THRILL-SEEKERS in Bahrain are waiting anxiously for the arrival of the meanest machine on the waterways which is currently being shipped into the kingdom.
Kawasaki stunned the motorcycling world with the launch of its Ninja ZX-14 flagship. It didn’t take long for the mighty ZX-14 to assume its rightful place as the quickest and fastest stock production motorcycle. Now, Kawasaki extends its high-performance domination into the realm of personal watercraft. As the most powerful production PWC in history, Kawasaki’s new Jet Ski Ultra 250X serves notice that Ultra defines the pinnacle of PWC performance. The supercharged Ultra 250X delivers 250 horsepower for astonishing acceleration that can be felt in the riders soul. Once up to speed, its precise handling and superb stability are equally impressive, thanks to a brand-new hull specifically designed to capitalise on the engines awesome performance. The Jet Ski Ultra 250Xs new engine, jet drive and hull incorporate racing technology to deliver the awesome acceleration of a drag racer and help ensure excellent hook-up even in rough water. Orders for the machine are currently being taken by Abbas Biljeek and Sons of Bahrain. A spokesman said: “There is a lot of interest in this new edition.” Water sports enthusiasts have been snapping up motor-skis for the past year from the company and there is currently a choice of 15 different models. The experts believe the new Kawasaki will draw in even more fans to the water. With a 1,498cc marine engine derived from Kawasaki’s astounding Jet Ski STX-15F watercraft, the Ultra 250X produces power comparable to a normally aspirated high-performance three-litre engine, thanks to the addition of a Roots-type supercharger. Unlike centrifugal superchargers or turbochargers, the Ultra 250Xs high-volume direct-drive supercharger delivers boost virtually instantly at any engine speed from idle to redline. This results in a linear, smooth torque curve which is ideal for a personal watercraft that needs to accelerate hard all the way from a standstill through astounding top-end speeds. A common drawback of forced-induction is the heat build-up that occurs when the intake air is compressed. The Ultra 250X overcomes this with the use of a large-capacity intercooler. The 250Xs supercharger compresses the air to a maximum boost pressure of 11.4psi. This compression heats the intake charge to extremely-high temperatures, which could limit the engines power output. However, the 250Xs large-capacity intercooler cools the intake charge back down to ambient temperature or even less ideal for producing maximum power. The Jet Ski Ultra 250Xs stunning acceleration is augmented by a huge 155mm jet pump featuring the largest PWC impeller and nozzle Kawasaki has ever produced. Developed based on feedback from Kawasakis race machines, this pump was specially designed to deliver predictable thrust and good traction, even when riding on rough water. The pump uses eight guide vanes (instead of the six used on previous models) to regulate the flow of water from the impeller for efficient and powerful propulsion. This is a significant factor in the Ultra 250Xs mind-boggling acceleration. The new pump incorporates a groove from the centre to the rear of the ride plate which makes it easier to hold a stable heading when riding in a straight line. To suit the 155mm jet pump a new, larger impeller was designed, offering improved bite in the higher speed ranges. The sophisticated three-blade design not only delivers high performance, but also provides smooth and quiet operation. In addition to more power and acceleration than any other production watercraft on the planet, the Ultra 250X also boasts an all-new race-developed hull. Extensive research and refinement has allowed Kawasaki to design a brand-new hull which is just as comfortable in rough conditions as in calm. Even at high speeds, rough water can do little to deter the Ultra 250X.