2010 Kawasaki Jet Ski Lineup Preview

Kawasaki plays it safe with familiar lineup

Kawasaki has elected to play it safe for 2010, returning virtually the identical lineup the manufacturer introduced in 2009, save for a few new color schemes and graphic treatments. Given the economic climate of the past year, that’s probably not surprising. Here’s what to expect:

The High End

Kawasaki now shares the top horsepower spotlight with Sea-Doo, but the Ultra’s 260hp engine is still likely the mill with the most “true” horsepower (Sea-Doo, after all, is widely known to take advantage of marketing allowances when naming a craft or engine.). Kawasaki’s familiar 1,498cc powerplant will continue to grace the performance-oriented Ultra 260X. A fuel-injected, four-cylinder, the engine uses a crank-driven, Roots-style supercharger to boost acceleration. That power is housed within a solid and stable hull design that continues to be the favorite of offshore racers. It also boasts the largest fuel and storage capacity in the market. The Ultra 260X ($12,899) will be bathed in mostly black for ’10, with a choice of either Sunbeam Red or Candy Lime Green highlights.

The powerful Ultra 260X is back and swathed mostly in black with red or lime green highlights.

That same powerful engine can be found in the company’s flagship touring model, the Ultra 260 LX ($13,199). The premium price tag will bring you a very comfortable and supportive touring seat, along with a more upscale paint and graphics scheme. Colors are listed as Jet White/Black Pearl, and have the look and feel of a luxury automobile, a look that’s becoming de rigueur for nearly all touring models.

Kawasaki’s potent 260hp supercharged engine continues to power both the Ultra 260X and Ultra 260LX for 2010.

Of note: Both retail prices have jumped significantly for 2010. Essentially the same models were available in ’09 for $11,999 and $12,299.

The Middle/Lower Ground

The middle ground continues to be held down by essentially one model, the Ultra LX. Below the seat sits the same basic 1,498cc engine, but without the turbocharger and intercooler combo that gives the 260 most of its punch. It comes in at a more family — not to mention fuel — friendly 160hp. As the LX name implies, the model gets the plush touring seat, which positions the passengers higher than the driver for a more pleasant ride. The Ultra LX also offers the same massive fuel and storage capacities, as well as the deep-V, wave-busting hull design.

Kawasaki’s Ultra LX marks the middle ground of the Jet Ski Lineup. It’s got plenty of creature comforts but with a more fuel-friendly engine than it’s 260hp big brothers.

Like the other models, price has increased, in this case $600 to $10,699.

It could be argued that the STX-15F also deserves to be in the middle ground as well, but Kawasaki slashed the price of this one-time flagship a few years back to make one of the most potent entry-level offerings on the market. Yes, the deck styling is somewhat dated, but the STX is a hull that Kawasaki honed on the race course, so performance is sharp. And with the same 160hp, 1,498cc engine below, it’s a powerful machine that delivers a little more thrill than the average entry-level model.

At one time the flagship if the Jet Ski lineup, the STX-15F still offers plenty of punch

For $8,999 (again, a $600 increase over ’09) you also get full instrumentation, reverse, mirrors, and great storage. The 15F also gets an attractive new Jet White/Metallic Titanium color scheme for 2010.

Base Model/Stand-Up

That leaves the bare-bones STX ($8,499), which remains mostly a rental-oriented vehicle, although some no-frills customers will likely check out its wares. Just like last year, it’s a stripped-down 15F, foregoing reverse, boarding ladder, and mirrors, and using a simple Jet White/Firecracker Red color scheme. Still, it’s got nice instrumentation and plenty of power on tap.

The rental-friendly STX offers power and performance without any extra frills.

Joining the above five models is again the 800 SX-R standup ($7,299), looking downright sexy in a black/lime green color combo. Power continues to be the 781cc twin-cylinder two-stroke, and the ride remains the familiar lean-in style Kawasaki popularized way back in the ‘70s.

The familiar 800 SX-R sports an aggressive new black-and-lime green color combo.

Related Reading
2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 260LX Review
2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX Review
2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review
2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski 800 SX-R Review
2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 260X Review