JET SKI STX-12F                       3-Passenger

Few experiences are as pleasurable as gliding across the open water on a personal watercraft, with a cool breeze blowing and a sandy white beach beckoning in the distance. The experience is even better when it’s done on a JET SKI® STX®-12F watercraft, a model that combines more than 20 years of Kawasaki’s high-performance NINJA® motorcycle technology with quiet operation and the best emissions rating in the industry.

The engine of the STX-12F was adapted from Kawasaki’s powerful NINJA® ZX-12R motorcycle. The 1,199cc water-cooled engine with dual overhead camshafts pumps out plenty of power for optimum performance and boasts low emissions while purring quietly on the water.

The environmentally friendly STX-12F meets the strictest existing emission standards for both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In fact, the STX-12F received CARB’s ultra-low “three-star” rating in 2003, a full five years prior to the mandated time limit.

The STX-12F features dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and an electronic engine control unit (ECU) that harmonizes the fuel system and

the ignition system to provide maximum performance and reliability.

The fuel injection system utilizes a single 54mm throttle body and individual injectors at each chrome composite plated aluminum cylinder to provide fuel for this high-performance NINJA-based engine, resulting in smooth power delivery and instant starting in both hot and cold weather.

The engine’s highly tuned exhaust system is water-jacketed to help reduce underhood temperatures and keep the STX-12F running as quietly as possible. The

STX-12F also features dual water mufflers for very low exhaust noise. The large capacity airbox is specially designed to reduce noise levels and the engine is rubber-mounted in the hull to reduce vibration.

The STX-12F features an open-loop cooling system that utilizes an intake filter and draws cooling water from the jet pump, providing the STX-12F with consistent operating temperatures for maximum performance.

The JET SKI STX-12F utilizes a direct drive axial-flow pump that is connected to an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade impeller. The STX-12F direct drive has no gear reduction unit, allowing the STX-12F’s engine to turn a lower rpm for less stress and wear and tear, less vibration, less noise and better fuel consumption. A reverse function allows for easy maneuverability in tight quarters.

The JET SKI STX-12F also features Kawasaki Smart Steering® (KSS®). The Kawasaki Smart Steering system features a steering sensor that is electronically linked to an on-board microprocessor. If the handlebar is fully turned in either direction and the engine rpm drops from a designated rpm, such as when the throttle is released at speed, the microprocessor activates the KSS, which raises engine rpm to provide enough thrust to initiate the desired turn.

Smart Steering can assist riders in learning to negotiate turns and to maneuver, making turning easier and smoother. Experienced riders may not feel the system functioning since they realize throttle application is required during turning.

The STX-12F’s deep-V hull is made of fiberglass and gel-coated for a lustrous, scratch-resistant finish and features the molded-in Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) to help minimize spray on the operator. The one-piece hull construction increases durability while decreasing weight, and high-performance sponsons help get the hull up on plane and provide “grip” while the hull design facilitates precise cornering, increased stability at high speed and a smoother ride in rough water.

The STX-12F boasts a sporty design with its stylish deck and angular seat, offering a muscular look befitting a high-performance watercraft. The handlebars are located in a cab-forward position to provide plenty of room for the rider, plus abundant floor space provides room for the rider’s feet. There are even footrests to help stabilize a rear-facing spotter when pulling a skier, wakeboarder or tuber.

The open rear deck features abundant space easily used for getting into skis or as a diving platform. Reboarding in deep water is simplified with the automatically retracting boarding step located at the rear of the hull.

The rear deck can also accommodate a cooler or other items needed for a day on the water. The STX-12F features water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible glove box and front storage compartment. A hydraulic damper holds the front storage hood open, allowing easy access until the operator closes it. Another large storage area is located under the seat.

The JET SKI STX-12F features a 16.4-gallon fuel tank for more riding time between fill-ups and an LCD instrument panel allows riders to monitor fuel level, speed, engine rpm, trip distance and time. Warning lamps alert the rider to low fuel level or high engine temperature. In addition, there is a magnetic keyed ignition switch to help deter theft or unauthorized use.

Engine: Four-stroke, four-cylinder inline
Displacement: 1,199cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 55.4mm
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Induction: Electronic fuel injection
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Cooling system: Inducted water
Coupling: Direct drive from engine
Propulsion system: Jet pump, axial-flow, single stage
Thrust: 827 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 16.4 gal.
Overall length: 122.8 in.
Overall width: 46.5 in.
Overall height: 41.3 in.
Storage capacity: 23.5 gal.
Dry weight: 737 lbs.
Color: Candy Gold Spark
* Price and specifications subject to change
 

- Large 1,199cc four-stroke engine provides incredibly strong low-speed torque and acceleration
- Electronic fuel injection provides improved throttle response, smooth engine performance, quicker acceleration, instant starts under most conditions and a dramatic reduction in fuel consumption
- Dual overhead cams (DOHC) are light and compact for less valve train inertial mass, and provide consistent valve timing at high rpm
- Four-valve cylinder head with large valves provide better intake and exhaust flow to improve torque and power
- Tip-over protection shuts engine off if craft tilts more than 61°
- Waterproof ECU and ignition coils protect the ignition system from electrical shorts
- Unique semi-dry sump oil system lowers the crankshaft in the engine, eliminates the need for scavenging pumps, and if the craft is capsized the oil stays in the sump instead of flooding the crankcase
- Kawasaki’s patented oil separator provides fail-safe venting for the crankcase and prevents oil from flowing into the intake tract if the craft is capsized
- Large capacity airbox lowers engine noise and improves air intake flow
- Water-jacketed exhaust system reduces noise level and underhood temperatures for better power
- Double waterbox mufflers deliver whisper-quiet operation
- Fresh water flush fitting helps operator easily rinse out the motor’s cooling lines
- Kawasaki Smart Steering® monitors steering input and engine speed and, when certain conditions are met, raises rpm to initiate a desired turn
Kawasaki Smart Learning Operation™
- Kawasaki's innovative electronic Smart Learning Operation, accessible directly on the instrument panel, programs the iginition and places a limit on maximum engine speed so novice riders can experience riding at a reduced speed while they master proper riding techniques.
- High-performance sponsons help the hull get up on plane and provide more aggressive "grip" in turns
- Three-blade oval-edge stainless steel impeller provides maximum efficiency and incredible durability
- Reverse bucket is made of injection molded material to prevent corrosion
- Spacious, close-to-the-water open rear deck provides plenty of room for putting on skis or a wakeboard
- LCD multifunction meter system with speedometer, tachometer, hour meter, clock, trip distance, trip time, fuel level and warning lights allows operator to easily monitor necessary information, and also alerts operator to low fuel or high engine temperatures
- Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) helps keep spray off the operator and passenger
- Shielded jet propulsion system gives greater protection from damage
- Storage compartments in bow, glove box and under seat can carry fire extinguisher, tool kit, cooler and more
- Large capacity fuel tank allows more riding between fill-ups
- Finger-type throttle reduces hand fatigue and increases comfort
- Magnetic keyed ignition switch helps deter unauthorized use
- Automatically retracting boarding step makes reboarding in deep water easier