Introduction
Escalating the PWC power game to
its next level
History is about to repeat itself, as Kawasaki's new JET SKI®
Ultra® 260X reclaims the title as the most powerful production
PWC sold in the U.S. Only two years after shattering records
with the supercharged and intercooled Ultra 250X, Kawasaki engineers
have raised the horsepower stakes even higher with the new Ultra
260X.
Increased compression ratio, new high-lift cams and revised ignition
timing help boost the 1,498cc engine's output by 10* horsepower.
Combined with a new impeller to translate that enhanced power
into thrust, the new 260X can accelerate harder than ever, delivering
an electrifying ride that'll thrill even the most jaded PWC enthusiast.
With its Roots-type supercharger, the Ultra 260X is able to produce
power comparable to a normally aspirated high-performance engine
twice its size. Unlike centrifugal superchargers or turbochargers,
the high-volume, direct-drive, Roots-type supercharger force-feeds
the engine two-liters of air with every revolution, providing
a stable supply of high-pressure air at all rpm, from idle through
redline. This produces a smooth, linear torque curve that is
perfect for accelerating this Jet Ski watercraft hard, all the
way from a standstill through its breath-taking top-end.
With the 260X's supercharger compressing the air to a maximum
boost pressure of 11.4psi, the intake charge can reach extremely-high
temperatures potentially limiting the engine's power output.
However, Ultra 260X uses a large-capacity intercooler to overcome
this handicap, bringing the pressurized air back down to ambient
temperature or even less ideal for maximum power production.
Utilizing lessons learned from Kawasaki's race machines, the
Ultra 260X's huge 155mm jet pump was designed to deliver predictable
thrust and good "traction," even in rough water. Its
sophisticated three-blade impeller delivers high performance
smoothly and quietly. The revised impeller design features blades
with less twist, to better convert the increased output from
the supercharged 1,498cc engine into blistering acceleration
performance.
A significant factor in this extra "traction" are the
pump's eight guide vanes that smooth the flow of water from the
impeller for efficient and powerful propulsion. The pump also
incorporates a groove from the center to the rear of the ride
plate which makes it easier to hold a stable heading for straight
line riding.
In addition to more power and acceleration than any other production
watercraft on the planet, the Ultra 260X also boasts a race-developed
hull. Its precise handling and superb stability are equally impressive,
thanks to a hull specifically designed to capitalize on the engine's
awesome performance. The fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)
hull is loaded with DNA from Kawasaki's IJSBA championship winning
machines. This includes carefully designed sponsons and chines
for enhanced straight-line stability and more precise cornering,
combined with a 22.5° deep-V hull that leans into corners
like a motorcycle. This provides a smoother ride in rough water,
reduces the lateral G-loads generated during turns and helps
keep the rider in control.
The seaworthy hull design is just as comfortable in rough conditions
as in calm. Even at high speeds, rough water can do little to
deter the Ultra 260X. This combination of unearthly power mated
with the latest hull technology permits Kawasaki's flagship to
literally cleave through waves that would send lesser machines
running for a safe harbor.
The Ultra 260X features a five-step adjustable handlebar position
that allows either stand-up or sit-down riding for a wide range
of riders to enjoy the superior comfort and versatility. The
new Ultra 260X also includes thoughtful standard features like
an enormous 53-gallon of storage space including a detachable
front storage compartment and a 20.6-gallon fuel tank for substantial
cruising range.
From horsepower to handling and everything in between, once the
spray settles after the first ride, one thing will be certain.
The powerful Ultra 260X JET SKI model delivers a level of performance
and excitement that is unmatched by any other watercraft.
* Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled
conditions. Actual performance may vary.
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Features
260 Horsepower* Supercharged Engine
- Supercharged and intercooled, 1,498cc, liquid-cooled in-line
four-cylinder engine
- Compression ratio raised from 7.8:1 to 8.4:1 via new cast pistons
that also feature revised crowns with machine finishing and greater
durability
- New higher lift profile cams the intake increases from
7.8mm to 8.5mm; exhaust, from 7.5mm to 8.2mm contribute
to the increased engine output
- Inconel exhaust valves are fitted for superior heat resistance
and enhanced reliability
- 33.4mm intake and 28.3mm exhaust valves
- Ignition timing advanced 4-degrees also contributes to the
most powerful production PWC engine in the world
- Water cooling line modified to optimize the cylinder wall temperature.
A check valve added to the coolant passage between the cylinder
jacket and the water muffler shuts the water flow off at over
2000 rpm, keeping the cooling water inside the cylinder jacket
- Lower crankcase strengthened around the oil-return passage
to handle the increased engine output and further increase durability
- Head cover revised for improved appearance
Precise power adjustments are easy with a throttle lever that
is designed to prevent finger fatigue on longer rides -
Roots Type Supercharger
- Force-feeds the engine two liters of air with every revolution,
providing a stable supply of high-pressure intake air at all
rpm
- Produces large amounts of boost even at low rpm, for instant
and powerful acceleration right off of idle
- Provides a very flat and meaty torque curve with step-free
power across the entire rev range without any of the lag associated
with turbochargers
- Produces more low RPM boost than competitive or aftermarket
systems with a maximum of 11.4psi of boost pressure
- Two different air bypass valves are used to prevent over boosting
at low and medium rpm
Air-to-Water Intercooler
- Inter-cooler pressure valve setting changed to improve the
pressure control
- Efficiently cools the high-pressure intake air
- Cooler air results in higher combustion efficiency and high
engine output
- Liquid-cooling allows the intercooler to maintain consistent
thermal performance
Fuel Injection
- High-flow fuel injectors with four orifices are fitted to complement
the increased power output and improve combustion efficiency
- Single throttle body features a large 60mm bore diameter
Exhaust
- 4-into-2-into-1 powerboat-style exhaust system routes the exhaust
pipe upwards
- Allows the smoothest path for exhaust gases, maximizing exhaust
efficiency
155mm Jet Propulsion
- Efficiently converts the Ultra 260X's massive horsepower into
thrust using a large-diameter 155mm jet pump
- Developed based on feedback from Kawasaki's race machines,
this pump was specially designed to deliver stable output and
good "bite," even when riding on rough water
- Revised impeller design features blades with less twist, more
efficiently translates the 260X's increased engine output into
increased acceleration performance
- The large, sophisticated three-blade impeller also offers quiet
operation
- An eight-vane intake guide is used to smooth and regulate the
flow of water from the impeller for efficient and powerful propulsion
- Left side reverse lever for easy operation
Ride Plate
- Features a groove from the center to the rear of the ride plate,
to enhance straight-line stability
Stronger Hull
- Increased hull rigidity at bow to balance hull performance
with increased engine power
- Feedback from Kawasaki's IJSBA championship winning racing
machines integrated into design enables it to cope with the engine's
horsepower
- Hull offers a combination of high stability and responsive
handling in both calm and rough-water conditions
- The lower hull is specially designed to distribute the engine
and power delivery loads over a wide area
- The 260X's deep-V hull enables a high bank angle, motorcycle-like
turning performance. This reduces the lateral G-loads imposed
on riders during turns, allowing them to better concentrate on
riding
- The idealized 22.5° V-angle at the bottom of the hull helps
reduce unwanted spinouts during sharp turns
- Delivers the neutral handling and turning characteristics for
which Kawasaki JET SKI watercraft are famous
- Bottom of the hull slants upwards steeply from the center section
to the bow, so the Ultra 260X can penetrate swells and waves
with less shock; delivering extreme stability at low speeds and
pushing through waves rather than bouncing over them at high
speeds
- Battery located inside the front storage area near the center
of the machine, avoiding concentrating heavy components at the
rear and freeing up space inside the engine bay
- Integrated sponsons extend from the hull, providing stable
wallow-free straight-line performance and contributing significantly
to the 260X's excellent high speed maneuverability while helping
to retain the narrow hull design
Quattro KSD
- The Ultra 260X's Kawasaki Splash Deflector uses three bottom
mounted ridges and an additional deflector mounted at the top
to deflect water splashing forward from under the hull
- Whether turning or blasting straight ahead, at high speeds
or low, the Quattro KSD minimize spray, allowing greater rider
concentration
Kawasaki Smart Steering®/SLO-Mode
- Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®) monitors steering input
and engine speed and, when certain conditions are met, raises
rpm to help initiate a turn
- Smart Learning Operation (SLO) allows newer riders to become
familiar with the handling and response of this JET SKI watercraft
at a more relaxed pace
- Two separate keys, one for SLO-mode and one for full-power
operation help prevent confusion over which setting is in use
Comfort and Convenience
- Five-way adjustable handlebars allow operation while standing
or sitting and suit a wide range of riders
- Relatively narrow seat is comfortable whether riding stand-up,
seated or with passengers
- The 2-piece seat, which offers roomy accommodation for three
people
- Ergonomic deck design gives plenty of legroom
- A long rear boarding step and dual grab handles makes it easy
to climb onboard, and the step retracts inside the bumper to
prevent damage
- A quick and easy under hood hose connection allows an easy
method to flush sea water out of the engine
- Mirrors are mounted to the upper deck to facilitate opening
of the hatch cover
Capacious Storage
- The ULTRA 260X offers over 60 gallons in total storage capacity
the most in the industry
- The large-capacity, fully sealed 53-gallon storage area with
a detachable storage tray has plenty of room for recreational
equipment
- Mounted on the center console is a detachable drink holder
with space for two drink bottles
- Ideal for small items like a ski rope, a compact storage area
is integrated with the under-seat rear grip
Extra-large Fuel Capacity
- 20.6 gallon fuel tank has more fuel capacity than any machine
in its class
* Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled
conditions. Actual performance may vary.
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Supercharged and intercooled,
four-stroke, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline four-cylinder
Displacement: 1,498cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 69.2mm
Compression ratio: 8.4:1
Induction system Roots-type supercharger with air-to-water intercooler
Maximum boost: 11.4 psi
Maximum horsepower: 260hp @ 7,750 rpm **
Cooling system: Inducted water
Fuel system: Digital fuel injection
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Starting: Electric
Lubrication: Semi-dry sump system
Coupling: Direct drive from engine
Propulsion system: 155mm jet pump, axial-flow, single stage
Impeller: Three-blade, oval-edge stainless steel
Thrust: 1,585 lbs
Seating capacity: Three-person
Load capacity: 496 lbs
Fuel capacity: 20.6 gal
Oil Capacity: 5.3 qt.
Storage capacity: 53 gal
Curb weight: 1062.8 lbs ***
Overall length: 132.7 in
Overall width: 47 in
Overall height: 45.3 in
Colors: Sunbeam Red
Ebony / Galaxy Silver
Ebony / Lime Green
* Price and specifications subject to change
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