2004 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-R 1200 Review Christopher Riley April 14, 2004 Images: Photos by Chris Bradley Shares Comments PhotosSpecs Powerhouse engine makes this PWC race ready and quickA true power house of a motor is the standard on this blistering quick Kawasaki STX-R 1200cc two stroke race ready machine. Amazing handling and acceleration make this the perfect choice for anyone wanting a little extra bite in their bark. Just like the other runabouts by Kawasaki this year, the STX-R comes with a good multi-functional display, black grips and a nice controls set-up. We rode this JetSki in race conditions with the aftermarket bars, and didn’t really notice much difference. The tripper throttle is really nice compared to the ‘thumb pushers’ we’re used to. The engine access compartment is small and leaves a little to be desired, but we’d rather see motor and parts than empty space any day, so it’s all good. When it comes to a total package race runabout, this is the one to do. About as stylish as it gets, the Kawasaki STX-R has a very distinctive look. Sitting next to its smaller brother, the 900 STX, you wouldn’t notice too many differences. The hull lines are clean and very sleek. This being more of a race ready sport craft, we aren’t going to knock it much for the lack of a ‘neater’ paint scheme. Instead, we’ll say it’s nice and more than adequate.Being close to a production race craft, the STX-R might lack in a few of the usability areas, but it certainly doesn’t score low. The absence of a reverse gear is easy to get used to; other than that, you can still ride three-up very comfortably. Gas consumption was acceptable, and the gas tank is plenty large enough. There’s lots of leg room and the ride was smooth and easy to control at slow speeds. Towing would be no problem, as there is power to spare. GPS showed us running at 59.1mph, 59.5mph, 60.0mph, and 60.3mph in four directions. We’ve seen these watercraft do 70mph with the right impeller and pipe combination. This machine isn’t about the top speed, it’s about getting there as quickly as possible. Acceleration is very quick, as the two-stroke power plant really pumps the water, jumping from idle to full speed in just a couple seconds. A super flat ride around 60mph affords excellent control for such a monster runabout. With improved handling over its STX 900 sibling by adding better rear sponsons, the STX-R 1200 can cut corners at speed, allowing riders to really feel the G-forces. Another handling improvement comes in the ride plate. Unlike the 900 STX, the STX-R has no reverse, allowing for a better ride plate and it really makes a big difference. STX-R 1200 Specs Engine Type: Two-stroke, three-cylinder with crankcase and reed valve induction Displacement: 1,176cc Horsepower: 145 @ 7,000 rpm Bore/Stroke: 80.0 x 78.0mm Compression Ratio: 5.8:1 Cooling: Inducted water Carburetor/Injection: Triple Keihin CDCV40 with single fuel pump Type of Lubrication: Dry Sump Ignition: Digital DC-CDI with K-TRIC Starting: Electric Propulsion system: Jet pump, axial-flow, single stage Thrust: 904 lbs Fuel Capacity: 16.4 gal Oil Capacity: 1.3 gal Overall Length: 122.8 in Overall Width: 46.5 in Overall Height: 40.2 in Dry Weight: 639 lbs Color: Jet White/Candy Lime Green Share Share Subscribe Like PersonalWatercraft.com on Facebook Related Stories 2008 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review 2009 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX Review 2010 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review Comments Most Popular Top Guns: Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 vs. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO July 4, 2022 2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review January 17, 2024 Yamaha Unveils New 1.9 Liter Engine August 14, 2023 2023 Sea-Doo GTR 230 Review June 6, 2023 2008 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 250X Review July 11, 2008 2014 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review July 3, 2014 Latest Stories Heavy Haulers – PWC Storage Options First Look: 2025 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler 2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review 2024 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx Review 2023 Taiga Orca Performance Review Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Newsletter