2010 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX Review

Same great hull, tamer engine highlight Kawi's most inexpensive Ultra

Kawasaki’s Ultra platform has long been thought of a big-water, high-power muscle machine. Sometimes lost in all that hype, however, is that a tamer, more beginner-friendly, more cost-conscious Ultra also exists — the Ultra LX. Foregoing the high horsepower for a more conventional engine, the LX makes a great touring machine and more appealing family-friendly ride…especially if you live where water conditions are on the rougher side.

Wave Tamer

The key to the Ultra’s big-water success is in great part due to its deep-V hull and large physical presence. This is a big boat, with a 22-degree hull deadrise, that’s incredibly stable and predictable in big-water conditions. And one that won’t scare newcomers tasting their first green water. Thanks to splash-deflecting ridges on the hull, it’s also a pretty dry ride, meaning you won’t be taking endless face shots throughout a day of riding. Riders are cradled in a sculpted, touring saddle that features bolsters for support. It also helps when standing, as riders can brace their thighs against the bolsters for added comfort. Handlebars adjust to one of five positions to further dial in ergonomics.

Naturally, that big size affects the boat’s handling. It’s a fun, spirited ride, but one that sweeps through a corner rather than snaps a sharp angle. Riders can use an intuitive inside lean and be assured the hull will stay hooked to the water with little surprise.

For a bigger machine, the Ultra responds well in tight quarters. Reverse is located on the left hand side of the console, which allows you to use your right hand on the throttle and control speed. That makes it easier to negotiate that tight launch ramp, dock, or marina.

Big Stuff

The Ultra LX shares its siblings’ massive storage and fuel capacities, making it a great boat to take on a long-distance ride. Stowage capacity is a massive 60 gallons, with most of that space found in the immense front storage area. Fuel capacity is also large at over 20 gallons, giving the boat a range to match its size. This is a boat that you can load up and travel with, if desired, an advantage that’s exploited even more by the craft’s tamer engine package. More on that shortly.

Extras include a keyed security system; a second key can be used to activate a low RPM mode that’s perfect for newcomers or forcing yourself to save fuel. There’s also a basic information display, but I’ve never been a big fan. It’s rather small, somewhat hard to read, and the mode buttons at the bottom of the gauges are particularly hard to access. On a machine of this size, it just seems undersized in general.

When it’s time to board in deep water a spring-loaded ladder proves a nice addition. Footwells are padded with nice traction, and the boat’s level of fit and finish is exceptional, a Kawasaki trademark.

In other words, the Ultra LX is pretty much the same machine as the Ultra 260, with the exception of one thing — the engine within.

At its core, it’s the same 1,498cc mill that’s featured throughout Kawasaki’s Ultra lineup. The difference here is that the Ultra LX foregoes the supercharger and intercooler in favor of a tamer, less intimidating, and more fuel-efficient ride. The Ultra LX is roughly 100 less horsepower than the 260hp Ultra 260X. At times, riders who’ve experienced what the big gun can do will miss a little of that power on a boat this size. Acceleration is still crisp enough for towing duties, but don’t expect an arm-wrenching snap upon squeezing the throttle. Top speed will likely hover around the 52-54mph mark.

But that’s kind of the whole idea here. Buyers get the big-water Ultra hull, along with its comfortable and spacious rider amenities, without having to commit to the demands — both physical and financial — of a high-horsepower engine.

It’s the kinder, gentler Ultra…but still one heck of a ride.