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2009-2010 Kawasaki Ultra 260X Review and Specs [Video]
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was the flagship performance Jet Ski in Kawasaki’s fleet from 2009 through 2010. It utilized the extra-stable, deep-V Ultra platform and a supercharged 260 HP engine. By 2011, it had been replaced by the more powerful Kawasaki 300X and LX.
If you want to find out more about this ski, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Kawasaki Ultra 260X review!
2014-2022 Kawasaki Ultra 260X Review
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was a member of Kawasaki’s high-end Ultra family.This line was released in 2007 with the introduction of the supercharged Ultra 250X and its smaller brother, the non-supercharged Ultra LX.
The platform that this series utilized was carried over to the Ultra 300X and LX, and finally to the Ultra 310 series.
Although they featured the same base engine, the engine power of supercharged Ultras was boosted several times:
- 2007: 250 HP
- 2009: 260 HP
- 2011: 300 HP
- 2014: 310 HP
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this ski in detail!
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Hull and Top Deck
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X inherited its 22.5-degree Ultra platform from its predecessor the Ultra 250X.
This fiberglass Kawasaki Jet Ski hull measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height. Compared to competitor skis, this ski was significantly larger and heavier.
Its robust top deck offered industry-leading capacities, including a 20.6-gallon gas tank, and an overall storage capacity of 60 gallons. The latter included a glovebox with a removable drink holder, a 53-gallon bow storage, and a smaller storage bin under the saddle.
What’s more, there was some additional storage space below the lift-out bucket of the front storage.
The curb weight of the ski was no less than 1063 pounds.
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Engine and Propulsion
The power source of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was a 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, 4-valve, inline 4-cylinder Kawasaki marine engine, which produced 260 HP at 7,750 RPM.
This power mill was derived from the ZX-14R Ninja motorcycle but was heavily redesigned for marine use.
It featured a lot of innovative systems including digital fuel injection, semi-dry-sump lubrication, open-loop cooling system, electric start, and a direct drive system.Its performance was boosted by a roots-type Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) supercharger, featuring a belt-drive system and a large intercooler.
As the name suggests, the engine of the Ultra 260X offered 10 HP more than the predecessor 250X. Are you wondering where this 10 HP increase came from?
In a nutshell, the key upgrades of the new 260 HP engine configurations were as follows:
- Revised pistons
- Raised compression ratio (from 7.8:1 to 8.4:1)
- New intake
- New exhaust camshafts with more lift
- Stronger engine cases
- Upgraded cooling system
This was a game changer since in the 250X engine the unburned fuel was prone to seeping past the rings and accumulating in the sump.
Besides these engine tweaks, the 155mm impeller was slightly redesigned as well to keep up with the increased power.
This 3-blade, stainless steel, oval-edge impeller was nestled in a standard axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, producing a maximum thrust of 1,585 pounds.
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Features
The standard features of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X and 300LX were as follows:
- LCD dashboard
- Kawasaki Smart Steering system (KSS)
- Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode
- Mechanical reverse
- 6-gallon fuel tank
- Fly-by-wire throttle
- Cruise control
- Riding modes
- 5-way adjustable handlebars
- 56-gallon front storage compartment
- Glove box with removable drink holder
- Under-seat storage case
- Variable trim system
- Tool kit (stored in the back of the rear seat)
- Rear grab handle
- Reboarding step
- Mooring cleats
- Tow hook
- Sponsons
- Deck mat
- Analog tachometer
- Speedometer
- Maximum speed & engine RPM
- Boost meter
- Fuel level gauge
- Low battery voltage indicator
- FI indicator
- Immobilizer indicator
- Engine oil pressure indicator
- Engine cooling water temperature indicator
- Operating mode indicator
- LED warning light
- Clock
- Time meter
- Trip meter
- Hour meter
While Sea-Doo had already been equipping its high-end skis with the innovative electric brake and reverse system (iBR) from 2009 onwards, Kawasaki Jet Skis lacked this important feature.
They were only engineered with a simple cable-controlled reverse bucket, which offered less comfort and safety than Sea-Doo’s iBR.
The main drawback of Kawasaki’s mechanical reverse was that it couldn’t be used for braking
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Performance Handling
Thanks to its deep-V platform, the 260X offered great overall handling and superior straight-line tracking.
Its deep keel cut the chop with ease, so the 260X ensured industry-leading rough water performance. So, it was no surprise when the Ultra series won several endurance PWC championships.
Regarding performance numbers, the Ultra 260X offered a top speed of 67 mph and did the 0-30 run in less than two seconds.
The claimed fuel economy of the Ultra 260X was a whopping 19.7 GPH at full speed, which translated to a cruising range of 65.3 miles or a playtime of 59 minutes.
Due to its great stability and roomy swim platform, the 260X was ideal for engaging in various water activities like wakeboarding, touring, and even fishing.
The riding position could be easily adjusted with its 5-position adjustable handlebars.
Its innovative “Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS)” off-throttle steering assist system and the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) key were game changers for novice riders. The latter was a special SLO ignition key that restricted the engine power, so riding it would be safer.
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X had been manufactured for two years without any significant changes before it was replaced by the more advanced Ultra 300 series in 2011.
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X into these charts:Kawasaki Ultra 260X Engine Specs
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Engine Specs Type 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, water cooled Displacement 1 498 cm³ (91.4 cu in.) Bore and Stroke 83 × 69.2 mm (3.27 × 2.72 in.) Compression Ratio 8.4 : 1 Ignition System Digital transistor Lubrication System Semi-dry sump Fuel System Digital fuel injection Starting System Electric starter Battery 12 V 18 Ah
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Tuning Specifications
| Kawasaki Ultra 260X | Tuning Specifications |
|---|---|
| Spark Plug Type | NGK PMR9B |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.6 ∼ 0.7 mm (0.024 ∼ 0.028 in.) |
| Spark Plug Terminal | Solid post terminal |
| Ignition Timing | 0° ATDC @1 300 r/min ∼ 8° BTDC @3 000 r/min (rpm) |
| Idle Speed - in water | 1 300 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
| Idle Speed - out of water | 1 300 ±100 r/min (rpm) |
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Drive System
| Kawasaki Ultra 260X | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Coupling | Direct drive from engine |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump Thrust | 7 051 N (719 kg, 1585 lb) |
| Steering | Steerable nozzle |
| Braking | Water drag |
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Performance
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Performance Minimum Turning Radius 4.0 m (13.1 ft) Fuel Consumption 74.5 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 260X Dimensions
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Dimensions and Capacities Overall Length 3 370 mm (132.7 in.) Overall Width 1 195 mm (47.0 in.) Overall Height 1 150 mm (45.3 in.) Dry Weight 482 kg (1063 lb) Fuel Tank Capacity 78 L (20.6 US gal) Number of passenger (driver incl.) 3 persons (1 operator and 2 passengers) Load limit 225 kg (496 lb)
Kawasaki Ultra 260X Engine Oil
| Kawasaki Ultra 260X | Engine Oil |
|---|---|
| Type | API SF, SG, SH, SJ or SL with JASO MA, MA1, MA2 |
| Viscosity | SAE 10W-40 |
| Oil Capacity | 5.0 L (5.3 US qt) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Kawasaki Ultra 260X!What is a Kawasaki Ultra 260X?
The Ultra 260X was a high-performance, 3-seater, sit-down jet ski manufactured by Kawasaki.
When did the Ultra 260X Come Out?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was introduced in 2009.
What Years Did Kawasaki Make the Ultra 260X?
Kawasaki marketed the Ultra 260X from 2009 through 2011.
What Size was a Kawasaki Ultra 260X?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height.
How Much Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Weigh?
The curb weight of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was 1063 pounds.
What Size Storage Compartment Did the Ultra 260X Have?
The total storage capacity of the Ultra 260X was 60 gallons, split into a 53-gallon bow storage, a glovebox, and a storage case under the rear seat.
How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki Ultra 260X?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X could carry 3 adult riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki Ultra 260X?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was powered by a 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Kawasaki engine.
Was the Kawasaki Ultra 260X Supercharged?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was powered by a supercharged engine.
Was the Kawasaki Ultra 260X a 4-stroke?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Have?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X produced a remarkable 260 HP.
What Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Use?
According to the owner’s manual, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X used SAE10W-40 engine oil (API SF or SG, SH, SJ, or SL with JASO MA, MA1, or MA2).
How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Hold?
The oil capacity of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was 5.3 US quarts (5.0 L).
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Hold?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was equipped with a 20.6-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Use?
The fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was about 19.7 GPH at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki Ultra 260X?
The claimed fuel range of the Ultra 260X was about 65.3 miles at full throttle, which equals 59 minutes of riding time.
How Fast Did a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Go?
The top speed of a Kawasaki Ultra 260X was limited to 67 mph.
Did the Kawasaki Ultra 260X Have a Reverse?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X came with a mechanical reverse.
Did the Kawasaki Ultra 260X Have a Brake?
No, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was manufactured without a brake system.
Did the Kawasaki Ultra 260X Have Speakers?
The Kawasaki Ultra 260X was marketed without speakers.
Could the Kawasaki Ultra 260X Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X could tow a wakeboarder or skier with ease.
Did the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 260X Have Cruise Control?
Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 260X was marketed with cruise control and electric trim.
How Much Does a Kawasaki Ultra 260X Cost?
The asking price of a used Kawasaki Ultra 260X varies between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the year and its condition.
