PWC – Kawasaki: No Surprises for 2005
Despite persistent rumors of an all-new craft for 2005, Kawasaki appears to be holding the status quo for the coming year, sticking to a familiar lineup. As reported in the last issue of Powersports Business, the most excitement continues to surround the Jet Ski STX-15F, Kawasaki’s flagship four-stroke and a model that has been gaining in momentum since its introduction last year.
The biggest buzz surrounding the 15F continues to be the craft’s ultra-clean, ultra-large four-stroke powerplant. Packing in an impressive 1498 cc and a longer piston stroke to enhance low-end power delivery, the engine also boasts (along with its sibling STX-12F) the industry’s only current Three Star CARB emissions rating. Like last year, the 15F will ride on the race-proven STX hull design and feature an extremely competitive price point at $9,499.
Joining the 15F on a similar hull platform will be the STX-12F, as well as Kawasaki’s race-ready 1200 STX-R and entry-level 900 STX. All three models have a track record to boast of, with the 12F being the first four-stroke to capture a Three Star CARB rating, the STX-R continuing to bring racer-like performance to the masses, and the 900 offering the newcomer a solid and reliable ride. The 1200’s same powerful engine also will continue to grace the Ultra 150, Kawasaki’s relatively small and aggressive two-seater. While neither the 1200 or Ultra can be sold in California due to emissions laws, the rest of the country will continue to be offered one of the remaining holdouts in high-end, two-stroke horsepower.
Again, that leaves the 800 SX-R, now along with the Yamaha SuperJet, the remaining stand-ups on the market. Kawasaki impressed a lot of people with this stand-ups’s makeover — and price point — in 2004. Expect to see the craft continue to gain momentum for Kawasaki in enthusiast circles.
