During an International Distributor Meeting held at the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series in Thailand Friday morning, December 13th, 2024, where Kawasaki Motors’ President and CEO, Hiroshi Ito unveiled Kawasaki’s latest entry to its JetSki lineup, the 2025 SX-X 160.
Among the other models previewed by Ito, the SX-X 160 was significant particularly given the setting. The WGP#1 Waterjet World Series has risen over the decades to become the world’s premier personal watercraft racing event, far exceeding the IJSBA World Finals.
Drawing heavily from the brand’s short-lived X-2 that first debuted in Japan during the mid-1980’s, the SX-X 160 employs all of the high performance prowess of the existing SX-R 160 standup, but “makes it more approachable” by featuring a fixed handlebar steering.
Per a press release issued by Kawasaki’s media division, “Kawasaki was a pioneer in the powersports industry creating the first JetSki and built a completely new style of water-based leisure activity,” Ito commented. “Kawasaki intends to expand our PWC business supported by a robust model line-up, expanded marketing campaigns, and our continuation of strong sales programs.”
First introduced in late 2017, the revised 4-stroke 1,498cc four-cylinder powered standup SX-R 160 was a significant departure from the SX-R 800 retired back in 2012. Notably heavier at 551-pounds and longer at 104.5-inches (8-foot, 9-inches), the SX-R was first teased as a “standabout.”
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for racers to find the right combination of aftermarket parts to get the SX-R 160 winning class series. Initial sales were strong, but as the shine began to dim, SX-R 160 sales steadied to 300-plus units annually; far, far below expectations.
With hopes of rekindling the standup fervor of the late 1980’s paused, Kawasaki recognized that the skills required to ride such a powerful ski might be outside of the general public and began prototyping a fixed-steering unit as far back as 2018.
It was during a press dinner in 2019 that Project Manager Minuro Kanamori teased “What do you think about a new X2?” Although not warmly received, Kanamori wasn’t swayed. Aftermarket outfitter Unlimited PWC had been selling a conversion kit within a year of the SX-R’s reveal with measured success.
The X-2 remains a regional favorite for Japanese enthusiasts and those pockets of jet ski racing across the Pacific. Stateside, Yamaha’s WaveBlaster and Sea-Doo’s HX remain far more popular. Whether the 2025 SX-X 160 will resonate with Americans remains unseen.
What Kawasaki is offering is something very different than Sea-Doo’s Spark or Yamaha’s Jet Blaster. The SX-X 160 remains identical in length, width and heft as the SX-R 160 and even retains its open tray deck, making it a standup not a single-seat sit-down like its X-2 predecessor.
Older riders who remember riding the X-2 will find the SX-X a totally different experience. The low slung posture of the X-2 had riders on their knees in the corners and bent far over the bars while standing erect. The SX-X 160 appears to elevate the rider with a far taller neck.
The official release video published by Kawasaki USA features both Kanamori and his daughter, Moe. Both are lean athletes and in Moe’s case, very petite. This is only mentioned to give viewers a sense of scale. Riders can expect to be crouching deeper if they’re taller than Kanamori’s 5’9″ stature.
Mechanically, do not expect any performative differences. The naturally-aspirated 1.5L will remain untouched, as will the 148mm axial-flow jet pump, and 6.1-gallon fuel cell. The SX-X is crafted from existing parts. Even the aluminum steering neck looks awfully similar to those used on the 310R. Spy photos reveal no added pockets for storage or notable features.
Currently, the SX-R 160 stand-up retails for an excruciatingly overpriced $11,999 (when compared to similarly priced runabouts from its competitors). It is The Watercraft Journal’s estimation that the SX-X 160 will carry an MSRP either identical to or slightly above the SX-R 160 (official pricing has yet to be announced).
It’s expected that racers and those reminiscent of prior X-2 JetSkis to surge early sales, but how the SX-X 160 will be received by youthful riders remains unseen. Although the SX-X can be towed by most automobiles, its yet-to-be-unveiled asking price could make or break its youth buyer appeal.
If priced aggressively the SX-X 160 could be a smash hit with first time and youth buyers, igniting a resurgence in recreational standup and general PWC sales. Yet, such a move requires boldness and selling an 8-year-old standup for $12,000 is anything but. Even shirking from reusing the X-2 name is evidence of Kawasaki’s diminished fortitude.
Above: Images courtesy of Jonatan Holmelius’ Facebook post
Again, we will see how the market responds to this entry. Had it been christened the X-2 and listed with a disruptive price of $7,500 – $8,000 this announcement may have struck the ground harder. Unfortunately, this has all of the hallmarks of another very safe move that won’t advance Kawasaki’s market share much further.
