2009 STX -15F
Aquatic adventure with effortless and efficient fourstroke
power
The STX®-15F combines over 30 years of JET SKI® knowledge
and renowned Ninja® motorcycle heritage to deliver the
pure waterborne excitement that knowledgeable enthusiasts
demand from Kawasaki JET SKI watercraft. A healthy part of
its effortless control and lasting performance comes from
the broad and smooth spread of power delivered by its clean-running,
four-stroke, 1,498cc engine.
Being a Kawasaki, the STX-15F’s high-performance matches
its high standards; earning a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions
rating, and meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) strictest standards, as well as the 2009 California
Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. For 2009, the STX-15F
is even cleaner with new fuel hose material and revised fuel
tank filler.
Dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder,
fuel injection and electronic engine control (ECU) – to harmonize
the fuel and ignition systems – provide maximum performance
and reliability. A four-injector fuel injection system combined
with a large 60mm throttle body delivers a quick response.
The STX-15F’s four-stroke engine is rubber-mounted
in the hull, and features a performance-tuned exhaust and
a large-capacity airbox. The engine has a new head cover
design, the water-jacketed exhaust system now uses fewer
parts and the ECU settings are updated to match the engine
changes.
Propulsion duties are handled by a direct drive axial-flow
jet pump driving an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade
impeller and an 82mm jet pump nozzle for powerful acceleration.
Tuned to produce its peak power at a relatively low rpm,
the STX-15F engine matches the impeller’s peak efficiency
rpm ideally to provide a rider-friendly propelling performance.
This direct drive arrangement eliminates any need for a complex
gear reduction unit and offers improved durability and increased
fuel economy with less vibration and noise.
The STX-15F features Kawasaki’s innovative electronic
Smart Learning Operation (SLO). Accessible directly on the
instrument panel, SLO can be programmed to place a limit
on maximum engine speed so novice riders can experience riding
at a reduced speed as they master proper riding techniques.
Aggressive turning and high-speed stability are key performance
attributes of the STX-15F. Its specifically designed injection-molded
sponsons have a special “lip” for increased cornering
grip and high-speed stability. The STX-15F also gets electronic
turning help via the Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®).
KSS features an on-board microprocessor that is electronically
linked to a steering sensor. When the handlebar is fully
turned in either direction and the engine rpm drops from
a designated rpm—as when the throttle is released at
speed—the microprocessor activates the system, which
raises engine rpm to provide thrust for maneuvering.
Additionally a molded-in Kawasaki Splash
Deflector (KSD) is incorporated into the hull design to
help minimize spray on the rider. This muscular and aggressive
looking STX-15F may be lighter and more compact than the
competition, but it’s well endowed with a roomy riding
position that makes aggressive performance riding easier
and suits a wider range of riders.
The spacious rear deck of the STX-15F makes it easy to get
into water skis or on a wakeboard. An automatically retracting
boarding step located on the rear of the hull simplifies
boarding in deep water. There is no shortage of space to
stow items on the STX-15F. The rear deck can accommodate
items needed for a day on the water, like a cooler, along
with a water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible
glove box and additional room for gear located under the
seat.
Like the rest of the high-quality styling of the STX-15F,
the hatch cover is sleek ABS plastic and uses a hydraulic
damper to hold it open, allowing easy access until the rider
closes it. Also made of ABS plastic, the mirrors echo the
sleek lines and are mounted directly to the deck.
With a generous 16.4 gallon fuel capacity allowing extended
rides, there is plenty of time to enjoy the cockpit features.
These include a LCD instrument panel with fuel level, speed,
engine rpm, trip distance and time information available
and warning lamps to alert the rider of a low fuel level
or high engine temperature, along with a magnetic keyed ignition
switch that helps deter unauthorized operation.
Being a Kawasaki, the STX-15F’s high-performance matches
its high standards; earning a Three-Star Ultra-Low Emissions
rating, and meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) strictest standards, as well as the 2009 California
Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. For 2009, the STX-15F
is even cleaner with new fuel hose material and revised fuel
tank filler. 