| By utilizing feedback from Kawasaki factory racers,
Kawasaki engineers have purposely designed the JET SKI®
Ultra® 150 to be the highest-performing model in
its personal watercraft line. And as the editors of
one magazine noted, it is, indeed “a pint-sized
rocket ship, able to reach the upper echelons of the
radar scale and slice a buoy to ribbons with surgeon-like
expertise.”
The Ultra 150’s incredible power comes from a
1,176cc three-cylinder, two-stroke engine. The intake
manifold is angled back 45 degrees to create a downdraft
effect for the trio of high-flow, constant velocity-type
carburetors. A variable speed oil pump reduces oil consumption
and exhaust smoke. The result is more power and better
efficiency under a variety of operating conditions.
Each of the three aluminum cylinders has its own water
jacket to help ensure cooling capacity matches the high
power output. Similar to other models in the JET SKI
lineup, the cylinders utilize lightweight, wear-resistant
Nikasil composite plating for maximum heat dissipation
and counter balancers at both ends of the crankshaft
to eliminate vibration. The engine is also rubber-mounted
in the hull for a comfortable, vibration-free ride with
reduced structural noise.
The engine is fed by triple 40mm constant-velocity
carburetors that provide smooth throttle response and
excellent fuel economy. The carburetors are linked to
the digital Direct Current Capacitor Discharge Ignition
(DC-CDI) system by the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive
Ignition Control (K-TRIC) throttle-position sensor.
The system works by setting the independent timing maps
for each cylinder based on engine speed and throttle
opening for quick throttle response and acceleration.
For maximum engine performance, the Ultra 150 uses
a water-jacketed dry exhaust system that separates cooling
water from the expansion chamber, allowing exhaust gases
to flow completely dry and free from power-robbing water
vapor. This water insulation also suppresses engine
noise and lowers the temperature of the aluminum exhaust
components for reduced engine compartment temperatures.
The Ultra 150 also features the Kawasaki Smart Steering®
system (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.
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.
To transmit the Ultra 150's incredible power to the
water, a mixed-flow jet pump is placed low in the hull
to provide maximum “hook-up” and acceleration.
This highly efficient design provides for the highest
possible water flow while keeping physical dimensions
and weight to a minimum.
The handling and stability of the Ultra 150's hull
perfectly match the high-performance engine. Using technology
from the Kawasaki JET SKI® Racing team, it features
bulkhead-type construction for high rigidity and reduced
weight. The deep-V design provides precise handling
characteristics and slices cleanly through choppy water
while the water intake on the bottom of the hull is
shaped to enhance ride quality. The molded-in Kawasaki
Splash Deflector (KSD) minimizes spray that might reach
the operator.
To further enhance the Ultra 150's handling, an electric
variable trim adjustment switch on the left handlebar
gives the operator more precise control over the hull's
attitude in the water. The highest position trims the
hull to a neutral position for reduced drag at high
speed. The lowest position trims the nozzle downward
10 degrees, allowing the deep-V hull to slice more deeply
through the water for tighter turning.
Convenient features add to the appeal of the Ultra
150. The top deck allows easy access to the fuel and
oil tank fill spouts located under the front hatch cover.
A generous 15.3-gallon fuel tank permits extended riding,
while the variable-rate Superlube oil injection system
with a 1.2-gallon oil tank supplies the right amount
of oil to the engine at all times, eliminating the need
for pre-mixing gas and oil. A multi-function digital
instrument panel includes fuel level, oil level, speedometer,
tachometer, hour meter, trip meter, trim gauge and important
warning lamps. An easily accessible glove box permits
the operator to keep keys or a wallet handy while additional
storage in the bow compartment holds larger items.
Features
- Large 1,176cc, two-stroke, three-cylinder engine
provides incredibly strong low-speed torque and acceleration
- Constant-velocity carburetors provide smooth response
at all rpm, increased fuel economy and reduced emissions
- Dual counter-rotating engine balancers cut vibration
for a smooth, comfortable ride
- Electric-nozzle trim with indicator provides easy
trim adjustment for various conditions with the touch
of a finger
- Variable-rate Superlube oil injection system provides
proper oil supply at all engine speeds and reduces oil
consumption and exhaust smoke
- Fiberglass deep-V hull design with recessed bow eye
softens wave shocks and provides excellent straight-line
ability at high speeds
- Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) helps keep spray
off the operator and passenger
- Three-blade stainless steel oval-edge impeller provides
maximum efficiency and incredible durability
- Kawasaki Smart Steering® monitors steering input
and engine speed and, when certain conditions are met,
raises rpm to initiate a desired turn
- Waterproof, maintenance-free, digital Direct Current
Capacitor Discharge Ignition (DC-CDI) system helps ensure
easy starts and consistent low-speed running
- Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC)
adjusts the timing for each cylinder according to engine
rpm and throttle position, allowing the engine to use
optimum ignition advance in all conditions for better
throttle response and power throughout the rpm range
- Water-jacketed dry exhaust system reduces underhood
temperatures and suppresses noise, while dry exhaust
system keeps cooling water out of the expansion chamber
for maximum power output
- Shielded mixed-flow pump combines both axial flow
and centrifugal flow to take full advantage of the engine's
enormous output
- Large 15.3-gallon fuel tank allows more riding between
fill-ups
- Large comfortable stepped seat provides maximum comfort
- Waterproof magnetic ignition key prevents unauthorized
use of watercraft
- Engine compartment temperature sensor advances ignition
timing when intake air temperature exceeds 95° F,
reducing power loss on hot days
- Sealed battery never needs water
- LCD Multifunction Meter System with speedometer,
tachometer, hour meter, clock, trip meter, fuel level,
oil level, jet pump trim indicator and warning lights
allows operator to easily monitor information
Specification
Engine: Two-stroke, three-cylinder with crankcase reed
valve induction
Displacement: 1,176cc
Bore x stroke: 80.0 x 78.0mm
Compression ratio: 5.8:1
Cooling system: Inducted water
Carburetion: Triple Keihin CDCV40 with single fuel
pump
Lubrication: Variable-rate Superlube oil injection
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI with K-TRIC
Starting: Electric
Propulsion system: Jet pump, mixed-flow, single stage
Thrust: 904 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 15.3 gal.
Oil tank capacity: 1.2 gal.
Overall length: 113.8 in.
Overall width: 44.4 in.
Overall height: 40.5 in.
Storage capacity: 6.5 gal.
Dry weight: 613 lbs.
Colors: Kawasaki Lime Green
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