Kawasaki STX160, an all-new entry-level jet ski, launched

The Kawasaki STX160 replaces the STX-15F, a model that has been on sale locally and largely unchanged since 2004.

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Kawasaki has effectively been without an entry-level model after running out of Kawasaki STX-15F stock in Australia earlier this year. Only a handful remain in some dealerships across the country.

While there are three models in the new Kawasaki STX160 range in the US – where Kawasaki jet skis are made – Australia will get only the top two variants.

It means the starting point for the Kawasaki jet ski range will increase from the outgoing STX-15F price of $12,999 – not including trailer and registration – to $14,999 for the STX160X and $16,799 for the STX160LX, which has Bluetooth audio for the first time, tiered seating, and two-tone mats.

The top deck of the STX160 is completely new and offers a taller riding position with more knee room and wider, tapered handlebars for a more natural seating position.

The redesign has given the Kawasaki a massive increase in cargo space from 89 litres to a total of 134 litres – including 114 litres in the nose, 16.7 litres under the back seat, a 2.3-litre wet storage area near the rear deck, and a slim, waterproof 1.4-litre storage pocket near the centre console that can stow a phone and is available with a USB charger.

There is a new, larger digital dash display with a fuel gauge meter, real-time fuel use, and outside water temperature.

Adjustable cruise control and a “no wake” mode (which caps speed at 8kmh, and is a common feature on top-tier Yamaha and Sea-Doo models) are now part of the package for the first time on Kawasaki’s entry-level model.

The STX160 also has a new, shorter and lighter throttle lever (on the ride-hand side, as per most personal watercraft).

However, the redesigned reverse lever has moved from the top right of the centre console to the top left – but it still pulls up like a handbrake. Most Yamaha and Sea-Doo models have reverse levers near the left-hand grip and operate in the same way as the throttle lever.

Overlay images supplied by Kawasaki show the “deep V” hull has the same silhouette and “race-based design” as before, made from lightweight fibre-reinforced plastic with an “integrated floating cell structure”. The ride plate and sponsons also carry over from the previous model.

There’s great news on the fuel front. The filler cap has moved from the nose of the craft where it’s exposed to water, and is now neatly tucked away and mounted up high and underneath the front cover.

Fuel tank capacity has increased from 62 litres to 78 litres, giving the STX160 the same size tank as the flagship high-performance Kawasaki 310 Ultra – and the biggest tank among its rivals.

Because the Kawasaki STX160 has a non-supercharged engine and is a lighter craft, it will have one of the longest driving ranges between refills in the industry.

To really get the most out of the fuel tank, an “eco” symbol is displayed in the dash when you’re riding with an optimal throttle position and speed.

The engine is carried over from before. It’s a non-supercharged 1498cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine (10.6:1 compression ratio, 83mm x 69.2mm bore and stroke) that is also used as the basis for the supercharged Ultra 310 models.

It has the same outputs as before (160hp and 152Nm at 7500rpm), however, it remains one of the most powerful engines in this price range.

For those who want to ease their way into it, as with the previous model the Kawasaki STX160 is available with a SLO key (slow learning operation mode) that limits the engine to 5800rpm, trimming about 30 per cent off its peak performance.

Kawasaki has not yet supplied a dry weight, but the “wet weight” ready to ride has increased from 383kg for the previous STX-15F to 398kg for the new STX160.

Both the Kawasaki STX160X and STX160LX use green and black colour schemes but have unique graphics and different seats and trims.

A spokesperson for Kawasaki said the new STX160s are due to arrive in Australian showrooms in time for the start of summer along with the rest of the 2020 Kawasaki range, which has no technical changes but brings fresh colour schemes to existing models.