Compare Specs Discover '25 PWCs Browse Reviews
2011-2013 Kawasaki Ultra 300X and LX Review and Specs [Video]

2011-2013 Kawasaki Ultra 300X and LX Review and Specs [Video]

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X was the flagship performance Kawasaki Jet Ski from 2011 through 2013. It was built on a large deep-V Ultra platform and utilized a 300 HP supercharged engine. In 2014 it was replaced by the more powerful Kawasaki 310R.

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 300X review!

2014-2022 Kawasaki Ultra 300X Review

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X (and 300 LX) were the predecessors of the proven 260X.This series made its debut in 2007 with the introduction of the naturally-aspirated Ultra LX and the supercharged Ultra 250X.The platform of this series was carried over to the Ultra 260X and finally to the entire Ultra 300 family.

Although they featured the same base engine, their performance was boosted every couple of years.

The Ultra 300X and 300LX were manufactured from 2011 through 2013 as flagship supercharged Kawasaki Jet Skis.

The 300X was considered the base model, while the 300LX was marketed as the luxury edition. The latter featured a custom metallic paint job with chrome elements, and a bolstered luxury seat. But apart from these differences, the two models were identical.

Let’s drill into the details and talk about the features of these iconic skis in detail!

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Hull and Top Deck

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X and 300LX inherited their massive fiberglass platform from the Ultra 260 series.

This 22.5-degree deadrise hull measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height. Compared to rival skis, it was significantly larger and heavier and offered outstanding handling on rough waters.

Its large top deck had remarkable capacities, including a 20.6-gallon gas tank and an industry-leading, 60-gallon overall storage capacity. The latter was split into a regular front storage, a glovebox with a removable drink holder, and a storage case under the rear seat.

The curb weight of the ski was an impressive 1019 pounds.

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the Ultra 300X and Ultra 300LX was a 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, 4-valve, inline 4-cylinder Kawasaki marine engine rated at 300 HP. This engine was borrowed from the ZX-14R Ninja motorcycle but was extensively redesigned for marine use.

It featured a semi-dry-sump lubrication system, open-loop cooling, digital fuel injection, electric start, and a direct drive system.

Just like its luxury brother, the Ultra 300X was also equipped with an Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) supercharger. This roots-type supercharger featured a belt-drive system and was supported by a large intercooler.

This 300 HP engine option was an upgraded configuration of the predecessor 260 HP Kawasaki marine engine.

This power mill was originally rated for 250 HP but underwent many power upgrades over the years, including:

  • 2007: 250 HP
  • 2009: 260 HP
  • 2011: 300 HP
  • 2014: 310 HP
The drive unit of the Ultra 300 Jet Ski was an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a revised 3-blade, stainless steel, oval-edge impeller.

This advanced propulsion system produced a maximum thrust of 1,769 pounds.

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Features

The standard features of the Kawasaki Ultra 300X and 300LX were as follows:

  • LCD instrument panel
  • 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
  • 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
  • Aggressive graphics
These skis were equipped with a redesigned full digital multifunction gauge, with the following characteristics:

  • Tachometer
  • Speedometer functions
  • Boost meter
  • Fuel gauge
  • Hour meter
  • Warning lamps
  • Coolant temperature gauge
  • Atmospheric temperature gauge
  • Operating mode indicator
  • Jet pump nozzle angle indicator
  • And more
There’s no question that the biggest flaw of the Ultra 300X was its outdated mechanical reverse.

At this time, competitor manufacturers had released their electric brake and reverse systems, (Sea-Doo iBR: 2009, Yamaha RiDE: 2015), but the Kawasaki Ultra 300X and 300LX lacked this key feature.

They were only equipped with a cable-controlled reverse bucket, which offered less safety and comfort than their electric-controlled counterparts. On top of that, it wasn’t intended to be used for braking.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ultra 300 models came with some advanced features like the electric trim control and electric throttle valve.

The latter ensured precise control and made using various ride modes and cruise control possible.

The 2-piece seat of the 300X was relatively flat while the 300LX had a bolstered “Luxury” seat. Both were rated for three riders, but the LX offered better contact and comfort.

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Performance and Handling

Thanks to its rigid deep-V hull, the 300X offered superior handling and great straight-line tracking.

Its deep keel and heavy platform cut the chop like a knife, so the 300X was known for its amazing rough water performance. So it’s no surprise that this instantly became popular among endurance racers, winning several championships.

The Ultra 300X topped out at a limited 67 mph and offered arm-stretching accelerations.

For maximum fuel efficiency, the ski featured a special Fuel Economy Assistance Mode, which tuned engine mapping for frugality.

Thanks to its advanced fuel management, both the 300X and 300LX complied with the CARB’s highest three-star rating. At that time, it was the world’s most stringent emissions standard.

Regarding hard numbers, the claimed fuel consumption of the Ultra 300X was a whopping 23.3 GPH at WOT, which translated into a fuel range of 57.3 miles or 50 minutes.

Due to its stable hull and large swim platform, the 300X was ideal for various water activities including tow sports, fishing, and even touring.

Riding position could be easily adjusted with the 5-position adjustable handlebars.

Beginners appreciated the innovative “Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS)” off-throttle steering assist system and the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode. The latter was a special riding mode that held back the horses for novice riders.

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X and 300LX was manufactured for three years without any significant changes.

In 2014 it was replaced by the more powerful Ultra 310 family featuring the flagship Ultra 310R.

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2013 Kawasaki Ultra 300X into these charts:

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Engine Specs

Kawasaki Ultra 300XEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, water cooled
Displacement1 498 cm³ (91.4 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke83 × 69.2 mm (3.27 × 2.72 in.)
Compression Ratio8.4 : 1
Ignition SystemDigital transistor
Lubrication SystemForced Lubrication - Semi-dry sump
Fuel SystemFuel injection MIKUNI EAC 60 x 1
Starting SystemElectric starter
Battery12 V 18 Ah

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Tuning Specifications

Kawasaki Ultra 300XTuning Specifications
Spark Plug TypeNGK PMR9B
Spark Plug Gap0.6 ∼ 0.7 mm (0.024 ∼ 0.028 in.)
Ignition Timing0° ATDC @1 300 r/min ∼ 17° 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 300X Drive System

Kawasaki Ultra 300XDrive System
CouplingDirect drive from engine
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow single stage
Jet Pump Thrust7 871 N (803 kgf, 1769 lb)
SteeringSteerable nozzle
BrakingWater drag

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Performance

Kawasaki Ultra 300XPerformance
Minimum Turning Radius4.0 m (13.1 ft)
Fuel Consumption88.3 L/h (23.3 US gal/h) @full throttle
Cruising Range (1)88.8 km (55.2 mile) @full throttle
Cruising Range (2)50 minutes

Kawasaki Ultra 300X Dimensions

Kawasaki Ultra 300XDimensions and Capacities
Overall Length 3 370 mm (132.7 in.)
Overall Width 1 195 mm (47.0 in.)
Overall Height1 150 mm (45.3 in.)
Curb Mass462 kg (1018.7 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 300X Engine Oil

Kawasaki Ultra 300XEngine Oil
TypeAPI SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2
ViscositySAE 10W-40
Oil Capacity5.5 L (5.8 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 Kawasaki Ultra 300X!

What is a Kawasaki Ultra 300X?

The Ultra 300X was a high-performance, 3-seater, sit-down jet ski manufactured by Kawasaki.

When did the Ultra 300X Come Out?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X debuted for the 2011 model year.

What Years Did Kawasaki Make the Ultra 300X?

Kawasaki marketed the Ultra 300X from 2011 through 2013.

What Size was a Kawasaki Ultra 300X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X measured 132.7 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height.

How Much Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Weigh?

The curb weight of the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was 1019 pounds.

What Size Storage Compartment Did the Ultra 300X Have?

The total storage capacity of the Ultra 300X was 60 gallons, split into a front storage, a glovebox, and a storage case under the rear seat.

How Many People Could Ride on a Kawasaki Ultra 300X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X could carry 3 adult riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Kawasaki Ultra 300X?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X was powered by a 4-stroke, 1498cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Kawasaki engine.

Was the Kawasaki Ultra 300X Supercharged?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X was powered by a supercharged engine.

Was the Kawasaki Ultra 300X a 4-stroke?

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Have?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X produced a remarkable 300 HP.

What Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Use

According to the owner’s manual, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X used SAE10W-40 engine oil (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM with JASO MA, MA1, or MA2).

How Much Oil Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Hold?

The oil capacity of the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was 5.8 US quarts (5.5 L).

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Hold?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X was equipped with a 20.6-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Use?

The fuel consumption of the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was about 23.3 GPH at WOT.

What was the Fuel Range of the Kawasaki Ultra 300X?

The claimed fuel range of the Ultra 300X was about 57.3 miles at full throttle, which equals 50 minutes of riding time.

How Fast Did a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Go?

The top speed of a Kawasaki Ultra 300X was limited to 67 mph.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 300X Have a Reverse?   

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X came with a mechanical reverse.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 300X Have a Brake?       

No, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was manufactured without a brake system.

Did the Kawasaki Ultra 300X Have Speakers?

The Kawasaki Ultra 300X was marketed without speakers.

Could the Kawasaki Ultra 300X Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X could tow a wakeboarder or skier with ease.

Did the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 300X Have Cruise Control?

Yes, the Kawasaki Ultra 300X was marketed with cruise control and electric trim.

How Much Does a Kawasaki Ultra 300X Cost?

The asking price of a used Kawasaki Ultra 300Xs varies between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.