2011 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX Review

Meet Kawasaki's entry-level Ultra

Kawasaki’s hot new Ultra 300s have performance enthusiasts drooling, but much of that boat’s same desirable characteristics — a big-water-capable hull design, good ergonomics, and stowage aplenty — can also be found in a much cheaper and tamer package.

Meet the Ultra LX, the Ultra…for the rest of us.

Family Resemblance

Let’s cut right to the chase. The Ultra LX is essentially the existing pre-300hp Ultra platform, meaning it’s got the same deep-V, 22-degree deadrise hull below, familiar deck up top, and 1,498cc engine below. The difference? In the Ultra LX, that engine foregoes the supercharger and intercooler, losing considerable horsepower in the process. (How much? Kawasaki no longer rates the engine, but it’s about 160 hp.) That sounds significant and it is…and isn’t. Certainly the Ultra LX won’t top out over 65mph; expect more along the lines of 52-54mph. But while acceleration also can’t compare to the big-gun Ultras, the LX still has enough power and pulling ability to tow skiers and wakeboarders. It also will be much more fuel-efficient than its higher-horsepower counterparts.

It may lack the power of it’s 300-horsepower big brother, but the Ultra LX still offers good acceleration and enough power to tow skiers and wakeboarders.

While power is less, the hull’s ability is equal. It’s a master in rough water, taking on waves with authority and not stumbling or hunting for its line. That makes it a confidence-building ride for novice and intermediate riders. Splash-deflecting ridges keep the ride relatively dry (and your vision clear), while the LX designation gives the craft a bolstered, cushy touring seat that will cradle the driver and passengers in comfort. Solo drivers will find they can use the seat’s bolsters for a little thigh support when standing. Handlebar tilt can also be adjusted to one of five positions to tailor the boat’s fit to the driver.

A five-position adjustable handlebar allows the rider to find the perfect fit.

If the Ultra has a slight weakness in this form, it’s that it lacks the trim introduced on the 300hp model. That means you can’t really plant the bow down in the turns to quicken the boat’s response. It sweeps more through a corner than aggressively takes an angle, but again, that’s probably a good match for the intended audience.

Familiar Features

Like all the Ultras, the Ultra LX offers generous storage.

A spring-loaded boarding ladder is a welcome addition for swimmers.

The family resemblance carries into stowage and fuel capacity. The Ultra LX is well equipped for touring duty, with 60 gallons of stowage space in its massive bow compartment, and 20 gallons of fuel capacity. With the more fuel-efficient engine, that translates into long range…or at least more time between fill-ups.

You won’t find abundant extras. That’s just not Kawasaki’s style. The LX does, however, have Kawasaki’s keyed security system. Remove it to prevent unauthorized use, or use the second, low RPM-mode key to tame the craft further for novice riders, or just lessen the fuel consumed. Reverse is located on the left-hand side of the console, which makes it easier to use in conjunction with throttle.

Unfortunately, the boat doesn’t get one of the new 300’s improvements, the larger mode buttons below the display. On the LX, they remain rather small and awkward to reach. But other details continue to be virtually the same, including a nice spring-loaded boarding ladder, solid traction in the footwells, and Kawasaki’s typical high level of fit and finish. I also like the white/silver combo for 2011, as well as one of the lower price increases we’ve seen in the market. It’s $10,899 price tag is just $200 more than the 2010 model.

If you like the idea of a confident, big-water ride with long range touring ability, and are willing to trade a little of that blistering speed for a more conservative, less gas-guzzling engine, give it a test ride.

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