Reviewing the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 160LX JetSki: The Watercraft Journal, Ep.125

The marketplace for naturally-aspirated personal watercraft is now as competitive as the supercharged offerings, so Kawasaki did the best thing possible and took their flagship Ultra 310LX and dropped the blower, giving it the all-new 160LX JetSki. This runabout provides all of the bells-and-whistles as the top tier machine but without the incredibly thirsty 310-horsepower fuel consumption. See our review of it HERE:
Read the whole review with more details and pictures HERE:
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[@JDsWaterWorld]

Great review, thank you for posting! I put money on my opinion that Kawasaki makes the best product on the market in terms of durability for ocean riding. Built like a real boat, and based on a platform with 15+ years of proven reliability…this is a great option for those who don’t want the extra cost and maintenance of owning a supercharged ski.

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

I agree 100% 👆🏽

[@edwardbowles8613]

You are exactly right on why I got the Ultra 160lxs. Extra supercharger maintenance and Super unleaded availability have been my hangups on getting the 310. I have said for years if Kawi would put trim and cruise on the Ultra LX I would get one. It looks badass on the showroom floor!

[@alanwilliams8531]

i have owned at least 15 personal watercraft over the years and the 3 Kawasakis were by far the best built. they didn’t always have the features I wanted, but they just don’t break.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

@@alanwilliams8531 This has been my experience as well! I have owned many, many skis and the Kawasaki products are by far my favorites- even if a little rough around the edges in some regards comparatively

[@edwardbowles8613]

I waited several weeks for this review. Stumbled on a great deal on an Ultra 160lxs Tuesday. Great deal in current environment meaning MSRP plus tax and registration. None of the other fees. (Kawi has rebates right now for those that don't know).Signed papers Wednesday. Wednesday night you finally posted your review! I was nervous watching thinking you might view it as a dog. Fortunately you were mostly positive. I hope I will be also. Work and Mother's Day stuff preventing me from picking it up til early next week. It will be in the water ASAP. Enjoyed the thorough review. Much better than the other guys.

[@Lukespring]

Another great review. Bought the 310 in October thinking about this one for my daughter

[@georgel.correa4921]

I just bought my Ultra 160 LX....it's everything !! YAAAASSS !!!🤗🤗🤗

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Great review & content guys & gals! Thanks for sharing. So glad to see Kawasaki swinging for the fence moving forward. Can’t wait to try out the new Ultra 160 platforms. Billy D

[@edwardbowles8613]

Finally rode my 160 LXS briefly yesterday. Having no experience with KSRD I can't really say if it was slow deploying or not. Again, I have never been an electric reverse guy anyway but it seemed ok. Hoping it is a simple adjustment as you said and not a change Kawi made to these skis over the 310. But did not really play with it much. My only experience on an Ultra is the 250. You are so correct on playful. I know Kawi changed up the steering a long time ago and man it really does feel playful for a freaking 12 ft long ski. Trim of course changes that too. But the turning response was great. I was not doing much and trying to stay dry but I can tell it will be far more playful than anticipated. Ride is drier than 250 but I can tell it will get you wet with a trimmed down turn! Reverse camera was a definite plus. That will be great for cruising with a group. Anyone that has ever unloaded or loaded a ski in the dark will appreciate the bow lights. I didn't put it on the drive on dock til after dark and they were perfect for that. 54 mph brief FT run with full tank. Surprisingly trimming from level to full up made no difference on speed. Trim was obviously working based on changes in turning. I have always noticed a definite increase in speed when trimmed up with skis in the past. As you stated, maybe someone comes out with a plate that will really get the nose up. Lengthy rant but definitely liking the ski.

[@tatoweb]

Hi. Do you still have the ski? How do you like it? What are the negatives?. Thanks!

[@Anon-ft1yb]

Kawasaki is absolutely genius for listening to their customer base concerns and taking action this rapidly. I’m still blown away by the new MSRP ranges for these PWC’s.

[@ToddMunschauer]

Great video Kevin !! This is what we needed . Can’t wait to see what improvements come on next year’s Ultra 160LX

[@XF_Chaos]

Kawi definitely hit the nail on the head with this one. I remember watching the review on the 2020 STX 160 and just thinking “meh”, so I’m glad to see a quality N/A ski from them. I also love the new orange livery for the 160 LX-S, a review of which I assume is coming in the near future (not that much has changed with it either).

[@streetpilot775]

I'm a Yamaha guy but I really like how the Kawi is laid out. But did you say top speed was only 55?

[@David-mw3th]

Nice review, i am currently looking to upgrade from my EXR. Its a fun bike but beats you to death in the rough waters i ride. How does this compare to the VX cruiser?

[@fernandomartin624]

What improvement over the motor pistons cooling etc these new ultras have over the precious ultra models.?

[@brockb4452]

If you're towing, is the camera really worth it if you can just look at your side mirrors? I want to know if it should be a deal breaker between buying a yamaha and kawasaki when getting into tow sports. Im thinking i could just look at the mirrors

[@edwardbowles8613]

I own the 160lxs. Really like this ski. Gullwing storage is great. Camera is nice and useful but not critical. I am happy with the ski. I have ridden and owned skis for over 30 years.

[@jonathanbuford1793]

Yes the mirror and having the camera is much better view to keep the little ones or big ones as well lmao👍👍😎

[@henrynlouisville1]

Regular Gas, NA engine that's been around forever, fine speed, totally solid easily repairable hull, deep-V that won't kill my 50yr old back = I think I'll pick one of these up since they just threw $1,000 on the hood.

[@danteisthe1]

Awesome review! I have a 22 310lx and LOVE IT! This would be a great option for me however I can’t justify $19k+ OTD. Imo I think is should be $1000 cheaper. I know it’s not directly comparable but my 2021 Gti Se 170 seems like a much better value. The 310Lx was around $23k and I’m into the GTI for HALF of that! The GTX 170s are very similar in price to the GTI in my area. I look forward to seeing how well it sells but I think a lot of people would feel the same as me.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

You get what you pay for! I ride with a buddy who has a 2022 GTI 170se..no bilge pump and the rear deck is useless when using even one linq accessory. The SeaDoo hull also looks like one of those picnic benches made from recycled milk jugs- lots of wierd swirls in the plastic and not really a consistent finish. The coating began flaking off his valve cover after less than a year

[@danteisthe1]

@@JDsWaterWorld none of those things you mentioned justify the price difference IMO! The swirly look polytech tech hull is subjective. The hull performs great ant the ski consistently hits 61-62mph! Also the Gti is MORE stable at low speeds or stopped than the Kawasaki! I have never used the rear deck on my 310. Not even once. A bilge can be installed for less than $100. The $11000 GTI brakes BETTER than my 2022 310lx. I love my 310lx and Kawasaki but not enough to ignore it’s downfalls or the positives of other brands.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

@@danteisthe1 I’ll give you that the SeaDoo does stop way better than both Kawasaki and Yamaha- I did a review of all three out on the water. Also yes, the GTI is a bit faster than the Ultra. The polytech fit and finish is objectively inconsistent..but I do think it’s better than the CMtech

[@edwardbowles8613]

I agree they are $1000 overpriced on MSRP. Maybe that is why they are offering rebates now. I never paid MSRP for a ski. Let alone the current world of MSRP plus all the fees as a starting point. I was getting quotes over 19 and even over 20,000 from several places. The rebate and repeat business with this dealership got mine much more reasonable. I am hoping acceleration is stout and maybe a rideplate can get me to 56 or 57 with a low tank. Probably too optimistic...but excited to hit the water!

[@brockb4452]

do you have experience driving a 160 too? How much "slower" does it feel compared to the 310lx? Is it slow enough to justify spending more money on the 310lx or no?

[@alhit007]

Excellent review Kevin 👌💯

[@jetclubaustralia]

Silly question, how do you wash the engine bay after riding? grate video mate! cheers!

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, it is very silly.

[@HoustonZ06]

Please do a direct comparison of 2023 Ultra 160lx Vs 2023 FX HO, mostly interested in fuel economy and comfort.

[@watercraftjournal]

I can assure you that such a video will not happen. Yamaha REFUSES to participate in ANY direct comparisons.

[@HoustonZ06]

Do you have any personal thoughts you would be willing to share?

[@timshull59]

@@watercraftjournal Get your buddy Billy and do a side by side

[@Marksworld...1]

After my 12 month ordeal over my 21 rxtx manufacturing hull failure...I will never buy brp with poor customer service and honestly don't give a shit...im going to order a 24 kawi and never worry about the hull again

[@cammedramprocharged4927]

between the explorer pro and Ultra 310LX which one would you get, I am Near Ana Maria FL. I am talking about stability, comfort curisibility, and durability.

[@watercraftjournal]

See our review of the Explorer Pro.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Do you know if all the KSRD systems were slow to respond that day or just the one you were on?

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes they were. This was not a fluke.

[@TundraAbril]

Thank you for such a great review! I’m thinking about buying one of these for cruising with my 6 years old little girl, and also some fun while by myself. Of course when I’m with her, can’t go past 20mph so and I heard they’re not that stables for low speeds, I’m also concerned about that nose sinking. Is that something bad enough to consider a different brand, or no need to worry about jetski flipping over too much at low speeds because of that sinking nose?

[@edwardbowles8613]

Neither are significant issues.

[@larky368]

I want a jet ski that comes with it's own wheels so I can just drive it home. Get on that will you Kawasaki? Oh and while you're at it could you add a sub woofer and a refrigerator unit with an ice maker??

[@watercraftjournal]

Yamaha has a subwoofer.

[@tiredofthetyranny9874]

Don’t forget a frozen margarita machine!!!!

[@bigmock141]

I believe a half million dollars boat can get you that

[@CLEEPER1]

I finally got mine broke in and topped it out today. 51 with me and my wife and daughter in it. 500lbs . 52 with just me at 250 lbs. Is it governed?

[@riverwalktalesofterror8045]

Compared to yamaha and sea doo would you say this is the best?

[@toddrankin5182]

Great review. I too am a huge Ultra fan but my supercharged ski is averaging around 4.5 miles per gallon on a Normal Catalina Cruise. What’s the avg MPG in this ski?

[@watercraftjournal]

Closer to 6mpg

[@edwardbowles8613]

Nice. 4.5 sounds surprisingly good.

[@toddrankin5182]

if the naturally aspirated 160 gets closer to 6mpg how does that compare w/ the Yamaha FX HO?

[@seqroughwaterrides9845]

Our 2015 FXHO does about 6.3MPG.

[@mikedoney8578]

What about the awful access to the front hatch you keep complaining about on the 310? Is that the case on the 160LX?

[@watercraftjournal]

What part of "they identical besides the supercharger" did we leave out?

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Did you not watch the video? He explained they both SUCK. Did you not see home stretched out trying to get into the 160 front bin? And on the 310 he said the engineer should become a dog catcher for this horrible design. Or something to that effect.

[@georgel.correa4921]

Love mine !!¡¡🎉❤

[@xxdanthedinoxx1058]

Naming all that stuff almost sounds toungue twister Kevin

[@CreepyUncleJoseph-uu6vc]

Why did you not give any real commentary as to the performance of the machine? Everyone is wondering whether the industry's heaviest and draggiest hull, coupled with the industry's smallest "luxury" base engine resulted in a ski that's a dog compared to the competition. How about some insight into its performance, speed, handling, and other aspects that actually matter?

[@watercraftjournal]

What review did you watch? If your hearing has gone with your mind, CheepyUncleJoe, maybe you should read the script we published on the magazine! 🤣😂

[@edwardbowles8613]

Watch it again with the volume on. He said 55 downstream. 50 upstream. Can throw it into curves and S turns and much more playful than Sea Doo Explorer. He was there with a group so not like he had it all day or a week and could run acceleration numbers

[@CreepyUncleJoseph-uu6vc]

@@watercraftjournal I read it and watched the video. It was a good review overall. But with respect to raw performance, you didn't go into enough detail. Calling it "playful" and giving a couple speed numbers you hit is a good start, but everyone was hoping for a more detailed subjective opinion of whether it hits the mark necessary for the price to be worth it. Like I said, it's the industry's heaviest hull with the smallest "big" engine, and everyone knows that. By "subjective opinion", I mean along the lines of: *Does it feel underpowered like the GTX 170, or not?* That being said, the delayed response of the F-N-R bucket is enough to kill the deal IMHO.

[@CreepyUncleJoseph-uu6vc]

@@edwardbowles8613 I caught that. But honestly, that sounds a little slow to me. I can hit 62mph on my FX Cruiser HO on flat water all day. Hence why I was hoping for a subjective takeaway rather than just a couple numbers.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Yeah 62 is not happening! That is not an issue for me though. I am very pleased with performance, handling and playfulness. 57 mph would have been nicer for some reason in my mind but I was very happy with how the power "felt" if that makes sense. It was not a slug. It was very responsive. I can live with front opening but will never understand it. Gullwing storage seems like a winner so far.

[@stonkmark941]

I can imagine being a man named Lindsey you don't get to call the shots too often..

[@davidbalan6571]

I think Kawasaki's Ultra JetSki Ultra 310 LX - 5 liked motorcross GP Valentino Rossi . When I having a Job's worked as ♎ government with allowance 🏠 singles storey corner rm600 I will buying JetSki Sea Doo RX-300 at Montarey Watercraft Enterprise Kuching Sarawak's Jalan Penrissen rm 86,789 , Yamaha 🌊 runner JetSki GP1800 rm 57,000 and also Kawasaki Ultra JetSki 310 LX-5 rm 72,890 .

[@willwallace8191]

what the hell are you going on about

[@codywade1768]

0:58 😢😢😅 0:😢🎉🎉58 0:58 😮😢😮

[@edwardbowles8613]

Nancy Reagan had it right in the 80s. Just say no to drugs...

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Excellent video!! However please , please lose the music! You are too intelligent so I want to hear what you are saying. You are fountain of information so I want to hear and absorb what you are saying as I will be making a $18k to $20k purchase as I REALLY value your knowledge base. So again, you carry the day and don’t need music.

[@watercraftjournal]

No.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@watercraftjournal well actually I agree , keep the music but lower it in the mix . And maybe a different selection of music. When you are giving out such valuable info you don’t want to have anything interfere with this wealth of info. As a guy who has worked in Hollywood at the highest levels of audio and video production, just accept some advice and lower the music gain or actually produce the video by mixing it. Just some expert and friendly advice. If you want specific that won’t eat into your time producing your video I can give you tips. As always you are my go to for accurate info on jet skis.

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

Not to be “that guy”, but it’s “livery” with a short “i “not, “lie-very”.

[@watercraftjournal]

Yeah, you're not wrong.

[@tiredofthetyranny9874]

Rather buy a supercharged ski then be stuck at 50 mph top speed!!! A N/A ski should hit 60mph no problem in this day an age!!! I smell a new 1800R in my future!!!

[@darthkek1953]

Supercharged are fine and fun but WOT (wide open throttle) and you're guzzling gas which means more limited range. Depends on your wants and needs, luxury distance cruise vs racing & refuelling.

[@concernedrn2844]

Thats one ugly jet ski

[@isaaclopez001]

Smoking crack

[@jasonmekush5280]

The glove box on that 17000 skii is terrible, also looks like an elephant sat on the front end. Great riding machine i bet, but ill be buying a tr1 yamaha vx deluxe 9 mpg 120 hp.

[@watercraftjournal]

Have you used it? Have you put hands on it? No? Then hold your fire.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Kevin was actually very complimentary of the gullwing storage. From what I see I like that part. Front opening is just stupid though.

[@bufordlife9781]

This dude on multiple videos always says an elephant sat on it… I guess then he prefers the Yamaha that used beluga whale as its design inspiration which they already have that cute spout to boot