By : Jrme Bolla

Kawasaki Ultra 260 X
Efficiency of the V hull Sound of the engine A lot of races won Accessible for everybody Precise in tight turns Reliability

Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 RS*

Performance Comfort and Ergonomics Design Brake system Complete dashboard Modern technology Sport-Touring Mode difficult to change Narrow storage

Yamaha FZS

Accessible for everybody Precise in tight turns Reliability The nose goes up and down Wet while riding Reverse on the right side Accessible for everybody Precise in tight turns Reliability
3 Seats 4-stroke 235 hp 813 lb 132.7 in
3 Seats 4-stroke 260 hp 855 lb 139 in
At two sites (in the United States and Europe), the funjetmagazine.com staff compared the 3 ultra sporty PWC (personal watercraft) of the year on the basis of 10 key criteria, with specialists who together held no less than 15 world championship titles, in several disciplines (Raid, Offshore or Endurance). This document is a summary of the film produced about these comparative tests, published in the video section of the funjetmagazine.com site.
3 Seats 4-stroke 260 hp 917.12 lb 132.7 in
For the first time in this kind of comparative testing (where generally the machines are very similar to each other), the Sea-Doo stands out clearly through its modernity, technology (including many innovations) and remarkable performance. With the RXT-X 260 (RS*), Sea-Doo makes history with its decidedly modern, newest generation pwc. We wait for the competition to follow in the wake of the future opened up by Sea-Doo watercraft.
Although the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 RS* (or RXT-X 260 in North America) prevails in this comparison for 80% of the criteria (particularly regarding its comfort, ergonomics and great stability, or even its brake, which bring much greater ease and safety to piloting), the Canadian manufacturer has been able to remain the leader in terms of performance, with a machine that is both dynamic and oriented toward respect for the environment, since it consumes less gas and discharges fewer toxic gases than its competitors. Today, this is a criterion of greater and greater importance. However, depending on its use, certain people always prefer Kawasaki for its effectiveness at sea stemming a very sports oriented hull design using classic manufacturing technology, causing fewer violent impacts in rough seas. By way of comparison, the Sea-Doo watercraft has changed to an ultra light and resistant component called LFI, and the Yamaha has changed to nano technology, increasing weight and matter to the detriment of a certain flexibility in use. The Yamaha, in the end, is not the true successor to the famous GPR, but rather a very sporty alternative to the FX SHO (which remains one of the most comfortable Marine jet in the industry). The Yamaha FZS is successful in the Slalom through its agility or on smooth water, due to its excellent top speed. Lastly, it balances its smart mechanics with excellent reliability, which proves to be attractive to those who ride a great deal. Now the Japanese brands must make more efforts to reach the level of technology of the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 (RS*).
A little lever which changes everything!
Of course, behind this brake lever (which represents a real revolution in the pwc world) lurks very great technology, registered as the iBR patent (Intelligent Brake and Reverse). Just like a motorcycle lever but much more flexible, since you can operate it with a finger, due to a sensor, this lever serves both as a brake and a very effective speed limiter. The water flow of the turbine reverses almost immediately, with a very natural action, to avoid inertia of the pwc if and when it is advisable to turn and accelerate with respect the other pwc to avoid an obstacle. Much practice is necessary in order to acquire the proper reflex! Therefore, it is the best innovation in terms of safety on a pwc, but the advantages of the iBR system do not end there. With the simple flick of a finger, the RXT-X 260 (RS*) is in neutral, which proves to be very practical when a boat approaches, so that you can stop with the motor on and above all, maneuver by activating the gas with the other index finger, that of the right hand, even in very small spaces.
* RS edition is available world wide except in North America.

The long rides made it possible to test the handling, comfort and ergonomics of the machines during different kinds of use, either alone or with passengers.
The wide open spaces made it possible to demonstrate the really prodigious potential of these three machines, equipped for the first time for extremely precise data acquisition and having numerous cameras on board for judging performance.

PERFORMANCE

For 18 years, the editor in chief of Fun Jet (Jrme Bolla) has ascertained the performance of the machines using very precise measurements, which have evolved with technology. Therefore, the magazine today uses the same system as that which is used in Nascar stock cars, GP motorcycles and NHRA dragsters, with specific changes developed for the magazine by the MSD company. The tests took place at exactly the same time, under the same conditions, at sea, using professional pilots, with each machine being one-quarter full of gas and with data acquisition by a minimum of 8 satellites. For greater precision, the tests were carried out on two continents, with different machines, permitting more rigorous control of data.
In the area of performance, maximum speed is important for a pwc, but it can be attained solely on a lake or under very clement conditions at sea. Acceleration is therefore the most important criterion, since it determines the machines genuine performance, efficiency and recovery and is responsible for the most exciting sensations on board a sports pwc, knowing that this kind of machine accelerates more powerfully than a Ferrari F 430 from 0 to 80 kilometers an hour (0 to 49.70 MPH) (0.49 MPH from a standing start)! In both areas, the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 RS* dominated the situation, particularly in the best acceleration time, since it goes from 0 to 80 kilometers an hour in less than 3 seconds (2.85 exactly) as opposed to 3.15 seconds for the Kawasaki Ultra 260 X and 3.4 seconds for the Yamaha FZS. In terms of speed, the RXT-X 260 RS* kept its advantage, since its speedometer reached 110.12 kilometers an hour (68.40 MPH), while Yamahas read 107,55 (66.80 mph) and Kawasakis, 106.40 kilometers an hour (66.10 MPH), a lead by the Sea-Doo of 10 meters at the end of 15 seconds of navigation long-distance in comparison with Yahama and a gap of one meter per second for the Sea Doo with respect to the Kawasaki under the same conditions.

PERFORMANCE/ERGONOMICS

Performance and ergonomics are judged using pilots of different sizes. Here we define the pleasures of piloting seated or standing, the stability and comfort at sea, as well as precision when making a turn and effectiveness when encountering waves. For Slalom, the Yahama proves to be the most agile and precise on a smooth lake. When it comes to the sea, the SeaDoo makes piloting easy in all kinds of conditions, providing a great feeling of safety thanks to its very fine stability. Supported by a more flexible hull that is related to its manufacture, the Kawasaki demands an adequate level of piloting but provides the opportunity to ride very fast at sea and above all in lapping waves, which seem like its favorite playing field. Although all three machines have adjustable handlebars, the Sea-Doo is the only one to provide a very high position for offshore piloting, as well as excellent ergonomics (whatever the height and kind of piloting). The Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 RS* also stands out in terms of comfort, from which comes an undeniable feeling of safety that is not found among its competitors when exceeding 80 kilometers per hour (49.70 MPH). Lastly, this feeling and comfort always represent an enormous advantage if you are carrying passengers and are also due to its soft and well contoured seat. On the whole, Sea-Doo imposes a new standard of comfort, with the difference being felt after only 10 minutes of riding. Great effectiveness of the Kawasakis hull.

From 0 to 80 km/hour in under 3 seconds for the Sea-Doo.
Propelled by its 3 Rotax cylinders, Sea-Doo maintains its leadership in terms of top speed.
More comfortable in all the areas, the Sea-Doo watercraft stands out.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

The funjetmagazine.com tests were based on the average consumption of gas during recreational use, which included riding at top speed offshore, with the pwc being full of gas at the start and with pilots weighing about 75 to 80 kilos (165 lb to 176 lb) piloting constantly together throughout four sessions of fifteen minutes each. The machines are then lined up, as at the start, to replace the gas consumed to the nearest centiliter! For this criterion, the Rotax mechanism, with which the Sea-Doo is fitted, again demonstrated its superiority, with its three 1,500 cc cylinder mechanical design, which had the lowest fuel consumption in this comparative test, which was 23.5 liters per hour or 6.20 GPH on the average at a sports related speed for the RXT 260 XThe Yamaha four 1800 cc cylinders, for its part, consumed 24.2 liters an hour (6.40 GPH) and the Kawasaki Ultra 260 X (also fitted with four 1500 cc cylinders, less fuel efficient, consumed 8.7 litters (2.30 gallons) more than the Sea-Doo, which explains the large size of its 78 liter tank (20.60 gallons). If the difference of 2.84% in additional fuel consumption of the Yamaha as compared with the Sea-doo seems very reasonable, the Kawasaki had a fuel consumption that was 27.02% greater than its Canadian rival. Although fuel consumption is not the chief consideration at the time an ultra sporty pwc is purchased, it may represent a major difference in the annual budget, depending on the use. The three machines display different natures: bracing and playful for the FZS, oriented toward piloting for the Kawasaki and high tech performance for the Sea-Doo.

EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES.

As a criterion that is easy to analyze, it is sufficient to compare the kind of equipment available and its genuine desirability during use. The overabundant list of accessories for the RXT-X 260 sweeps all others in its wake, considerably raising the standard for equipment available for a modern ultra sporty machine! Extremely complete and very good (motorcycle type), the dashboard tilts whenever the handlebars are adjusted, making optimum readability possible under all conditions. On board the Sea-Doo watercraft, you navigate in a new era! The trim system provides the ability to remember the best adjustments; the GPS displays the precise speed; the seat can be raised effortlessly to make the motor visible, just as a deluxe automobile hood can. There is no longer any need to unscrew the tank cap, as it opens with a click, and the storage compartment is not only watertight but also removable and transportable like a suitcase. In short, the Sea-Doo stands out, although the best is still to come! For the first time, an ultra sporty pwc is equipped with break controls (as by hand) like those of a motorcycle, which is not only an instrument that is merely very useful for the sake of safety when an obstacle appears, but also radically changes the maneuverability of a jet ski when a boat approaches or when in a port. From now on, it will be sufficient to use this lever and the accelerator to go into reverse, which means being completely at ease during all maneuvers, even the most delicate. Lastly, in our opinion, this lever also represents improved piloting, for example, before a curve. It provides the ability to slow down and better position the bow when approaching a tight turn. In short, if you try this system, you may no longer be able to pilot without it! With regard to this criterion, the Sea-Doo watercraft is victorious, even if you consider the Kawasakis large volume of storage space.

Kawasaki plays on its large volume of storage space, while the Sea-Doo plays the card of watertightness.
Due to its better performance, the Sea-Doo machine succeeds in consuming less fuel than that of its competitors.
Due to its stability, its seat and its feeling of safety, passengers prefer the Sea-Doo watercraft.
RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Although our three manufacturers scrupulously respect the American and European standards, we consider that when you love to ride, you love nature, and you must respect it! So, we have established a scale to weigh the three criteria that we measure: 2 noise (calculated in decibels), CO fumes (with the help of a lambda sensor intended to measure the proportion of 2 oxygen in a gas but also, CO fumes) and lastly, fuel consumption, which affect the amount of exhaust. There again, favored with lower fuel consumption and reduced noise, while also giving off about 18% less CO than the two Japanese machines, the Sea-Doo stands out as the cleanest ultra sporty PWC for the year 2010.
Fewer fumes, less noise and less gas consumption: the Sea-Doo is the greenest PWC !

Ultra 260X / 2010

Power, fun and practicality
Kawasaki has developed the Ultra 260X so it combines searing acceleration and superb handling with high levels of comfort and practicality. Despite its massive power, the Ultra 260X can be handled and cruised with ease. 12,899
Prices are inclusive of VAT @ 20%

Features

Ultra 260X/2010
Supercharger and Intercooler-equipped Engine

Capacious Storage

Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS)
Smart Learner Operation (SLO) mode

Jet Pump

Quatro KSD (Kawasaki Splash Deflectors)

More features

Seaworthy Hull
for more information visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk 2011 Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V.

Accessories

VACU-HOLD COVER 248.95

VACU-HOLD COVER 299.95

VACU-HOLD COVER 284.95

Specifications

Engine
Engine type Displacement Bore x stroke Compression ratio Valve/Induction system Fuel system Ignition Starting 4-stroke In-Line Four 1,498 cmx 69.2 mm 8.4:1 DOHC,16 valves Fuel injection: 60 mm x 1 Digital Electric

Dimensions

Dimensions (L x W x H) Fuel capacity Curb Mass 3,370 x 1,195 x 1,150 mm 78 litres 482 kg

Performance

Maximum power Maximum torque 191 kW {260 PS} / 7,750 rpm 240 N*m {24,5 kgf*m} / 7,250 rpm