Clearly overshadowed by the highly publicized unveiling of the SX-X 160 fixed-steering standup, few noticed that buried within a hospitality tent at the Jet Ski World Cup in Pattaya, Thailand, Kawasaki Motors quietly rolled out not just its refreshed 2025 STX 160 and STX 160X JetSkis, but a handful of its heavily revamped 2026 STX models.
To the untrained eye, the two 2025 models would look almost indistinguishable from current offerings found languishing on dealer floors right this minute. Only upon closer examination did onlookers discover each STX unit featured a redesigned hood, superior latch design and new splash-shielding hood shroud.
To most, these changes wouldn’t seem like much to write home about, but these are significant. In 2020 and 2022, Kawasaki needed to address an ongoing problem with water intruding beneath the forward lip of the hood. In worst case scenarios, hoods had been known to blow free by heavy bow splashing, some pieces even hitting the rider.
These minor changes (in addition to tossing in some rather sunny colorways; Sunbeam Red/Crystal White and Sunrise Yellow/Crystal White, and Metallic Bluish Gray/Pearl Neon Yellow) aim to resolve any ongoing concerns of the STX’s hood design and security, as well as point a little bit of limelight toward Kawasaki’s Recreational runabout offerings.
These two units – the STX 160 an 160X – remain the two most “bare bones” runabout offerings from Kawasaki. Both feature manual reverse levers, traditional paddle-wheel speedometers, and cruise control (but only on the 160X). As of right now, no announcement has been made regarding 2025 MSRP pricing but hope that they stay the same.
Without any official word announcing these changes given to the media, The Watercraft Journal was only made aware of these models thanks to our friends at Watercraft Zone who was alerted by an eagle-eyed attendee at the World Cup weekend. With a little digging, Watercraft Zone was able to provide WCJ with the images you see here.
Of course, we’re burying the bigger announcement: amid the two 2025 STX 160 models were a handful of 2026 models displaying some rather significant design changes to the STX models that are sure to disrupt the marketplace. Much of the changes bring key design cues and features from the full-sized Ultras down to the Recreation segment.
For starters, Kawasaki reshuffles its STX lineup: The base 160 remains as-is; the 160X gains the full-color 7-inch TFT screen, cruise control, electronic trim control and KSRD braking system; and an all-new 160LX-S carries over everything the 160X has and adds a rear-facing camera, extended rear deck (with multi-mount rails), side-mounted cleats and a revised bow guard with integrated accent lights.
The new bow cladding is a substantial bit of molding, fully encapsulating the front of the STX in painted and raw black plastics. Designed to dramatically deflect bowspray and give the STX some much needed bow rise (in addition to the inclusion of electric trim), this together with the new deck extension promises to add considerable weight to the LX-S and LX models.
Speaking of which, the STX 160LX receives everything listed above as well as some other key features from its Ultra sibling: namely, the wind-deflecting meter visor, two-speaker Jetsounds audio system and LXury seat. Lastly, Kawasaki brings back the STX-R but as the STX 160R. Coated in all-too-familiar Lime Green and Ebony coloring, the 160R leaves much to be desired.
Using the identical 1,498cc four-cylinder, dual overhead cammed 4-stroke engine and 148mm axial flow jet pump as all other STX models, the 160R even retains the same one-piece sponsons. It also keeps the heavy front fairings, visibility lamps and rearward-facing camera. It’s sole distinguishing features are the shortened two-seat saddle (instead of a 3-seater) and motocross-inspired handlebar.
The decision to withhold these revisions from the greater public is confounding, particularly considering how important these next-generation Kawasaki STX 160 models are to Kawasaki. Kawasaki ceded considerable ground to Sea-Doo and Yamaha over the past 15 years [ie. coming late to market with an onboard braking/reverse system and being slow to innovate cost Kawasaki precious market share –Ed].
Raising its STX line with better engine management, the color dash and brakes will certainly help keep Kawasaki competitive. Although mainly topical, these changes do push the STX models back into contention with Yamaha’s VX and Sea-Doo GTI offerings. Kawasaki is pouring on the luxury features and digital amenities, which will mainly appeal to older, more leisurely buyers – but for a cost.
And that’s the rub. If priced far afield of these models (like Kawasaki has done with its Ultra lineup), any hope for competition is gone. Kawasaki’s internal policy has been to present itself as a “premier brand,” pricing its products far, far outside of the realm of being competitive with Sea-Doo and Yamaha. With such a diminished dealer network, it’s a gambit that Kawasaki cannot afford to lose.
Ultimately, Kawasaki’s decision to reveal this year’s redesign with zero media is dumbfounding. Moreover, the decision feels almost self-sabotaging. Placing the primary focus on a ever-so-slightly tweaked standup – the SX-X 160 – over the upgrading of its STX lineup is equally confusing. We at WCJ are wholly baffled by this strategy and can only hope to come to understanding it in the coming months.
