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 Kawasakis 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 Kawasakis 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.
Beam: 3 ft. 11 in.
Fuel tank capacity: 21
Standard features:
LUXURY DETAILS
The Ultra 260LX features a new scalloped luxury touring seat designed for enhanced long-distance comfort. Contoured for a good ergonomic fit, the LX seat offers ultra-comfortable accommodation for three
The seats steps allow riders to sit in the saddle during strong acceleration or stand and shift rearward in rough conditions so the thick, impact-absorbing padding reduces the thigh muscle strain
First class design forgoes the highflash graphics of pure sporting machines, in favor of a rich design rendered in its beautiful paintwork
260 HORSEPOWER(1) SUPERCHARCHED ENGINE
Supercharged and intercooled, 1,498cc, liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine
Compression ratio raised from 7.8:1 to 8.4:1 via new cast pistons that also feature revised crowns with machine finishing and greater durability
New higher lift profile cams the intake increases from 7.8mm to 8.5mm; exhaust, from 7.5mm to 8.2mm contribute to the increased engine output
Inconel exhaust valves are fitted for superior heat resistance and enhanced reliability
33.4mm intake and 28.3mm exhaust valves
Ignition timing advanced 4-degrees also contributing to the most powerful production engine fitted on a luxury PWC in the world
Water cooling line modified to optimize the cylinder wall temperature. A check valve added to the coolant passage between the cylinder jacket and the water muffler shuts the water flow off at over 2000 rpm, keeping the cooling water inside the cylinder jacket
Lower crankcase strengthened around the oil-return passage to handle with the increased engine output and further increase durability
Head cover revised for improved appearance
Precise power adjustments are easy with a throttle lever that is 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
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
Inter-cooler pressure valve setting changed to improve the pressure control
Efficiently cools the high-pressure intake air
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
155 MM JET PROPULSION
Efficiently converts the Ultra 260LXs massive horsepower into thrust using a large-diameter 155mm jet pump
Developed based on feedback from Kawasakis 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 260LXs 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
Increased hull rigidity at bow to balance hull performance with increased engine power
An additional strip of cloth reinforcement added on either side of the bow further strengthens and increases rigidity of the hull
Feedback from Kawasakis IJSBA championship winning racing machines integrated into design enables it to cope with the engines 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 260Xs 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 prevent 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 260LX 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 260LXs excellent high speed maneuverability while helping to retain the narrow hull design
QUATRO KSO
The 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 minimize 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
The 2-piece seat, which offers roomy accommodation for three people
Ergonomic deck design gives plenty of legroom for rider-friendly seating accommodations
A long rear boarding step 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 easy flushing of sea water out of the engine
Mirrors are mounted to the upper deck to facilitate opening of the hatch cover
CAPACIOUS STORAGE
Over 60 gallons in total storage capacity the largest in the industry
The large-capacity, fully sealed 53-gallon storage area with a detachable storage tray has plenty of room for recreational equipment
Mounted on the center console is a detachable drink holder with space for two drink bottles
Ideal for small items like tools, 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 (1) Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled conditions. Actual performance may vary.
