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2007-2008 Kawasaki Ultra 250X Review and Specs [Video]

2007-2008 Kawasaki Ultra 250X Review and Specs [Video]

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was the first supercharged Kawasaki Jet Ski, and was manufactured from 2007 through 2008. It shared its deep-V platform with the Ultra LX but utilized a more powerful 250 HP supercharged engine. In 2009 it was replaced by the more advanced Ultra 260X.

If you want to find out more about this ski, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki Ultra 250X review!

2007-2008 Kawasaki Ultra 250X Review

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Hull and Top Deck

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was released in late 2006 as Kawasaki’s first supercharged Jet Ski.

According to PersonalWaterCraft, the all-new hull of this ski was derived from a championship-winning design engineered by Kawasaki race teams.

This 22.5-degree deadrise platform measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height.

Compared to its rivals or the predecessor STX Kawasaki jet ski, this Ultra 250X was longer and much heavier. The dry weight of the ski was no less than 904 pounds.

Its large top deck offered the best capacities in the industry, including a 20.6-gallon gas tank, a 53-gallon front storage bin, a glovebox, and an under-seat storage case.

Unlike its successors, the Ultra 250X featured a fairly smooth 3-rider seat that lacked any bolsters.

Over the years, this amazing shell was carried over to many great models, including the Ultra 260/300/310 series and the non-supercharged Ultra LX.

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Engine and Propulsion

The power source is the Ultra 250X was the first supercharged Kawasaki jet ski engine in history. This 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, 4-valve, inline 4-cylinder supercharged Kawasaki marine engine was rated at 250 HP.

It was derived from the ZX-R 14 Ninja motorcycle series but was redesigned for marine use. It enjoyed many innovative features including a semi-dry-sump lubrication system, digital fuel injection, open-loop cooling, electric start, and a direct drive system.But unlike its naturally-aspirated predecessor, the Ultra 250X was equipped with a constant-displacement, Eaton TVS supercharger.

Engine power was delivered to an industry-standard, axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a stainless steel, 3-blade, oval-edge impeller.

This advanced propulsion system offered an incredible 1,524 pounds of thrust!

This proven 4-cylinder supercharged Kawasaki marine engine underwent many power upgrades over the years, including:

  • 2007: 250 HP
  • 2009: 260 HP
  • 2011: 300 HP
  • 2014: 310 HP

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Features

The standard features of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X were as follows:

  • Multifunction gauge
  • Kawasaki Smart Steering system (KSS)
  • Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode
  • Mechanical reverse
  • 20.6-gallon fuel tank
  • Front storage compartment
  • Glovebox
  • Under-seat storage case
  • Tool kit (stored in the back of the rear seat)
  • 3-rider seat
  • Variable trim system
  • Mooring cleats
  • Tow hook
  • Reboarding step
  • Rear grab handle
  • Sponsons
  • Deck mat
There’s no question that the biggest flaw of the Ultra 250X was its lack of an electric brake and reverse system. Just like other skis in its time, the 250X was engineered with a mechanical reverse system.

Unfortunately, this assembly offered less safety and comfort than its more modern electric-controlled brothers.

On top of that, it wasn’t intended to be used as a brake, so the 250X could only be slowed down by its water drag.

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Performance Handling

Thanks to its 22.5-degree, deep-V hull design, the 250X ensured good straight-line tracking and great high-speed performance.

Its deep keel combined with its heavy weight offered an outstanding rough water performance. So, it was no surprise that this model instantly became popular among endurance racers.

The top speed of the Ultra 250X was about 65-66 mph and it could do the 0-30 sprint in less than two seconds.

On the other hand, the ski wasn’t great for buoy racing since it required a lot of body positioning in tight turns. The turning radius of the ski was 13.1 feet and wasn’t as precise in the corners as competitor models.

The claimed fuel economy of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was 19.7 GPH at full throttle. This translated to a cruising range of 65.3 miles or a playtime of 59 minutes.

Due to its large swim platform and stable hull, the 250X could be used for a lot of water activities like tow sports, fishing, and even touring.

Novice riders appreciated the moderate performance of the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) key and the innovative Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS) system.

After only two short years of production, the Kawasaki 250X was discontinued in 2008 to make room for the more advanced 260X.

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2007 Kawasaki Ultra 250X into these charts:

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Engine Specs

Kawasaki Ultra 250XEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, 4-cylinder, water cooled
Displacement1 498 cm³ (91.4 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke83 × 69.2 mm (3.27 × 2.72 in.)
Compression Ratio7.8 : 1
Ignition SystemDigital transistor
Lubrication SystemSemi-dry sump
Fuel SystemDigital fuel injection
Starting SystemElectric starter
Battery12 V 18 Ah

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Tuning Specifications

Kawasaki Ultra 250XTuning Specifications
Spark Plug TypeNGK PMR9B
Spark Plug Gap0.6 ∼ 0.7 mm (0.024 ∼ 0.028 in.)
Spark Plug TerminalSolid post terminal
Ignition Timing0° ATDC @1 300 r/min ∼ 8° BTDC @3 000 r/min (rpm)
Idle Speed - in water1 300 ±100 r/min (rpm)
Idle Speed - out of water1 300 ±100 r/min (rpm)

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Drive System

Kawasaki Ultra 250XDrive System
CouplingDirect drive from engine
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Jet Pump Thrust6 780 N (692 kgf, 1524 lb)
SteeringSteerable nozzle
BrakingWater drag

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Performance

Kawasaki Ultra 250XPerformance
Minimum Turning Radius4.0 m (13.1 ft)
Fuel Consumption74.5 L/h (19.7 US gal/h) @full throttle
Cruising Range (1)105 km (65.3 mi) @full throttle
Cruising Range (2)59 minutes

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Dimensions and Capacities

Kawasaki Ultra 250XDimensions and Capacities
Overall Length3 370 mm (132.7 in.)
Overall Width1 195 mm (47.0 in.)
Overall Height1 150 mm (45.3 in.)
Dry Weight410 kg (904.1 lb)
Fuel Tank Capacity78 L (20.6 US gal)
Number of passenger (driver incl.)3 persons (1 operator and 2 passengers)
Load limit225 kg (496 lb)

Kawasaki Ultra 250X Engine Oil

Kawasaki Ultra 250XEngine Oil
TypeAPI SF, SG, SH, SJ or SL with JASO MA
ViscositySAE 10W-40
Oil Capacity5.0 L (5.3 US qt)

These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2007-2008 Kawasaki Ultra 250X!

What is a Kawasaki Ultra 250X?

The Ultra 250X was the first supercharged Kawasaki Jet Ski.

When did the Ultra 250X Come Out?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X debuted for the 2007 model year.

What Years Did Kawasaki Make the Ultra 250X?

Kawasaki marketed the Ultra 250X from 2007 through 2008.

What Size was a Kawasaki Ultra 250X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height, while its maximum draft was 14.6 inches.

How Much Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Weigh?

The dry weight of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was 904.1 pounds.

What Size Storage Compartment Did the Ultra 250X Have?

The total storage capacity of the Ultra 250X was 56 gallons, split into a 53-gallon front storage, a glovebox, and a storage case under the rear seat.

How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki Ultra 250X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X could carry 3 adult riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki Ultra 250X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was powered by a 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Kawasaki engine.

Was the Kawasaki Ultra 250X Supercharged?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was powered by a supercharged and intercooled power mill.

Was the Kawasaki Ultra 250X a 4-stroke?

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Have?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X produced a 250 HP out of the box.

What Kind of Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Use?

According to the owner’s manual, the Kawasaki Ultra 250X used SAE10W-40 engine oil (API SF or SG, SH, SJ, or SL with JASO MA).

How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Hold?

The oil capacity of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was 5.3 US quarts (5.0 L).

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Hold?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was equipped with a 20.6-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Use?

The fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was about 19.7 GPH at WOT.

What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki Ultra 250X?

The claimed fuel range of the Ultra 250X was about 65.3 miles at full throttle, which equals 59 minutes of riding time.

How Fast Did a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Go?

The top speed of a Kawasaki Ultra 250X was limited to 65-66 mph.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 250X Have a Reverse?   

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 250X came with a mechanical reverse.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 250X Have a Brake?       

No, the Kawasaki Ultra 250X was manufactured without a brake system.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 250X Have Speakers?

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X was marketed without speakers.

Could the Kawasaki Ultra 250X Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 250X could tow a wakeboarder or a tuber.

How Much Does a Kawasaki Ultra 250X Cost?

The asking price of used Kawasaki Ultra 250Xs varies between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the year and its condition.