Introduction
The Pinnacle of JET SKI Performance
For true power addicts, nothing satisfies like a 260 horsepower
JET SKI®: A 1,498cc fuel-injected four-cylinder Kawasaki
powerplant provides plenty of thrust for most people, but the
engine in this special PWC is further fortified with the addition
of a Roots-type, crank-driven supercharger that compresses even
more air into those four cylinders to the tune of an incredible
260 horsepower(1). With that kind of power to manage, we gave
the Ultra® 260X the benefit of our 35-plus years of PWC experience,
including a race-refined high-performance hull and all the other
performance equipment you expect on a top-of-line Kawasaki JET
SKI. It's simple, really: This is the top of the PWC food chain.
Thanks to 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's perfect
for accelerating this Jet Ski watercraft hard, all the way from
a standstill through its breath-taking top-end.
(1) Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled
conditions. Actual performance may vary.
With the 260X's supercharger compressing the air to a maximum
boost pressure of 11.4 psi, the intake charge can reach extremely
high temperatures potentially limiting the engine's power
output. The Ultra 260X nips that right in the bud, with a large-capacity
intercooler that brings the pressurized air back down to ambient
temperature or 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 60-gallon 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 Jet Ski Ultra 260X delivers a level of performance
and excitement unmatched by any other watercraft.
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Features
260 Horsepower(1) Supercharged
Engine
- Supercharged and intercooled 1,498cc, liquid-cooled in-line
four-cylinder engine
- 8.4:1 compression ratio, cast pistons with machine finishing
for excellent durability
- High-lift cams 8.5mm intake, 8.2mm exhaust let all that
air in and out
- Inconel exhaust valves for superior heat resistance and enhanced
reliability
- 33.4mm intake and 28.3mm exhaust valves
- Optimum cylinder wall temperature is maintained by a check
valve between the cylinder jacket and water muffler that shuts
water flow off above 2000 rpm, keeping the cooling water inside
the cylinder jacket
- Precise power adjustments are easy with a throttle lever 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
- Efficiently cools high-pressure intake air, cooler air is denser
and makes more power
- 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
(1) Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled
conditions. Actual performance may vary.
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
- 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 minimizes 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
- Two-piece seat offers roomy accommodations 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 58-gallon storage area with
a detachable storage tray has plenty of room for recreational
equipment
- A detachable drink holder with space for two drink bottles
is mounted on the center console
- 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
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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: 60 gal
Curb weight: **- 1062.8 lbs
Overall length: 132.7 in
Overall width: 46.9 in
Overall height: 45.3 in
Colors: Ebony / Sunbeam Red, Ebony / Candy Lime Green
MSRP: $12,899
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