2020 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 It is essential to know that the new Kawasaki SXT-160 2020 may be one of the most important developments of Kawasaki in recent years, apart from the updated SX-R 1500.
At present, the STX-160 series replaces the legendary STX-15F, which is 17 years old. That means Kawasaki surprised the market with three unique new models: STX-160, STX-160X, and STX-160LX.
Strangely, you can still find 15F in the Kawasaki fleet, so this model is also available on the 2020 lane.
This time we will do all the research and gather for your specifications and drawings.
2020 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 Specs
Capacity
All the new STX models are equipped with seats for three riders, and the weight capacity remains the same, 496 pounds. The new design also means a larger storage compartment consisting of three separate units.
The front storage offers 30.1 gallons, while the rear room has a capacity of 4.4 gallons. Even though this small unit has no cover, because it is located under the seat, it remains relatively dry during travel.
The good news is that this model already has a small but waterproof glovebox. The bad news is that it’s tiny, less than 0.4 gallons.
It is a mystery why it is made so small because there is a lot of unused space in the hull to make it bigger. What’s more, it’s quite deep and narrow, so it’s okay for a smartphone, but you can’t store larger items inside it. If you want to charge your cellphone or action camera on water, a USB port can be installed in it as an option.
With this tiny glovebox, the total storage capacity of all STX-160 models is 35 gallons.
Also, Kawasaki designs a small (0.5 gallon) wet storage behind the boat (behind the seat). This can be the perfect place for your dock line or tow line!
The new STX-160 comes with a fuel capacity of 20.6 gallons, which is 4.2 gallons larger than its predecessor. With this new tank, the STX-160 2020 offers the most abundant fuel capacity in its category. (And the same capacity as the Kawasaki ULTRA series.)
Outside the larger gas tank, the filler cap is also moved under the hood; This not only makes the design cleaner but protects the lid from water spray too.
Seats
The new two-part seat design varies from model to model and is completely redesigned from the start. STX-160 has a simpler gray saddle. However, it is still far more ergonomic than its predecessor.
The STX-160X gets a more stylish two-tone seat, while the LX gets a more luxurious saddle with great lower back support. Very fitting with the style because the design continues on the seat side. You can also find 4.4 gallons of storage under the hinged rear seat.
In addition, there is a locking arm under this seat to support when you access storage.
Swim platform
The good news is thanks to the extra size and new deck, the rear platform is lower and wider, so the foldable retrofitting steps fully match the design.
In addition, the new deck has a second handle under the rear seat for an easy ride back. All great features, especially if you are considering wakeboarding or tubing.
Read next: 2021 Sea Doo Spark X
Audio system
In this section, the Kawasaki STX-160 is equipped with a new Bluetooth audio system. STX-160 LX doesn’t just get a better design, equipped with a premium integrated JET SOUND system, which offers AUX, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. It features an amplifier and two 60W speakers mounted under the mirror.
You can find the controller unit in front of you on the handlebar and the AUX and USB ports in the storage (waterproof).
This audio system comes exclusively with LX and is not available for the other two models, even at an additional price. But don’t worry, see what your other choices are.
Cruise controls
From a very important safety point of view, the STX-160 series was released with two keys. One standard key for full power and the other for SLO (Smart Learning Operation) mode. This key is known as the “learning key” or “slow key,” which can cut a top speed of around 30%.
This can be a welcome feature for rental companies because some of them tend to offer skiing with key learning.
But if you have children or want to lend your skis to an inexperienced driver (which is not recommended), you can also make good use of this learning key.
Beyond safety concerns, you can maximize your fuel mileage with reduced performance. Unfortunately, you cannot find any ECO modes if you use the regular buttons, but the small on-screen indicator tells you if you are going at the “best cruise” speed (mostly fuel savings).
When it comes to cruise control, the good news is this comes with all STX-160 models as standard. You simply maintain a steady speed, or the system allows you to change the speed easily with a button. This is a very good feature, especially on long jet ski tours.
You can also adjust the no-wake speed (5 mph) easily with just one touch so you can operate safely in various zones and never have to worry about tickets again. These features have been available on many competing models for a long time, so it was welcomed in the new jet ski series.
The new intelligent steering system helps you control jet skiing if you release the throttle at high speed.
Dashboard
The new larger digital display dashboard is a standard feature on all STX-160 models, which shows the actual and historical speed, RPM, fuel gauge and fuel consumption, temperature, engine clock, clock, and much other useful information that may be of great interest driver.
When you examine the screen, keep in mind that this model uses a small paddle wheel to measure speed, which is still the industry standard in this category. Although this unit is less accurate than a GPS-based speedometer in some high-end PWCs, it does the job quite well.
In addition to the hyphen, there are two glass containers for your drinks or bottled water in front of you. This is a good addition, but it’s questionable how efficient they are if you use rough water!
Mirrors
The STX-160 series not only has a pair of mirrors but is larger than the average factory-installed PWC mirror. Because of this, they offer better vision, which ultimately leads to higher safety on the water.
Braking system
We all know that even though Yamaha and Sea-Doo released their electronic braking system years ago, Kawasaki hasn’t been upgraded yet.
Therefore, surprisingly, the new 2020 STX-160 series was released without a braking system. Instead, it only displays large, regular back-levers mounted on the center console (moved to the left side), instead of the “industry standard” left handlebar.
Having no brakes also means that Kawasaki jet skis still cannot offer the exact same maneuverability at lower speeds as competing models are equipped with iBR and RiDE brakes and turning systems, which can be operated easily from the handlebars.
The lack of a braking system has shocked the market and seems to be a serious loss compared to competing models.
Read next: 2020 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160: The All-New Update of STX 160 Lineup
2020 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 Engine
We can explain the engine problem of all STX-160 models powered by 1,498cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder DOHC non-supercharged cylinders, which are cooled with open loop cooling and produce around 160 HP.
It is an interesting fact that Kawasaki uses the same resources in the SX-R 1500 also supports Jet Ski.
Returning to the STX-160 series, the new top deck design looks modern, large and sporty, because it shares several similarities with the Kawasaki ULTRA series.
If we examine the dimensions, they are quite close to 15F, but the length of the hull has increased by 1.3 “, so it’s already 124.1” long. The width doesn’t change; it’s 46.5 “like the STX-15F. But while the biggest difference is height, because the new model feels higher (45.4 “), this means an increase of 4.1”.
When it comes to weights, Kawasaki Jet Ski is always complicated because this manufacturer lists the curb weights, whereas competitors usually only list dry weights. But if we know the fuel and oil capacity, we can calculate the net weight (dry) easily for each Jet Ski model.
Based on these specifications, the dry weight of the STX-160 and STX-160X is around 726 pounds, while the advertised curb weight is 864 pounds. The LX version is slightly heavier and comes with 739 pounds of dry and 878 pounds of net weight.
2020 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 Price
This is what is waiting for, about the Kawasaki STX-160 price tag in 2020, the good news is that Kawasaki is trying to reduce prices, especially in terms of entry-level models. This means the base STX-160 is available for $ 9,599, which is $ 100 cheaper than its predecessor, SXT-15F.
If we compare the price tags of all PWC 2020 models, it’s clear that the STX-160 is currently the cheapest Kawasaki jet ski on the market!
If you are looking for a complete model, the SXT-160X costs $ 9999, while you can expect to pay $ 11,699 for a high-end LX model.
These prices do not include taxes, registration fees, and trailers, of course.
Conclusion
The gist of what we can take is congratulations for Kawasaki doing an excellent job and completely redesigning the platform from the 17-year-old STX line.
Although the main parts like the hull, engine, pump, sponge, rising plate, and grated intake are still the same as in the STX-15F, the STX-160 series looks like a new line.
This new platform is taller and more ergonomic, thus offering a comfortable and natural driving position. In addition to a fresh design, these new models also have many new features such as an expanded rear platform, a larger 35-gallon storage compartment, a 20.6-gallon fuel tank, a new handgrip, Bluetooth audio system, and many others.
The big disadvantage is that unlike competitors Sea-Doo and Yamaha models, the new STX-160 series arrives without a braking system. They are still produced with ordinary reverse levers, which look quite out of date today because competitors stopped their breakdown system years ago.
The new STX series contains three different models; The basic STX-160 is available for $ 9,599, the STX-160X costs $ 9,999, while you can buy a luxury model, the LX for $ 11,699. Surprisingly, its predecessor STX-15F is still available in the Kawasaki fleet, with a price tag of $ 9,699.
This is a brief review of our Kawasaki STX-160 2020. We hope you find it interesting and useful!
