The Pinnacle of JET SKI Performance 

For true power addicts, nothing satisfies like a 260 horsepower JET SKI®: A 1,498cc fuel-injected four-cylinder Kawasaki powerplant provides plenty of thrust for most people, but the engine in this special PWC is further fortified with the addition of a Roots-type, crank-driven supercharger that compresses even more air into those four cylinders – to the tune of an incredible 260 horsepower(1). With that kind of power to manage, we gave the Ultra® 260X the benefit of our 35-plus years of PWC experience, including a race-refined high-performance hull and all the other performance equipment you expect on a top-of-line Kawasaki JET SKI. It’s simple, really: This is the top of the PWC food chain.

Thanks to its Roots-type supercharger, the Ultra 260X is able to produce power comparable to a normally aspirated high-performance engine twice its size. Unlike centrifugal superchargers or turbochargers, the high-volume, direct-drive, Roots-type supercharger force-feeds the engine two liters of air with every revolution, providing a stable supply of high-pressure air at all rpm from idle through redline. This produces a smooth, linear torque curve that’s perfect for accelerating this Jet Ski watercraft hard, all the way from a standstill through its breath-taking top-end.

With the 260X’s supercharger compressing the air to a maximum boost pressure of 11.4 psi, the intake charge can reach extremely high temperatures – potentially limiting the engine’s power output. The Ultra 260X nips that right in the bud, with a large-capacity intercooler that brings the pressurized air back down to ambient temperature or less – ideal for maximum power production.

Utilizing lessons learned from Kawasaki’s race machines, the Ultra 260X’s huge 155mm jet pump was designed to deliver predictable thrust and good “traction” even in rough water. Its sophisticated three-blade impeller delivers high performance smoothly and quietly. The revised impeller design features blades with less twist, to better convert the increased output from the supercharged 1,498cc engine into blistering acceleration performance.

A significant factor in this extra “traction” are the pump’s eight guide vanes that smooth the flow of water from the impeller for efficient and powerful propulsion. The pump also incorporates a groove from the center to the rear of the ride plate, which makes it easier to hold a stable heading for straight-line riding.

In addition to more power and acceleration than any other production watercraft on the planet, the Ultra 260X also boasts a race-developed hull. Its precise handling and superb stability are equally impressive, thanks to a hull specifically designed to capitalize on the engine’s awesome performance. The fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) hull is loaded with DNA from Kawasaki’s IJSBA championship-winning machines. This includes carefully designed sponsons and chines for enhanced straight-line stability and more precise cornering, combined with a 22.5° deep-V hull that leans into corners like a motorcycle. This provides a smoother ride in rough water, reduces the lateral G-loads generated during turns and helps keep the rider in control.

The seaworthy hull design is just as comfortable in rough conditions as in calm. Even at high speeds, rough water can do little to deter the Ultra 260X. This combination of unearthly power mated with the latest hull technology permits Kawasaki’s flagship to literally cleave through waves that would send lesser machines running for a safe harbor.

The Ultra 260X features a five-step adjustable handlebar position that allows either stand-up or sit-down riding for a wide range of riders to enjoy the superior comfort and versatility. The new Ultra 260X also includes thoughtful standard features like an enormous 60-gallon storage space, including a detachable front storage compartment and a 20.6-gallon fuel tank for substantial cruising range.

From horsepower to handling and everything in between, once the spray settles after the first ride, one thing will be certain. The powerful Jet Ski Ultra 260X delivers a level of performance and excitement unmatched by any other watercraft.

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(1) Horsepower measured in PS at the crankshaft under controlled conditions. Actual performance may vary.