2027 Kawasaki Jet Skis Deliver Supercharged Performance
Kawasaki revives its market presence by installing high-horsepower engines into agile watercraft hulls.
1Strategic Engine Integration
Kawasaki is revitalizing its personal watercraft lineup for 2027 by transplanting its 310-horsepower supercharged 1.5-liter engine into the agile STX hull. This engineering approach mirrors the classic muscle car strategy of placing large-block engines into lighter, smaller chassis. The resulting STX 310 model achieves speeds reaching 65 mph on water.
2Evolution of Propulsion
The new drivetrain utilizes a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system with dual water mufflers to reduce backpressure and boost efficiency. Power is delivered through a 160-mm jet pump featuring a three-blade impeller, specifically optimized for peak acceleration. This setup leverages Eaton’s Twin Vortices System supercharger design, which first appeared in the 2009 Corvette.
3Advanced Rider Controls
The STX 310RX model includes four electronically controlled power modes: Smart Learning, Lower Power, Middle Power, and Full Power. These settings allow riders to adjust throttle response and peak output, ranging from 60 percent to full capacity. Additionally, a Launch Control system automatically manages jet pump trim during high-speed acceleration runs.
4Practical On-Water Features
Kawasaki has integrated a 7-inch digital display providing real-time telemetry, including boost levels and trim settings. A rear-view camera assists in monitoring towed riders, while a one-touch 5-mph cruise control simplifies navigation in no-wake zones. The craft also features a thrust reverser, enabling steering capability even when the unit is in neutral.
5Market Positioning and Pricing
The top-tier STX 310RX is priced at $20,199, while the STX 310R variant retails for $18,799. These models represent a shift toward high-performance marketing intended to regain the company's former industry leadership. By focusing on raw power and agility, Kawasaki aims to differentiate its 2027 offerings from previous, more conservative watercraft designs.
6Reviving Stand-Up Models
Beyond sit-down models, Kawasaki is reintroducing stand-up watercraft with the SX-R 160 and SX-X 160, both priced at $11,999. These units feature 160-horsepower naturally aspirated engines. The SX-X offers a fixed motocross-style handlebar, while the SX-R retains traditional moveable bars, providing riders with distinct handling experiences reminiscent of the brand's early history.
7Historical Context of Design
Kawasaki pioneered the personal watercraft industry in 1973 with the 27-horsepower JS400. Early models were notoriously difficult to master, leading to a market shift toward more stable sit-down designs. The 2027 lineup attempts to bridge this gap by offering both high-stability sit-down machines and agile, old-school stand-up models for enthusiasts.
8Operational Safety Considerations
The stand-up models require a wrist lanyard connected to an ignition interlock to ensure the engine stops if the rider falls. Reconnecting this switch while floating can be physically demanding, particularly with the high-mounted fixed bars on the SX-X. These machines prioritize agility and performance, requiring significant rider skill to operate effectively.
Original article: Popular Science — 2027 Kawasaki Jet Skis Deliver Supercharged Performance