2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R, STX 160 changes revealed
Subtlety is the name of the game for Kawasaki’s mildly made-over entry-level Jet Ski rangeJapanese personal watercraft maker Kawasaki has rolled out a number of 2022 model year tweaks for its normally aspirated Jet Ski range, with changes to top-end supercharged models yet to be revealed.
The changes apply to the Jet Ski SX-R – Kawasaki’s only stand-up personal watercraft – the Jet Ski Ultra LX and the Jet Ski STX 160 Series models, the cheapest models in Kawasaki’s global line-up.
We’re also using the word “tweaks” with a fair bit of liberty, as aside from subtle changes to the way the skis look, there’s little else to get excited about.
In terms of performance, all three models carry over the same 16-valve 1498cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine for the new model year.
However, what may disappoint many riders waiting for the new running changes is the lack of a reversing trigger on any of the entry-level models that would make reversing the ski a lot simpler than the current manual lever system.
It also means the cheaper Kawasaki jet skis will still not have an engine-activated braking system to slow the ski down or hold them in neutral.
So, how subtle are the changes?
The Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R gains less ebony black high up on the ski to show more of its lime green colour scheme, with the model designation now shown high on its fairing and the “Kawasaki” branding moving to the lower aft section.
Minor tweaks are also in store for the three-model Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 series, although only the mid-spec STX 160X three-seater and more premium STX 160LX – it has better seats and Bluetooth audio – are sold here.
An image of the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160X shows tweaked graphics on an ebony and lime green colour scheme, with the sticker pack featuring the “Kawasaki” branding high on the ski's nacelle.
The Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160LX, which features a higher nacelle running back further than that used for the 160X, will be available in an ebony/turquoise colour scheme.
In terms of pricing, US customers will have to dig a little deeper to find the 2.5 per cent more money than they would have needed if they’d bought the same Jet Ski that was introduced in September last year as part of Kawasaki’s 2021 model year roll-outs.
This hints that price rises are on the way for Australian-delivered models.
No announcement was made of when the model year changes would roll out for Kawasaki’s Ultra series of high-performance Jet Ski models.
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