Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 LX Review

Seat time with the flagship of Kawasaki's revamped lineup.

Kawasaki’s STX 160 line breathed new life into Kawasaki’s midrange offerings, retaining all that was great about the long-running STX-15F but significantly upgrading the look, feel, ergonomics and feature list. The result was that Kawasaki instantly rejoined the conversation for buyers comparing competitive models.

The 160 LX is the flagship model in the revamped lineup, adding sought-after extras like Bluetooth audio. Here are some of this compelling craft’s greatest hits.

Check Out The ‘Fit

Like its siblings in the STX 160 lineup, the LX sports a top deck that is a fresh alternative to the long-running STX-15F the line replaced. While still undoubtedly a Kawasaki in style and feel, up close riders will note much improved ergonomics. Most appreciated is the riding position, which while retaining some of Kawi’s low-to-the-water feel offers far more legroom than the previous platform. It’s a plus for most all but especially taller riders, who will feel far less cramped in the saddle.

Settle into that sculpted seat, and you can feel the support of a solid bolster at the lower back that adds not just comfort but a locked-in feel for more aggressive riders. Handlebars are comfortably wide, great when both touring and carving a spray-roosting corner. The large digital display is easily seen by both sun-assaulted and aging eyes alike. In addition to the standard items of interest Kawasaki adds real-time fuel consumption. Keep drinks handy during slow-speed cruising by using the pair of cupholders forward of the handlebars. Just stow them before you hit the throttle lest you dribble your Dew.

Take the tail end of the saddle as a passenger and note similar legroom and an elevated position when looking forward over the driver. Both driver and passenger(s) will note solid storage, with 30 gallons in the front storage tub, another 4.5 in an aft saddle compartment accessed via a unique slide-and-pivot mechanism that avoids having to find a spot for a removed section of the saddle (or worrying about losing it overboard). A half-gallon more is added via a glovebox and rubber pouch behind the tail portion of the saddle, perfect for items like dock lines or a wet watersports towrope.

Versatile Mix

As to performance, expect Kawasaki’s trademark mix of power and handling that goes a touch beyond the norm in the category.

Power is provided by a proven 1,498cc, dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine. Don’t let its longstanding tenure alarm you. It’s a potent package, producing 160 hp without the gas-guzzling effects of a supercharger/intercooler combo. Low-end power is highlighted by a strong punch out of the hole, which is certainly fun for performance enthusiasts but also makes the craft an excellent choice for towing everything from tubers to skiers and wakeboarders.

Digital throttle makes possible electronic cruise control and a 5 mph, no-wake mode. But though electronic reverse made its debut this year on the flagship Ultra, mechanical reverse is standard on the LX. It’s effective and relatively easy to use, but a step below the competition. It also shouldn’t be used to provide deceleration or stopping power.

As to the extras that LX destination provides, the obvious star is Kawasaki’s JETSOUND Bluetooth audio system. It neatly integrates speakers into the forward edge of the footwells for excellent sound that’s directed at the driver. Use your phone as the source and key up your preferred playlist before stowing that pricey hardware securely in the glovebox. The head unit for the audio system is conveniently located directly in front of the saddle. Other LX inclusions are premium red and black paint scheme, a full graphics package, coordinating two-tone LX deck mats and the LXury seat.

Picking toughest competitors can trickle over into other categories. Sea-Doo’s GTX 170 ($13,399) and the Yamaha VX Limited ($12,849) hail from flagship and midrange lines but compete well on price. The GTX is Sea-Doo’s flagship platform and includes Intelligent Brake & Reverse, unique direct-access front storage, and pop-up mounts for accessories like coolers, storage and fuel caddies but Bluetooth audio is optional. The VX Limited is based on Yamaha’s midrange VX platform and includes Bluetooth audio, the Connext LCD display, RiDE dual-throttle control and a Limited package including matching cover, color-matched tube, rope, inflator, tube holder, rope bag and two Yamaha fenders.

It’s a competitive crowd for sure, but the fact that Kawasaki is now even mentioned among these craft is proof of the leap forward the STX 160 platform has provided.