2008 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review

Entry-level craft doesn’t skimp on power

Back in 1973 the engineers at Kawasaki developed the first personal watercraft. Since that year many new water borne fun machines have crested the wave of excitement.

In 2008 a part of the excitement came in the form of the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F. This machine has awesome maneuverability and an affordable price tag for most any budget at just over $8,000. This personal water rocket is truly on the leading edge of affordability in the watercraft world.

The appearance of the 15F is very inviting. There is not only plenty of comfortable seating for the driver but there is also enough room for two more. The narrower lead area of the seat makes it easier to move around when aggressive riders want to play hard.

The entry-level 15F provides plenty of excitement and more than a few creature comforts.

Storage in the 15F is very spacious at 23.5 gallons. The majority of this is in the bow but there are small spots under the seat and also a glove box for the immediate things like sunscreen and a fire extinguisher. The steering bars are well placed for sitting or standing riders and with the LCD dash, seeing all the important stuff like fuel levels, gear position warning lights a breeze. Readings such as the tachometer, speedometer, trip meters and a clock are also available for keeping up with how long you have been having a blast on the water.

KSS or Kawasaki smart steering is an advantage to the operator on this 15F as it monitors steering input with engine speed and should the rider turn full lock without the throttle on, the computer automatically engages the engine rpms to assist in turning the craft. This is another great feature for learning the personal watercraft ropes.

That’s a lot of engine for an $8,099 craft.

The heart of the 15F takes its developmental roots from the street side of Kawasaki’s freedom machines. The engine in the very popular Ninja motorcycle had set precedence in its own right and would now be used to help propel a new staple in the book of PWC. This massive 1498cc power plant has four cylinders, dual overhead cams and is liquid cooled as well. An impressive 160 horsepower is waiting for the rider who demands it.

The low and mid-range torque is instantly noticed with just a twitch of the throttle and with digital fuel injection the delivery is smooth. The 60mm throttle body helps the 15F respond with crisp, clean acceleration and getting aspiration through the large capacity air box also helps lower noise while allowing better air intake flow.

Setting standards for the PWC community is a goal for the engineers at Kawasaki. One way they succeed at this in the 15F is by using four valves in each cylinder head, effective timing control, precise intake and exhaust valve lift angles on the DOHC cams, which makes the 15F produce less emissions. This setup has earned many awards for low emission and one being the Three-Star Ultra-low emissions rating set by the EPA itself.  There are also a few items included for those who can push open the envelope even when they do not really want to see what’s inside.

The power plant of the 15F has a unique semi-dry sump oiling system, which lowers the crankshaft in the engine and eliminates the need for scavenging pumps. The most unique part of this is that if the 15F gets capsized the oil stays in the sump and doesn’t flood the crankcase. Waterproof ECU and coils on this craft prevent trouble from closing the ride day early.

An astonishing 957 pounds of thrust with the direct drive axial-flow pump twisting the three-blade oval-edge stainless impeller pushes the top speed up around 70mph in ideal conditions. The propulsion system on the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F is shielded, which also prevents damage from foreign objects.

The Deep-V hull keeps the craft tracking straight.

The Hull on the 2008 Kawasaki 15F is made to relax the steering effort and this makes the handling quick and nimble. Because of the Deep-V hull, the craft tracks straight as an arrow at high speeds. Injection-molded sponsons also help the 15F to ‘grip’ the water when turning and help stabilize the PWC at high speeds. Additional rider friendly items are molded into the hull of the 15F, including the ‘KSDs’ or Kawasaki splash deflectors. These innovative additions help keep the rider’s vision of the water in front of them clear by keeping the spray out of their eyes.

Safety and learning are both issues that Kawasaki intends to develop further in the personal watercraft industry and the company has added the ‘SLO’ key to the 15F just like its larger brother the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX. This key has preset controls for the ECU that lets the less experienced riders learn to control the machine before turning them loose with the awesome power of today’s watercraft.

Riding the 15F was really a blast for me. I had the chance to ride this machine on the Tennessee River as well as a large body lake under different conditions. The 15F loves to be opened up and within just a split second. It really feels like it takes just a fraction of a second before this 1498cc engine rips open to around 7,500 rpm.

Though it’s a budget-minded craft, the 15F is no slouch at all. The seat felt so comfortable while sitting but it seemed like it could stand to loose another inch or so between the legs for a more comfortable standing ride. With my ‘advanced’ rider key in hand, I fired the beast up and was simply amazed at how quiet the engine was. I noticed how easily the engine would whip into the rpm range with just the slightest vibration. The low and midrange power is simply a budget-minded gear head’s dream. This well-balanced power plant has plenty of potential.

Even at high speeds you don’t get a lot of water spray in your face.

The boarding step is tucked in under the rear deck and springs back into its hiding place after use, making re-boarding a breeze. Speaking of the rear deck, there is plenty of room there to sit or stand and if you need to slip into your wake board or skis there is enough room for that also.

Having a quality reverse gear on this machine made riding a lot more enjoyable as well. When I docked at the gas pump it was like parallel parking my car. I could direct the craft with no trouble and it made me more confident in the 15F.

Overall I feel that Kawasaki has made another thoroughbred for the stable and with the price along with the performance this should be the greatest seller in the fleet.

Rick’s Riding Gear
Rick is outfitted in Slippery Switch vest, jersey and gloves.
Visit SlipperyWetsuits.com for more information.

Related Reading:
2008 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX Review