2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Lineup Unveiled

Kawasaki boosts horsepower and adds audio system

Kawasaki continues to leverage its popular Ultra platform for 2014. The brand introduced no less than four new variations on the Ultra theme at its San Diego dealer show, almost all of which set a new benchmark for horsepower in the personal watercraft market.

Yes, you read right. Already the king at 300 horsepower, Kawasaki has upped the output of its flagship engine by 10 additional horses for 2014. As you might expect, engineers did it with some careful tweaking said to reduce friction as well as improvements that promise to add power and increase durability. The intake manifold has been reshaped in an effort to give it a longer and slimmer profile to increase low to midrange power; a new, higher flow volume fuel pump adds power and increases fuel efficiency; and revisions to the fuel economy assistance mode in the ECU are said to significantly increase range for long-distance touring.

2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX

Several reliability issues have also been addressed. New cast pistons have a V-groove added to the second ring land for more consistent oil retention at high loads. The oil jet system that sprays the underside of the piston has also been revised to include two jets per piston, rather than one, to increase piston cooling. Additional baffles in the oil pan have been added to prevent oil from accumulating on one side of the pan during tight turns or sudden acceleration or deceleration, and the crankcase now features larger return holes to facilitate oil return to the pan. Other improvements include thicker water jackets for improved cooling, a check valve to keep the engine cooler without over-cooling and a knock sensor that retards ignition to suppress abnormal combustion. The latter activates a warning buzzer on the craft’s Instrument panel.

VIEW: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 300LX

As to where that engine will go, the Ultra 310X is the obvious first choice. In addition to the improved engine, it receives a revised impeller design, new instrumentation and upgraded mirrors and rear handrail.

2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310X

The Ultra 310R is dubbed the “extreme” version of the craft. Borrowing a page from Kawi’s KX motocross bikes, the R features a motocross-style handlebar with crossbar pad, electro-polished stainless steel bar and new handlebar mounts with up to 12 different height/reach combinations. The seat has also received attention. It features KX-style materials and graphics, and a new slimmer shape that Kawasaki says will allow both driver and passenger to better use their legs, both for leverage in turns and for holding on in rough conditions.

2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310R

A special-edition 310X SE model also features an improved, supportive seat that narrows in the thigh area, as well as new, gun-grip style handgrips and a more aggressively styled graphics package.

VIEW: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 300X

Perhaps the most intriguing offering, however, is the revamped Ultra 310 LX. In addition to all of the above, it includes a first-of-its-kind audio system – at least for a production craft – that Kawasaki calls JETSOUND. The system features a pair of high-quality 30-watt speakers built into the console, linked to a 2 x 20-watt amplifier. Yes, it’s iPhone/iPod compatible; the devices can be secured in a waterproof bag and stowed in the glovebox. A wateroroof aluminum case in that same glovebox can also accommodate a USB memory stick. An audio controller on the handlebar pad – think the location of the previous cutout for handheld GPS units – controls volume and song selection.

The JETSOUND audio system is the first of its kind on a stock personal watercraft.

For ’14 the LX seat also gets a new heat-resistant seat cover and redesigned aft grab handle.

VIEW: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

As to the rest of the six-boat lineup, two familiar craft make their return – the economy minded STX-15F, as well as the touring-oriented Ultra LX.

2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX