2012 Kawasaki Jet Ski® STX® 15F

2012 Kawasaki Jet Ski® STX®-15F

Warm weather plus water plus fun equals Jet Ski®. At least, that's how personal watercraft enthusiasts usually see it. And with the STX®-15F, these folks have the vehicle to finish that equation with a perfect day of fun on the water. It’s complete with 160 horsepower — making it the most powerful watercraft in its class. The STX’s composite hull offers stable yet sporty handling, and the abundance of rider-friendly features, not to mention serious value, will keep riders grinning all day long.

The STX’s Ninja-derived 1,498cc engine delivers plenty of low- and mid-range torque. But its engine’s power does not come at the cost of high emissions: the STX-15F has earned a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions rating from the California Air Resources Board and meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s strictest standards.

Dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and electronic engine control (ECU) – to harmonize the fuel and ignition systems – provide maximum performance and reliability. A four-injector fuel injection system combined with a large 60mm throttle body delivers a quick response. The STX-15F’s four-stroke engine is rubber mounted, and features a performance-tuned exhaust and large-capacity airbox.

Propulsion duties are handled by a direct drive axial-flow jet pump driving an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade 148mm impeller for powerful acceleration. Tuned to produce its peak power at a relatively low rpm, the STX-15F engine matches the impeller’s peak efficiency to provide rider-friendly propelling performance. This direct drive arrangement eliminates any need for a complex gear reduction unit and offers improved durability and increased fuel economy with less vibration and noise.

The STX-15F features Kawasaki’s innovative electronic Smart Learning Operation (SLO). Accessible directly on the instrument panel, SLO can be programmed to limit maximum engine speed so novices can experience riding at a reduced speed as they master proper techniques.

Aggressive turning and high-speed stability are key performance attributes of the STX-15F. Its specifically designed injection-molded sponsons have a special “lip” for increased cornering grip and high-speed stability. The STX-15F also gets electronic turning help via Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®). KSS features an on-board microprocessor that is electronically linked to a steering sensor. When the handlebar is fully turned in either direction and the engine rpm drops from a designated rpm – as when the throttle is released at speed – the microprocessor activates the system, which raises engine rpm to provide thrust for maneuvering.

Additionally, a molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) is incorporated into the hull design to help minimize spray on the rider. This muscular and aggressive looking STX-15F may be lighter and more compact than the competition, but its spacious riding position makes aggressive performance riding easier while suiting a wider range of riders.

The spacious rear deck of the STX-15F makes it easy to get into water skis or on a wakeboard. An automatically retracting boarding step located on the rear of the hull simplifies boarding in deep water. There is no shortage of space to stow items on the STX-15F. The rear deck can accommodate items needed for a day on the water, like a cooler, along with a water-resistant storage compartment, an easily accessible glove box and additional room for gear located under the seat.

Like the rest of the high-quality styling of the STX-15F, the hatch cover is sleek ABS plastic and uses a hydraulic damper to hold it open, allowing easy access until the rider closes it. Also made of ABS plastic, the mirrors echo the sleek lines and are mounted directly to the deck.