![Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Specs and Review [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2012-sea-doo-rxt-is-260-2-1-scaled.jpg)
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Specs and Review [Video]
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was the slightly more powerful successor of the proven RXT iS 255. It enjoyed the convenient S3 hull, a supercharged Rotax 4-TEC engine, and the Sea-Doo exclusive suspension seat. The Canadian manufacturer marketed the RXT iS 260 from 2010 through 2012.
If you want to find out more about this popular performance Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 review!
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Review
The Sea-Doo RXT Series
Sea-Doo’s RXT line has been around for decades. The first model in this breed was the 2005 RXT 215 followed by its more advanced brothers, including:
- 2005-2010: RXT 215
- 2008-2009: RXT-X 255
- 2009: RXT iS 255
- 2010-2012: RXT iS 260
- 2010-2015: RXT-X 260
- 2011-2016: RXT-X aS 260
- 2011-2017: RXT 260
- 2016-2023: RXT-X 300
- 2018-2019: RXT 230
- 2024- RXT-X 325
But while the latter was marketed as a touring PWC series tuned for comfort and entertainment, the RXTs were designed with performance-minded riders in mind.
The first Sea-Doo RXT with a suspension seat was the 2009 RXT iS 255, which was upgraded to the iS 260 in 2010.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this ski in detail!
Sea-Doo RX iS 260 Engine and Propulsion
As the name suggests, the RXT iS 260 had a more powerful configuration than the predecessor iS 255.
Sea-Doo didn’t want to lag in the ongoing “horsepower competition” between PWC manufacturers, which is why they kept increasing the engine power in their skis. (According to PersonalWatercraft, the main competitor of the RXT iS 260 was the Kawasaki Ultra 260.)
The heart of the RXT iS 260 was an upgraded 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine. This unit was a supercharged 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC triple-cylinder power mill, featuring a Rotax Multipoint Fuel Injection and closed-loop cooling system.
Even though this unit was commonly known as a 260hp engine, according to the official operator’s manual its claimed power was actually only 243.4hp (179 kW).
Engine power was converted into thrust with an axial-flow, single-stage aluminum jet pump.
It housed a large hub with a 10-vane stator and a 3-blade, stainless steel impeller.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Hull
The body of the RXT iS 260 was almost identical to the GTX Limited iS 260, which was its more luxurious equivalent.
The platform of these skis was the same deep-V, fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC), S3 Sea-Doo hull enclosed with a GTX-style top deck.
Thanks to its innovative stepped design and 22-degree deadrise, it was faster and could handle choppy conditions better than its predecessor.
As far as dimensions go, the RXT iS 260 was 139 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 44/50 inches high, while its dry weight was 980 pounds.
Compared to the standard-seat models, it weighed 115-125 pounds more and was much more top-heavy due to its suspension seat.
This roomy saddle was rated at three riders while the load limit of the ski was 500 pounds, 100 pounds less than other RXT siblings.
Its 16.4-gallon storage space was split into a removable front storage bin, a swim platform storage, and a smaller watertight glovebox positioned in front of the rider.
The ski also housed a sizeable 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Features
Designed to be a top-of-the-line performance Sea-Doo, the RXT iS 260 came standard with a wide range of innovative features, including:
- Intelligent Suspension system (iS)
- Interactive Multifunction Information Center
- Learning keys
- Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™)
- Floating safety lanyard
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- Variable Trim System (VTS)
- Removable front storage bin
- Glovebox
- Swim platform storage
- Adjustable handlebar
- Tilt steering
- iBR brake and reverse system
- Seat strap
- Splash deflector
- Dual drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Bumpers
- Rear grab handle
- Quick latch fuel filler design
- Fold-down reboarding step
- Foam flotation
- Sponsons
- Deck mats
- Adjustable mirrors
- Ski tow eye
- And more
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Suspension
It’s safe to say that the most distinctive feature of the RXT iS 260 was its iS intelligent suspension seat.
It was intended to protect the operator and passengers from the impact of choppy water conditions.
To do this, the top deck was split into a moving upper part and a fixed lower part mounted to the hull.
Between these units, you could find a spring and a Fox shock absorber with a suspension travel of 6 inches. They were linked together with aluminum arms.
However, the iS was not a regular suspension system, since the softness of the suspension could be calibrated through the dashboard.
Based on your needs you could choose the convenience of the auto-calibration or from nine different settings.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Performance
Just like the GTX Limited iS 260, the RXT iS 260 also built its reputation for great comfort and high performance.
Its stepped deep-V S3 hull cut through the chop with ease while the iS suspension system smoothed out the rest of the bumps. This translated into a comfortable riding experience in all conditions.
Thanks to the adjustable handlebar neck, the seating position was completely adjustable, which also increased comfort and safety.
Keeping safety in mind (and the agreement with the U.S.C.G.), the top speed of the RXT iS 260 was electronically limited to 67 mph.The manufacturer was reluctant to reveal its fuel economy, but if you’re looking for a clue note that the predecessor RXT iS 255 burned 19.5 gph at full throttle. You can expect the fuel consumption of the RXT iS 260 to be in a similar ballpark.
Considering its 18.5-gallon fuel capacity, the cruising time of the ski at WOT was slightly less than one hour including the reserve.
The different riding modes of the innovative Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system allowed you to configure the characteristics of the engine.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Problems
Even though the RXT iS 260 with its suspension seat was a revolutionary idea, this model suffered from some design flaws, which were as follows:
- Awkward top deck design: The suspension seat required a special top deck design, which virtually blocked the engine bay. This means the upper part of the top deck had to be removed before any major engine repairs could be done.
- Weak bolts: The bolts of the suspension base were also weak and prone to breaking. As one may expect, they were very hard to replace, too.
- Extra weight: The suspension system not only added about 120 pounds to the overall weight but also made the machine quite top-heavy.
- Corrosion: The engine of the iS Sea-Doos was planted in an enclosed plastix box, which kept the moisture in pretty well. Since the engine wasn’t able to completely dry, corrosion in the engine bay caused various malfunctions, especially electrical issues.
- iBR problems: The early iBR-equipped Sea-Doos suffered from iBR design flaws, which were fixed in the later models.
- Rubber-coated driveshaft: Many Sea-Doos at that time were designed with a rubber-coated driveshaft, and the RXT iS 260 was no exception. This rubber layer peeled off over time, which often ended in costly impeller damage. Unfortunately, this defective rubber-coated driveshaft was standard on many early GTX and RXT Sea-Doos including the GTX 215, RXT 215, GTX Limited iS 255/260, RXT iS 255/260, and RXT aS 260.
- Deeper footwells: Suspension Sea-Doos had significantly deeper footwells.
- Supercharger issues: It’s also good to know that the supercharger on this ski required periodical rebuilds.
2010-2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Specs
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the specifications of the 2010-2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 in these charts:2012 RXT iS 260 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Type | 1503 Rotax 4-TEC, 4-stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) |
| Performance | 179 kW |
| Induction | Supercharged with intercooler |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Number of valves | 12 valves with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment) |
| Displacement | 1494 cc (91.2 cu. in) |
| Electronic Throttle body | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Bore | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Stroke | 63.4 mm (2.5 in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 |
2012 RXT iS 260 Electrical System
| Electrical System | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Ignition | IDI (inductive discharge ignition) |
| Starter | Electric |
| Battery | 12 V, 30 A•h. Electrolyte type |
| Spark plug type | NGK, DCPR8E |
| Spark Plug gap | 0.75 mm (.03 in) |
2012 RXT iS 260 Fluids
| Fuel System | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
| Minimum octane | Inside North America: (87 (RON + MON)/2, Outside North America: 92 RON |
| Recommended octane | Inside North America: (91 (RON + MON)/2), Outside North America: 95 RON |
| Fuel tank (including reserve) | 18.5 U.S. gal. (70 L) |
| Fuel tank reserve (from low level signal) | 3.7 U.S. gal. (14 L) |
| Engine Oil Type | XPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade) |
| Lubrication Capacity | 3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) oil change w/filter, 4.5 L (4.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) total |
2012 RXT iS 260 Steering and Propulsion
| Steering and Propulsion | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Sea-Doo direct drive |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator. |
| Jet pump material | Aluminum |
| Impeller | Stainless steel |
| Transmission type | Electronic: iBR, Direct drive (forward/neutral/reverse) |
| VTS | Yes |
2012 RXT iS 260 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers (Driver incl.) | 3 |
| Load limit (passenger and 10 kg (22 lb) luggage) | 226 kg (500 lb) |
| Weight (dry) | 441 kg (970 lb) |
| Length | 354 cm (139 in) |
| Width | 122 cm (48 in) |
| Height | 111.4 cm (43.9 in) |
| Storage capacity | 62 L (16.4 U.S. gal.) |
Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 for Sale
If you are looking for a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 for sale you may want to start your research on jet ski swap sites.However, you can also find many used skis on eBay, Craigslist, or even Kijiji (if you’re from Canada).
The most popular PWC forums and Sea-Doo Facebook groups are also worth a close look.
If you are considering buying an older Sea-Doo, you may want to prioritize a standard-seat model rather than a suspension unit.
As we’ve discussed, suspension Sea-Doos were known for their difficult maintenance and serious corrosion issues.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260!What is a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260?
The 2009 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was the flagship luxury Sea-Doo featuring an advanced suspension system.
What Year Did Sea-Doo Make the RXT iS 260?
Sea-Doo marketed the RXT iS 260 from 2010 through 2012.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 could carry three riders.
What Size was a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44-50 inches in height (suspension fully collapsed: 44 inches, fully extended: 50 inches).
How Much Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was a whopping 980 pounds.
What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1494cc, supercharged, SOHC, triple-cylinder 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Supercharged?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 enjoyed a supercharged engine.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 a 4-Stroke?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was powered by a modern 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Have?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was commonly known as a 260hp ski, but according to the operator’s manual, its official engine power was only 243.4hp (179 kW).
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Hold?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Hold?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 required 3.2 US quarts of engine oil with filter (4.8 US quarts total).
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Hold?
The weight capacity of the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was 500 pounds.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Have?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 featured a watertight removable front storage bin, a glove box, and a small rear-platform storage with an overall storage capacity of 16.4 gallons.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Go?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 could hit a (limited) 67 mph in stock condition.
Could the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its powerful engine and three-seater configuration, the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 could legally tow a skier or a wakeboarder.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Have a Reverse?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 featured an electric reverse system.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Have a Brake?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 was designed with the iBR brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 Cost?
The asking price of a used Sea-Doo RXT iS 260 averages between $6,000 and $12,000 depending on its year and condition.
