Jet Ski® STX®-15F

Pure waterborne fun, Kawasaki Jet Ski style

With a high-performance engine from the legendary Kawasaki Ninja® motorcycle line as its foundation, the JET SKI® STX® -15F delivers the kind of performance expected from a Kawasaki JET SKI watercraft. A smooth spread of power across the entire rpm range thanks the flat torque curve out of the long-stroke, 1,498cc engine ensures plenty of good times. Dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and electronic engine control--to harmonize the fuel and ignition systems--provide maximum performance and reliability. A four-injector fuel injection system combined with a large 60mm throttle body deliver a quick response.

High-performance with high standards; the STX-15F has earned a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions rating, meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strictest standards, as well as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for 2008. Refined as it is clean-running, the STX-15F’s four-stroke engine is rubber-mounted in the hull, the performance-tuned exhaust system is water-jacketed, and it has dual mufflers and a large-capacity airbox.

Propulsion duties are 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-15F engine matches the impeller’s peak efficiency rpm ideally to provide a rider-friendly propelling performance. This direct drive arrangement eliminates any need for a complex gear reduction unit and offers improved durability and increased fuel economy with less vibration and noise.

The STX-15F features Kawasaki’s innovative electronic Smart Learning Operation (SLO). Accessible directly on the instrument panel, SLO can be programmed to place a limit on maximum engine speed so novice riders can experience riding at a reduced speed as they master proper riding techniques.

Also fitted to every STX-15F is the Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®). KSS features an on-board microprocessor that is electronically linked to a steering sensor. When the handlebar is fully turned in either direction and the engine rpm drops from a designated rpm—as when the throttle is released at speed—the microprocessor activates the system, which raises engine rpm to provide enough thrust to initiate the desired turn.

Aggressive turning and high-speed stability are key performance attributes of the STX-15F. Its specifically designed injection-molded sponsons have a special “lip” for increased cornering grip and high-speed stability. Also incorporated into the hull design is a molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) to help minimize spray on the rider.

While the muscular and aggressive looking STX-15F is lighter and more compact than the competition, Kawasaki engineers endowed the JET SKI with a roomy riding position that makes aggressive performance riding easier and suits a wider range of riders.

Adding to the fresh, high-quality styling of the STX-15F, the hatch cover is styled from sleek ABS plastic and uses a hydraulic damper to hold it open, allowing easy access until the rider closes it. Also made of ABS plastic, the mirrors echo the sleek lines and are mounted directly to the deck.

The spacious rear deck of the STX-15F makes it easy to get into water skis or on a wakeboard. An automatically retracting boarding step located on the rear of the hull simplifies reboarding in deep water. There is no shortage of space to stow items on the STX-15F. The rear deck can accommodate items needed for a day on the water, like a cooler, along with a water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible glove box and additional room for gear located under the seat.

Other features include a LCD instrument panel with fuel level, speed, engine rpm, trip distance and time information available. Fuel capacity is a generous 16.4 gallons, for extended rides. Warning lamps alert the rider to a low fuel level or high engine temperature, and a magnetic keyed ignition switch helps deter unauthorized operation.