| With its leading-edge four-stroke engine and racing-inspired
hull, Kawasaki’s JET SKI® STX®-15F personal
watercraft provides the precise handling and awe-inspiring
acceleration demanded by serious enthusiasts. It also
provides the comfort and convenience features for families
who want the highest quality three-passenger watercraft.
In fact, in the July 2004 issue of Personal Watercraft
Illustrated, editors gave the STX-15F their highest
honor by naming it winner of their “Fierce Four-Stroke
Shootout.” They wrote that the STX-15F is “a
real charge around the buoy course, which came as no
surprise, considering it has essentially the same hull
as the company’s racecourse-proven 1200 STX®.”
They also noted that its 1,498cc four-stroke engine
is “the largest displacement in it class,”
adding that the “STX-15F is also the only craft
in the test to feature a Three Star CARB rating.”
The legendary NINJA® ZX-12R motorcycle engine provided
the starting point for this award-winning JET SKI model.
While the bore is the same as that of the smaller JET
SKI STX-12F, the stroke is 13.8mm longer, increasing
displacement to 1,498cc. This long stroke design delivers
a flat torque curve for a smooth spread of power across
the entire rpm range. Dual overhead cams, four valves
per cylinder, fuel injection and electronic engine control,
which harmonizes the fuel and ignition systems, provide
maximum performance and reliability.
The fuel injection system utilizes four injectors and
a large 60mm throttle body to deliver a quick response
exceeding that of the fastest four-stroke watercraft
on the market.
Even with such high-performance attributes, the STX-15F
has earned a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions rating,
meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s
strictest standards, and the California Air Resources
Board standards for 2008.
The four-stroke engine is rubber-mounted in the hull
and includes a water-jacketed, performance-tuned exhaust
system, dual mufflers and large-capacity airbox.
The STX-15F utilizes a direct drive axial-flow jet
pump connected to an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade
impeller and an 82mm jet pump nozzle for powerful acceleration.
Equally important, the STX-15F engine produces its peak
power at a relatively low rpm while matching the impeller’s
peak efficiency rpm, thus eliminating the need for a
complicated gear reduction unit. The result is improved
durability, reduced vibration and noise, and improved
fuel economy.
The STX-15F is also equipped with Kawasaki Smart Steering®
(KSS®). The Kawasaki Smart Steering system features
a steering sensor that is electronically linked to an
on-board microprocessor. If the handlebar is fully turned
in either direction and the engine rpm drops from a
designated rpm, such as when the throttle is released
at speed, the microprocessor activates the KSS, which
raises engine rpm to provide enough thrust to initiate
the desired turn.
Kawasaki Smart Steering can assist riders in learning
to negotiate turns and to maneuver, making turning easier
and smoother. Experienced riders may not feel the system
functioning since they realize throttle application
is required during turning.
Assisting with low-speed maneuvering is a reverse bucket
that is shaped to deliver optimum thrust for more precise
direction control when backing, and the bucket is injection
molded to eliminate corrosion.
Aggressive turning and high-speed stability are key
performance attributes of the STX-15F. Based on the
racing-inspired JET SKI 1200 STX-R® model, the one-piece
fiberglass hull increases durability while reducing
weight, and new injection molded sponsons designed specifically
for the STX-15F feature a special “lip”
for increased cornering grip and high-speed stability.
The hull also features a molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector
to help minimize spray on the rider.
With its muscular, aggressive look, the STX-15F is
lighter and more compact than the competition, yet Kawasaki
engineers have created a spacious riding position that
makes aggressive performance riding easier and suits
a wider range of riders.
The stylish hatch cover is constructed from ABS plastic,
adding to the fresh, high-quality styling of the STX-15F,
and a hydraulic damper holds the hatch cover open, allowing
easy access until the rider closes it. The mirrors are
also made of ABS plastic and are mounted directly to
the deck, adding to the sleek lines.
The open rear deck of the STX-15F features abundant
space for getting into water skis or a wakeboard, and
reboarding in deep water is simplified with the automatically
retracting boarding step located at the rear of the
hull. The rear deck can also accommodate a cooler or
other items needed for a day on the water. Other features
include a water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible
glove box and additional storage space located under
the seat.
For extended rides, fuel capacity is a generous 16.4
gallons. Other features include a LCD instrument panel
so the rider can monitor the fuel level, speed, engine
rpm, trip distance and time. Warning lamps alert the
rider to low fuel level or high engine temperature,
and a magnetic keyed ignition switch helps deter unauthorized
operation.
Features
Engine
- Adapted for watercraft use from the legendary NINJA®
ZX-12R motorcycle engine
- The strong, 1,498cc, four-stroke engine provides
incredibly strong low- and mid-range torque
- Intake tract designed for maximum performance
- Digital fuel injection provides great throttle response,
smooth engine performance and quick acceleration, as
well as easy starting and excellent fuel economy
- Throttle body diameter is 60mm, 6mm larger than the
STX-12F
- Dual overhead cams (DOHC) are light and compact for
less valve train inertial mass
- Four-valve cylinder head with large valves provide
better intake and exhaust flow to improve torque and
power
- Intake and exhaust valve lift as well as timing are
set to reduce exhaust emissions
- Tip-over protection shuts engine off if craft tilts
more than 61°
- Waterproof ECU and ignition coils protects the ignition
system from electrical shorts
- Unique semi-dry sump oil system lowers the crankshaft
in the engine, eliminates the need for scavenging pumps,
and if the craft is capsized the oil stays in the sump
instead of flooding the crankcase
- Kawasaki’s patented oil separator provides
fail-safe venting for the crankcase and prevents oil
from flowing into the intake tract if the craft is capsized
- Large capacity airbox lowers engine noise and improves
air intake flow
- Water-jacketed exhaust system reduces noise level
and underhood temperatures for better power
- Double waterbox mufflers deliver whisper-quiet operation
- Has earned a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions rating,
meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s
strictest standards, and the California Air Resources
Board standards for 2008.
Steering System
- Kawasaki Smart Steering® monitors steering input
and engine speed and, when certain conditions are met,
raises rpm to initiate a desired turn
-Kawasaki Smart Learning Operation™
Kawasaki's innovative electronic Smart Learning Operation,
accessible directly on the instrument panel, programs
the iginition and places a limit on maximum engine speed
so novice riders can experience riding at a reduced
speed while they master proper riding techniques.
- Reverse bucket is designed for precise direction
control when backing, and is made of injection molded
material to prevent corrosion
- Reverse increases maneuverability in tight places
Hull
- Hull size is optimized for a sporty, nimble ride
- Injection-molded sponsons deliver ultra-responsive
turning, while enhancing stability
- Three-blade oval-edge stainless steel impeller pitch
provides maximum efficiency and incredible durability
- Shielded jet propulsion system gives greater protection
from damage
- Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) helps keep spray
off the operator and passenger
- Boarding step retracts automatically, making reboarding
in deep water easier
- Large capacity fuel tank allows more riding between
fill-ups
Deck
- Stylish hatch cover has a muscular, performance look
- Handle position makes “stand up” performance
riding easier and provides ample room for a wide range
of riders
- Spacious, close-to-the-water open rear deck provides
plenty of spacious area for putting on skis or a wakeboard
and makes deep water boarding much easier
- LCD multifunction meter system with speedometer,
tachometer, hour meter, clock, trip distance, trip time,
fuel level and warning lights allow operator to easily
monitor necessary information, and also alerts operator
to low fuel or high engine temperatures
- Storage compartments in bow, glove box and under
seat can carry fire extinguisher, tool kit, cooler and
more
- Finger-type throttle reduces hand fatigue and increases
comfort
- Magnetic keyed ignition switch helps deter unauthorized
use
Specification
Engine: Four-stroke, four-cylinder inline
Displacement: 1,498cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 69.2mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Induction: Digital fuel injection
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Cooling system: Inducted water
Coupling: Direct drive from engine
Propulsion system: Jet pump, axial-flow, single stage
Thrust: 957 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 16.4 gal.
Overall length: 122.8 in.
Overall width: 46.5 in.
Overall height: 41.3 in.
Storage capacity: 23.5 gal.
Dry weight: 745 lbs.
Color: Candy Thunder Blue
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