Based on the popular Kawasaki Jet Ski® STX®-15F,
the new Jet Ski STX watercraft offers the advantages of Kawasaki’s
JET SKI® and Ninja® performance know-how in an affordable
vehicle that’s destined to please operators who keep
an eye on the bottom line. That means it’ll deliver
all the waterborne excitement expected from a JET SKI watercraft
and do so with minimum impact to operating costs.
Designed to offer introductory model cost
savings without sacrificing power and handling, the new
STX uses the same responsive engine and lightweight hull
as the STX-15F, but only retains the necessities. It’s
a cost-efficient purpose-built runabout that can easily
out-perform its rivals.
Being a Kawasaki, the STX’s high-performance
matches its high build quality and proud environmentally
friendly four-stroke heritage. The clean running STX meets
strict 2008 CARB emissions standards, is three-star certified
for ultra-low emissions and continues to shine with features
like EVAPO compliant fuel and filler hose material.
A healthy part of the STX’s effortless control and
lasting good times come from the smooth, broad spread of
power delivered by its clean-running, long-stroke, 1,498cc
engine. Dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, fuel
injection and electronic engine control (ECU) – to
harmonize the fuel and ignition systems – provide maximum
performance and reliability.
A sophisticated ECU-controlled, four-injector
FI system combined with a large 60mm throttle body delivers
quick response. The STX’s four-stroke engine is rubber-mounted
and features a large-capacity airbox and a water-jacketed,
performance-tuned exhaust to keep things quiet.
Thrust is handled by a direct drive axial-flow jet pump driving
an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade impeller and an
82mm jet pump nozzle for powerful acceleration. Tuned to
produce its peak power at a relatively low rpm, the STX’s
engine rpm matches the impeller’s peak efficiency range
ideally, to provide an impressive, yet rider-friendly experience.
This direct drive arrangement eliminates any need for a complex
gear reduction unit, offers improved durability and increased
fuel economy with less vibration and noise.
The STX features Kawasaki’s innovative electronic Smart
Learning Operation (SLO) mode. Accessible directly on the
instrument panel, SLO mode can be selected to place a limit
on maximum engine speed so novice riders can be offered reduced
power levels and speed, while they master proper riding techniques.
Aggressive turning and high-speed stability are key performance
attributes of the STX. Its specifically designed injection-molded
sponsons feature a special lip for increased cornering grip
and high-speed stability. The STX also gets electronic turning
assistance via the Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®)
system. KSS features an on-board microprocessor that is electronically
linked to a steering sensor. When the handlebar is fully
turned and the engine rpm is below a designated point — like
when the throttle is released at speed — the microprocessor
activates the system, which raises engine rpm to provide
additional thrust to help initiate a turn.
Additionally a molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD)
is incorporated into the hull design to help minimize spray
on the rider. The muscular and aggressive looking STX may
be lighter and more compact than the competition, but it’s
well endowed with a roomy riding position that makes aggressive
performance riding easier and suits a wider range of rider
sizes.
The spacious rear deck of the STX makes it
easy to slip into water skis or a wakeboard. There is no
shortage of space on the STX watercraft. The rear deck
can accommodate most items needed for a day on the water,
along with a water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible
glove box and additional room for storing gear under the
seat. Like the rest of the STX’s high-quality styling,
the hatch cover is sleek ABS plastic and uses a hands-free
hydraulic damper to hold it open, allowing unobstructed
access until the rider chooses to close it.
A generous 16.4 gallon fuel capacity allows plenty of riding
time between fill-ups. Simplified from the STX-15F, the STX’s
cockpit still has plenty of rider-friendly features, including
an LCD instrument panel with fuel level, speed, engine rpm,
trip distance and time readouts, plus warning lamps to alert
the rider of a low fuel level or high engine temperature,
along with a magnetic keyed ignition switch that helps deter
unauthorized operation.
Designed to offer introductory model cost
savings without sacrificing power and handling, the new
STX uses the same responsive engine and lightweight hull
as the STX-15F, but only retains the necessities. It’s
a cost-efficient purpose-built runabout that can easily
out-perform its rivals. 
