2011 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review

Most powerful, most aggressive handling entry-level PWC

Though the bare bones STX is still available as a 2010 model, the new entry-level unit for Kawasaki in 2011 is, believe it or not, the company’s one time flagship — the STX-15F. Whether or not that’s enough to be competitive all these years later is a tough call, but the 15F remains the post powerful entry-level model on the market, as well as the most aggressive handling.

That’s an appealing mix.

Agile Power

The 15F’s biggest strength remains its engine. Rated at 160hp, it’s noticeably more powerful than either Sea-Doo’s 130hp entry model or Yamaha’s 110hp candidate. For years I’ve contended that’s a good thing. It’s not so powerful as to overwhelm a novice, but powerful enough that a rider can grow with the craft, rather than outgrow it. Expect a top speed around 62 mph from the 1,498cc four-cylinder, dual overhead cam engine, and acceleration as fast as 2.0 seconds from 0-30mph. That’s a distinct advantage over competitors that top out close to 55 mph, and don’t accelerate nearly as strong.

Kawasaki’s 160-horsepower engine is noticeably more powerful than entry-level models from Sea-Doo and Yamaha.

It also makes the boat a standout for the towsports crowd. The low-end acceleration will pop even the largest riders up and out of the water, and the power delivery is smooth enough to avoid the “jerky” feeling many riders experience behind a PWC.

Handling? It’s likewise aggressive, befitting the boat’s past history on the racecourse. There’s little wander or unpredictability with the 15F. Instead, it darts in and out of corners with a precise feel. More aggressive riders will likely find the craft’s somewhat low-slung seating works well for this type of riding, positioning the driver close to the water for a commanding feeling of control. The novice, however, shouldn’t be intimidated. That precise, aggressive feel inspires confidence in the boat. No surprises here.

Main Feature

A large front storage tub makes up the majority of the 23.5 gallons of available storage space.

Should your interests lean toward cruising, or you just like to ride prepared, the 15F also delivers. Storage and fuel capacity are impressive, with 16.4 gallons of fuel onboard and 23.5 gallons of stowage space divided between a large front tub in the bow area, a glovebox, and a small nook under the aft portion of the craft’s split seat. From that seat, the driver has a good view of the info display, which as always, is relatively easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The main item of interest — speed — is presented in large digits. Fuel load is also readily in view, spread across a bar graph that arcs across the upper-left portion of the screen. Both Set and Mode buttons are easily reached with a gloved hand.

Theft prevention is provided by a removable magnetic key, located in the glovebox. A second key limits the boat’s RPM should you want to turn the boat over to a novice friend. Kawasaki thoughtfully provides a float should that key accidentally go overboard. Further electronic enhancement includes off-throttle steering. Release the throttle and crank the bars in a panic situation, and thrust is increased to provide directional control. It’s subtle, but effective, providing just enough push to start the boat into a turn, rather than continue forward. Go overboard and a spring-loaded step facilitates deep-water boarding.

Tougher Competition

While the color combo remains a little more upscale than entry models of past years, Kawasaki has backed away from the titanium metallic of 2010, going back to a primarily black hull, white top deck, and Luminous Vintage Red on the bow storage compartment door. Combined with a two-tone black/grey seat, it’s an attractive combo.

Ready for the negatives? They’re relatively minor. Kawasaki’s reverse works well, but is still located on the right-hand side of the console. That makes it a little more difficult to navigate a tight area, as it’s impossible to use throttle and reverse simultaneously without performing a game of Twister.

A little more troubling is the price, which has again moved upward to where the craft now costs $9,199. That puts the 15F above Sea-Doo’s newly retooled GTI, which offers Sea-Doo’s handy braking and reverse system. Kawasaki may lose this battle feature-wise, but it remains the more powerful, more agile contender.

Whether that’s enough to keep this boat ahead of the pack depends on what matters more to the buyer.

Related Reading
2011 Kawasaki Jet Ski 800 SX-R Review
2010 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX Review
2010 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review
2011 Sea-Doo GTI 130 Review