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Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Specs and Review [Video]

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Specs and Review [Video]

The supercharged RXT-X 260 was the worthy successor of the revolutionary RXT-X 255. The new model featured a new GTX-style top deck and slightly more engine power. The RXT-X 260 was also marketed with a manually adjustable suspension seat under the name of RXT-X aS 260.

If you want to find out more about this high-performance supercharged Sea-Doo, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 review!

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Review

The Legendary Sea-Doo RXT Line

The Sea-Doo RXT family debuted with the 2005 RXT 215 and enchanted customers with several more exciting models, which were as follows:

 (You can discover each model by following the links in the list.)In this post, we will review the RXT-X 260, which was in production from 2010 through 2015.

Its predecessor was the 2008-2009 RXT-X 255, which was replaced by the RXT-X 300 in 2016.

Let’s drill down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the RXT-X 260 in detail!

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the RXT-X 260 was the proven Rotax 4-TEC engine, pretty much the same as you could find in any high-performance Sea-Doo at that time.

In a nutshell, the key features of this engine were as follows:

  • Type: Rotax 4-TEC, 4-stroke
  • Inline 3-cylinder
  • Supercharged and intercooled
  • 12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters
  • Electronic throttle body (60 mm)
  • Single over head camshaft (SOHC)
  • Bore x stroke: 100 x 63.4 mm
  • Compression ratio: 8.4:1
  • Water-cooled exhaust system
  • Dry sump lubrication system
  • Rotax multi-port fuel injection
  • Closed-loop cooling system
  • Electric starter
In terms of engine power, this motor was often referred to as a 260hp power mill, which would logically follow from the name of the model.

Nonetheless, the operator’s manual claims that the power of this engine was 179 kW which converts to only 243.4hp.

Engine power was transferred to a durable stainless-steel impeller nestled in an axial-flow, single-stage aluminum pump.

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Hull

Each GTX and RXT Sea-Doo in the early 2010s was built on the same innovative S3 hull, and the RXT-X 260 was no exception. This platform debuted in 2009 and remained in production through late 2017 when it was phased out by the lighter ST3.

The S3 was a deep-V fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC) shell that featured a stepped design and a remarkable, 22-degree deadrise.

While the hull was carried over from the 2009 lineup without any noticeable upgrades, the RXT-X got a completely new deck for the 2010 season.

Its forerunner, the 2008-2009 RXT-X 255 was designed with a distinctive sporty top deck dressed in a grey/orange color scheme.

In contrast, the 2010 RXT-X 260 borrowed its “one-piece” top deck from the standard GTX line. This deck was used on any standard-seat GTX and RXT model from 2010 onwards.

In contrast, suspension models had a unique two-piece top deck design, which enclosed the suspension system.In terms of dimensions, the RXT-X 260 was 139 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 46.5 inches high. The dry weight of the ski was 855 pounds in the early years, which climbed up to 885 pounds for 2015.

(Its suspension equivalent, the RXT-X aS 260 was 105 pounds heavier.)

The overall storage capacity of the ski was 13.7 gallons while its fuel tank held 18.5 gallons of gas.

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Features

It’s a lesser-known fact that Sea-Doo offered the RXT 260 in four different variations.

The RXT iS 260 and RXT-X aS 260 came standard with a suspension seat while the more affordable RXT-X 260 and the RXT 260 had standard seats.

The latter two were almost the same, except the RXT-X 260 came standard with the “X-Package,” including:

  • Adjustable X-Sponsons
  • X-Steering grips
  • Custom X-Style seat (not Ergolock!)
  • X-traction mats
  • Unique color scheme
The adjustable X-Sponsons could be raised or lowered in three different settings: Freeride, Sport, and Race. The lower you set the sponsons the better grip they provided.

The innovative X-Steering was not only tiltable but the width of the grips was also adjustable. This allowed you to tailor the handlebars to fit your body size and riding style.

Although the deep-carved X-seat of the RXT-X 260 did a really good job, it wasn’t as comfortable as the bolstered GTX seat.

To the greatest regret of performance-minded buyers, the more sporty Ergolock seat wasn’t available on the RXT-X either. This is because the manufacturer reserved this race-intended saddle for the RXP-X.

The RXT-X 260 also lacked front sponsons, adjustable trim tabs, and the suspension seat, which came as standard on the RXT-X aS 260.

Other features of the RXT-X 260 included:

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Performance

Just like any other supercharged Sea-Doo, the RXT-X 260 offered an extreme performance.

Its high-output engine and propulsion offered arm-stretching accelerations while reaching its top speed of 67 mph. Since it lacked a heavy suspension system it was much more lively than the iS and aS models.

What’s more, its center of gravity was also lower, which translated to a more stability and better overall handling.

Its long deep-V hull offered a very smooth riding experience even in choppy water conditions.Its stepped design glued the ski to the water while effectively reducing water drag. This also improved the handling and decreased the fuel consumption.The advanced VTS variable trim allowed you to raise or lower the front of the ski via a simple button on the handlebars. Forcing the bow into the water and setting the sponsons to the lowest (racing) position offered extremely tight turns.

The RXT-X 260 was also equipped with an iBR electric brake and reverse, which ensured easier slow-speed maneuverability and a shorter stopping distance.

Riders also appreciated the RXT-X 260’s iTC throttle-by-wire system, which had different riding modes including ECO, Sport, Touring, and No-Wake.

These features made the handling and throttle control of the ski pretty simple and beginner-friendly.

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Problems

Although the RXT-X 260 was a revolutionary PWC, it had some design flaws.

Many early high-performance Sea-Doos suffered from the rubber-coated driveshaft, and the RXT-X 260 was just one of them.

This rubber coating was prone to peeling off the driveshaft over time, causing serious impeller damage.

Another common problem with the early Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was its iBR actuator malfunctions, which were quite typical on early iBR Sea-Doos.

The supercharger of the RXT-X 260 also had to be rebuilt frequently to prevent a major supercharger failure.

They also lacked a bilge pump, which resulted in many sinking situations.

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Specs

For your convenience, we’ve listed the specs of the 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 in these charts!

2012 RXT-X 260 Engine Specs

Engine Specs2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
Type1503 Rotax 4-TEC, 4-stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
Performance179 kW
InductionSupercharged with intercooler
Number of cylinder3
Number of valve12 valves with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment)
Displacement1494 cc (91.2 cu. in)
Electronic Throttle body60 mm (2.4 in)
Bore100 mm (3.9 in)
Stroke63.4 mm (2.5 in)
Compression ratio8.4:1
Cooling systemClosed-Loop Cooling System (CLCS)
Coolant capacity5.5 L (5.8 qt. (U.S. liq.))

2012 RXT-X 260 Electrical System

Electrical System2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
IgnitionIDI (inductive discharge ignition)
StarterElectric
Battery12 V, 30 A•h. Electrolyte type
Spark plug typeNGK, DCPR8E
Spark Plug gap0.75 mm (.03 in)

2012 RXT-X 260 Fluids

Fuel System2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
Fuel TypeUnleaded
Minimum octaneInside North America: (87 (RON + MON)/2, Outside North America: 92 RON
Recommended octaneInside 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 TypeXPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade)
Lubrication Capacity3 L (3.2 qt. (U.S. liq.)) oil change w/filter, 4.5 L (4.8 qt. (U.S. liq.)) total

2012 RXT-X 260 Steering and Propulsion

Steering and Propulsion2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
Propulsion systemSea-Doo direct drive
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator.
Jet pump materialAluminum
ImpellerStainless steel
Transmission typeElectronic: iBR, Direct drive (forward/neutral/reverse)
VTSYes

2012 RXT-X 260 Dimensions and Capacities

Dimensions and Capacities2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
Rider Capacity3
Load limit (passengers + luggage)272 kg (600 lb)
Weight (dry)388 kg (855 lb)
Length354 cm (139 in)
Width122 cm (48 in)
Height118.1 cm (46.5 in)
Storage capacity52 L (13.7 U.S. gal.)
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaway

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260!

What is a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was a high-performance Sea-Doo built on the touring S3 hull.

What Year Did Sea-Doo Make the RXT-X 260?

Sea-Doo marketed the RXT-X 260 from 2010 through 2015.

How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 could carry three riders.

What Size was a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.5 inches in height.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Weigh?

The early Sea-Doo RXT-X 260s weighed 855 pounds dry, while the 2015 model weighed 885 pounds.

What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1494cc, supercharged, SOHC, triple-cylinder 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine.

Was the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Supercharged?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 utilized a supercharged engine.

Was the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 a 4-Stroke?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much HP Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Have?

The RXT-X 260 was known as a 260hp Sea-Doo, but its claimed engine power was 179 kW (243.4hp).

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Hold?

The fuel capacity of the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was 18.5 gallons.

How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Hold?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 required 3.2 US quarts of engine oil with filter (4.8 US quarts total).

How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Hold?

The load limit of the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was 600 pounds.

What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Have?

The storage capacity of the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was 13.7 gallons.

How Fast Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Go?

The top speed of the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was 67 mph out of the box.

Could the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-passenger seat, the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 could legally tow a skier or a wakeboarder.

Did the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Have a Reverse?     

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 featured an electric reverse system.

Did the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Have a Brake?         

The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 was designed with the iBR brake and reverse system.

How Much Does a Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Cost?

The asking price of a used Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 averages between $8,000 and $14,000 depending on its year and condition.