Kawasaki's Ultra 260 LX: The Touring Cruiser of PWCs

​The PWC horsepower wars are back and Kawasaki has returned with its most powerful contender, the Ultra 260 LX. After being outdone by Sea-Doo in 2008, Kawasaki has boosted the power of its flagship model with some subtle tweaks. The compression ratio has been raised, the camshafts redesigned, the ignition timing altered and the impeller fine-tuned, all while stiffening the hull. The result? The supercharged 1498cc engine now produces a realistic 260 horsepower, making the Ultra 260 LX the PWC horsepower king once again.

But it's not just about speed. The Ultra 260 LX has a touring seat with a bolstered saddle, providing comfort and additional back support for long-distance rides. The seat is tiered, offering a raised perch for passengers to look over the driver's shoulder. The LX has a mature and sophisticated color scheme, featuring a rich silver metallic finish, as opposed to the standard Ultra's bold hues.

What hasn't changed is just as important. The Ultra 260 LX retains its supremely confident ride on the straightaway while sacrificing some cornering ability, which makes it ideal for big lakes and coastal areas. The hull design provides an extremely dry ride thanks to the well-designed spray rail around the bow. With chart-topping capacities, the Ultra 260 LX is also excellent for touring, featuring 53 gallons of stowage and a 20.6-gallon fuel tank that blow away the class averages.

Bonus Tip: To best avoid dings at the dock, center your craft beside a cleat and run a line from the bow or handlebars to the cleat and then back to the aft grab handle.

Notable Features: • SLO Mode: A second magnetic key activates a speed-limiting mode for less-experienced riders. • Stand or Sit: Five-position adjustable handlebars allow riders to find their most comfortable setting. • Lean-In Style: The deep-V hull banks into turns, allowing riders to employ a natural lean-in, motorcycle-like riding style. • Performance: Expect a true top speed of over 65 mph and a 0-30 acceleration in less than two seconds.
Technical Specs: • Length: 132.7" • Beam: 47" • Dry Weight: 1062.8 lb. • Engine: 1498CC, Supercharged/Intercooled 4-cylinder, 4-stroke • Fuel Capacity: 20.6 gal. • Storage Capacity: 53 gal. • MSRP: $12,299

The Kawasaki Ultra 260 LX is the ideal touring cruiser for riders looking for a powerful and comfortable ride on the water. With its powerful engine, chart-topping capacities, and lean-in style, it is sure to impress.

Bobby Boop
​Impellers.com