I just picked up a 2022 Ultra 310lx-s. I have been looking for a pwc, but couldn't find anything. Nothing has been available. I was looking at Sea-doo and Yamaha, but I have always liked the Kawasaki. For some reason, I checked a local Kawasaki dealership, and they had one in stock, and available in their showroom. I jumped on it and got it Saturday. I watched many of your videos Friday, and the information you provided contributed greatly to me purchasing this ski. I had a 1996 zxi 1100 20 years ago. It is amazing how far these have come. I can't wait to get it on the water. It will see a combination of fresh and salt water, as I live in Texas and have about a 2 hr drive to the beach. I have watched your videos on flushing and maintenance for salt water use. THANK YOU!!!!! Your information and videos are top notch.
@JBD that’s awesome, you got really lucky! The LX-S is my favorite in the lineup. I’m glad you find my videos helpful, thank you for watching and for the positive feedback! You won’t be disappointed, the LX-S is an incredible machine, and Kawasaki definitely makes a top notch product! Go team green!
@@JDsWaterWorld I got out yesterday for my break-in. It was hard to go the hour at 4,000 rpm or less. My patience was rewarded. Once I could take it up to 6,000, it was a different experience. So much power. I have a lot of riding to do before I can feel comfortable with the power. The take off from a stop is nothing less than impressive. I tried different drive modes, and the slo mode is comparable to what the zxi 1100 felt like. I love the power, but it can be intimidating.
I currently own late models skis: 2 Yamahas, 22’ 310 Kawasaki and Sea Doo 230. They all have advantages but I have not seen anything better from Yamaha or Sea Doo over the updated Kawasaki.
@@JDsWaterWorld What was the FX HO lacking for you? I just bought an FX Cruiser HO, and I love it. I'm on a lake that doesn't get crazy like the inter coastal or ocean. I've ridden Kawasakis, and they were great on rough water, but this Yamaha is like riding a Harley on smooth water days.
The biggest gripe I had was the soft paint and the nano hull. After 85 hours (never beached, never abused) the bottom paint was delaminating where the ski went onto the trailer bunks (brand new trailer bunks). I don’t motor into the trailer either- I am very gentle. I was astounded at how easily the paint delaminates. The hull Never cracked or anything, but the front compartment would pop open in the chop from the flexing. I owned 4 Yamahas before my 2021, and I was really saddened by the finish quality. The 25 year old hull on My 1996 Yamaha WaveVenture had less scratches than the 2021 FX. The engine never had an issue, the connext was OK, and the ride system was good.
Bro! I’m having the same problem with the hatch 😂 glad I found you today 😂 and yea the paint sux… but… I’m on my 6th Waverunner now, had 1 seadoo so I only been looking at the yamaha.. never heard anything good about the Kawasaki ski till I found this video
Dude…the Kawis are bulletproof. As you have learned by now I was a Yamaha guy for years..finally I had enough with the BS. The Yamahas are still great skis, but just not as durable as the Kawasakis. The Yamaha also had lots of squeaks and vibrations I could never quite do anything about lol. The new Ultra 310 does have its quirks, but I have been so thrilled to own it so far.
@@JDsWaterWorld my Yamaha dealership that I put $500 down on a ski and it still had not arrived was PISSED when i called them today to get my deposit back! They said I made the wrong choice and should have waited for the GP1800R and that "I'll be sorry" I bought a Kawasaki.
@@JDsWaterWorld That's what I wanted to hear my friend. Love your channel. I need to pick up a couple go pros and record some stuff. If you look at my videos, they are all over the place with various things, but nothing recent. Have a great weekend. I pick my 2022 Kawi ultra 310x up at 10am tomorrow. Woot!!!
Thanks man. Well that’s awesome. Make sure they load the software update before you take delivery! You’re gonna love it, the Kawasaki is such an awesome ski. Your gonna have trouble sleeping tonight lol!
Very nice ski for sure seems like kawi was paying attention on this redone ultra !!! But haters will hate no matter what !! I’ve owned 4 Kawasaki jet ski 1 being the 2000 ultra 150 loved that ski people said it was sketchy at top speed I never had issues !! PWC are like cell phones Samsung and apple both awesome just depends on what you like 👍🏻 but I do love my gp
Great video! I’m a Kawi guy…2020 310LX, 2019 SXR, 2011 SXR. Loved them all! Awesome quality and reliability. Would not buy anything else. Want to get the redesigned model but can’t stand the colors….except for the green, but that model isn’t offered up here in Canada! 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
Hell yeah! Thanks for sharing! No green in Canada??? I started my channel expressly to share a real-life owners perspective of the Ultra 310 Jet Skis..was so tired of all the garbage on the internet so I took things into my own hands!
Wow that’s really strange. So they only sell the LX trim? The new 2024 X is red which looks pretty cool- not sure if that’s excluded from the market up there either. I wanted the deck, but no stereo and obviously the Kawi green, so the LX-S fit the bill for me perfectly- I ordered it in October of 2021 and received the ski in April 2022.
I can't really speak to the angler specifically, but Kawasaki has the most durable hulls in the industry hands down- due to their fiberglass and gelcoat construction. Of course the price point on the Kawasakis is a bit higher, but you literally get what you pay for.
Yes, the naturally aspirated STX platform is time tested and reliable! I also have an 1998 STX 1100 and the quality of the 25 year old Kawasaki hull is better than many competitors brand new skis!
I owned WaveRunners for years as well…and all I can say is you have to look at an Ultra 310 in person to feel and see the quality of the machine..if you ride in the ocean or chop, the Kawi is the King.
Kawasaki is last in market share because SeaDoo has teams of corporate marketing and influencers who peddle their crap to unsuspecting consumers who are uneducated and clueless. I know many people who are finished with the subpar quality of Yamahas and SeaDoo (me included) and have switched to Kawasaki for the latest generation of new skis. Things are changing fast- Kawasaki has split their watercraft division off of their Heavy Industries and is now bolstering their dealer network. As consumers learn the truth Kawasaki will continue to gain much deserved market share.
All true. Sea Doo and Yamaha do much better marketing and both seized the rental market with cheaper rental models. People rent one..like it...go buy it. I almost did that 30 years ago. I owned a Yamaha dirtbike. Rented a Yamaha waverunner. Was hooked. Went to buy but did research. Again this was 1991. Kawasaki was the only one made in USA. The ski I bought, 650 TS made 52 hp I believe. Had oil injection and great storage. All for less than the Yamaha 500 and 650s which were made in Japan. I went to a dealership that sold Yamaha and Sea Doo. Had $ on a Yamaha. Went outside and talked to a service tech. I thought all the skis in the fence were for sale. And there were a lot. NOT SO! He said they were all for service and almost every single one was a Sea Doo. I went to a Kawi dealer and found my first ski purchase. Never disappointed! I towed several Yamahas and Sea Doos with that old TS. Ran perfectly for 13 years til I sold it. I would literally roll it upside down in salt water by the ramp. Wax the bottom. Flip it over and go! I knew plenty of people that rolled Sea Doos accidentally and electronics fried. Kawi had waterproofing nailed down from all the standup years. Sea Doo pushes tech and that's fine. Kawi makes some bad corporate decisions which hurt sales but products are usually reliable.
I mean this in the kindest way, because I like your channel and I’m a hardcore Kawasaki fan.. You had stated that the exhaust filter was “innovative”. I think it’s a horrible design and was put in place because the exhaust was designed the way it was, and they realized last minute that the top down design could put water into the exhaust side of the head so they half assed this filter. I certainly could be wrong, but at the least it’s a troublesome design. At least after 2013 they put the pin in line to hold the filter from blowing into the waterbox when it fails.
I have not heard that explanation before, but I’m all for hearing different points of view. It’s my understanding that a major issue most watercraft face is condensation on the exhaust valves and head when the ski is being stored- this leads to corrosion. Water droplets condense on the filter surface BEFORE mAking it to the valves and head instead- that’s why I think the filter is innovative- it extends service life of the engine. If people are diligent and perform proper maintenance the filter will not fail and be forced down into the water box.
These are just a few of the reasons! Kevin Shaw @ The Watercraft Journal just did a great review on the LX, and I have written a few pieces for Watercraft Journal about my experiences with the new Kawasaki.
The Ultra 160 (naturally aspirated) and Ultra 310 (supercharged ) LX-S and LX trim both include the Ultra Deck which can accommodate a rack- see my video of the Cargo Rack here: The Kawasaki Genuine Cargo Rack for the 2022+ Kawasaki Ultra 160/310 LX and LX-S with Ultra Deck ua-cam.com/video/lrxvDYpbbfE/v-deo.html
No problem. Don’t forget that the Kawasaki Ultras have a deep-v hull (like a center console fishing boat) so they won’t be as stable at rest as a PWC with a wider and flatter hull (like the fish pro or a tri-hull or pontoon, etc)
The storage has proven to be pretty functional for me. The issue is not with the side storage itself but that the doors don’t actually seal, so water gets in- I keep everything in dry bags now
@@JDsWaterWorld Hi JD, I am indeed! I have taken a few pics of myself on the ski and sent to friends and family and the first comment is how happy I look. Perma-smile! Look forward to your next video!
I know you read Watercraft Journal, here is one of my articles about exactly that! watercraftjournal.com/why-we-ride-the-health-benefits-of-owning-a-personal-watercraft/
So Yamaha makes a great product and the FX is a great line of skis. I owned a 2021 FX, which I sold to get my Kawasaki 310. After 85 hours the thin automotive paint started to delaminate off the bottom of the hull. I never beach my skis and don’t even motor onto the trailer..in my opinion the Nano xcel was terrible…coming off waves my front compartment would occasionally pop open from the hull flex. The new FX has an SMC hull, so might be much better? The Kawi is the most fun and reliable ski I’ve ever owned, and is hands down the best ski for ocean riding and chop. I’ve owned 6 Yamaha skis, and became a Kawi convert over the Ultra Hull platform and the hull and paint reliability issues with the Yamaha. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I will say that going from the LX to the 310 is night and day- the same great ride is there, but the 310 has so much stupid power it’s a different experience
The SeaDoo closed loop cooling system has way too many unnecessary components and hoses to fail- and is way over complicated. Also you can’t run the SeaDoo out of the water for more than 5 seconds without damaging the carbon seal- making the ski impossible to flush properly after salt (salt water still goes through the exhaust and the over complicated ride plate) that’s the real reason they have closed loop now- after decades of failing seals that was their answer…
Seadoos are closed loop for a reason. The engines aren't designed for Salt water use. Kawi & Yamaha have a corrosive baking process that allows them to run in salt
Currently looking at the 310 Ultra LX vs the SVHO Limited. Very conflicted over which to buy. I’m not new to the pwc market as this is my second ski, first is a ex sport from Yamaha, but I’m no expert (especially as far as maintenance goes). From what I understand waverunners are pretty low maintenance, just bring ‘em in when for scheduled service and don’t have to worry about them type of thing. Are the kawasakis like that too? Or will I be taking more trips than I’d like. Wont be doing anything to crazy but I’ll be in rougher salt water. Love to get ur opinion on which to go for.
@Liam I started this channel for the express reason of spreading my knowledge, opinion, and experience - and mine has been that Kawasaki is a superior product in most regards. The EX is polar opposite from the Ultra 310 both in terms ride, size, and power. The Ultra 310 is very maintenance intensive and expensive to own but you are rewarded with an incredible machine…that I think has a better ride and design than anything else on the water…obviously since I made this entire channel and spent $20k on it. If you want cheap maintenance get a naturally aspirated Ultra 160…which I also own and is great. I suggest also trying to find a channel like mine geared toward the FX you are interested in and using that content to help guide your decision. Go sit on the skis and see them all in person. Every ski has its pros and cons..what works for me might not work for you…
@@JDsWaterWorld Thanks so much for your reply. Not much out there in terms of content or reviews on the SVHO limited but I’ll continue to dig. About how often do u bring it in for maintenance? I’m probably gonna go with the Yamaha just because I don’t want to get wrapped up in anything I’m not ready for but just curious.
I do all my own maintenance and provide videos on how to do pretty much everything, for free. The SVHO is nothing like the EX you owned..they do require quite a bit of maintenance as well. The Yamahas aren’t bad except for the crappy automotive paint, the supercharger clutch and head failures, and the software issues with the low fuel alarm. All skis have their issues..all brands..I purchased nearly $40k in new Yamahas in 2020- a FX HO and a VX Deluxe for the 2021 model year. Both had numerous recalls and issues- namely issues with the hulls and paint- so much so that I dumped both skis and now refuse to own anything but the Kawasakis- which as my video demonstrates are built like a real boat. The Yamaha all in all are much better than the SeaDoos, but a notch below Kawasaki in terms of quality.
I cant decided between the Yamaha GP1800 SVHO or these new Kawasaki 310's. I love a good hard athletic aggressive ride. Anyone have any experience riding both of these? What can you say about how each one felt? Looking to buy in March/April of 2024.
I have ridden both- the GP1800 is like a corvette, the Ultra 310 is like a 4Runner…completely different skis. The GP is very fast on flat water, and the hull does OK on the chop, but it will buck you around and your back and balls will hurt. The GP is nano xcel so it’s very flimsy- the rear deck and sides of the hull flex- you can push them in with your hand! The Ultra is made of fiberglass and gelcoat, and has a deep-v hull that gives you the best handling and ride in chop. The Ultra is slower than the GP SVHO- assuming you try to race both with stage 1 on flat water- the GP will always win. The Yamahas have issues with heads cracking and supercharger clutch failures especially when riding in chop or at high intensity. The Ultras have a proven engine that has been in production for over a decade with no current known defects. Hope this helps, I’ve ridden both skis and owned a 2020 VX which shares the GP hull.
If Yamaha fixes the paint and hull issues, which are the root of most of the issues I’ve had with their skis, I’d actually consider getting a GP SVHO for the purpose of doing maintenance tutorials on my channel, like I do with the Ultra 310s
I have not a thing against Kawi, not a damn thing, it's just Yamaha has always been my brand of choice, Polaris coming in 2nd. I am NOT a BRP/Sea-Doo Fan it was nice to see a video on Team Green.
Question. It’s between the 310 ultra lx and the 160 ultra lx. I was leaning towards then160 because I’m 65 years old and the fuel consumption. However I can only lay my hands on the 310 ultra lx which I can afford. My question is : Is the fuel,consumption on the 310 going to kill me? If I ride a couple of hours per week (I live on a small lake) what is the consumption on pretty smooth water, running 45 mph. I know there is a multitude in riding style that will expend or conserve fuel, but I’m just trying to get a ballpark. Now into hope to finally hit very large lakes and long rivers this year. Oh, I forgot. Do I need to run unleaded fuel or 92 octane? Thanks so much for any feedback as this is kind of a stupid question.
Not a stupid question at all- in fact I think I might do a video on this topic today! Anyway, my dad is 67 and while he is a professional marine mechanic and has always owned motorcycles, planes, and boats he prefers the Ultra 160 for its simplicity, low cost of maintenance, and reliability. If you don’t need balls-to-the-wall speed you are going to be better off sticking with the 160. I love the 310 but it definitely takes a lot of maintenance to keep it reliable and on the water..the 160 basically needs oil changes and you are good to go. I would recommend you get yourself on a list for a 160- based on the type of riding you have described the 310 would be overkill. Now if you do buy a 310, just bump the power mode button to low or medium power modes and then the fuel consumption will be much better than if you keep the ski in full power mode.
@@JDsWaterWorldwell this has been a year long process and moving from Washington state to Georgia. I’ve had two dealership do the "bait and switch" routine with me. This week I placed agreed on a price in writing then $1000 deposit on a new 2023 160 lx -s . They did several used car salesman crap and then called me the next day and told me they did t know it was already sold but could get another for $5000 more. Long story short I just found the lime green 2022 Ultra 310 lx-s. 40 hours and purchasing Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed as I’m getting a really good deal . Hopefully not a scam or functional problems. The guy says he has all the receipts and the standard dealership maintaince receipts. It’s exactly the same ski you have in this video . I will up my game and learn about regular supercharger maintenance. ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS has helped me greatly. You’ve been so kind in replying to my past inquiries. Thank you J.D. -- I also watched Kevin’s video and review on this ski, but for me this ski fits my exact needs, assuming I’m smart enough to keep up on supercharger. :-)
I want to see this in the ocean. I tried an fx svho & it was fun!! Compare to my gp1200r it was night & day difference. Full throttle & wasnt tossed around like in my gpr. Been looking but overpriced because manufacture are not producing like before. So going to wait, i guess my 3k for down payment is nothing now haha
Oh man you really have to test out the new 310! Check out my many ocean ride videos, as well as the latest review of the 2022 310x by @ The Watercraft Journal. The FX platform is a great platform, but doesn’t hold a candle to the Kawasaki
@@JDsWaterWorld i did test an older 300, it was mofidied but didnt like it, felt i was to high on it. I know the mew ones are different & maybe bigger & few changes.. i know they used.stock kawasaki for ocean racing but videos are different than actually testing them, & here no dealer lets them test any pwc at all.
The 2022 310 is night and day over the older 300s. Yeah unfortunately dealers don’t offer test rides here either..you basically have to have a friend with one of you want to test it.
@@JDsWaterWorld yeah, thats how i tested a 21 fx. & his friend had the other modded kawasaki. Here at the bay it does get choppy, i think the fx will do, dont do lots of ocean riding anyways but would like to go there just ride it for a bit.. how the reliability on the engine? I know this is a new one
ua-cam.com/video/ZktaLrpS2wI/v-deo.html The Kawis are hands down the best skis on the market. The engine and hull are not new- the engine is the same since 2017 so has been time tested and proven. Watch the review at the link I posted above..
After you finish flushing, disconnect the hose while engine still running, spray the fogging oil/ corrosion block/ wd40 into the fogging port for about 10 seconds while blipping throttle to clear any water from the waterbox, then shut off. See my flushing video for demonstration!
@@JDsWaterWorld Good to know. If I were to pick a supercharged ski it'd be the Kawi. The gear driven centrifugals with a clutch scares me. The piston issue with Kawi was the one thing keeping me from considering one. They seem to be the most reliable supercharged ski on the market.
Agreed- the belt driven Eaton units will outlast the engine if they are fogged properly! There is quite a bit of maintenance, but if you keep up on the maintenance this ski is super reliable. I got my ski in April, and am already over 50 hours with 0 issues!
yamaha has an issue with stretched timing channe from coming in and out of the water when on throttle, leading to blown top ends ! What is the Kawasaki timing chain like thin like Yamahas or more robust??
I've ran the 310R a few times. It absolutely rips! It's not something you'd want a beginner or 1st timer to drive. That's a lot of horsepower for a jet ski and it feels like the acceleration is always trying to throw you off the back of the machine lol.
Is there any left leaning tendency it idle or while engine off? I heard this was a problem on the earlier supercharger kawasaki's. Not sure how bad it was , but was concerned if I chose to use it as a fishing ski.
Super stable, does not lean at all underway it’s at idle. The UltraDeck is massive on the back- I have a video of my Dad and I climbing on out in the ocean.
I am in the market for a new ski, I am being told to stay with the big players like Yamaha and Seedoo. I use to own a Kawaski Ninja ZX14 which this engine shares close design with. I feel like the Ultra 310 LX will be the right ski for me. Tough time finding one thanks for the updates new sub. Have you had any problems with impeller clogs or grate clogs?
Thanks for watching! My best advice for you would be to look at the skis in person (I know that’s basically impossible these days) go knock on the hull and look at the pump and engine- Kawasaki quality jumps out at you. I think that Yamaha makes a decent product, but while Yamaha and SeaDoo are focusing on phone integration, bells and whistles, and experimental light weight hulls, Kawasaki has been plugging along with real innovations “under the seat” as I like to say. If you watch some of my ocean videos you will see I sometimes ride in heavy seaweed, and I have not had any issue with the pump clogging. I did suck up a bag once, and just aggressively rocking the ski back and forth with the engine off cleared it out. I love the 310 and couldn’t ask for a better ski. I try to “put my money where my mouth is” by uploading lots of real-life POV videos of the 310 in action.
@@JDsWaterWorld I have subbed to your channel and even looking at how you do maintenance on it so I can do it myself. Good advice on knocking on the hull to see how they sound and I will ask the dealer to show me the engine bay on the Kawasaki. I am sold on the Kawaski, I just have to find a dealer who won't try to rip me off with ski and trailer. Cycle Springs are reasonable on trailers I will have to see about the ski. If I can't get a 2022 I will order the 2023. I love you're channel.
I was looking at the SeaDoo RXT-X before Kawasaki updated their 310's this year. I have always owned Kawasaki sport bikes and loved them. So glad the timing worked out for me because I bought the Ultra 310 LX. I absolutely love it!! 10/10 would highly recommend!
I bought the same exact LX-S model as JD watching his videos and Kevin at the watercraft journal regarding hull as my lake can be like an ocean on many days - these guys had experiences with all makes and create very unbiased content so figured if they endorse it why not - and superficial side of me could not resist the styling that is unique - compare equivalent Sea Doo and Yamaha and they kind of look similar
JD, at 6’2” do you have any thoughts on changing or adjusting your seat? It looked like you might have been sitting on the first seat bump/back support, I’m 6’ and would kinda like the bump flattened out back about 2”.
Steve, yes you are right. I do tend to sit back a bit on the lumbar support/ second seat part when slamming around. Although I found that sitting more forward does help keep the pump loaded up in the chop. I think once the adjustable seat comes back in stock I am going to purchase one..if it was back just a few inches I would be happier. The seat itself though is very comfortable- The narrow taper is a much needed change from the massively wide seat on the previous gen
@@JDsWaterWorld I just saw a video from you installing adjustable seats brackets for the X. I believe you mentioned you found them at K-Speed? Can you share the link as I cannot locate these brackets. Thanks man your channel has totally narrowed down the make and model for me to purchase in a week or so when I can find a Kawasaki Ultra 310 X. Can’t wait.
I have owned 2 310x's for a year now. Previously owned 2 2007 Ultras. All of these skis are1/were used only in Lake Havasu, AZ. JD is absolutely correct about the Kawasaki hulls being the absolute best rough water skis. One thing that I dislike about the new 310's versus the old Ultras are the seats, which force you to sit in a certain position with no ability to slide back and forth plus being very hard on your private parts in rough water. My solution was to have Jetrim modify the seats ro make them similar to the Ultra seats, I.e. smooth. This has been a great change in my opinion. I do all of my own maintenance on my skis, which include many Kawasaki and Yamaha standups (you may of heard of my son Jeff Jacobs). I can attest that JD's tutorial videos are first class.
Every new ski sold in the United States has a speed limiter in accordance with an agreement between the USCG and OEMs. The aftermarket will develop a speed control override for this ski eventually. The horsepower gets you out the hole instantly and to top speed almost instantly that’s the biggest difference. I’ve had multiple Yamaha 1100s..the WVT would go about 62 but nowhere near 70.
@Rusli when it comes to the blue water performance of the hull and stock engine, the 22.5 degree deep-v Ultra Hull from Kawasaki is hands down the best on the market. The plastic CMtech SeaDoo hulls lack the mass and pitch to cut the chop like the Kawi. The deeper Kawi hull and top-loading intake grate keep the pump hooked up in the chop. Sound system? I don’t use sound systems on my skis, so cannot comment on that! I do hear that the SeaDoo has a nice sound system though.
In my book the Yamahas and Kawasakis are both great skis-BUT- Yamaha has failed miserably with their hull material and very poor quality paint..it’s a shame but I continue to get weekly emails about Yamaha owners frustrated with the paint failing- even on the new SMC FX line…the Kawis are decidedly old school in many ways and that’s what I love!
@@JDsWaterWorld personally i love both brands. Larger pwc and stand ups go to kawi. Smaller pwcs I prefer yami because of the hull design. Yes the paint will come apart but they also have the lightest 3 seaters on the market. I’ll take anything so long as it doesn’t sink cough cough sea doo.
@@JDsWaterWorld wow really! Is sea doo that bad based on your experience and knowledge I truly take your word for it The explorer pro has so much to offer tho Based on the pictures and videos
Some people might love the SeaDoos- it might be the perfect ski for you- so just because I don’t like them doesn’t mean you won’t…but that being said, in good conscience I would not recommend one to anyone here publicly. I’m “biased” towards Kawasaki..why? I’ve owned SeaDoo- my first ski was a SeaDoo..and as it sank due to a defective carbon seal design I swore “never again.” SeaDoo makes some fast supercharged skis- the explorer itself is a dud in my opinion- by again- don’t take my word for it, go look at it in person. What I like and the things I check off when picking a ski might be different than what you would want. Just because I hate the explorer and seadoos doesn’t meant you will…
@@JDsWaterWorld there are lots of issues with seadoos I have a watched several hours Of videos and Reddit forums about them At this time Kawasaki is the best choice I have to find one now
Good luck with that terrible automotive paint! I had 2 2021 Yamahas and the painted Nano was a nightmare..sold both at a loss..I owned Yamahas for 15 years and they lost me as a customer after what I went through with their ridiculous quality issues. I still own a SMC gelcoat 1996 Yamaha WaveVenture, but won’t ever buy one of their newer skis. The 1.8 isn’t bad by any means, and if they fix the paint issue, and now the fuel gauge issue…I’d possibly consider adding an new SMC FX SVHO to my fleet..
Go find my UA-cam short “2021 FX hull delaminating.” The issue is that the Nano hulls flex, and the automotive paint develops hairline cracks. It’s impossible to maintain and keep it looking nice..The Kawi is gelcoat (like every modern production boat) and is extremely durable..the Kawi hulls last 30 years..I own 30 yr old Kawi as well and it’s made same way. I don’t beach my skis, don’t abuse my skis, but the Yamahas the paint wore off the bottom in less than 50 hrs, Yamaha does not cover under warranty. This is very common, no secret in the Yamaha community. It’s really sad..that being said, the hulls are still more durable than a thing SeaDoo makes.
Maybe, but it's got a flimsy hull that can't handle the slightest chop and poor Mexican quality control. I have found over 200 videos of SeaDoo 300s sinking..all posted..speed doesn't really matter if it can't stay afloat, am I right? 🤣🤣
I just picked up a 2022 Ultra 310lx-s. I have been looking for a pwc, but couldn't find anything. Nothing has been available. I was looking at Sea-doo and Yamaha, but I have always liked the Kawasaki. For some reason, I checked a local Kawasaki dealership, and they had one in stock, and available in their showroom. I jumped on it and got it Saturday. I watched many of your videos Friday, and the information you provided contributed greatly to me purchasing this ski. I had a 1996 zxi 1100 20 years ago. It is amazing how far these have come. I can't wait to get it on the water. It will see a combination of fresh and salt water, as I live in Texas and have about a 2 hr drive to the beach. I have watched your videos on flushing and maintenance for salt water use. THANK YOU!!!!! Your information and videos are top notch.
@JBD that’s awesome, you got really lucky! The LX-S is my favorite in the lineup. I’m glad you find my videos helpful, thank you for watching and for the positive feedback! You won’t be disappointed, the LX-S is an incredible machine, and Kawasaki definitely makes a top notch product! Go team green!
@@JDsWaterWorld I know I got lucky. It seems like it was meant to be.
@@JDsWaterWorld I got out yesterday for my break-in. It was hard to go the hour at 4,000 rpm or less. My patience was rewarded. Once I could take it up to 6,000, it was a different experience. So much power. I have a lot of riding to do before I can feel comfortable with the power. The take off from a stop is nothing less than impressive. I tried different drive modes, and the slo mode is comparable to what the zxi 1100 felt like. I love the power, but it can be intimidating.
@@JDsWaterWorld On the earlier 310 Ultras have you heard anything about piston issues and any specifics surrounding that?
Correct agree kspeed 310r
I once asked which PWC handles choppy water the best. Hands down the answer was Kawasaki. Great video.
No doubt! I’ve owned many skis over the years, the Kawasaki Ultra platform is the best for the ocean, hands down! Thanks for the comment!
I currently own late models skis: 2 Yamahas, 22’ 310 Kawasaki and Sea Doo 230. They all have advantages but I have not seen anything better from Yamaha or Sea Doo over the updated Kawasaki.
Thats cool you have the other skis to compare it to! I traded in my 2021 FX HO when I bough the 22’ 310..now just have a 21 Ultra LX and the 22 310.
@@JDsWaterWorld What was the FX HO lacking for you? I just bought an FX Cruiser HO, and I love it. I'm on a lake that doesn't get crazy like the inter coastal or ocean. I've ridden Kawasakis, and they were great on rough water, but this Yamaha is like riding a Harley on smooth water days.
The biggest gripe I had was the soft paint and the nano hull. After 85 hours (never beached, never abused) the bottom paint was delaminating where the ski went onto the trailer bunks (brand new trailer bunks). I don’t motor into the trailer either- I am very gentle. I was astounded at how easily the paint delaminates. The hull Never cracked or anything, but the front compartment would pop open in the chop from the flexing. I owned 4 Yamahas before my 2021, and I was really saddened by the finish quality. The 25 year old hull on My 1996 Yamaha WaveVenture had less scratches than the 2021 FX. The engine never had an issue, the connext was OK, and the ride system was good.
Bro! I’m having the same problem with the hatch 😂 glad I found you today 😂 and yea the paint sux… but… I’m on my 6th Waverunner now, had 1 seadoo so I only been looking at the yamaha.. never heard anything good about the Kawasaki ski till I found this video
Dude…the Kawis are bulletproof. As you have learned by now I was a Yamaha guy for years..finally I had enough with the BS. The Yamahas are still great skis, but just not as durable as the Kawasakis. The Yamaha also had lots of squeaks and vibrations I could never quite do anything about lol. The new Ultra 310 does have its quirks, but I have been so thrilled to own it so far.
Bought the Kawasaki Ultra 310x...I didn't feel a need for extended deck. Plus I fell in love with the yellow and teal marine- like coloring. 👍
Awesome congrats on the new ski man! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!
@@JDsWaterWorld my Yamaha dealership that I put $500 down on a ski and it still had not arrived was PISSED when i called them today to get my deposit back! They said I made the wrong choice and should have waited for the GP1800R and that "I'll be sorry" I bought a Kawasaki.
Hahah wow bet they were pissed! You can buy a GP and spend $6k on a Stage 2+ and it still will never sound as good as the stock Kawi 😎
@@JDsWaterWorld That's what I wanted to hear my friend. Love your channel. I need to pick up a couple go pros and record some stuff. If you look at my videos, they are all over the place with various things, but nothing recent. Have a great weekend. I pick my 2022 Kawi ultra 310x up at 10am tomorrow. Woot!!!
Thanks man. Well that’s awesome. Make sure they load the software update before you take delivery! You’re gonna love it, the Kawasaki is such an awesome ski. Your gonna have trouble sleeping tonight lol!
Very nice ski for sure seems like kawi was paying attention on this redone ultra !!! But haters will hate no matter what !! I’ve owned 4 Kawasaki jet ski 1 being the 2000 ultra 150 loved that ski people said it was sketchy at top speed I never had issues !! PWC are like cell phones Samsung and apple both awesome just depends on what you like 👍🏻 but I do love my gp
Haha exactly, thanks for watching! It’s like that with everything- sometimes you just have to Ignore all the noise and get out and ride!
Great video! I’m a Kawi guy…2020 310LX, 2019 SXR, 2011 SXR. Loved them all! Awesome quality and reliability. Would not buy anything else. Want to get the redesigned model but can’t stand the colors….except for the green, but that model isn’t offered up here in Canada! 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
Hell yeah! Thanks for sharing! No green in Canada??? I started my channel expressly to share a real-life owners perspective of the Ultra 310 Jet Skis..was so tired of all the garbage on the internet so I took things into my own hands!
@@JDsWaterWorld glad you did, keep spreading TRUTH! 😁👍💪
@@JDsWaterWorld and no…the LX-S is not offered up here. Neither was the 310 R! STUPID!
Wow that’s really strange. So they only sell the LX trim? The new 2024 X is red which looks pretty cool- not sure if that’s excluded from the market up there either. I wanted the deck, but no stereo and obviously the Kawi green, so the LX-S fit the bill for me perfectly- I ordered it in October of 2021 and received the ski in April 2022.
@@JDsWaterWorld good to know! Maybe I’ll get the X next year then! What’s the color going to be for the LX??
I dont know much about jet skis but kawasaki is releasing a angler edition this year that i am really interested in, great video Thanks.
I can't really speak to the angler specifically, but Kawasaki has the most durable hulls in the industry hands down- due to their fiberglass and gelcoat construction. Of course the price point on the Kawasakis is a bit higher, but you literally get what you pay for.
I have the Kawasaki STX 160 and I can back up this decision on that ski too
Yes, the naturally aspirated STX platform is time tested and reliable! I also have an 1998 STX 1100 and the quality of the 25 year old Kawasaki hull is better than many competitors brand new skis!
Damn bro, very informative video 👏👏always loved their dirt bikes, but don’t know much about the ski. Impressed by the stock bov!
I owned WaveRunners for years as well…and all I can say is you have to look at an Ultra 310 in person to feel and see the quality of the machine..if you ride in the ocean or chop, the Kawi is the King.
Because green is best! 💚💚💚💚
Fantastic video explaining some features of Kawasaki jetskis. Kawasaki is last in industry marketshare because they cant makes skis that buyers want.
Kawasaki is last in market share because SeaDoo has teams of corporate marketing and influencers who peddle their crap to unsuspecting consumers who are uneducated and clueless. I know many people who are finished with the subpar quality of Yamahas and SeaDoo (me included) and have switched to Kawasaki for the latest generation of new skis. Things are changing fast- Kawasaki has split their watercraft division off of their Heavy Industries and is now bolstering their dealer network. As consumers learn the truth Kawasaki will continue to gain much deserved market share.
All true. Sea Doo and Yamaha do much better marketing and both seized the rental market with cheaper rental models. People rent one..like it...go buy it. I almost did that 30 years ago. I owned a Yamaha dirtbike. Rented a Yamaha waverunner. Was hooked. Went to buy but did research. Again this was 1991. Kawasaki was the only one made in USA. The ski I bought, 650 TS made 52 hp I believe. Had oil injection and great storage. All for less than the Yamaha 500 and 650s which were made in Japan. I went to a dealership that sold Yamaha and Sea Doo. Had $ on a Yamaha. Went outside and talked to a service tech. I thought all the skis in the fence were for sale. And there were a lot. NOT SO! He said they were all for service and almost every single one was a Sea Doo. I went to a Kawi dealer and found my first ski purchase. Never disappointed! I towed several Yamahas and Sea Doos with that old TS. Ran perfectly for 13 years til I sold it. I would literally roll it upside down in salt water by the ramp. Wax the bottom. Flip it over and go! I knew plenty of people that rolled Sea Doos accidentally and electronics fried. Kawi had waterproofing nailed down from all the standup years. Sea Doo pushes tech and that's fine. Kawi makes some bad corporate decisions which hurt sales but products are usually reliable.
I mean this in the kindest way, because I like your channel and I’m a hardcore Kawasaki fan.. You had stated that the exhaust filter was “innovative”. I think it’s a horrible design and was put in place because the exhaust was designed the way it was, and they realized last minute that the top down design could put water into the exhaust side of the head so they half assed this filter. I certainly could be wrong, but at the least it’s a troublesome design. At least after 2013 they put the pin in line to hold the filter from blowing into the waterbox when it fails.
I have not heard that explanation before, but I’m all for hearing different points of view. It’s my understanding that a major issue most watercraft face is condensation on the exhaust valves and head when the ski is being stored- this leads to corrosion. Water droplets condense on the filter surface BEFORE mAking it to the valves and head instead- that’s why I think the filter is innovative- it extends service life of the engine. If people are diligent and perform proper maintenance the filter will not fail and be forced down into the water box.
Love your video!
Thank you!!
Nice video 🍀✌️
Thumbs up 👍
LOL, you answered my question from your other video. Thanks.
These are just a few of the reasons! Kevin Shaw @ The Watercraft Journal just did a great review on the LX, and I have written a few pieces for Watercraft Journal about my experiences with the new Kawasaki.
well done and succinctly. thanks
Great info 👍🏽… I love my 22 Ultra 310 LX…
Thanks for watching! Go Team Green! 🍀
If you wanted a Kawasaki pwc for fishing would this be it?
is there a rack system for the deck?
The Ultra 160 (naturally aspirated) and Ultra 310 (supercharged ) LX-S and LX trim both include the Ultra Deck which can accommodate a rack- see my video of the Cargo Rack here: The Kawasaki Genuine Cargo Rack for the 2022+ Kawasaki Ultra 160/310 LX and LX-S with Ultra Deck
ua-cam.com/video/lrxvDYpbbfE/v-deo.html
@@JDsWaterWorld thanks JD !
No problem. Don’t forget that the Kawasaki Ultras have a deep-v hull (like a center console fishing boat) so they won’t be as stable at rest as a PWC with a wider and flatter hull (like the fish pro or a tri-hull or pontoon, etc)
Love the engine and tech but I hate the front and side storage.
The storage has proven to be pretty functional for me. The issue is not with the side storage itself but that the doors don’t actually seal, so water gets in- I keep everything in dry bags now
Love the gullwing storage. Not waterproof but very functional
Awesome video JD!!
Thanks @jerplane! Hope you’re enjoying your Ultra!!
@@JDsWaterWorld Hi JD, I am indeed! I have taken a few pics of myself on the ski and sent to friends and family and the first comment is how happy I look. Perma-smile! Look forward to your next video!
I know you read Watercraft Journal, here is one of my articles about exactly that!
watercraftjournal.com/why-we-ride-the-health-benefits-of-owning-a-personal-watercraft/
i prefer yamaha FX SERIES for rough water and reliabilty and also for fun and speed. nice jet ski that kawasaki by the way
So Yamaha makes a great product and the FX is a great line of skis. I owned a 2021 FX, which I sold to get my Kawasaki 310. After 85 hours the thin automotive paint started to delaminate off the bottom of the hull. I never beach my skis and don’t even motor onto the trailer..in my opinion the Nano xcel was terrible…coming off waves my front compartment would occasionally pop open from the hull flex. The new FX has an SMC hull, so might be much better?
The Kawi is the most fun and reliable ski I’ve ever owned, and is hands down the best ski for ocean riding and chop. I’ve owned 6 Yamaha skis, and became a Kawi convert over the Ultra Hull platform and the hull and paint reliability issues with the Yamaha. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have the 2014 ultra lx. She only has about 70 hours on her. Maybe one day I’ll get her the bigger sister 310 :)
Your LX is the same as my 2021 LX- bulletproof machine, very proven and easy to maintain!
I will say that going from the LX to the 310 is night and day- the same great ride is there, but the 310 has so much stupid power it’s a different experience
@@JDsWaterWorld I hear some of the 310x's have piston problems do you know anything about that? Ty
I actually want to get both a Kawasaki 310 LXS and a Sea Doo 325 GXTX
Nice! Shoot for the starts I guess lol!
@@JDsWaterWorld rxtx meant
Think strongly about the cooling system VS Seadoo cooling system. That it self is BIG !!
The SeaDoo closed loop cooling system has way too many unnecessary components and hoses to fail- and is way over complicated. Also you can’t run the SeaDoo out of the water for more than 5 seconds without damaging the carbon seal- making the ski impossible to flush properly after salt (salt water still goes through the exhaust and the over complicated ride plate) that’s the real reason they have closed loop now- after decades of failing seals that was their answer…
Seadoos are closed loop for a reason. The engines aren't designed for Salt water use. Kawi & Yamaha have a corrosive baking process that allows them to run in salt
Currently looking at the 310 Ultra LX vs the SVHO Limited. Very conflicted over which to buy. I’m not new to the pwc market as this is my second ski, first is a ex sport from Yamaha, but I’m no expert (especially as far as maintenance goes). From what I understand waverunners are pretty low maintenance, just bring ‘em in when for scheduled service and don’t have to worry about them type of thing. Are the kawasakis like that too? Or will I be taking more trips than I’d like. Wont be doing anything to crazy but I’ll be in rougher salt water. Love to get ur opinion on which to go for.
@Liam I started this channel for the express reason of spreading my knowledge, opinion, and experience - and mine has been that Kawasaki is a superior product in most regards. The EX is polar opposite from the Ultra 310 both in terms ride, size, and power. The Ultra 310 is very maintenance intensive and expensive to own but you are rewarded with an incredible machine…that I think has a better ride and design than anything else on the water…obviously since I made this entire channel and spent $20k on it. If you want cheap maintenance get a naturally aspirated Ultra 160…which I also own and is great. I suggest also trying to find a channel like mine geared toward the FX you are interested in and using that content to help guide your decision. Go sit on the skis and see them all in person. Every ski has its pros and cons..what works for me might not work for you…
@@JDsWaterWorld Thanks so much for your reply. Not much out there in terms of content or reviews on the SVHO limited but I’ll continue to dig. About how often do u bring it in for maintenance? I’m probably gonna go with the Yamaha just because I don’t want to get wrapped up in anything I’m not ready for but just curious.
I do all my own maintenance and provide videos on how to do pretty much everything, for free. The SVHO is nothing like the EX you owned..they do require quite a bit of maintenance as well. The Yamahas aren’t bad except for the crappy automotive paint, the supercharger clutch and head failures, and the software issues with the low fuel alarm. All skis have their issues..all brands..I purchased nearly $40k in new Yamahas in 2020- a FX HO and a VX Deluxe for the 2021 model year. Both had numerous recalls and issues- namely issues with the hulls and paint- so much so that I dumped both skis and now refuse to own anything but the Kawasakis- which as my video demonstrates are built like a real boat. The Yamaha all in all are much better than the SeaDoos, but a notch below Kawasaki in terms of quality.
I cant decided between the Yamaha GP1800 SVHO or these new Kawasaki 310's. I love a good hard athletic aggressive ride. Anyone have any experience riding both of these? What can you say about how each one felt? Looking to buy in March/April of 2024.
I have ridden both- the GP1800 is like a corvette, the Ultra 310 is like a 4Runner…completely different skis. The GP is very fast on flat water, and the hull does OK on the chop, but it will buck you around and your back and balls will hurt. The GP is nano xcel so it’s very flimsy- the rear deck and sides of the hull flex- you can push them in with your hand! The Ultra is made of fiberglass and gelcoat, and has a deep-v hull that gives you the best handling and ride in chop. The Ultra is slower than the GP SVHO- assuming you try to race both with stage 1 on flat water- the GP will always win. The Yamahas have issues with heads cracking and supercharger clutch failures especially when riding in chop or at high intensity. The Ultras have a proven engine that has been in production for over a decade with no current known defects. Hope this helps, I’ve ridden both skis and owned a 2020 VX which shares the GP hull.
Very good explanation. Thank you. @@JDsWaterWorld
If Yamaha fixes the paint and hull issues, which are the root of most of the issues I’ve had with their skis, I’d actually consider getting a GP SVHO for the purpose of doing maintenance tutorials on my channel, like I do with the Ultra 310s
I just bought one!
Congrats welcome to the club!!
best machine❤❤❤
Csn I makenit from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini on the 310? Anyone knows?
It’s just over 50 miles each way, I have gotten about 80 miles on the tank with normal riding. I would bring extra fuel on a rack.
how many hours u think these machines can last?
If it's a well maintained freshwater machine with stock tune, upwards of 1,000 hrs easily
I have not a thing against Kawi, not a damn thing, it's just Yamaha has always been my brand of choice, Polaris coming in 2nd. I am NOT a BRP/Sea-Doo Fan it was nice to see a video on Team Green.
I own a bunch of Yamaha stuff as well, but nothing newer than mid 90s
Question. It’s between the 310 ultra lx and the 160 ultra lx. I was leaning towards then160 because I’m 65 years old and the fuel consumption. However I can only lay my hands on the 310 ultra lx which I can afford.
My question is : Is the fuel,consumption on the 310 going to kill me? If I ride a couple of hours per week (I live on a small lake) what is the consumption on pretty smooth water, running 45 mph. I know there is a multitude in riding style that will expend or conserve fuel, but I’m just trying to get a ballpark.
Now into hope to finally hit very large lakes and long rivers this year. Oh, I forgot. Do I need to run unleaded fuel or 92 octane? Thanks so much for any feedback as this is kind of a stupid question.
Not a stupid question at all- in fact I think I might do a video on this topic today! Anyway, my dad is 67 and while he is a professional marine mechanic and has always owned motorcycles, planes, and boats he prefers the Ultra 160 for its simplicity, low cost of maintenance, and reliability. If you don’t need balls-to-the-wall speed you are going to be better off sticking with the 160. I love the 310 but it definitely takes a lot of maintenance to keep it reliable and on the water..the 160 basically needs oil changes and you are good to go. I would recommend you get yourself on a list for a 160- based on the type of riding you have described the 310 would be overkill. Now if you do buy a 310, just bump the power mode button to low or medium power modes and then the fuel consumption will be much better than if you keep the ski in full power mode.
@@JDsWaterWorldwell this has been a year long process and moving from Washington state to Georgia. I’ve had two dealership do the "bait and switch" routine with me. This week I placed agreed on a price in writing then $1000 deposit on a new 2023 160 lx -s . They did several used car salesman crap and then called me the next day and told me they did t know it was already sold but could get another for $5000 more.
Long story short I just found the lime green 2022 Ultra 310 lx-s. 40 hours and purchasing Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed as I’m getting a really good deal . Hopefully not a scam or functional problems. The guy says he has all the receipts and the standard dealership maintaince receipts.
It’s exactly the same ski you have in this video . I will up my game and learn about regular supercharger maintenance. ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS has helped me greatly. You’ve been so kind in replying to my past inquiries. Thank you J.D. -- I also watched Kevin’s video and review on this ski, but for me this ski fits my exact needs, assuming I’m smart enough to keep up on supercharger. :-)
I want to see this in the ocean. I tried an fx svho & it was fun!! Compare to my gp1200r it was night & day difference. Full throttle & wasnt tossed around like in my gpr. Been looking but overpriced because manufacture are not producing like before. So going to wait, i guess my 3k for down payment is nothing now haha
Oh man you really have to test out the new 310! Check out my many ocean ride videos, as well as the latest review of the 2022 310x by @ The Watercraft Journal. The FX platform is a great platform, but doesn’t hold a candle to the Kawasaki
@@JDsWaterWorld i did test an older 300, it was mofidied but didnt like it, felt i was to high on it. I know the mew ones are different & maybe bigger & few changes.. i know they used.stock kawasaki for ocean racing but videos are different than actually testing them, & here no dealer lets them test any pwc at all.
The 2022 310 is night and day over the older 300s. Yeah unfortunately dealers don’t offer test rides here either..you basically have to have a friend with one of you want to test it.
@@JDsWaterWorld yeah, thats how i tested a 21 fx. & his friend had the other modded kawasaki. Here at the bay it does get choppy, i think the fx will do, dont do lots of ocean riding anyways but would like to go there just ride it for a bit.. how the reliability on the engine? I know this is a new one
ua-cam.com/video/ZktaLrpS2wI/v-deo.html
The Kawis are hands down the best skis on the market. The engine and hull are not new- the engine is the same since 2017 so has been time tested and proven. Watch the review at the link I posted above..
What do you use for the supercharger lubrication?
I fog it with Lear Corrosion Block usually
@@JDsWaterWorldand when u fog it do u turn the engine on or keep it off
After you finish flushing, disconnect the hose while engine still running, spray the fogging oil/ corrosion block/ wd40 into the fogging port for about 10 seconds while blipping throttle to clear any water from the waterbox, then shut off. See my flushing video for demonstration!
How often are fogging the supercharger and would fresh or salt water make it difference in amount
We are Yamaha guys but Thais one nice jetski ❤
Thanks for the comment! Hey, at least you’re not SeaDoo guys 🤪🤪😜
@@JDsWaterWorldquestion....I like the kawasaki and the yamahas.... I was told the yamahas are better for salt (engine/pumps/hoses)
@@JDsWaterWorldnvm I just watched your video and heard you adress this
@@keithdarman90if the Yamahas were better in the salt I would still be riding one 😂😂😂
Did Kawi ever fix the piston issue with the 310 engines?
That was fixed for the 2017 model year, and these skis have not experienced any issues since!
@@JDsWaterWorld Good to know. If I were to pick a supercharged ski it'd be the Kawi. The gear driven centrifugals with a clutch scares me. The piston issue with Kawi was the one thing keeping me from considering one. They seem to be the most reliable supercharged ski on the market.
Agreed- the belt driven Eaton units will outlast the engine if they are fogged properly! There is quite a bit of maintenance, but if you keep up on the maintenance this ski is super reliable. I got my ski in April, and am already over 50 hours with 0 issues!
yamaha has an issue with stretched timing channe from coming in and out of the water when on throttle, leading to blown top ends !
What is the Kawasaki timing chain like thin like Yamahas or more robust??
Yes, much higher quality timing chain. I have never heard of one breaking.
I've ran the 310R a few times. It absolutely rips! It's not something you'd want a beginner or 1st timer to drive. That's a lot of horsepower for a jet ski and it feels like the acceleration is always trying to throw you off the back of the machine lol.
Hah 100% agree!
i was wondering if what i heard is true? That Kawasaki PWC requires new engine bearings every 200 hrs?
Is there anything in the manual ?
thx!
Hahahah that’s absolutely not true….Where did you hear that?
JD, where do you putt your helmet when not used or not riding? Nose access too small to fit helmet
I just latch the helmet to the rear upper grab handle- which is pretty much the only place it can go!
Is there any left leaning tendency it idle or while engine off? I heard this was a problem on the earlier supercharger kawasaki's. Not sure how bad it was , but was concerned if I chose to use it as a fishing ski.
Super stable, does not lean at all underway it’s at idle. The UltraDeck is massive on the back- I have a video of my Dad and I climbing on out in the ocean.
I am in the market for a new ski, I am being told to stay with the big players like Yamaha and Seedoo. I use to own a Kawaski Ninja ZX14 which this engine shares close design with. I feel like the Ultra 310 LX will be the right ski for me. Tough time finding one thanks for the updates new sub. Have you had any problems with impeller clogs or grate clogs?
Thanks for watching! My best advice for you would be to look at the skis in person (I know that’s basically impossible these days) go knock on the hull and look at the pump and engine- Kawasaki quality jumps out at you. I think that Yamaha makes a decent product, but while Yamaha and SeaDoo are focusing on phone integration, bells and whistles, and experimental light weight hulls, Kawasaki has been plugging along with real innovations “under the seat” as I like to say. If you watch some of my ocean videos you will see I sometimes ride in heavy seaweed, and I have not had any issue with the pump clogging. I did suck up a bag once, and just aggressively rocking the ski back and forth with the engine off cleared it out. I love the 310 and couldn’t ask for a better ski. I try to “put my money where my mouth is” by uploading lots of real-life POV videos of the 310 in action.
@@JDsWaterWorld I have subbed to your channel and even looking at how you do maintenance on it so I can do it myself. Good advice on knocking on the hull to see how they sound and I will ask the dealer to show me the engine bay on the Kawasaki. I am sold on the Kawaski, I just have to find a dealer who won't try to rip me off with ski and trailer. Cycle Springs are reasonable on trailers I will have to see about the ski. If I can't get a 2022 I will order the 2023. I love you're channel.
I was looking at the SeaDoo RXT-X before Kawasaki updated their 310's this year. I have always owned Kawasaki sport bikes and loved them. So glad the timing worked out for me because I bought the Ultra 310 LX. I absolutely love it!! 10/10 would highly recommend!
I bought the same exact LX-S model as JD watching his videos and Kevin at the watercraft journal regarding hull as my lake can be like an ocean on many days - these guys had experiences with all makes and create very unbiased content so figured if they endorse it why not - and superficial side of me could not resist the styling that is unique - compare equivalent Sea Doo and Yamaha and they kind of look similar
JD, at 6’2” do you have any thoughts on changing or adjusting your seat? It looked like you might have been sitting on the first seat bump/back support, I’m 6’ and would kinda like the bump flattened out back about 2”.
Steve, yes you are right. I do tend to sit back a bit on the lumbar support/ second seat part when slamming around. Although I found that sitting more forward does help keep the pump loaded up in the chop. I think once the adjustable seat comes back in stock I am going to purchase one..if it was back just a few inches I would be happier. The seat itself though is very comfortable- The narrow taper is a much needed change from the massively wide seat on the previous gen
@@JDsWaterWorld good observations, thanks! Will have to check out the adjustable seat, was thinking that was an LX only thing
The cool thing is that every accessory or part on the LX is sold as an optional part for the X and LX-S models!
@@JDsWaterWorld I just saw a video from you installing adjustable seats brackets for the X. I believe you mentioned you found them at K-Speed?
Can you share the link as I cannot locate these brackets. Thanks man your channel has totally narrowed down the make and model for me to purchase in a week or so when I can find a Kawasaki Ultra 310 X. Can’t wait.
I have owned 2 310x's for a year now. Previously owned 2 2007 Ultras. All of these skis are1/were used only in Lake Havasu, AZ. JD is absolutely correct about the Kawasaki hulls being the absolute best rough water skis.
One thing that I dislike about the new 310's versus the old Ultras are the seats, which force you to sit in a certain position with no ability to slide back and forth plus being very hard on your private parts in rough water. My solution was to have Jetrim modify the seats ro make them similar to the Ultra seats, I.e. smooth. This has been a great change in my opinion.
I do all of my own maintenance on my skis, which include many Kawasaki and Yamaha standups (you may of heard of my son Jeff Jacobs). I can attest that JD's tutorial videos are first class.
Top speed is 69 mph? I had a yamaha 1000. 14 years ago went 70 mph. Whats the point of all this horsepower?
Every new ski sold in the United States has a speed limiter in accordance with an agreement between the USCG and OEMs. The aftermarket will develop a speed control override for this ski eventually. The horsepower gets you out the hole instantly and to top speed almost instantly that’s the biggest difference. I’ve had multiple Yamaha 1100s..the WVT would go about 62 but nowhere near 70.
@@JDsWaterWorld True , Speedo MPH Vs GPS is waaaay off !
jet yaghtß
Acceleration and handling
What about the acceleration and the roigh water comfort and the soundsystem quality over seadoo rxtx or gtx 300 series?
@Rusli when it comes to the blue water performance of the hull and stock engine, the 22.5 degree deep-v Ultra Hull from Kawasaki is hands down the best on the market. The plastic CMtech SeaDoo hulls lack the mass and pitch to cut the chop like the Kawi. The deeper Kawi hull and top-loading intake grate keep the pump hooked up in the chop. Sound system? I don’t use sound systems on my skis, so cannot comment on that! I do hear that the SeaDoo has a nice sound system though.
Check out the watercraft journal review of the LX. The updated sound system is the best in the industry….. by far…four speakers! 👌👍
Ouf... great marketing spin.
If you wanna something comfortable get an kawi ultra. I like yamis but to each their own.
In my book the Yamahas and Kawasakis are both great skis-BUT- Yamaha has failed miserably with their hull material and very poor quality paint..it’s a shame but I continue to get weekly emails about Yamaha owners frustrated with the paint failing- even on the new SMC FX line…the Kawis are decidedly old school in many ways and that’s what I love!
@@JDsWaterWorld personally i love both brands. Larger pwc and stand ups go to kawi. Smaller pwcs I prefer yami because of the hull design. Yes the paint will come apart but they also have the lightest 3 seaters on the market. I’ll take anything so long as it doesn’t sink cough cough sea doo.
there is only one other ski is in my mind, its the SEA DOO Explorer Pro I hope someone can talk me out of it :)
That’s like saying I am between a Ferrari or a PT cruiser lmao 🤣😂
@@JDsWaterWorld wow really! Is sea doo that bad based on your experience and knowledge I truly take your word for it
The explorer pro has so much to offer tho
Based on the pictures and videos
Some people might love the SeaDoos- it might be the perfect ski for you- so just because I don’t like them doesn’t mean you won’t…but that being said, in good conscience I would not recommend one to anyone here publicly. I’m “biased” towards Kawasaki..why? I’ve owned SeaDoo- my first ski was a SeaDoo..and as it sank due to a defective carbon seal design I swore “never again.” SeaDoo makes some fast supercharged skis- the explorer itself is a dud in my opinion- by again- don’t take my word for it, go look at it in person. What I like and the things I check off when picking a ski might be different than what you would want. Just because I hate the explorer and seadoos doesn’t meant you will…
@@JDsWaterWorld there are lots of issues with seadoos I have a watched several hours
Of videos and Reddit forums about them
At this time Kawasaki is the best choice
I have to find one now
The horsepower
A kawasaki assembled in america?
*shudders*
Take it easy its not Halloween yet!
Would you prefer a SeaDoo made from Chinese parts assembled in Mexico??
@JDsWaterWorld nope I'll buy a yamaha I think
Good luck with that terrible automotive paint! I had 2 2021 Yamahas and the painted Nano was a nightmare..sold both at a loss..I owned Yamahas for 15 years and they lost me as a customer after what I went through with their ridiculous quality issues. I still own a SMC gelcoat 1996 Yamaha WaveVenture, but won’t ever buy one of their newer skis. The 1.8 isn’t bad by any means, and if they fix the paint issue, and now the fuel gauge issue…I’d possibly consider adding an new SMC FX SVHO to my fleet..
@@JDsWaterWorld so what exactly was the problem with the paint. Elaborate
Go find my UA-cam short “2021 FX hull delaminating.” The issue is that the Nano hulls flex, and the automotive paint develops hairline cracks. It’s impossible to maintain and keep it looking nice..The Kawi is gelcoat (like every modern production boat) and is extremely durable..the Kawi hulls last 30 years..I own 30 yr old Kawi as well and it’s made same way. I don’t beach my skis, don’t abuse my skis, but the Yamahas the paint wore off the bottom in less than 50 hrs, Yamaha does not cover under warranty. This is very common, no secret in the Yamaha community. It’s really sad..that being said, the hulls are still more durable than a thing SeaDoo makes.
Kawisaki jet ski or gm futurliner
Love the Futurliner!
hoop e you do repot onn its telbitiy
What was that?
Kawasaki faster than a crack head on giro day
LOL
Interesting and Informative, but the audio sucks and very hard to listen to....Up and down....
Interesting..On which model and year?
Extremely dangerous to have expose moving parts inside the engine bay.
What are you talking about?
My 300 seadoo still faster
Maybe, but it's got a flimsy hull that can't handle the slightest chop and poor Mexican quality control. I have found over 200 videos of SeaDoo 300s sinking..all posted..speed doesn't really matter if it can't stay afloat, am I right? 🤣🤣