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Yamaha GP1800R SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX [Video]
The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX and the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO are two high-end Japanese jet skis. The latter is a purpose-built racing jet ski while the Kawasaki is a luxury-touring model tuned for comfort. Despite this, they often act as competitors in the marketplace.
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 GP1800R SVHO vs. Ultra 310LX comparison post!
Yamaha GP1800R SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX
By the Numbers
Although both the GP1800R SVHO and the Ultra 310LX are high-performance supercharged jet skis, there are many differences between them. The latter is known for its innovative design and luxurious features, while the Yamaha offers outstanding performance and cornering abilities.
The Kawasaki is built on the all-new Ultra platform released for the 2022 model year. Compared to its predecessor, this hull offers better stability and handling and comes with an innovative top deck design.
Regarding dimensions, the Ultra 310LX measures 140.9 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 48.8 inches in height.
This machine is also available with a shorter hull configuration. Labeled as Ultra 310X, this sportier sibling is 135.4 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 46.5 inches high. Its curb weight is 1032 pounds while the 310LX weighs no less than 1090 pounds.
In contrast, the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO is built on a smaller hull measuring 131.9 inches in length, and 48.8 inches in width. This WaveRunner weighs 754 pounds dry, and 880 pounds fully loaded.
It can carry 18.5 gallons of gas and 28.4 gallons of cargo, which can be stored in a bow storage, a standard glovebox, and a small storage box under the rear portion of the seat.
Thanks to its bulky hull, the Ultra 310LX has much greater capacities including a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and a 44.5-gallon overall storage space.
This storage area is split into a 32.8-gallon bow storage, tiny wet storage on the rear side of the deck, and two special gloveboxes on the sides. These storage units come standard with a dry phone storage box and a whopping capacity of 10.6 gallons.
In contrast, the capacity of a standard jet ski glovebox varies between 0.4 and 2 gallons.
Power sources?
As the name suggests, the GP1800R SVHO is powered by a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder, 250 HP SVHO Yamaha marine engine.You can expect more power on the Ultra 310LX since it features a supercharged, 1492 cc, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder engine rated at 310 HP. This power mill is inherited from ZX-R Ninja motorcycles.
Both engines transfer power towards an axial-flow, single-stage jet propulsion system.
Features
Both the Yamaha and Kawasaki come with a wide range of features as standard, including:
- Electric brake and reverse
- Color LCD dashboard
- MultiMount Bars / RecDeck connection cleats
- Comfortable 3-person seat
- High-performance sponsons
- Bow storage compartment
- Glovebox
- 12V outlet
- USB port
- Throttle-by-wire
- Cruise control
- Launch control
- Riding modes
- No-wake mode
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Reboarding step
- Audio system
- Adjustable trim system
- And more
The Ultra 310LX enjoys some Kawasaki-exclusive features, including:
- KSRD brake and reverse
- Adjustable luxury seat
- Integrated cupholders
- 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
- Race-inspired handlebars
- LED glovebox lighting
- Footwell drain system
- Under-seat storage box
- RecDeck connectivity
Performance and Handling
The Ultra 310LX is built on a large stable touring hull, offering excellent stability and great rough-water handling.
The innovative Kawasaki Splash Deflectors (KSD) block the majority of water spray even on choppy waters. It comes with an adjustable luxury PWC saddle that offers comfortable, bolstered seats for three adult riders.
All these make the Ultra 310LX great for activities like fishing, touring, or even tow sports. On the other hand, this ski is less agile and responsive, which translates to less playful rides.
Unlike its competitor, the GP1800R SVHO is a purpose-built racing WaveRunner.
Its hull is designed with buoy racing in mind, offering excellent high-speed cornering abilities and maximum performacne.
Therefore, it accelerates like a hypercar and can turn like nothing else on the water. Although its seat is rated for three riders, the GP is much more of a solo machine.
If we look to motorcycles for an analogy, then the Ultra 310LX is a Holda Goldwing while the GP1800R SVHO is more like a superbike.
Regarding performance numbers, the Kawasaki can accelerate from 5 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds while the GP can do the same sprint in about 3.8 seconds.
The top speed of both machines is electronically limited to 67 mph, but under ideal conditions, they can even hit 68-70 mph.
GP1800R SVHO vs. Ultra 310LX Comparison Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of these skis into this Yamaha GP1800R SVHO vs. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX comparison chart:Specs | GP1800R SVHO | Ultra 310LX |
---|---|---|
Brand | Yamaha | Kawasaki |
Category | Performance | Luxury |
Displacement (cc) | 1812 | 1492 |
Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
Supercharged | Yes | Yes |
Brake & Reverse | Yes | Yes |
HP | 250 | 310 |
Length (in) | 131.9 | 140.9 |
Width (in) | 48.8 | 47 |
Dry Weight (lbs) | 754 | 950 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 880 | 1090 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) | 18.5 | 21.1 |
Storage Capacity (gal) | 28.4 | 44.5 |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | na | 496 |
Rider capacity | 3 | 3 |
Takeaways
The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX is a touring machine with a luxury accent, while the GP1800R SVHO is a purpose-built racing WaveRunner.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
- Designed for touring and entertainment
- Much sportier attitude
- Smaller and more agile hull
- Faster acceleration
- Outstanding fast-speed cornering abilities
- Lighter weight (754 vs. 950 lbs. dry)
- Footwell drain system
- Under-seat storage box
- RecDeck connectivity
- Outstanding reliability
- Designed for racers and performance-minded riders
But as a final word, you can’t go wrong with either!