Yamaha FX Limited SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX [Video]
The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX and the Yamaha FX Limited SVHO are the two most luxurious Japanese jet skis in the marketplace. They come with powerful supercharged engines, predictable touring platforms, and numerous convenience features.
If you want to compare these machines head-to-head, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this FX Limited SVHO vs. Ultra 310LX comparison post!
Yamaha FX Limited SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX
By the Numbers
Although both the FX Limited SVHO and the Ultra 310LX are classed as touring jet skis with a luxury accent, there are many differences between them. The latter is known for its innovative features and extreme power, while the Yamaha has built a reputation for reliability and durability.
Regarding dimensions, the Kawasaki measures 140.9 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 48.8 inches in height.
This new Kawasaki Ultra hull debuted for the 2022 model year as an all-new touring platform for the flagship models. Compared to its predecessor, this shell is larger, much more stable, and features a revolutionary top deck design.
The rival Yamaha FX Limited SVHO is built on the largest and most stable FX WaveRunner hull, measuring 140.9 inches in length and 50 inches in width.
What’s more, the dry weight of the FX is only 877 pounds, which translates to a curb weight of 1003 pounds. In contrast, the Kawasaki weighs 950 pounds dry, and 1090 pounds fully loaded.
The latter comes with much greater capacities as well since it has an industry-leading 21.1-gallon gas tank and a storage capacity of 44.5 gallons.
These storage areas include a 32.8-gallon standard bow storage, a small rear wet storage, and two unique gullwing gloveboxes on both sides of the deck. These units offer 10.6 gallons of storage space and are equipped with a dry box for smartphones.The storage capacity of the Yamaha is exactly the same (44.5 gallons) split into a standard glovebox, bow storage, and a small storage box under the rear portion of the seat. Its fuel capacity is 18.5 gallons.
As the name suggests, the FX Limited SVHO comes with a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder SVHO Yamaha marine engine rated at 250 HP.
You can expect more power on the Kawasaki since it houses a supercharged, 1492 cc, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Kawasaki engine rated at 310 HP. This power mill is borrowed from Kawasaki’s ZX-R Ninja motorcycle family.
Both engines are paired with a standard axial-flow, single-stage PWC jet pump.
Features
Both the Yamaha and the Kawasaki come with a wide range of features as standard, including:
- Electric brake and reverse
- Color LCD dashboard
- MultiMount / RecDeck connection cleats
- Comfortable 3-person seat
- High-performance sponsons
- Bow storage compartment
- Glovebox
- Throttle-by-wire
- Cruise control
- Launch control
- Riding modes
- No-wake mode
- Dual mirrors
- Integrated cup holders
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Reboarding step
- Audio system
- Adjustable trim system
- And more
Compared to the Yamaha, the Ultra 310LX houses some unique features, including:
- KSRD Brake and reverse system
- Adjustable luxury seat
- Dual “gullwing” gloveboxes
- Rearview camera
- Multi-Mount System for GPS, Fishfinder, Camera, etc.
- LED running lights in the front bumper
- Kawasaki Splash Deflectors (KSD)
- Rear wet storage (0.7 gals.)
- Multi-mount bars
- RiDE brake and reverse system
- 7″ Connext Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Handlebars with integrated rope hooks
- LED glovebox lighting
- Footwell drain system
- Under-seat storage box
- RecDeck connectivity
- Accessory Tow Package
- Color-matched tube
- Tube inflator
- Tube holder
- 12-volt outlet
- Tow rope
- Two fenders
Performance and Handling
Both the FX Limited SVHO and the Ultra 310LX are built on a stable and predictable touring hull.
Unlike their race-intended counterparts, these large massive platforms ensure dry comfortable rides even on choppy waters. On the other hand, they are much less nimble and responsive, which translates to a less playful riding experience.
In terms of performance numbers, both skis can accelerate from 5 to 60 mph in about 4.5-5 seconds under ideal conditions. Top speed is electronically limited to 67 mph, but with a light load they can even hit 68-70 mph on good days.
FX Limited SVHO vs. Ultra 310LX Comparison Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of these skis into this Yamaha FX Limited SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX comparison chart:Specs | FX Limited SVHO | Ultra 310LX |
---|---|---|
Brand | Yamaha | Kawasaki |
Category | Luxury / Touring | Luxury |
Displacement (cc) | 1812 | 1492 |
Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
Supercharged | Yes | Yes |
Brake & Reverse | Yes | Yes |
HP | 250 | 310 |
Length (in) | 140.9 | 140.9 |
Width (in) | 50 | 47 |
Dry Weight (lbs) | 877 | 950 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 1003 | 1090 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) | 18.5 | 21.1 |
Storage Capacity (gal) | 44.5 | 44.5 |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | na | 496 |
Rider capacity | 3 | 3 |
Takeaways
The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX and the Yamaha FX Limited SVHO are the two most luxurious Japanese touring jet skis. Like the rival Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300, they come with a large stable hull, a supercharged high-performance power source, and numerous convenience features.Each of these models has its key pros and cons, which are as follows:Pros of the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX:
- More luxury features (headlights, rearview camera, etc.)
- Unique gullwing gloveboxes (capacity: 10.6 gallons)
- Multi-mount bars
- More horsepower (310 vs. 250 HP)
- Fresh, innovative design
- Lighter weight (877 vs. 950 lbs.)
- Footwell drain system
- Under-seat storage box
- RecDeck connectivity
- Accessory Tow Package
- Outstanding reliability
But as a final word, you can’t go wrong with either!