The first major redesign for the Kawasaki Ultra 160 Jet Ski in 16 years has hit the water.

This is Kawasaki’s topoftheline nonsupercharged model and brings the iconic brand closer to rivals such as the SeaDoo GTX 170 and Yamaha FX HO.

While the Kawasaki Ultra hull remains unchanged from the previous generation launched in 2007, the top deck is all new, and is the same as the flagship Kawasaki Ultra 310 supercharged model.

The other big news: Kawasaki has doubled down on this important segment of the Jet Ski market, going from just one version of the Ultra 160 to two models.

The LXS and the topoftherange LX – with one more on the way, such as the Kawasaki Ultra 160 Angler fishing Jet Ski due in 2025.

This video covers the 2024 Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX Jet Ski, however it is identical to the 2025 model except for colour changes.

In this video we cover Australian and US pricing, go through all the key features, tell you what it’s like to ride – and do acceleration and top speed tests using precision VBox timing equipment.

We would like to thank Kawasaki Australia for loaning us this demonstrator model to test over two weekends in early 2024.

00:00 Introduction
01:15 Where it fits in the lineup
01:50 Engine details
02:22 US pricing
02:42 Australian pricing
03:27 Australian specifications
03:37 US specifications
03:49 Key features
03:39 New reverse trigger
04:44 Trim adjustment
04:52 Launch mode
05:11 Rearview camera
06:15 Side pod storage
08:07 Bow storage
09:44 What it's like to ride
11:40 Acceleration tests
12:14 Acceleration results kmh
12:22 Acceleration results mph
13:32 Speed comparison with rivals
14:13 Reverse trigger function
14:21 Rear camera function
14:51 Daytime running lights
15:15 Dislikes
15:49 Summary
16:15 Kawasaki Australia
16:42 Bonus footage