2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review

Speed and handling continue to be the strong points for long-running model

Given the tough competition in the entry-level marketplace – Yamaha’s proverbially best-selling VX models now sport a lighter weight hull, while Sea-Doo’s GTI models offer flagship-rivaling features – it’s fair to wonder how Kawasaki’s long-standing STX-15F can continue to compete. The answer is horsepower and handling.

With 160 horses at its disposal, the STX-15F has the increased power that will serve the needs of a wide range of consumers. And with a hull derived from a championship-winning race boat, it provides an exciting, nimble ride.

Tale of the Tape

Whie it’s not the newest model in the entry level class, the STX-15F benefits from more power and race-like handling.

Numbers don’t lie. While the competition continues to max out around 55 mph, the 15F’s 1,498cc, dual-overhead-cam engine typically won’t stop until it reaches the 62 mph mark. That’s something to consider if you value speed. Seven miles an hour may not seem like much, but from a seat-of-the-pants perspective, it’s noticeable. With a light load, you won’t get immediately distanced by those guys riding flagships.

COMPARISON: 2014 Yamaha VX Cruiser Review

The 15F is also quick to get to that speed. Zero-to-thirty times average about two seconds, which makes it a little more fun to punch the throttle. That pulling power is also appreciated should you wish to pull a skier or wakeboarder, especially if that watersports enthusiast is on the heavier side.

As to how the boat handles at that speed, it sports a more aggressive bite than the competition. Dive into a corner, shift your weight appropriately and you can rail through a turn pretending you’re an IJSBA racer. It’s a feeling that’s extra thrilling given the 15F’s lower-than-average seat profile, as the rider is positioned low to the water. The long-running catch, however, is that some riders may feel a little too low, or even cramped on the machine.

Ultra-aggressive cornering is one of the hallmarks of the STX-15F.

As you’d expect, the feeling is most noticeable for taller riders, and less so for shorter-to-average size pilots. And, some may just like the low feeling, while others may not. The locked-in feel through the turns is thrilling in some aspects, but also doesn’t allow the hull to be quite as playful as some boats. As always, a test ride is best to determine if you fit the boat. Just be prepared – I’ve seen many a rider put off by the 15F’s dated looks or low profile suddenly change their opinion once they’ve taken a spin.

Just What You Need

The same straight-forward approach holds true for the STX-15F’s feature set. Don’t expect lavish bells and whistles. The 15F is more about getting the job done than excessively pampering the driver and crew. What you do get skews toward the practical. The boat features a handy reverse, which makes things much easier around tight confines like a dock or launch ramp. As the boat is an older design, however, that handle is still located to starboard. That makes it tricky to use throttle at the same time.

COMPARISON: 2014 Sea-Doo Spark Review

The 15F also features off-throttle steering. Encounter an obstacle and do the typical move – turn the bars and release the throttle – and the craft’s computer brain will bump up thrust just enough to initiate a collision-avoidance turn. Kawasaki’s magnetic key system has also proven an effective theft-deterrent. Turn the craft “off” and remove the key and you won’t have to worry about anyone riding off with your boat. If you’re worried about losing the key, you can also turn the boat on and stow the key away.

Other welcome features include a nod to the towing crowd – aft-seat grab handle, tow hook, and spring-loaded boarding step – along with easy-to-read instrumentation, 23.5-gallon storage capacity (divided between the primary bow tub, glovebox and small, under-seat compartment), and respectable 16.4 gal. fuel capacity.

Room to Go…and Grow

I’ve made the same argument for years, and I’ll make it again. While dated, the STX-15F makes up for its shortcomings by offering buyers a little growing room. That 160 hp will keep you satisfied that much longer as your skill level grows, and the competition-inspired hull will let you dream of being a racer. In short, the 15F gets the essence of a personal watercraft – the thrill of speed and handling on the water.

COMPARISON: 2013 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 Review

It should also prove very reliable over the years. There’s little to break, and the engine is a proven workhorse. Kawasaki’s fit and finish is also above average, as always.

Proven reliability and power you can grow with are two big reasons why the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F is worth considering.

Could the craft benefit from a refresh? Absolutely. We’d love to see Kawasaki do something with this craft, and there were certainly plenty of rumors to that effect leading up to the ’14 model year. But the Jet Ski STX-15F understands its mission, and continues to do it well.

Obviously Kawasaki thinks that’s enough to buy this craft one more year in their lineup.