Kawasaki STX-15F Jet Ski Specs and Review

The Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski is one of the most popular PWCs because it is easy to maneuver and fun to drive. In this article, I will describe the Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski, including its specs and features, so you can decide if it is the right PWC for you.

The Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski is recommended for beginners. It is reliably fast, easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, and has plenty of storage. Its learning features, such as the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode and the Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS), help new riders.

Read on to learn more about the Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski, its specs and features, and its pros and cons.

About the Kawasaki STX-15F

The Kawasaki ST-15F is the only entry-level jet ski that Kawasaki offers. For years, Kawasaki has been known to produce industry-leading horsepower, and the STX-15F is no exception. It is one of the most responsive models that Kawasaki produces, if not the most responsive of all.

Kawasaki has released several STX-15F models through the years. However, its general layout only has noticeably slight changes. This is because Kawasaki has found an excellent design working well with all the STX-15F models. Kawasaki has decided to keep that design because it is proven to make it a perfect jet ski for beginners.

Next, let’s look at the specs and features of the 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski:

Kawasaki STX-15F Specs and Features

Engine

The capabilities of the 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F are excellent with its 4-stroke, in-line four-cylinder, 1498 cc engine. It can go 0-30 in 2 seconds and performs a top speed of 70 mph.

With its 160 horsepower engine, it provides beginners ample room to grow into their jet skis. Thus, they will not feel any need to upgrade after a few months. Most STX-15F users, if not all, are satisfied with their purchase as they can truly maximize its features.

Storage

The 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski storage has a maximum capacity of 19.5 gallons or 89 liters. This comes standard on this model. It is slightly larger than the storage of its rival entry-level models. With its competitors, owners usually feel the need to upgrade their storage.

This wide storage comes in handy if you use the jet ski for water sports or fishing regularly. Typically, this kind of storage is only found in higher jet ski variants. But Kawasaki has made it available even for their entry-level jet ski model.

Not everyone realizes the importance of spacious jet ski storage. Oftentimes, people realize this too late, when they have already bought one with small storage.

If you think that 89-liter storage is spacious, check out the 2017 Kawasaki STX-15F model. It amazingly has wider storage at 23.5 gallons.

Seating

The Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski has a seating capacity for three people. When you say three, there is indeed enough space for each person. Therefore, no one gets cramped.

This model features a low-seat design that makes it more aggressive and responsive. Nonetheless, beginners will feel comfortable riding it.

While it may generally have a seating capacity for three people, exceptionally tall riders might opt not to have passengers with them. That way, they can position themselves farther back on the seat to experience a comfortable ride.

Hull and Deck

This jet ski features a sporty deep-V hull, which is an ideal design for stable cornering. While the hull may seem like it is built for racing, it can efficiently handle moderate water conditions. In fact, it is slightly more difficult to ride through choppy water.

When it comes to the deck space, it is noticeably spacious. With the built-in spring-loaded boarding step, it is guaranteed that you can get on and off it conveniently.

You will also find a tow hook on the back of the seat. This is ideal for water sports. Moreover, the large back deck will enable convenient and quick strapping of a wakeboard or skis.

Smart Learning Features

For an entry-level jet ski, the Kawasaki STX-15F has impressive safety features that are perfect for beginners. These are the following:

• Smart Learning Operation (SLO)
• Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS)

Let’s briefly explain the two.

Smart Learning Operation (SLO)

You may limit the top speed of the Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski, depending on your preference. This is to allow you to have a comfortable ride on the watercraft. Once you are familiar with it, you can adjust the SLO mode. A magnetic key activates this mode.

If you notice a separate ignition key that somewhat looks like the SLO mode magnetic key, it is used for theft protection.

Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS)

The KSS system mainly provides handling assistance when the throttle is released from a high speed. Through this system, the jet ski becomes essentially stable. It minimizes the chances of the rider getting thrown off.

This is such a significant feature for this model since the Kawasaki STX-15F model can perform at high speeds.

Below is a great Kawasaki STX-15F review, which includes its key features and specs:

Power

The 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski has 118 kW or 160 PS at 7500 revolutions per minute (rpm). Whereas the torque features 152 newton-meter (N. m) or 15.5 kg. m / 7250 rpm. The engine features a 4-stroke, In-Line Four cylinders.

The displacement features 1498 cc, and the bore and stroke measurements are 83.0 x 69.2 mm. It has a compression ratio of 10.6:1.

As for the valve system, it features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) with 16 valves. The Fuel injection system measures 60 mm x 1. It features a digital ignition, an electric starting, and an inducted water cooling system.

This model features forced lubrication, a naturally aspirated induction system, and coupling with a direct drive from the engine. It features axial flow and a single-stage drive system, a 148 mm jet pump propulsion system, and a 4250 N thrust.

For the impeller, it features an oval-edge stainless steel impeller with three blades. The diameter of which is 5.8 inches or 148 mm.

As for the steering, this jet ski has a steerable nozzle.

Performance

Below are the details in terms of the performance of the 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski:

Its overall length measures 122.8 inches or 3,120 mm. Moreover, its overall width measures 46.5 inches or 1,180 mm, and its overall height measures 41.3 inches or 1,050 mm.

The curb mass weighs 844.4 lbs. or 383 kilograms (kgs)—the turning radius measures 13.1 feet or 4.0 meters. In terms of the seating capacity, the maximum is three persons.

Other Info

This jet ski model has a fuel capacity of 13.6 gallons or 62 liters. For its storage, the maximum capacity is 19.5 gallons or 89 liters.

When it comes to instrumentation, this model comes with an all-digital feature. This includes the speedometer, water temperature, hour meter, trip, oil level, tachometer, and fuel level gauge.

Available in ebony and lime green colors, the 2019 Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski has a warranty for 12 months. It is also noteworthy to reiterate that this model features the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) system.

As for the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), this model is priced at $13,799.00. However, specifications and pricing are subject to change.

Kawasaki STX-15F Jet Ski Pros and Cons

To help you decide if the Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski is for you, let’s look at its pros and cons too.

Pros

As an entry-level model, the Kawasaki STX-15F is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, category. There is no denying that it can beat all the other entry-level jet skis when it comes to speed.

It has a reliable design. Kawasaki has released several STX-15F models through the years. It has built a good reputation, making it a trustworthy jet ski. It has an open-loop cooling system.

Cons

The modifications done in every Kawasaki STX-15F model are minimal in that they go unnoticed in most cases. Some riders feel that this is a disadvantage. For others, they feel otherwise.

Another disadvantage is that it operates on manual forward, neutral, and reverse only. Again, some riders are not interested in manual operation. But some prefer it that way.

Beginners, however, are advised to learn to run a jet ski using manual operation.

Kawasaki emphasizes that they have found an excellent design working well with all the STX-15F models. Hence, their decision to keep that design is proven to make it a perfect jet ski for beginners.

Conclusion – Kawasaki STX-15F Jet Ski Specs and Review

The Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski is ideal for beginners. It is fuel-efficient, easy to maintain, reliably fast, and has ample storage. Its learning features include the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode and the Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS). These features intend to assist new riders.

This model has always been known to excel in terms of performance and handling. However, to some, it may fall short in terms of its technological features. While its competitors now offer electronic reverse and brake/deceleration systems, the Kawasaki STX-15F still features mechanical systems.

There is absolutely no problem with mechanical systems and manual operations. However, some riders feel that this model is not as user-friendly as its rival jet skis. Among its lacking features are the cruise control and the no-wake mode.

But it has high-tech features as well. One of which is its magnetic keys for theft prevention. Other noteworthy features are the Smart Learning Operation (SLO) and the Kawasaki Smart Steering (KSS) systems. These are sufficient features suited for newcomers and children.

The bottom line is, the Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski is a highly recommended jet ski for beginners. But, of course, you have to thoroughly review its features first to ensure that it fits your requirement. 

Visit a Kawasaki dealership nearest you and talk to a sales representative who can thoroughly explain everything to you. Then, schedule a test ride. You may feel lazy to conduct a test ride, but this is significant for you as a buyer and a beginner, for that matter.

I guarantee you that having a Kawasaki STX-15F jet ski test ride will truly be worthwhile.