direct steering BLOWS! I have one and I hate the steering.

 

[2nd nature]

so what years did they change it.?

 

[Crab]

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]

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]

just got 86 on weekend

does it have a squirrel cage i have had no time yet to look at it

 

[Crab]

does it have a squirrel cage i have had no time yet to look at it

yes

 

[sflsurfrider]

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?

 

[Crab]

Pete would know.

 

[shawn_NJ]

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!

 

[Crab]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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....

 

[Crab]

Basically 89