The Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski has been revived after a 12-month hiatus with a new top deck shared with its supercharged sibling, a technology overload – including a reverse trigger and adjustable trim – and expanded to two models instead of one.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski range will spearhead a bold mission to reclaim ground lost to the Sea-Doo GTX 170 and Yamaha FX HO WaveRunner, both of which dominate the hugely popular full-size three-seater personal watercraft segment.
The two new variants are called the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S (the base model) and the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX (the top model), both of which boast more technology and features than ever before on Kawasaki’s non-supercharged series.
Both variants of the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski are mechanically identical, powered by the carryover 160-horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine from the previous model – and which is shared with the Kawasaki STX 160 entry-point Jet Ski.
A representative for Kawasaki Australia told Watercraft Zone prices for the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski LX and LX-S will be announced closer to local showroom arrivals.
Watercraft Zone has been told production for Australia is due to start in the second half of this year, with the first deliveries expected in the lead-up to summer, pending any delays.
The previous generation Kawasaki Ultra LX cost about $17,000 in Australia (not including trailer and registration).
Given the sweeping changes to the new models, they are expected to cost in excess of $20,000 (excluding trailer and registration), which would align with rivals from Sea-Doo and Yamaha.
In the US, the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S Jet Ski is priced from $US16,299 (excluding trailer and registration), which equates to $AU23,000 at today’s exchange rates.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX Jet Ski is priced from $US17,299 (excluding trailer and registration), which equates to $AU24,400 at today’s exchange rates.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX and LX-S hull is unchanged from the design introduced in 2007 – 16 years ago.
However, as with the upgraded Kawasaki Ultra 310-horsepower supercharged series released 18 months ago, the top deck is all-new and there is a raft of new technology and comfort features.
Exact specifications for the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Skis are yet to be announced for Australia, however Watercraft Zone understands the two examples unveiled in the US overnight are a fair reflection of the models due to be introduced locally in the second half of this year.
While it is yet to be confirmed, there is speculation at least some of the key technology upgrades – such as a reverse trigger and trim adjustment – could make their way onto a future updated version of the Kawasaki STX 160 Jet Ski entry-level model series, which shares its 160-horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski LX and LX-S.
The changes to the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S (the base model) and the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX (the top model) are more than skin deep.
In addition to the completely redesigned top deck – which has a lower centre of gravity than before – Kawasaki has made up for lost time by adding every piece of technology it has available.
The highlights – and differences – across the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S base model (orange and black colour scheme) and the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX top model (gold and black colour scheme) are listed below.
2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski major changes:
- First completely new top deck in 16 years for the non-supercharged Kawasaki Ultra Jet Ski series
- Reverse trigger for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Adjustable trim for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Launch control for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- GPS-based speedometer for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Daytime running lights for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Rear-view camera for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Multiple power modes, from learner to performance for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Cruise control and ‘no wake’ modes for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Extra bars on the handlebars for phone, camera, or navigation mounts
- Dock-tie points on top of the centre console
- 7-inch digital display screen for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Smartphone connectivity for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Infotainment controller dial for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Trip computer, compass, water temp, ambient temp
- Side fairings are now storage pods (in addition to bow storage)
- USB charge ports and waterproof storage pocket in right front fairing
- Dual cup holders
- 3D raised Kawasaki badging
- Kawasaki Racing badge on the nose
- Stern wet storage pocket
- Tow hook under rear seat
- 1.89 litres extra fuel capacity (to 79.89 litres)
Unique to the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX Jet Ski (in addition to the above):
- Five-way height-adjustable handlebars for the first time on the non-supercharged Ultra
- Four-speaker ‘Jet Sound’ audio
- Height adjustable and tiered seating
- Wind deflector
As reported previously, the Kawasaki Ultra LX non-supercharged Jet Ski series was discontinued last year while the company ramped up production of the new model.
Meantime, stock levels of all new Kawasaki Jet Skis remain tight across Australia – with wait times of six to 12 months for most models.
Kawasaki Australia representatives have told Watercraft Zone the company is working overtime to secure more Jet Skis for the local market in an attempt to reclaim market share.
Sea-Doo dominates the personal watercraft industry in Australia, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of all Jet Skis sold locally, ahead of Yamaha (25 per cent) and Kawasaki (5 per cent), in round numbers.
At the Sydney Boat Show last year, the sales and marketing boss of Kawasaki Australia Robert Walker told Watercraft Zone the company was committed to the Jet Ski market globally and in Australia – and planned to expand the range and increase sales in the coming years.
MORE: 2022 Kawasaki Ultra Jet Ski supercharged range unveiled
MORE: Kawasaki Ultra LX goes out of production
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