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Fitted with a supercharger and intercooler, the ULTRA 260X's liquid-cooled 1,498 cm3, In-line 4-cylinder engine produces an output much greater than a normally aspirated engine of the same displacement. The roots type supercharger ensures powerful and instant acceleration even from a standing start. A number of modifications to the engine increase output to 260 PS, once again making this the most powerful production PWC in the world.

The roots type supercharger is known as a fixed displacement supercharger. This design produces large amounts of boost even at low rpm, for instant and powerful acceleration right off of idle. With every revolution it force-feeds the engine 2 litres of air, ensuring a stable supply of high-pressure intake air at all rpm. The result is a very flat and meaty torque curve and step-free power across the rev range, with none of the time lag associated with turbochargers. Theoretical volume is 2,060 cm3/rev, and the maximum boost pressure is 0.8 kg/cm2 [11.4 psi]. This arrangement delivers idealised intake pressure the instant the throttle is opened, for phenomenal acceleration.

To ensure ideal intake air pressure, not one, but two air bypass valves are used. A vacuum air bypass valve is used to balance air pressure upstream and downstream of the throttle body. It works mostly at low and medium rpm. A second, regulatory air bypass valve aids the vacuum air bypass valve in preventing over-boosting when the throttle is shut (or opened) suddenly. Should the system's specified maximum pressure be exceeded, the regulatory air bypass valve is activated, allowing air to escape.

Efficiently cooling the high-pressure intake air is a liquid-cooled intercooler. Friction between the air molecules heats the intake air to extremely high (power-robbing) temperatures, but the intercooler cools the air back down to ambient temperature. Cooler air results in high engine output.

The engine's over-rev range extends to 8,900 rpm.

Inconel exhaust valves with superior heat resistance are fitted for high reliability. (Valve sizes are: 33.4 mm intake / 28.3 mm exhaust.)
Bore and stroke measure 83.0 x 69.2 mm.

Compression ratio was raised from 7.8:1 to 8.4:1 for increased engine output.

New, STX-15F-style high-lift cams contribute to the increased engine output. Intake lift increases from 7.8 mm to 8.5 mm; exhaust, from 7.5 mm to 8.2 mm.

Ignition timing was advanced 4o, resulting in increased engine output.

New cast pistons feature revised crowns with machine finishing. The higher quality pistons have greater durability.

A check valve added to the coolant passage between the cylinder jacket and the water muffler ensures the cylinder walls are kept at the ideal temperature. When the engine is operating over 2,000 rpm, the ball valve keeps the cooling water from leaving the cylinder jacket.

Head cover revised for improved appearance.

Lower crankcase strengthened around the oil-return passage to better cope with the ULTRA 260X's increased engine output.

Fuel Injection

High-flow fuel injectors with 4 orifices complement the engine's substantial output and contribute to combustion efficiency.

A single throttle body is used with a bore diameter of 60 mm.

Jet Pump / Impeller

To efficiently convert the ULTRA 260X's massive 260 PS into thrust, a large-diameter 155 mm jet pump is used.

Developed based on feedback from Kawasaki's race machines, this pump was specially designed to deliver breathtaking acceleration, stable output and good "bite," even when riding in rough water.

A large impeller designed to suit the 155 mm jet offers superior thrust in the higher speed ranges. The sophisticated 3-blade unit delivers both high performance and quiet operation.

Revised impeller design features blades with less twist. Together with the ULTRA 260X's increased engine output, the new impeller delivers increased acceleration performance.

8-vane guide smoothes and regulates the flow of water from the impeller for efficient and powerful propulsion.

Exhaust

The ULTRA 260X features a 4-into-2-into-1 powerboat-style exhaust system, which routes the exhaust pipe upwards. This allows the smoothest flow for exhaust gases, maximising exhaust efficiency.

Additional Features

The reverse lever is located on the left side for easy operation.

Small power adjustments are easy with the well-designed throttle lever. Even during extended operation the rider's finger does not get tired.

Immobiliser function incorporated into the ignition switch helps prevent theft. Works with both keys (full-power and SLO-mode versions).

To avoid concentrating heavy components towards the rear, the battery is located inside the front storage area near the centre of the machine. This remote location also frees up space inside the engine bay.

Hull

An additional strip of cloth reinforcement added on either side of the bow further strengthens and increases rigidity of the hull. The handlebars are 5-way adjustable and suit a wide range of riders and riding styles. The relatively narrow seat is very comfortable for either stand-up or seated riding, as well as for passengers..Ridges across the bottom of the bow, Kawasaki Splash Deflectors deflect water splashing forward from under the hull. First seen on the ULTRA 250X, a fourth splash deflector mounted at the top reduces spray during high-speed turns. Whether turning or blasting straight ahead, at high speeds or low, the Quattro KSD minimises spray, allowing greater rider concentration..

Seaworthy Hull

Conditions on the temperamental sea are varied. Befitting a flagship machine, the ability of ULTRA 260X's race-derived hull to handle waves means that its performance is not compromised when conditions are not calm. The combination of unearthly power coupled with the latest in hull technology allows Kawasaki's flagship to cleave through most waves rather than bounce over them, enabling the most consistent handling and acceleration performance of any Kawasaki hull to date.

Using feedback from Kawasaki's IJSBA championship winning racing machines, the hull was specially designed to cope with the engine's massive output and offers high stability and responsive handling in both calm and choppy-water conditions.

The lower hull is specially designed to distribute the engine and power delivery loads over a wide area.
An additional strip of cloth reinforcement added on either side of the bow further strengthens and increases rigidity of the hull.

Ride Plate

A groove added from the centre to the rear of the ride plate makes it easier to hold a straight course when running straight ahead.

Bond Flange & Bumper

The bottom of the hull slants upwards steeply from the centre section to the bow, allowing the ULTRA 260X to penetrate swells and waves with less shock. At low speeds the result is great stability; at higher speeds the ULTRA 260X's massive thrust enables the hull to push through most waves rather than bounce over top of them.

Jet Pump

Designed based on feedback from Kawasaki's race program, the ULTRA 260X's pump delivers superior "traction" and stable output in rough water conditions, and is a significant factor in this runabout's mind-boggling acceleration.

Handling and Turning Performance

Inherited from its predecessor, the ULTRA 260X's 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. Measuring 22.5°, the idealised V-angle at the bottom of the hull helps prevent spinouts during sharp turns. As a result, the ULTRA 260X delivers the neutral handling and turning characteristics for which Kawasaki JET SKI are famous.

Stand-up sports riding is easy thanks to adjustable handle and riding position

The handlebars are 5-way adjustable and suit a wide range of riders and riding styles. The relatively narrow seat is very comfortable for either stand-up or seated riding, as well as for passengers.

Ergonomic deck design gives plenty of legroom without necessitating a high seat, for rider-friendly seating accommodations.

Sponsons

Sponsons extend from the hull to provide stable straight-line performance (e.g. porpoising from start is minimised, etc) while helping to retain the machine's narrow overall design. They also contribute significantly to the ULTRA 260X's high manoeuvrability when changing direction (particularly at higher speeds).

Quattro KSD

Ridges across the bottom of the bow, Kawasaki Splash Deflectors deflect water splashing forward from under the hull. First seen on the ULTRA 250X, a fourth splash deflector mounted at the top reduces spray during high-speed turns. Whether turning or blasting straight ahead, at high speeds or low, the Quattro KSD minimises spray, allowing greater rider concentration.

Additional Features

A long rear boarding step makes it easy to climb on board, and the step retracts inside the bumper to prevent damage.

The ULTRA 260X features a convenient cleaning system to purge seawater used to cool the engine. Mounted on the right side cover it is easily accessed when the hatch is opened. Fitting a separate connecting tube is quick and easy.

Mirrors are mounted to the upper deck to facilitate opening of the hatch cover.

Flagship Features

The ULTRA 260X features the standard 2-piece seat, which offers roomy accommodation for three people.

Capacious Storage

The ULTRA 260X offers a total storage capacity of 228 litres.

The large-capacity, fully sealed 200-litre storage area has plenty of room for recreational equipment. A detachable storage compartment is also fitted.

Mounted on the centre console is a detachable drink holder with space for two drink bottles.

Integral with the under-seat rear grip is a compact storage area ideal for tools and other small items.

Extensive Cruising Range

Offering more fuel capacity than any machine in its class, the ULTRA 260X's fuel tank holds 78 litres of fuel.

Kawasaki Smart Steering/SLO-Mode

Smart Learning Operation (SLO)-Mode function allows newer riders to become familiar with the handling and response of this JET SKI watercraft at a more relaxed pace before unleashing the full power of the ULTRA 260X. Two separate keys (one for SLO-mode, one for full-power operation) prevent operating mistakes.

Colours

Sunbeam Red

Ebony / Lime Green