![Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Specs and Review [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2015-sea-doo-rxt-x-as-260-2-scaled.jpg)
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Specs and Review [Video]
The 2011-2016 RXT-X aS 260 was a high-performance Sea-Doo, featuring a manually adjustable suspension seat. One of its closest relatives was the RXT iS 260, which enjoyed the more advanced intelligent suspension (iS) seat configuration. Both of these models borrowed their body and the supercharged Rotax 4-TEC engine from the GTX Limited iS 260.
If you want to find out more about this performance suspension Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 review!
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Review
The Infamous Sea-Doo RXT Lineup
Sea-Doo revealed its RXT series in 2005 with the introduction of the RXT 215. Since then, this model went through many generations, which were as follows:
- 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
Let’s drill into the details and talk about this iconic Sea-Doo detail!
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Engine and Pump
As a rule of thumb, each RXT utilized the same 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine, and the RXT-X aS 260 was no exception.
This power source was a supercharged 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC, triple-cylinder power mill.
It was designed with many advanced features including the Sea-Doo-exclusive closed-loop cooling system, Rotax Multipoint Fuel Injection, inductive discharge ignition (IDI), and a high-performance supercharger.
But contrary to popular belief, this Rotax 4-TEC didn’t actually deliver 260hp. Despite the name of the model, its claimed engine power was only 243.4hp (179 kW) according to the official operator’s manual.
Its propulsion system was an axial-flow,single-stage jet pump, featuring a large aluminum hub with a 10-vane stator and a stainless-steel impeller.
This pump was also equipped with the electronically-controlled iBR brake and reverse system.
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Hull
Just like any other GTX and RXT models, the RXT-X aS 260 was also built on the stepped deep-V S3 hull, featuring a 22-degree deadrise.
This proven fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC) platform was revealed on the 2009 lineup and has been carried over from the early 2010s models without any significant changes.
The hull was completed with a two-piece “GTX-style” top deck, housing the innovative aS suspension system.
This race-inspired Sea-Doo body was 139 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 46.5 inches high.
In terms of specifications, the dry weight of the RXT aS 260 was 960 pounds, 105 pounds more than its non-suspension equivalent.
The ski could carry 600 pounds including three riders, 13.7 gallons of gear, and 18.5 gallons of fuel.
It featured three separate storage compartments, including a standard front storage, a unique rear platform storage, and a watertight glovebox housing the adjusting screw of the suspension system.
Let’s drill into the details and talk about this manual PWC suspension system in detail!
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Suspension
The main idea behind Sea-Doo’s suspension systems was to soften the ride for the operator and passengers in rough weather conditions.
Virtually every car, motorcycle, and off-road powersport vehicle comes standard with a suspension system, so why is this key feature missing from PWCs?
Sea-Doo grabbed the opportunity and developed three different PWC suspension systems, labeled iS, aS, and S.
Just like any suspension Sea-Doo, the RXT-X also featured a special top deck that included two different units.
The lower part was mounted to the hull just like on any other Sea-Doo, but the upper part including the footwells, the handlebars, and the seat were isolated.
These two separate parts were linked together with the unique aS suspension system. It featured aluminum arms, a coil spring, a FOX gas shock, and an oil reservoir. The latter was nestled in the glovebox but with good reason.
On top of this nitrogen-charged FOX oil reservoir, you could find the adjustment screw, which allowed you to manually adjust the softness of the suspension.
In contrast, on Sea-Doos with “intelligent” iS suspension you could harden or soften the suspension electronically by the press of a button. What’s more, the system had an auto-calibration function, which continuously adjusted the softness based on water conditions.
Even though setting the manually adjustable aS suspension system required more effort, it was much simpler and more durable than its electronic-controlled counterpart.
What’s more, according to this detailed review at PersonalWatercraft, the compression dampening of the aS was significantly more than the iS models.
On top of that, the preload of the spring could also be adjusted with the screw on the aS.
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Features
As the name suggests, the RXT-X aS 260 came standard with the race-inspired “X-Package.” In a nutshell, the main elements of this package were as follows:
- Adjustable high-performance sponsons
- Adjustable X-Steering handlebars
- Custom race-style seat (but not Ergolock!)
- Unique color scheme and X-style deck mats
The Freeride offered smooth and forgiving rides while the Race gave you the best grip in the corners. Between them, the Sport ensured balanced handling.
Another great feature of the X-Package was the highly-adjustable X-handlebars. This custom handlebar system allowed you to adjust the height, angle, and width of the handlebars based on your needs.
The RXT-X aS 260 had a custom sporty seat, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the innovative Ergolock seat since that was reserved for the RXP-X.
In return, the RXT-X aS 260 had its own exclusive features including forward sponsons and unique adjustable trim tabs.
Often referred to as bow stabilizers, these front sponsons were intended to prevent the hull from digging too deeply into the water.
Riding in rough conditions is always a challenge since the bow of the craft tends to submerge into the larger waves. This is where the forward sponsons came into play.
They not only reduced this submerging effect but also increased lateral stability and improved steering ability on the waves.
We also have to mention the adjustable trim tabs, which were exclusive features on this ski as well. These tabs were mounted on the stern, increasing the planing surface of the hull.
This translated to easier handling and quicker acceleration since the tabs forced the bow down during aggressive starts. As a positive side effect, they helped to reduce porpoising.
Besides the aS suspension, adjustable trim tabs, forward sponsons, and the X-package, the RXT-X aS 260 featured all the bells and whistles that high-end Sea-Doos had.
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Performance
Just like any other RXT Sea-Doo, the aS 260 offered an outstanding riding experience.
Its massive deep-V hull cut through the chop with ease while the supercharged engine ensured arm-stretching accelerations. The top speed of the machine was a limited 67mph without any aftermarket mods.
However, we have to say that this model was less sporty than the base RXT-X 260 due to the extra 105-pound weight of the suspension system.
Since this weight was mounted under the seat, the high center of gravity made aS 260 slightly top-heavy.
But aside from these, this ski offered great overall handling and a very smooth and comfortable riding experience.
Using the VTS variable trim system you could point the bow of the ski lower or higher with the press of a button.
Other user-friendly features were the Sea-Doo’s throttle-by-wire (iTC) and electric brake and reverse (iBR) systems.The former offered a crisp throttle response and different riding modes like ECO, Sport, and No-Wake, while the iBR improved safety and slow-speed maneuverability.
All of these made the handling of the RXT-X aS 260 easy and effortless.
Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Problems
Although the RXT-X aS 260 was an amazing machine, it had some weak points, which were as follows:
- Two-piece top deck: Its engine was very hard to access due to the upper part of the top deck. To be more precise, the movable part of the top deck had to be dismounted to do major engine repairs.
- Weak base bolts: The bolts of the suspension arms were prone to breaking, and replacing them was quite tricky.
- Extra weight: The RTX-X aS 260 was 105 pounds heavier than the standard RXT-X 260. Since the weight was mounted right under the seat, it made the ski more tippy.
- Deep footwells: Another problem of the suspension Sea-Doos was deeper footweels, which made it slightly more difficult to step onto the dock or a beach.
- Corrosion issues: Also known as “the coffin,” the engine of suspension Sea-Doos was planted in a plastic box. Since this enclosed shell didn’t allow the engine to completely dry, the moisture caused serious corrosion issues. As an example, corroded wire harnesses often caused electrical malfunctions on these models.
- iBR issues: The iBR-actuator malfunctions were also very common on these early-2010s Sea-Doo models.
- Rubber-coated driveshaft: The rubber layer on the driveshaft was prone to coming off and damaging the impeller.
- Supercharger issues: The supercharger of this ski had to be rebuilt frequently to avoid major engine damage.
2011-2016 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Specs
For your convenience, we’ve listed the specs of the 2011-2016 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 in these charts!2012 RXT-X aS 260 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 |
|---|---|
| Type | 1503 Rotax 4-TEC, 4-stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) |
| Performance | 179 kW |
| Induction | Supercharged with intercooler |
| Number of cylinder | 3 |
| Number of valve | 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 |
| Cooling system | Closed-Loop Cooling System (CLCS) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) |
2012 RXT-X aS 260 Electrical System
| Electrical System | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 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-X aS 260 Fluids
| Fuel System | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 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-X aS 260 Steering and Propulsion
| Steering and Propulsion | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 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-X aS 260 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 |
|---|---|
| Rider Capacity | 3 |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 272 kg (600 lb) |
| Weight (dry) | 436 kg (960 lb) |
| Length | 354 cm (139 in) |
| Width | 122 cm (48 in) |
| Height | 118.1 cm (46.5 in) |
| Storage capacity | 52 L (13.7 U.S. gal.) |
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 aS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was a high-end performance Sea-Doo featuring a manually-adjustable suspension system.
What Year Did Sea-Doo Make the RXT-X aS 260?
Sea-Doo marketed the RXT-X aS 260 from 2011 through 2012.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 could carry three riders.
What Size was a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 46.5 inches in height.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Weigh?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 weighed 960 pounds dry.
What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1494cc, supercharged, SOHC, triple-cylinder 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Supercharged?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 enjoyed a supercharged and intercooled engine.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 a 4-Stroke?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much HP Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Have?
The RXT-X aS 260 was often referred to as a 260hp Sea-Doo, but according to its manual, the claimed engine power was 243.4hp.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Hold?
The fuel capacity of the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was 18.5 US gallons.
How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Hold?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 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 aS 260 Hold?
The load limit of the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was 600 pounds.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Have?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 featured a removable front storage bin, a glove box with a transparent lid, and a unique rear-platform storage with an overall storage capacity of 13.7 gallons.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Go?
The top speed of the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was 67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-passenger seat and powerful engine, the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 could effortlessly tow a skier or a wakeboarder.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Have a Reverse?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 featured an electric reverse system.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Have a Brake?
The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 was designed with the iBR brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Cost?
The asking price of a used Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 averages between $8,000 and $14,000 depending on its year and condition.
