2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310X Review

The beast of the PWC industry

There are several variations of the Kawasaki Ultra for 2014, but at their heart they all remain based on one model…the Ultra 310X.

A beast of a machine that long ago established its reputation, the Ultra now sports 10 more horses and features some long-term reliability enhancements under the hood. At its core, however, it remains the same Ultra that consumers have come to know and love…and those looking for performance will want to experience.

So…What’s Different?

The changes that resulted in 310 horsepower have been covered in multiple Ultra reviews, but for those not in the loop here’s the Cliffs Notes version.

The longstanding heavyweight king of the PWC industry, the Kawasaki Ultra 310X returns with even more power for 2014.

Kawasaki wasn’t necessarily looking for those 10 horses, but they found them while improving upon various components of the existing 300hp engine. Items that were addressed include new cast pistons, sporting a redesign that better retains oil and improves durability; a heat-resistant plastic intake manifold, reshaped to improve low-to-midrange power; a freer-flowing fuel pump that increases power while improving fuel efficiency; thicker water jackets for better cooling; additional baffles in the oil land to prevent oil from sloshing during turns or acceleration; one additional oil jet per piston to increase cooling; larger oil return holes in the crankcase to facilitate oil returning to the oil pan; and a second water box which promises to both add stability during low-speed turns, as well as reduce decibels.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310R

The pump also received attention. A revised impeller showcases an aftermarket influence, with a three-blade design and longer nose. The promise? To improve acceleration, while reducing annoying noise and rattles.

What hasn’t changed is the base engine. It’s still a 1,498cc inline four cylinder, with an Eaton Twin Vortices constant-displacement supercharger. Further performance is provided by a liquid-cooled intercooler.

With a claimed 310 horsepower on tap, the Ultra 310X will get you up to speed in a hurry.

Can such a minute difference be felt? Yes…and no. During my test ride, the changes seemed to have benefited the low-end mostly, as the boat seems to come alive even quicker than the brutal acceleration the boat always enjoyed in the past. Top speed, however, remains relatively constant, with my test boat settled in just shy of 67 mph thanks to a speed governor. Yes, it’s got more, but unless you’re a true racer, 67 should prove more than enough.

More of the Same…

That power still resides in the familiar Ultra hull. It’s a deep-V that is a monster in tough offshore conditions. Virtually nothing knocks the Ultra off its line in rough water, allowing it to track straight and true. That’s a bonus for riders of all skill levels. It’s a solid, stable, predictable ride that inspires confidence and rarely, if ever, leaves you guessing.

Kawasaki’s Ultra hull handles rough water like no other while carving up smooth water with the best of them.

Thanks to spray-reducing chines, it’s also relatively dry.

2014 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 vs. Yamaha FZR

That big-water prowess, however, doesn’t imply anything lacking at the opposite end of the spectrum. In calm conditions, the hull also excels, with electric trim and a shorter steering nozzle allowing the driver to put more hull in the water and snap off turns that are precise and aggressive. Experience a few and you’ll almost think you’re aboard a much smaller boat.

The Extras

As to the extras that typify a flagship craft, the Ultra sports what’s necessary. Cruise control and a no-wake mode are a must, the former allowing the driver to lock in a speed and then fully squeeze the throttle, rather than suffer the finger fatigue that comes with trying to hold a steady speed. That speed can be easily adjusted via up/down buttons adjacent to the cruise button. No-wake sets the speed at about five mph and requires no throttle input to take the hassle out of extended slow-speed zones.

Other features that stand out include a revised info display, which now adds fuel consumption. A magnetic key allows the owner to lock-out the engine and prevent unauthorized use. A second key functions as a speed governor, reducing power. Tilt steering is also appreciated to tailor the craft’s ergonomics to different size drivers, or to allow for a more comfortable posture when standing in rough water.

The Ultra 310X offers up 20 gallons of fuel capacity and 56 gallons of available storage space.

Ultra capacities continue to top the category. There’s room for over 20 gallons of fuel, and 56 gallons of storage space, most found within the large bow compartment.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260

Drawbacks? Perhaps the most significant is the powerfulness of the off-throttle steering response. I’d like to see Kawasaki tone it down to prevent the boat from unexpectedly surging when you don’t expect it, like when coming up on a friend to talk while out on the water.

The Beast Rolls On

Beast. I’ve used the word before to describe Ultras, and with the 310X, it’s even more fitting. This is a big boat, ready for big water, and with big power delivery. However, it’s also one that can thrill with its handling or cruise with manners that will please the touring crowd.

It’s still very much a beast. For 2014, it’s just a more refined, durable beast.