2019 Kawasaki Jet Ski range launches in Australia

The updated range has arrived in Australia after several online leaks and an official global reveal earlier this year.

“Since the first Kawasaki Jet Ski slid off the production line 40 years ago, each range focuses on stimulating maximum adrenaline in Australian water thrillseekers,” Kawasaki said in a statement announcing the "new"-for-2019 models.

“Recognised for its reputation and innovation Kawasaki propels into summer with a new, stylised 2019 Jet Ski line-up. This line-up features a new colour range and includes Jetsound Audio – a PWC audio system on the Ultra 310LX.”

That means the Ultra 310LX – Kawasaki’s range-topping, three-seat supercharged model – will come with an in-built amplifier, audio controls built into the handlebars, and speakers mounted below the wing mirrors. The system is compatible with “most” smartphones and audio players, Kawasaki said, “allowing for an enjoyable onboard experience”.

The new colour scheme – lime green over ebony black – is a nod back to Kawasaki’s PWC racing heritage. It’s a key point of difference, with Yamaha dropping its longstanding SuperJet two-stroke stand-up model from its new-for-2019 line-up in answer to tightening emissions standards to leave Kawasaki’s four-stroke SX-R as the only stand-up PWC left in Australian PWC showrooms.

The Ultra 310LX comes equipped with SLO (Smart Learning Operation) that will peg back the top speed by about 30 per cent. “This feature makes it the perfect choice for learning riders,” Kawasaki said.

The green-on-black colour scheme will also be offered on Kawasaki’s race-bred version of the Jet Ski, the Ultra 310R. As well as a digital instrument display, the 310R utilises a “Fuel Economy Assistance Mode” that throttles back the fuel map to dull performance – something that will also make things safer for novice riders who need to focus on safety and maneuverability rather than the Eaton supercharger-equipped model’s straight-line speed, Kawasaki said.