Honda ARX1200T2 2003 Owner's Manual
2003
Honda ARX1200T2
AQUATRAX R-12X
OWNER’S MANUAL
Congratulations on choosing your Honda
personal watercraft (PWC).
When you own a Honda, you’re part of a
worldwide family of satisfied customers
people who appreciate Honda’s reputation for
building quality into every product.
Your Honda was designed as a recreational
PWC for use by one operator and one
passenger.
Before riding, take time to get acquainted
with your PWC and how it works. To protect
your investment, we urge you to take
responsibility for keeping your PWC well
maintained. Scheduled service is a must, of
course. But it’s just as important to observe
the break-in guidelines, and perform all preride checks and post-ride maintenance
detailed in this manual.
We also recommend that you read this
owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full of
facts, instructions, safety information, and
helpful tips. To make it easy to use, the
manual contains a table of contents, a detailed
list of topics at the beginning of each section,
and an index at the back of the book.
As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is intended to help
you avoid damage to your Honda, other
property, or the environment.
Introduction
Introduction
NOTICE
Read the Warranties Booklet (page 221)
thoroughly so you understand the coverages
that protect your new Honda and are aware of
your rights and responsibilities.
As a PWC owner, you have joined a larger
community of riders who want to ensure that
there are places to ride. So when you ride, be
considerate of other boaters, swimmers, and
people on shore. Keep noise levels down,
don’t jump wakes, and only ride in areas
where it’s legal to ride PWCs.
If you have any questions about your PWC,
or if you ever need special service or repairs,
remember that your Honda PWC dealer
knows your PWC best and is dedicated to
your complete satisfaction.
Please report any change of address or
ownership to your Honda PWC dealer so we
will be able to contact you concerning
important production information.
You may also want to visit our website at
www. honda.com.
For a list of authorized Honda PWC dealers,
please refer to the following website:
www. hondamotorcycle.com, or call customer
service at 1-310-532-9811.
Happy riding!
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
Introduction
Introduction
A Few Words About Safety
Safety Messages
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this PWC safely is an
important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that
could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or
maintaining a PWC. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including :
• Safety Labels — on the PWC.
• Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words :
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean :
A Few Words About Safety
Safety Messages
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
• Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.
• Safety Section — such as PWC Safety.
• Instructions — how to use this PWC correctly and safely.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
These pages give an overview of the contents
of your owner’s manual. The first page of
each section lists the topics covered in that
section.
PWC Safety · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 1
Important safety information you should
know, plus a look at the safety related labels
on your PWC.
Instruments & Controls · · · · · · · · · · · 11
The location and function of indicators and
controls on your PWC and operating
instructions for various controls and
features.
Before Riding · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 51
The importance of wearing a personal
flotation device (PFD) and other protective
gear, how to make sure you and your PWC
are ready to ride, and important information
about loading.
Basic Operation & Riding· · · · · · · · · · 67
How to start and stop the engine, and
operate the PWC. Also, riding precautions
and important information about launching
your PWC and riding with a passenger.
Contents
Contents
Contents
Servicing Your Honda · · · · · · · · · · · · · 99
Why your PWC needs regular maintenance,
what you need to know before servicing
your Honda, an owner maintenance
schedule, and instructions for specific
maintenance and adjustment items.
Tips · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 167
How to store and transport your PWC and
how to be an environmentally-responsible
rider.
Taking Care of the Unexpected · · · · · · 179
What to do if you capsize, your engine
won’t start, etc.
Technical Information · · · · · · · · · · · · 199
Serial numbers, technical specifications,
and other technical facts.
Consumer Information · · · · · · · · · · · · 217
Information on warranties, emission
controls, how to get Honda service
manuals, and...
“Reporting Safety Defects” · · · · · · · 225
Table of Contents · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 226
Sequential listing of topics in this owner’s
manual.
Index · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 230
Quick Reference
Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, and
spark plugs.
Contents
PWC Safety
PWC Safety
1
This section presents some of the most
important information and recommendations
to help you operate your PWC safely. Please
take a few moments to read these pages. This
section also includes information about the
location of safety labels on your PWC.
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . .2
Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Important Safety Information
PWC Safety
2
Your Honda PWC is a high performance boat,
not a toy. Honda recommends that it be
operated by someone at least 16 years old.
Your PWC can provide many years of service
and pleasure – if you take responsibility for
your safety and understand the challenges
you can meet while riding.
There is much that you can do to protect
yourself when you ride. You’ll find many
helpful recommendations throughout this
manual. The following are a few that we
consider most important.
Avoid Collisions
The most common type of PWC accident is
colliding with another vessel. In addition,
collisions result in more injuries and deaths
than any other type of PWC accident.
Understanding how your PWC operates is
key to avoid collisions. Your PWC does not
have brakes, so you must plan ahead if you
are slowing to a stop. Your PWC is propelled
by jet thrust (page 69), so the engine must be
on with throttle applied to accelerate or turn.
Without jet thrust, you will not be able to
steer (page 88).
Important Safety Information
Ride Defensively
Watching out for other water users around
you and knowing the rules of the waterway
can help you out of trouble (page 70). Keep a
safe distance away from people, objects, and
other watercraft. Remember that if you are on
a collision course, it s your responsibility to
avoid the collision. For other riding tips, see
the Personal Watercraft Rider’s Handbook
that came with your PWC.
Wear a PFD and Protective Clothing
When you ride your PWC, you must wear a
Coast Guard-approved Type I , II or III PFD
(personal flotation device). It’s the law in all
states, and it could save your life. In addition,
you should wear appropriate protective
clothing, including a wet suit bottom or
equivalent, footwear, gloves and eye
protection (page 53).
PWC Safety
3
Important Safety Information
Get Training
According to the Coast Guard, more than
85% of all fatalities involved people who did
not have boating instruction. You can receive
boating and PWC instruction from a number
of different agencies (page 55).
Even if you have ridden other PWCs, take
time to become familiar with how this PWC
works and handles. Practice in a safe area,
away from boats and swimmers, until you
build your skills and get accustomed to the
PWC’s size and handling.
Ride within Your Limits
Pushing limits can increase the risk of loss of
control and collision. Never ride beyond your
personal abilities or faster than conditions
permit. Remember that alcohol, drugs,
fatigue, and inattention can significantly
reduce your ability to make good judgements
and ride safely.
Don’t Drink and Ride
Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Even one
drink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction time
gets worse with every additional drink. So
don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your
friends drink and ride either.
PWC Safety
4
Important Safety Information
PWC Safety
5
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your PWC properly
maintained and in safe riding condition. To
help avoid problems, inspect your PWC
before every ride and perform all
recommended maintenance. Never exceed
load limits (page 61), and do not remove any
original equipment or modify your PWC in
any way that would change its design or
operation.
PWC Safety
Safety Labels
6
Safety labels on your PWC either warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury or
they provide important safety information. Read these labels carefully and don’t remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda PWC dealer for a replacement.
WARNING
WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) . All riders must wear a Coast Guard
approved PFD that is suitable for personal watercraft (PWC) use.
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced
into body cavities as a result of falling into water or being near jet thrust nozzle
Normal swimwear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry
into lower body cavities. All riders must wear a wet suit bottom or clothing
that provides equivalent protection ( See Owner's Manual ) .
Footwear, gloves, and goggles/glasses are recommended.
KNOW BOATING LAWS. Honda recommends a minimum operator age of 16 years old.
Know the operator age and training requirements for your state. A boating safety course
is recommended and may be required in your state.
ATTACH ENGINE SHUT-OFF CORD (LANYARD) to wrist and keep it free from handlebars so that engine
stops if operator falls off. After riding, remove cord from PWC to avoid unauthorized use by children or others.
RIDE WITHIN YOUR LIMITS AND AVOID AGGRESSIVE MANEUVERS to reduce the risk of loss of control,
ejection, and collision. This is a high performance boat - not a toy. Sharp turns or jumping
wakes or waves can increase the risk of back/spinal injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and
broken legs, ankles, and other bones. Do not jump wakes or waves.
DO NOT APPLY THROTTLE WHEN ANYONE IS AT REAR OF PWC - turn engine off or keep engine at idle.
Water and/or debris exiting jet thrust nozzle can cause severe injury.
KEEP AWAY FROM INTAKE GRATE while engine is on. Items such as long
hair, loose clothing, or PFD straps can become entangled in moving
parts resulting in severe injury or drowning.
NEVER RIDE AFTER CONSUMING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
READ AND FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL
To reduce the risk of SEVERE INJURY or DEATH:
Jet Thrust Nozzle
Intake Grate
PFD
Wet Suit
Bottom
Safety Labels
PWC Safety
7
(cont’d)
8
PWC Safety
Safety Labels
WARNING
Overloading or improperly loading the PWC can make
it difficult to control and could result in an accident.
See Owner's Manual for loading information.
WARNING
Storing fuel in this compartment can be a fire or
explosion hazard which can result in injury or death.
Do not store fuel or other flammable liquids in this
unventilated compartment.
WARNING
Starting the engine without ventilating the engine
compartment can cause a fire or explosion.
See Owner's Manual.
9
PWC Safety
Safety Labels
PWC Safety
10
Instruments & Controls
Instruments & Controls
11
This section shows the location of all gauges,
indicators, and controls you would normally
use before or while riding your PWC.
The items listed on this page are described in
this section. Instructions for other
components are presented in other sections of
this manual where they will be most useful.
Component Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Multi-function Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
SET Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
MODE Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ID SET Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ID No. Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . . . . 28
Engine Cooling Water Temperature
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Low Battery Voltage Indicator . . . . . . . . 30
Fuel Gauge and Low Fuel Indicator . . . . . 31
Digital Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
(cont
’d)
Instruments & Controls
Instruments & Controls
12
Controls & Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ID Lock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Limit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Start Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Engine Stop Button/Switch . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety Lanyard & Lock Clip . . . . . . . . . . 41
Handlebar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Throttle Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Trim Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reverse Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Jet Pump Water Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cooling Water Bypass Outlet . . . . . . . . . 46
Bilge Drain Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Flushing Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Jet Pump Steering Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Bow & Stern Eyelets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Grab Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
13
indicators
front hood latch
multi-function
display
start button
lock clip
safety lanyard
throttle lever
engine stop
button/switch
display control
buttons
trim lever
trim lock lever
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
14
bow eyelet
handlebar
reverse lever
seat
sponson
front storage compartment
fire extinguisher compartment
hood
tool kit
compartment
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
15
seat latch
reboarding groove
sponson
glove box
fuel fill cap
stern eyelets
grab rail
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
16
jet pump water intake
grate
drive shaft
ride plate
engine compartment
UNDER HULL
footboard
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
17
cooling water
bypass outlet
flushing connector
bilge drain plug jet pump steering nozzle
bilge drain plug
reverse bucket
exhaust outlet
Component Locations
Instruments & Controls
18
oil filler cap/dipstick
oil drain pipe cap
fuse box
bilge strainerspark plugsoil filter
battery
maintenance joint
throttle adjuster
air filter
Instruments & Controls
19
Multi-function Display
The multi-function display and beeper on
your PWC keep you informed, alert you to
possible problems, and make your riding
more enjoyable. Refer to the display
frequently. Its functions are described on the
following pages.
(1) tachometer
(2) WARNING lamp
(3) low battery voltage indicator
(4) engine cooling water temperature
indicator
(5) LIMIT MODE indicator
(6) low oil pressure indicator
(7) PGM-FI indicator
(8) SET button
(9) MODE button
(10) ID No. button
(11) ID SET button
(12) multi-function meter
(13) low fuel indicator
(14) fuel gauge
(15) speedometer
(1)
(2) (3)
(4) (5) (6) (7)
(8)
(9)
(15) (13) (12) (11) (10)
(14)
Instruments & Controls
20
Multi-function Display
Display Check
After inserting the lock clip in the engine stop
button/switch or after releasing the ID lock
system, the beeper sounds twice and all the
segments of the multi-function display,
except the tachometer, will appear. Then all
tachometer segments will turn on and off in
sequence. After the check is complete, you
will see the normal displays.
If any part of these displays does not come on
when it should, have your Honda PWC dealer
check for problems.
(1) multi-function display
(2) tachometer
(1)
(2)
Instruments & Controls
21
1 tachometer Shows engine speed in revolutions per minute
(rpm).
2 WARNING lamp Flashes under the following conditions:
(1) The remaining fuel is low.
(2) There is a fault in the fuel system.
(3) The engine oil pressure is low.
(4) The engine cooling water temperature is high.
(5) There is any abnormality in the PGM-FI system.
(6) The battery voltage is low (below approx. 11.5 V).
If the indicator flashes, immediately take the
shortest route to land.
3 low battery voltage indicator Flashes when the battery voltage is below
approx. 11.5 V.
If the indicator flashes, immediately take the
shortest route to land.
This indicator is usually off.
Multi-function Display
Instruments & Controls
22
4 engine cooling water temperature Flashes when the engine cooling water temperature
indicator is high enough to cause engine damage.
If the indicator flashes, immediately take the
shortest route to land, then see page 188 for
instructions and precautions.
This indicator is usually off.
5 LIMIT MODE indicator Comes on when the limit mode is activated and
continues to flash while the mode is active
(page 39).
This indicator is usually off.
6 low oil pressure indicator Flashes when the engine oil pressure is low enough
to cause engine damage.
If the indicator flashes, immediately take the
shortest route to land, then see page 185 for
instructions and cautions.
This indicator is usually off.
Multi-function Display
Instruments & Controls
23
Multi-function Display
7 PGM-FI indicator Flashes when there is some abnormality in the
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system.
Occasionally, depending on the abnormality, engine
revs may be limited to less than 3,000 rpm. In
extreme cases, the engine will stop.
If the indicator flashes, immediately take the
shortest route to land.
If the engine stops, tow your PWC to land.
This indicator is usually off.
8 SET button Resets the tripmeter and time meter to zero (0)
(page 26).
Also used to set the digital clock (page 32).
9 MODE button Selects the mode of the multi-function meter: digital
clock, tachometer, time meter, tripmeter, hourmeter.
Selects ON or OFF for the limit mode.
Also used to set the digital clock (page 32).
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