Understanding the Simplicity of the First Generation Kawasaki Ultra LX 160 Jet Ski
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- Опубликовано: 13 апр 2023
- JD talks about the Kawasaki Ultra LX 160hp Jet Ski runabout, showing viewers the engine compartment and discussing the beautiful simplicity of this tried and true machine.
#jdswaterworld 
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Still rocking the ultra 250x with 92hrs, freaking rocket!
Excellent video. I’m switching from sea doo to Kawasaki this year 2023.
Any specific reason why? There are many others on my comment sections who are doing the same! Welcome to Team Green!
You surly can’t beat the reliability of the Ultra 160 platforms. Had to be one of the most reliable watercraft on the market to date. Great content JD, thanks for sharing!
Billy D
Love the simplicity too. Same as the stx160. I don’t need all that reverse/brake/tight manoeuvrability/electronics. I’m in the water not a Walmart parking lot. Plus simpler means less to go wrong,less time getting fixed/cheaper/more time having fun. Tried and true engine/good power/simplicity. It’s a no brainer.
Exactly! You get it!
Heard they have a lot of issues with the jet pump swelling, and since it does not have a plastic wear ring the whole pump housing has to be replaced. Why wouldn't they use a plastic sleeve or wear ring?
The only time I have ever heard of the pump swelling is when they are neglected, stored in saltwater, continuously, or completely abused. If the ski is properly flushed, the pump is treated with anti-corrosive oil, when being stored, and the impeller and bearings are maintained per the factory maintenance schedule, these pumps in the Ultras offer very long life. The wear ring on the yamahas and SeaDoos reduce performance, especially as the ring cracks and breaks down. All of the performance kits actually replace those stock rings with stainless steel ones. If you neglect the Kawasaki or put hundreds of hours on it (like any ski) the pump will need to be replaced- this is inevitable with any machine.
@@joerjgrnana2100 isn’t it the same pump as the Stx15f? I haven’t heard of many issues for that model
The Ultra 160 is a larger pump than the STX 160.
I recently bought a 2023 STX-160LX and love it! Simpler is definitely better for me. I bought this ski to go forward without bells and whistles and it does exactly that and more! I’m so tired of people saying why didn’t you buy a Yamaha or SeaDoo.
I bought a SeaDoo once (my first ski when I was a teen) and will never make that mistake again lol. I also bought Yamahas for decades including 2 brand new ones in 2021..also huge mistake. Go Kawi or go home!
I love my 2019 Kawasaki Ultra LX. I love the color scheme and the price was right. I picked it up with 9 hrs for $8,500. It handles the lake erie chop great!
This ski made me fall in love with the brand!
Me too! The first time I rode the Ultra hull in the ocean was when I realized how far superior it is to everything else.
Much needed video. Good job
Haha thanks. The LX is a different experience than the 310. The engine actually sounds really mean
Hi, great video. Just picked up a 2018 Ultra LX 1500 with 46 hours on it, largely based on yours, and other reviewers similar recommendations for a rugged, simple, cruiser that does well in choppy conditions. I currently also have a 2014 Yamaha VXR that weighs about 250 lbs less than my Ultra, it's very quick, but has a similar simple mechanical setup which I really like, and natural aspirated motor. My issue with the VXR is that the light weight and flatter hull bottom makes for a rough ride in anything bigger than 6" ripples on the water, so you dont get to use all the speed it has unless its flat calm. Be interesting to see how my two boats compare, I bet in my typical conditions the Ultra is actually faster since the soother ride allows for higher speeds due to less pain inflicted on the rider.
I owned a 2021 VX which was identical to the VXR and I remember the terrible hollow sound it made when slapping down..the nano has sooo much flex it’s crazy especially on the rear deck. The Ultra is so much fun to plow through the chop. I was a Yamaha guy for many years, and my first ride on the Ultra in the ocean was on the Ultra LX- same one you just got- no trim, no fancy display, no braking system..and the first time I took it out the Jupiter inlet into 5’ chop I was in love and have never
Looked back. The Ultra hull cuts so well and confidently and has the mass and dead-rise design to handle aggressive chop without worry. The 1500 engine is also extremely proven and reliable, and the pump design is the same- proven and reliable. I literally made this channel because of the Ultra LX and I was dumbfounded that there was not anyone out there with a channel spreading the word on how incredible these skis ride. You will love it!
@@JDsWaterWorld Btw, do you know if anyone makes a seat with a longer driver's seat pad for the 2018 Ultra? Looking to stretch my legs a bit. Thanks!
Great review JD!
open the giant hood
Great video
Thanks man! Was hoping to ride with Mike today but sounds like his reverse is still F’d up
Just bought an 23 stx160x and im in love its a monster
I have a 1998 STX 1100 but would love the newest generation- they are awesome skis, congrats!
@@JDsWaterWorld yes i love the simplicity i figure the more tech the more that can go sideways.
The STX 160 is a great platform. Does so many things well. I have an 05 15f with over 600 hrs. Pump bearing went bad in 2016. Upgraded to the current double bearing setup. Kawi went to an in tank fuel filter design like everyone else a few years ago. Several of us got into bad gas at a lake marina last summer. The massive external filter of the old 15f is still good. 3 of the tiny new in tank filter skis clogged up. So beware of bad gas. The cruiser style front seat of the LX is a worthwhile upgrade. Enjoy!
Forgot. My STX 160x is over 200 hrs with the filter being the only issue. Upgraded to a Kawi Performance external fuel filter after the bad gas fiasco.
I just bought this same ‘21 teal LX as my first ski. Enjoying the power simplicity and durability of this model. M my only gripe is that there are so few mounting points on this ski for electronics.
Awesome! This ski is literally a tank- the only flaw really is that the front upper compartment tray gets water in it after rough riding…
@@JDsWaterWorld You are right! After a day of rough water, the bin inside is soaked wet. Did you find a solution for it? Also i feel like the front trunk lid vibrates a bit in rough water.. do you feel the same too?
@@srileo I used a D profile adhesive seal under the bin, and just doubled up the factory type seal on top of the bin. I don’t get any water in there any more.
Thanks JD, was short and good, It put my mind to rest ,that it is so reliable and simple. Could you just explain what the catch can does, I am such a novice on skis.
Haha oh man, well in a nutshell the oil breather/ catch can / oil reclaimer on the Kawasaki collects oil vapor from the upper crankcase and breather apparatus, and then returns it to the oil pan. It’s plumbed into the intake, which crates vacuum when the engine is running. It reduces blow-by by reducing crankcase pressure and reduces the amount of power-robbing oil vapor that would otherwise be looped right back into the intake. Watercraft journal has some good videos on the topic as well
@@JDsWaterWorld thanks man, well explained. Engines are complicated,with limited understanding of all the workings and what they all do.much appreciated. You aeen a really nice person JD .your channel will grow big.
Haha thanks man, glad I could contribute to your learning process!
Hello sir, sorry if my english is litle poor 🤣😭 I am from Spain and I bought a 160lx from 2017 last year which I enjoyed a lot, but it already has 280 hours and I have mechanical know, and before starting this summer I am going to change spark plugs, fuel filter, oil and oil filter, and I would like to do a compression test and valve clearance check, and I would like to know if in this engine the valve clearance is 0.10 intake and 0.15 exhaust? And the last question would be how much would a healthy pressure range be in compression? I would be very grateful if an expert mind like you are in this matter could help me clarify these doubts, thank you very much in advance and I congratulate you for your channel, great informative work!! Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸
Thanks for the comment! Also make sure to inspect the jet pump and bearings- make sure the impeller clearance between the housing and blade edge is within spec! The valve clearance: Exhaust 0.22 - 0.31mm and Intake 0.15 to 0.24mm. The compression should be between 170 and 260 psi. These specs are from the service manual- If you need a copy of the service manual, email me and I’ll send you a link! The Ultra LX is a bulletproof machine..they don’t have many failures!
@@JDsWaterWorld Wow, I'm surprised with the speed of response 😵😵 I have sent a contact questionnaire through your website, thank you in advance 🙏🏻
Really good video mate. What is the fuel usage difference between the 310 and the Ultra LX on a long ride?
We have found them to be pretty comparable actually. If you use the SLO key and then ride at around 30 mph the eco light will come on and that is your sweet spot on both machines..on plane with the hull out of the water at just enough rpm
@@JDsWaterWorld thank you for the reply. I have a 310 and my fiancé has an FX, and I find on the usual 60 mile ride, the 310 uses about 2.3 gal more. Not a big difference over those miles. Cheers.
Not surprising at all. I’m assuming the FX is an SVHO?
@@JDsWaterWorld no it’s a 2015 FXHO. And we cruise at about 35mph.
Oh wow. That’s crazy the fuel consumption was only a few gallons more on your 310…
What about the issues they have with swelling of the jet pump? I was real close to pulling the trigger on a 2022, but this issue is making me pause.
Maybe after 300/400 hours this could happen assuming you don’t maintain your ski correctly. This is not a common problem, as many owners who frequent my channel will tell you. The Kawasaki Ultra 160/310 has the best designed 155 and 160mm (310) pump in the industry, as evidenced by the fact that they have undergone only minor changes since inception.
hi JD im looking for my first jetski and I am looking at one thats looks like new but owner says that limits at 3000rpm does not come up of that think is a 2009 and asking $2.800 says is a easy fix but needs to verf computer to see the issue what do you think, or should I look for a earlier model
Hahaha ah.. well of course it’s hard for me to judge without seeing the ski, but sounds like it is in limp mode likely because there is something wrong with it. It could be a simple fix or it could be very complicated. Honestly, I would not waste my time with something like that, UNLESS you were fully equipped to do all of your own work and rebuild the ski as necessary, these skis all electronics require a lot of diligent diagnosis in order to properly repair. Is there a code displayed? Does he have maintenance records? How many hours? Salt water or fresh?
@@JDsWaterWorld got you still want a kawa any recomendations on best year, you know el tanque de guerra (war machine )😆 😆
Haha hey I’ve owned them all and at this point wouldn’t buy anything but a Kawi. For reliability and ease of maintenance, the 2021 or 2022 Ultra LX is your best bet. It was the same for the entire production run basically, but 2022 was the last year of that model. If you want sheer power and speed, go Ultra 310- BUT get ready to have your ass handed to you in maintenance
@@JDsWaterWorld thanks man I can see the some light at the end of the tunnel now and definitely see your vids for great content 👍🤜🤛💪💪✌
Does the stx 160 also use a catch can?
Yes!
I usually put 87 no ethanol in my 2012 ultra lx. Would it get better performance with 91?
Not at all, without a specific tune to take advantage of that extra octane probably would be wasting money
Is 280 hours on a 2007 ultra lx 160 a lot?
Well what maintenance has been done? Likely it would need the jet pump and driveline bearings replaced, possibly a new impeller, new driveline damper puck, and definitely new spark plugs and fuel filter bag. Also at that many hours the valve lash should be checked. If this maintenance was all done then great, but make sure it’s documented. Also on I would want a compression test on that engine before signing the papers.
Hi what is top speed of this machine ?
I discussed this in the video, but most riders can expect in the 55mph range. And that is with full fuel and gear..
I know loaded question. I am on fence about 310 vs 160. I want best for off shore. I want to go from Miami to Bahamas. I want best.
How mechanically inclined are you? Would you be doing your own maintenance, or would you be taking it into a mechanic or dealer? The 310, like any superbike or high performance car will require lots of maintenance..the 160 is exceedingly simple and easy to maintain. Do you want crazy acceleration and top speed- Or decent acceleration to a top speed of about 55 mph? These are all considerations...both skis have the same hull and features for the most part. The Ultra deck can hold the Kawasaki rack with accommodates three 5-gallon fuel jugs side-by-side for long trips.
@@JDsWaterWorld I am mechanically incline for most part on cars and most boats. First time jet ski buyer. Looking for the best for reliability and off shore capabilites. Want to go on long trips. I don't mind maintenance. As long as it reliable. If I can do it myself I will as ling a sit doesn't void warnity. Thank u so much for getting back to me so fast.
@@JDsWaterWorld that is great about the deck. I think the hull is amazing. But I am afraid the 160 might be under powered but would love that simplicity
Yeah I’d you want to go faster than 55 the Ultra 160 will be too slow…
Just got the 23 Ultra 160lxs for long distance cruising also. We are looking at a Bimini trip also. Maybe we can convince JD to get a group together!