Aftermarket handlebars and ski maintenance

[Jeffspx]

Hello, so it's been almost a year since I've been on here. I bought my ski last year and 3 weeks later my son was born. I had barely any time to work on it. Anyway I wana get it out now, and I have no pwc buddies or anyone who owns a boat so when I go out I'm alone on the water, so i really wana avoid that breakdown in the middle of the river as I won't have much help without it costing much. So what's the best way to ready my ski to avoid that? It's a 95 Spx with the 657x motor. What I have done, is the pump oil has been changed, the pumP resealed with new neoprene seal and protection hose, carbs have broken down and inspected. All soft parts look "ok" so I may get rebuild kits. Intake manifold has been off and inspected RV clearence which is good. Went to premix. Left the RV oil feeds hooked up. Compression is 150 on both cylinders and ski is charging right around 13.5 volts most of the time. Is there anything else you guys. An think of?
Btw when I checked charging sometimes it would cut out to 12v then come back up again, only for a second or 2. Is this normal operation or is this indicative of an issue?
Finally, I tried searching but has anyone tried cleaning up the stock stem and putting aftermarket handlebars on? I've always liked the look of the umi steering systems but I don't want to spend that kind of money for now, plus it get rid of my gooey handlebar cover.
Thank you guys all and sorry about the long post.
Jeff

 

[Dr Honda]

That charging should stay steady, but you may have just had a loose connection holding the meter. I wouldn't worry about it. (yet)

As far as cleaning up the factory stem... I've seen a few people try... but it always just looks like the factory stem without a pad.. But, if you want to try... it's a 7/8" handle bar.

 

[Jimnut]

For around 35 dollars you can put a neoprene handle bar cover on that is made by Black Tip. I realize it's not exactly what you were asking about but atleast it takes car of the gooey handle bar cover!

Here is my 95 xp800 with the cover installed




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[Spimothy Leary]

For around 35 dollars you can put a neoprene handle bar cover on that is made by Black Tip. I realize it's not exactly what you were asking about but atleast it takes car of the gooey handle bar cover!

Here is my 95 xp800 with the cover installed

View attachment 12986


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yes those look good iv'e seen them,, watercraftsuperstore has them

 

[Jeffspx]

I have seen those and have thought about it. Right now I think that is going to be my back up plan, as I really do want to get a performance look.
As for the reliability of my ski, in stock form and well maintained are these machines reliable? Also based on the info provided, do you guys think that I have much to worry about on the water?
This is not my first seadoo or ski, but I feel like I got lucky with my first seadoo as it never stranded me and I never did much to it other then pump oil changes, flushing and washes and winterization. I guess I just need a little reassurance. Im actually an auto mechanicand it seems like things just break so easily, andybody else agree?

 

[Dr Honda]

What ever you do... be careful. There is a reason they put a pad there from the factory. If you hit a big wave, and take a steering neck to the face... it will hurt. SO... if you put on dirt-bike bars... use the crossbar pad.

 

[Jeffspx]

Haha yes it will have a crossbar pad. I dont think itll look right without it. I will be cautious, thank you.