Watercraft riders seeking rock-steady stability,
powerful acceleration and all-day comfort from a personal
watercraft need look no further than the new JET SKI® Ultra® 260LX.
Sharing the same supercharged 1,498cc DOHC in-line, four-cylinder
engine and deep V-hull found in Kawasaki’s Ultra 260X
performance flagship, the 260LX adds first class paintwork
and a luxury touring seat to the stellar performance of the
260X. The relationship between these two Jet Ski watercraft
is analogous to the relationship between Kawasaki’s
mighty Ninja® ZX™-14 superbike and its supersport
touring cousin, the Concours™ 14. The new Ultra
260LX features more performance than most pure-sport PWCs
while offering long-distance comfort and utility like a Concours
14.
The Ultra 260LX’s comfort and handling features are
enough to please any rider, but its Roots-type supercharger
equipped 1,498cc engine gives it the accelerative performance
to satisfy hard-core racers. The thrust from the race-tuned
propulsion unit – also used on the Ultra 260X – is
comparable to a normally aspirated high-performance engine
of twice the displacement.
Unlike centrifugal superchargers or turbochargers, the high-volume,
direct-drive, Roots-type supercharger force-feeds the engine
two-liters of air with every revolution for a stable supply
of high-pressure air at all rpm from idle to redline. This
produces a smooth, linear torque curve that is ideal for
accelerating a PWC all the way from a standstill through
its breath-taking top-end speed.
With the 260LX’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, the Ultra 260LX
uses a large-capacity intercooler to overcome this handicap,
bringing the pressurized air in its intake back down to ambient
temperature or even less – ideal for producing maximum
power.
Utilizing lessons learned from Kawasaki’s race machines,
the Ultra 260LX’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 new impeller design
features blades with less twist, to better convert the increased
output from the supercharged 1,498cc engine into blistering
acceleration and enough top speed to thrill the entire family.
A significant factor in the pump’s extra “traction” are
the 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 impressive power and acceleration,
the Ultra 260LX also boasts a fiberglass reinforced plastic
(FRP) hull loaded with DNA from Kawasaki’s IJSBA championship
winning machines. Specifically designed to capitalize on
the engine’s awesome power, this hull combines confidence-inspiring
high-speed stability and excellent rough-water ride manners
with responsive turning performance. Carefully designed sponsons
and chines enhance the straight-line stability and precise
cornering of the deep 22.5° V-angle hull.
Able to lean into corners like a motorcycle, the responsive,
neutral handling hull helps to reduce the lateral G-loads
generated during turns and helps keep the rider in control.
The seaworthy hull design is just as comfortable and confidence-inspiring
in rough conditions as in calm. Even at high speeds, rough
water can do little to deter the smooth ride on the 260LX.
The Ultra 260LX is as easy-to-use as it is
fast, luxurious and fun. It boasts a clever five-way adjustable
steering handle to suit a variety of riding styles and
rider sizes, making it possible to ride in either a standing
or sitting position. Kawasaki’s innovative electronic
Smart Learning Operation (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. Its adjustable controls,
SLO mode, and other family-friendly design features help
make the Ultra 260LX more accessible to riders of varying
size and ability.
The new luxury touring seat has a scalloped "saddle" shape
for the rider, and a rise at the back for increased cruising
comfort. The seat’s shape provides extra support for
the rider and back passenger, and increases contact with
the PWC and a more confident feeling connection with the
seat. In rough conditions, riders can sit on the step, allowing
the thick, impact-absorbing padding to do the work otherwise
left to thigh muscles. The extra lower back support helps
to reduce rider fatigue and will be especially appreciable
in long no-wake zones or mid-speed riding on smooth water.
Nothing needs to be left behind with 53 gallons of built-in
storage space, plus a detachable storage compartment that
can hold even more. And the fun can keep on going, thanks
to the large 20.6 gallon fuel tank, which gives the Ultra
260LX a substantial cruising range.
A velvet hammer, the Kawasaki Ultra 260LX delivers unparalleled
performance and touring luxury on the water that allows riders
to pursue family fun and their sense of adventure at the
same time.
The Ultra 260LX’s comfort and handling features are
enough to please any rider, but its Roots-type supercharger
equipped 1,498cc engine gives it the accelerative performance
to satisfy hard-core racers. The thrust from the race-tuned
propulsion unit – also used on the Ultra 260X – is
comparable to a normally aspirated high-performance engine
of twice the displacement. 