2015 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review

The most powerful introductory craft in the industry

Things are getting tougher and tougher in the Introductory/Recreational class of personal watercraft. Sea-Doo fired the first salvo when it retooled the GTI a couple years back, giving the boat an upscale appearance and adding plenty of extras, including Intelligent Brake and Reverse. Yamaha followed suit in 2015, making over the VX line and adding its own, dual throttle/reverse system dubbed RiDE.

That leaves Kawasaki’s STX-15F as somewhat of the odd man out. You won’t find any new bells and whistles for 2015, no cool reverse/braking systems, nor a restyled deck. What you will continue to find, however, is the most horsepower in the class – by a somewhat comfortable margin – and aggressive, sporty handling.

And for the right buyer, those two things will make all the difference.

Combine sporty handling and a powerful engine and the STX-15F makes for an attractive craft for first-time buyers.

Staying Strong

Go ahead, compare power. At 160 horses, the STX-15F boasts more of it than competitive models, and puts it to good use. The 15F’s 1,498cc engine can easily push the boat to a top speed of 62 mph in good conditions with a light load. By comparison, the competition will finish around 55 or lower. For those with a performance tilt, that’s speed that will allow them to keep up with the more powerful boats on the water, or as I’ve said for years, won’t leave them longing for more after the first season of use whets their appetite. It’s also power that will readily get skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers underway, as it comes on strong off the bottom end and is delivered smoothly all the way through the powerband.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130

Kawasaki’s engines, particularly this one, are also pretty bulletproof. The 15F has a looooong track record to speak of, and reliability is a key component.

Kawasaki’s 1,498cc engine has been around for years and has been proved extremely durable. With proper care, this should be craft that lasts for many years.

It’s also been widely publicized that this hull, now targeting the entry-level or cost-conscious consumer, was once little different than Kawasaki’s premier race boats. Turn the bars, shift your weight into the turn, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, snappy handling. The hull bites into the water, responds without any unexpected hiccups along the way, and encourages drivers to push their skill levels.

Yet, it never intimidates the customer often drawn to this class – the pure beginner. It’s stable, predictable, and just plain fun. No, it’s not as playful as some of its competition. Kawasaki trades that looser playfulness for the more aggressive, hard-cornering thrills, again a throwback to its racing pedigree. But that aggression can be enjoyed by nearly all age and skill levels.

No other introductory craft can carve a corner like the STX-15F.

When Old Is New

The 15F’s design hasn’t changed in years, but Kawasaki does a good job of using colors and graphics to keep the boat looking fresh. The latest iteration is mostly black, with several well-placed lime green accents, including the cowl, aft portion of the saddle, and an attention-getting rub rail insert. Years back, the boat looked dated, but today it’s not as readily apparent.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha VX and V1 Lineup

The deck is definitely more old-school. Hop aboard and you’ll note the saddle and riding position is lower than most. It contributes to the boat’s aggressive, close-to-the-water feel, but it may seem too low for taller riders. As always, the best bet is a test ride, but be prepared for a surprise. That old-school positioning can feel pretty fun with the power under the saddle. I don’t, however, find it always the best mix in rougher water. The hull handles the conditions very well, but you may find you’d like a little less bend in your legs in order to soak up a little more of the bumps.

These keys act as a theft device and a speed limiter. The latter will come in handy for new riders.

Features are likewise more practical and less flashy. Reverse responds well and is a must, but in the age of handlebar-mounted, electronically controlled reverse options, going back to a basic system like the 15F’s console-mounted handle does feel like you’re giving up something. Kawasaki’s magnetic key theft-control system, however, continues to work well, and a secondary key can act as a speed limiter. Beyond that are the basics you would expect – spring-loaded rear boarding step, tow hook for watersports, and nice dash instrumentation, with a clear read on all the must-see info. In terms of storage, the 15F offers up 23.5 gallons between the bow tub, glovebox, and small compartment below the aft section of the seat. Fuel capacity is 16.4 gallons.

Playing To Its Strengths

You could sum it up by saying that Kawasaki simply continues to play to its strengths. Yes, the competition is getting tougher by the year, and without a doubt they offer more in the bells and whistles department. But if you judge your ride by thrills – and not necessarily frills – the 15F still has its place.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo Spark

It can be argued that the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F offers more thrills per dollar than any craft in the industry.

And that place isn’t just introducing newcomers to the sport, or being a safe, reliable toy to add to the lake house. Sometimes that place is at the front in an informal drag race, or carving around a buoy playing racer, before heading off into the sunset.