Kawasaki unveils 2015 Jet Ski Ultra 310X

Kawasaki has unveiled its 2015 Jet Ski lineup. Here’s a look at the Ultra 301X model.

2015 KAWASAKI JET SKI ULTRA 310X

Kawasaki surprised the entire industry when it debuted the Jet Ski Ultra 300X in 2011. This flagship Jet Ski remains the most powerful and comfortable Personal Watercraft (PWC) on the water, and Kawasaki is keeping that tradition alive with the 2015 Jet Ski Ultra 310X. Just as in the past, the Ultra 310X sets the industry standard for powerful, smooth-riding, all-day comfort from a personal watercraft.

Thanks to its supercharged inline four-cylinder engine, the monumental horsepower of the X-model is always apparent. The Ultra 310X astonishes with 310hp, which will propel the sporty-handling hull through rough water with ease and comfortably haul three adults in addition to an impressive payload. Power, handling and versatility: Ultra 310X brings it in ways the competition simply can’t.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 KAWASAKI JET SKI ULTRA 310X:

• 310HP supercharged DOHC inline four-cylinder engine1
• Eaton TVS supercharger and intercooler provide instant and consistent boost
• Three-blade impeller for strong initial acceleration
• Deep-V hull provides superb straight-line tracking and precise cornering
• Digital Instrumentation allows riders to easily monitor the machine’s vitals
• 56-gallon storage capacity lets you bring your gear with you
• 20.6-gallon fuel tank provides tremendous range
• Separate keys allow full power or Smart Learning Operation (SLO)
• Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS®) system gives turning assistance
• Cruise Control

POWERTRAIN

With 310hp1 on tap, the 1,498cc engine fed by the Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) system is the reigning king of thrust and the basis for an open-water, race-winning powerplant. Its crown is the high-tech Eaton TVS-series supercharger, which adds exhilarating yet linear power – exactly what hardcore performance enthusiasts would expect from a Kawasaki Jet Ski watercraft.

If strong acceleration is your idea of a good time, Ultra 310X and its fuel-injected, DOHC, inline four-cylinder engine offer plenty of entertainment with thrilling performance like no other PWC on the water. The roots-type Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger uses a pair of four-lobe rotors to boost engine output. The key lies in its fixed-displacement design, which produces large quantities of boost at all engine speeds, from idle to redline. It gives the 310X a flat torque curve and linear power across the rev range. Yes, the 310X is quick, but it’s also smooth!

The Ultra 310X PWC offers seamless power delivery thanks to its ability to force compressed air through the engine at a steady rate, instead of in waves, like some other superchargers. And its liquid-cooled intercooler helps cool the compressed air as it enters the combustion chambers. Cooler air equals more power. It’s as simple as that.

Several other key components combine to move the Ultra 310X engine to the next level. Its output is achieved through friction-reducing mechanicals as well as several components that add to its incredible power and durability. For example, the 310X features a specially shaped intake manifold that is long and slim to increase low- and mid-range power.

The impressive power is enhanced by a high-flow fuel pump, and Kawasaki also incorporated a clever Fuel Economy Assistance mode in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), to significantly increase the range of the Jet Ski watercraft for long-distance riding.

Ultimate performance is nothing without rock-solid reliability, and the 310X engine was built from bottom to top for long-lasting durability. Kawasaki engineers were relentless in this pursuit to take the admirable attributes to higher levels, and going through the 310X engine with the proverbial fine-toothed comb yielded the highest-performing engine in the industry.

For starters, the 310X pistons have a V-groove in the second ring land (between the top and second grooves) for more consistent oil retention at high loads. To increase piston cooling, an oil jet system cools the undersides of the pistons and incorporate two jets per piston. Baffles in the oil pan help prevent oil from accumulating during tight turns in either sudden acceleration or deceleration, and the crankcase has larger return holes to facilitate oil return.

The engine water jacket is made from a thick material for superior cooling performance. It features a check-valve that opens when the engine is running, but closes when it is stopped to keep the engine cool without over-cooling.

The 310X has a knock sensor that helps to protect the engine by retarding ignition to suppress abnormal combustion. The system activates a buzzer and the condition is indicated on the instrument panel to warn the rider.

A perfect example of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering lies in the Ultra 310X super-efficient oil cooler, which helps minimize engine temperatures by circulating oil between two cooling jackets. The result is class-leading 310hp that’s also utterly reliable.

ELECTRONICS

An impressive collection of electronics is standard issue on the Ultra 310X. Naturally, Kawasaki’s high-tech ECU is the command center of the entire system. It coordinates the DFI® injectors and throttle body to route the optimum amount of fuel into the combustion chambers, with help from the Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV) system.

The ETV converts the rider’s throttle inputs into electronic signals that are passed on to the throttle body. This helps ensure the engine receives the ideal fuel and air mixture exactly when the rider needs it.

The Ultra 310X has advanced rider aids for a range of riding modes. A few examples include the Fuel Economy Assist mode for maximum economy, which switches the ECU to a fuel map that focuses on optimal gas mileage. There is also a one-touch 5mph mode for no-wake zones and a convenient Electronic Cruise Control system to set a steady cruising speed when touring. The Smart Learning Operation, or SLO-Mode, reduces engine output so newer riders can become familiar with the handling and response of the Jet Ski watercraft at a more relaxed pace. The customer is provided with two keys, one for SLO mode and the other for full-power operation, to help prevent confusion over which setting is in use.

Furthermore, the electronics package includes a smart Economical Riding Indicator on the digital display. This informs the rider when the engine is operating in the most fuel-efficient manner, such as when planing at speeds where hull resistance is substantially reduced.

HULL AND DRIVETRAIN

Electric Trim Control (ETC) is another example of the advanced technology Kawasaki engineers packed into the Ultra 310X. ETC allows the rider to control the nozzle angle of the 160mm jet pump to adjust the hull attitude to suit both water surface conditions and riding style. The system has a plus-or-minus range of 8-degrees and allows the Ultra 310X hull to take full advantage of its razor-sharp handling characteristics.

An advanced impeller design, with precisely engineered blade angles, gives rapid acceleration. Whether accelerating, cruising or at high speed, horizontal guide “vanes” on the propulsion grate improve hull tracking and reduce cavitation during acceleration for better hook-up. It’s one more detail that contributes to the most advanced production watercraft propulsion system in the industry.

The race-derived Ultra 310X fiberglass-reinforced hull, which is finished in Ebony and Metallic Phantom Silver, is meticulously designed to be both incredibly strong and surprisingly light. Special reinforcement inside the hull helps it retain strength so its overall thickness can be optimized for less weight, which aids maneuverability. The hull also features two dedicated flushing ports for easy maintenance of the engine and intercooler.

LCD DISPLAY

When designing the Ultra 310X, Kawasaki knew it was equally important to ensure the cockpit and rider accommodation was useful and comfortable. This included a clear instrument panel with an LCD information screen that looks good and is easy to monitor.

Aided by a visor for reliable viewing in sunny conditions, the highly legible LCD display boasts a face design with a fuel consumption function that can display gallons per hour or gallons per minute, a boost meter scale and riding-mode display, along with a range of other functions, including clock, trip and hour meter; digital or bar-graph tachometer, water and air temperature gauges, speedometer and max-speed functions. This interface makes it easier for the rider to track the vital signs of the Ultra 310X.

CAPACITY

With 20.6 gallons of fuel capacity – the most in its class – the Ultra 310X allows plenty of range for long-distance rides. Up front, a handy storage bin located under the cowl has a generous 54-gallon capacity, and the center console has detachable, dual drink holders to keep refreshments within easy reach.

The total combined storage capacity for the Ultra 310X is an industry-leading 56 gallons, so you really can take everything with you!

The Kawasaki Jet Ski name is legendary in the personal watercraft world for good reason, and the Jet Ski Ultra 310X PWC lives up to its name by pushing the envelope of performance and versatility.

ACCESSORIES

Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, such as a Protective Cover, Bumpers, Anchor, etc, are available at authorized Kawasaki dealers.