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2001-2004 Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Review and Specs [Video]
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was a fuel-injected configuration of the carbed Ultra 150, which was manufactured from 2001 through 2004. It shared its hull and top deck with the Ultra 150 but borrowed its 1071cc, 130 HP, direct-injected engine from the 1100 STX D.I.
If you want to find out more about this sporty fuel-injected Jet Ski, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. review!
2001-2004 Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Review
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Hull and Top Deck
Kawasaki introduced the ZXi series as its high-performance 2-seater PWC line in 1995, including the 750 ZXi, 900 ZXi, and its top-of-the-line 1100 ZXi.Around the Millennium, the new ZXi-based Jet Skis hit the water, labeled as Ultra 150 and Ultra 130 D.I. The former was a more powerful carbed configuration, while the Ultra 130 D.I. featured a smaller, fuel-injected engine.
Although the Ultras officially weren’t members of the ZXi family, their hull and top deck design were based on the ZXi.
In terms of dimensions, this revamped Kawasaki Ultra platform was 113.8 inches long, 44.4 inches wide, and 40.5 inches high. It was 5.1 inches longer and 2.3 wider than standard ZXi models in order to handle the increased performance.
This hull was made of hand-laid fiberglass and featured a bulkhead construction, ensuring less weight and less structural flex.
It also enjoyed a steeper (22-degree) deadrise, stretching from the bow towards the pump intake.The rounded keel of this deep-V hull effectively cut through the waves while the molded spray deflector kept a significant amount of waterspray away from riders.
The Sheet-Molded Compound top deck of the Ultra 130 D.I. was carried over from the Ultra 150 without any significant changes. It featured padded handlebars, a stepped 2-rider saddle, and a pair of performance sponsons.Storage compartments included a glovebox, an under-seat storage case, and a 5.5-gallon bow storage, housing a removable bin and a fire extinguisher compartment.
The oil and fuel caps were also covered by the front hood, which featured a hydraulic lifting cylinder.
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Engine and Propulsion
The engine of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was a 2-stroke, 1071cc, 3-cylinder, fuel-injected Kawasaki marine engine. As the name suggests, this power mill delivered a maximum power of 130 HP at 7,000 RPM.
This power source was also known as the direct-injected 1100 Kawasaki Jet Ski engine, and had the following characteristics:
- 2-stroke, 3/czlinder architecture
- Crankcase reed valve configuration
- Ficht fuel-injection system
- PZFR7G-G spark plugs
- Oil injection system
- DC-CDI ignition
- Open-loop cooling system
- Electric starter
This system was controlled by the Engine Management Module (EMM), which monitored everything from the external conditions to the engine operation.
Based on these factors the EEM determined the optimal fuel mapping (a.k.a. fuel delivery curves), which translated to a smooth operation and easy starts.
This engine was paired with a standard axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a stainless-steel, 3-blade, oval-edge impeller. This high-capacity pump delivered a maximum thrust of 851 pounds.
Although this ski delivered 15 HP less than the carbureted Ultra 150, it offered a crisper throttle response and a smoother powerband. On top of that, it used significantly less fuel and half as much oil as a carbureted engine.
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Features
Although the Ultra 130 D.I. came with fewer bells and whistles than the high-end luxury STX 1100 D.I., it packed many innovative features, including:
- Digital instrumentation panel
- Manually adjustable electric trim
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- Engine shut-off valve with safety lanyard
- Front storage compartment
- Fire extinguisher compartment
- Under-seat storage pocket
- Front storage pocket (glovebox)
- Stepped 2-rider seat
- Seat latch
- Tool kit
- Drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Adjustable throttle limiter
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Recessed bow hook
- Rear mooring cleats
- Rear grab handle
- Performance sponsons
- Underwater exhaust outlet
- Deck mats
- Fuel knob
- Choke knob
- Padded reboarding step
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Clock/Time/Trip/Hour meter display
- Trim indicator
- Fuel level gauge
- Low fuel warning light
- Water temperature symbol
- Engine oil level gauge
- Low oil warning light
- Battery symbol
- Check engine symbol
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Performance
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was often referred to as the motorcycle of the water, and with good reason.
It was lightweight, fast, and offered great cornering abilities. Although it was marketed as a 2-seater PWC, it was more of a solo Jet Ski.
In terms of performance numbers, the top speed of the Ultra 130 D.I. was 63-64 mph out of the box. With some aftermarket performance parts, it could be pushed into the ballpark of 70-75 mph!
Its remarkable power was paired with great cornering abilities and stability.
The claimed fuel consumption of the Ultra 130 D.I. was 10.8 GPH at full throttle, so its 15.06-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising range of 80 miles or 1 hour and 23 minutes of fun.
In contrast, the fuel economy of the thirstier carbed Ultra 150 was 13.3 GPH at WOT, which was a difference of 2.5 gallons per hour.
Just like its carbed brother, the Ultra 130 D.I. also came with a manually adjustable trim system intended for adjusting the vertical angle of the jet nozzle.Although this model was very popular among riders, some found it unpredictable in rough waters.
Fortunately, these handling issues could be reduced with aftermarket ride plates and sponsons.
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Problems
It’s safe to say that the most common problems of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. were as follows:
- Complex, fuel-injected engine
- Lack of a reverse system
- Improper shut-off switch location
- Short-lived pump bearings
- Aging oil lines
- The oil injection system was hard to remove
What’s more, while the 3-seater models came standard with a reverse system, this important feature wasn’t available on the Ultra 130 D.I., even as an option.
Its shut-off valve was also located too close to its trim button, creating a risk that you could accidentally shut off the engine while adjusting the trim.
Another problem with this ski was its hungry jet pump, which ate the pump bearings in just 25-30 hours.
The factory oil lines were also prone to getting brittle while aging in many vintage Jet Skis, and the 130 D.I. was no exception.
Replacing these oil lines was a fairly simple maintenance task, but removing the complete oil system was much harder on this model.
This is because the oil system was used to lubricate the crankshaft as well, so removing it was not possible.
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2004 Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. into these charts:Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Engine Specs
| Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 2-stroke, 3-cylinder, crankcase reed valve, water-cooled |
| Displacement | 1 071 mL (65.4 cu in.) |
| Bore and stroke | 80.0 x 71.0 mm (3.15 x 2.80 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 6.6 : 1 |
| Ignition system | DC-CDI |
| Lubrication system | Oil injection (break-in period: oil injection and gas/oil mixture 50:1) |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V 18 Ah |
| Engine oil type | 2-stroke, NMMA Certified for Service TC-W 3 |
| Engine oil tank capacity | 4.7 L, 5.0 qt (US) |
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Tuning Specifications
| Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. | Tuning Specifications |
|---|---|
| Spark Plug Type | PZFR7G-G |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.032 in.) |
| Spark Plug Terminal | Solid post |
| Ignition Timing | 17° BTDC @1,100 r/min (rpm) - 24° BTDC @3,000 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - in water | 1,100 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
| Carburetor Idle Speed - out of water | 1,100 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Drive System
| Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Coupling | Direct drive from engine |
| Jet Pump Type | Mixed flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump - Thrust | 3,790 N (386 kg - 851 lb) |
| Steering | Steerable nozzle |
| Braking | Water drag |
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Performance
| Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minimum Turning Radius | 4.0 m (13.1 ft) |
| Fuel Consumption | 41 L/hr (10.8 US gal/hr) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (1) | 129 km (80.2 mi) @full throttle |
| Cruising Range (2) | 1 hour and 23 minutes |
Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Dimensions
| Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 113.8 in (2 890 mm) |
| Overall width | 44.4 in (1 129 mm) |
| Overall height | 40.5 in (1 028 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 291 kg (642 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.06 US gal (57 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2001-2004 Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.:What is a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.?
The Ultra 130 D.I. was a 2-stroke, fuel-injected Kawasaki Jet Ski.
When did the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Come Out?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. debuted in 2001.
What Years Did Kawasaki Make the Ultra 130 D.I.?
Kawasaki marketed the Ultra 130 D.I. from 2001 through 2004.
What Size was a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. measured 113.8 inches in length, 44.4 inches in width, and 40.5 inches in height.
How Much Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Weigh?
The dry weight of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was 642 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was rated for two riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was powered by a 2-stroke, 1071cc, fuel-injected Kawasaki marine engine.
Was the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Supercharged?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. utilized a naturally-aspirated engine.
Was the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. a 2-stroke?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Was the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Fuel Injected?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. featured a Ficht fuel injection system.
How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Have?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. produced 130 HP in stock condition.
How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Hold?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. had an oil injection system featuring a 5.0-quart oil tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Hold?
The Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was equipped with a 15.06-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was 10.8 GPH at full throttle.
What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I.?
The claimed fuel range of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was 80.2 miles or 1 hour and 23 minutes at WOT.
How Much Weight Could an 1100 Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was 330 pounds.
How Fast Did a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Go?
The top speed of a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was about 63-64 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its two-seater configuration, the Ultra 130 D.I. couldn’t legally tow a wakeboarder or skier in states where a spotter was required.
Did the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Have a Reverse?
No, the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. came without a reverse system.
Did the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Have a Brake?
No, the Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. Cost?
The asking price of a used Kawasaki Ultra 130 D.I. varies between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the year and its condition.
