2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310R Review

The rich get richer

One look at the results of an offshore race and it’s obvious Kawasaki’s Ultra platform is a dominating force. Powerful and stable in big water, with more horsepower on tap than any other machine on the market, Ultras seem made for the challenge.

For 2014, however, Kawasaki seems intent on further establishing its dominance with the Ultra 310R. What’s in a name? Three hundred and ten horsepower for one. A nod to R-acers is another.

Time to meet the newest beast in the Ultra fleet.

Change…By Default and By Design

Kawasaki added even more power to the Ultra platform for 2014.

While it makes for a tempting headline, Kawasaki didn’t go in search of 10 more horsepower just to shove it in the face of its competition. Rather, those additional horses are more a byproduct of what Kawi engineers refer to as simply “reducing mechanical loss and improving efficiency.”

In short, they took a good long look at what problems consumers had encountered and fixed them, and then turned their attention to what was happening in the aftermarket. The result is what appears to be an even stronger, more reliable craft…that just so happens to now enjoy 10 more horses under the seat.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260

Specifically, Kawasaki introduced a new heat-resistant plastic intake manifold reshaped for improved low-mid range power; opted for cast pistons with an additional V-shaped groove on the second ring land to better retain oil and improve durability; introduced a new fuel pump with improved flow to increase power and improve fuel efficiency; thickened the water jackets for better cooling; added an additional oil jet per piston to again keep things cool; changed up the oil pan to feature additional baffles to prevent oil “slosh” during tight turns or abrupt acceleration; and enlarged the crankcase oil return holes to allow for an easier return to the oil pan. The return of a second waterbox also promises to lower decibels and better stabilize the boat during low-speed turns.

Beyond the extra 10 horsepower, the Ultra 310R boasts a laundry list of upgrades under the hood to optimize performance.

Turning to the pump, the impeller is also a revised, aftermarket-influenced three-blade design with a longer nose that improves instantaneous acceleration and also promises less noise and rattle.

That’s a laundry list for sure, and one that only improves on an already solid 1,498cc, inline four-cylinder engine, boosted by an Eaton TVS, constant-displacement supercharger and liquid-cooled intercooler. Already known for its gutsy low-end, power seems to come on even harder in the 310hp version. While I was unable to record reliable 0-30 mph numbers during Kawasaki’s late January introduction in the Florida Keys, most all in attendance noted that acceleration was brutally strong and superior to the 300. Top recorded speed on open water was 66.4 mph, although I would expect to see that inch higher in a more controlled radar test.

Offshore Excellence…Inshore Response

The Keys location allowed the opportunity to ride the craft in a variety of water conditions. One takeaway? The introduction of electric trim several years back truly continues to elevate the Ultra’s ride, allowing the nozzle to be trimmed up or down an additional eight degrees beyond the standard position. In offshore chop, I trimmed the bow up to literally skip across the wave tops with stability and precision. It’s no surprise that this 22.5-degree deadrise hull has won races like the 300-mile Mark Hahn endurance race or Long Beach to Catalina offshore championship for the last three years straight. But as we crossed over to the glassy Gulf side, the Ultra’s hard-cornering manners in calm conditions also shined bright. Trim the bow down entering into a turn and the hull bites hard, rewarding an inside-lean riding style with precision cornering. Long gone is the sweeping feel of early models. Instead, the Ultra feels like a much smaller craft, aggressively blasting through the tightest corners.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Yamaha FX SVHO

A narrower and flatter seat makes it easier for the driver to move around.

Adding to the sporty feel is the R model’s narrower seat, which features an aftermarket-style grippy covering and less pronounced bolsters to allow the driver more movement above, and the skeletal stainless steel, fixed motocross-style handlebars. Once a rider angles and secures them to their preference, they provide a solid platform with less play than the standard tilt setup. With their minimal padded crossbar, they also give the R model a far racier look compared to the voluminous cover found on other Ultra models. Underfoot for 2014 are also new diamond-pattern Hydro-Turf mats.

Hydro-Turf traction mats adorn the Ultra 310R’s platform.

Concerns? The trim response is a little slow compared to competitors and requires taking your eyes off the water to sight the position. The minimal crossbar pad also tends to spin and place the seam toward the rider, effectively negating any padding. My biggest issue, however, continues to be how hard the off-throttle steering assistance reacts. Designed to avoid collisions by providing a small degree of thrust when the throttle is released in conjunction with a hard-over turn of the handlebars, the power of the Ultra’s response continues to catch me off guard in some situations. Just be extra aware in instances where you may let off the throttle when coming up on another boat or a dock, as the boat may surge forward more than anticipated.

Not Just a Race Machine

While definitely aimed toward the performance crowd, the R continues to offer the Ultra’s familiar touring-oriented amenities. Electronic throttle makes possible both cruise control and a no-wake mode. The former also pays big dividends when towing a skier or wakeboarder, as it takes away the surging that is so difficult to avoid when manually controlling the throttle for towsports. Electronic throttle also makes possible a “fuel economy assistance” mode, designed to save fuel. It’s been retooled for 2014 to offer even greater fuel savings and increased range. ECO mode also conserves fuel and smoothes engine performance. All Ultra models also continue to have class-leading fuel and storage capacities. The latter measures in at a whopping 56 gallons.

Enhancements for 2014 include a reshaped passenger grab rail aft, designed to be slimmer and less obtrusive to passengers when standing. Mirrors also get new mounting brackets and a convex shape for a more inclusive view aft.

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

Obviously, with the 310R the Ultra is more of a beast than ever. But it should also be a beast that’s even more reliable, ready to take on the toughest of conditions…and maybe even give performance junkies a head start in the modification process.