When it comes to luxury jet skis, few brands stand the test of time, like the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series. This model was in desperate need of a redesign, and Kawasaki chose 2022 as the year they decided to change things up in the Ultra range.
While the motor remains largely unchanged, there are significant changes to the styling, rider experience, and technology of the 310 Series. The Kawasaki Ultra 310 Series has led the pack of high-performance luxury jet skis for years. However, recent changes in the Yamaha and Sea-Doo forced Kawasaki into the redesign, and we’re happy to say it was a success.
This post unpacks everything you need to know about the all-new 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series.
Contents
Design Overview
Kawasaki shows the jet ski industry why it’s one of the leading brands with the introduction of the Ultra 310 Series. This is the first update and redesign of the platform in 14-years, but was it worth the wait? It appears so.
The new Kawasaki Ultra 310 Series features class-leading technology, including launch control, smartphone connectivity, a four-speaker audio system, an extension to the rear deck, and the much-anticipated reverse trigger.
Kawasaki took over a decade to rework this series, and at times, we were wondering if they were ever going to give the model a face-lift or if the brand was pulling out of the jet ski market. Kawasaki gave us the answer we were looking for with the new Ultra 310 series. The company plowed investment into redesigning the ski, updating this supercharged model for handling, performance, and styling.
The Ultra 310 is the flagship range from Kawasaki. It’s the pinnacle of the Kawasaki lineup and one of the top choices for a luxury jet ski in 2022. The first thing you notice with the redesign is the changes to the styling. The updated range features aggressive styling that screams performance.
You get an industry-first with daytime LED running lights for improved visibility on the water. The flagships of the 310 series come with a rear-view camera mounted into the seat, allowing you to keep an eye on what’s going on behind you without turning your head.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 range offers you three supercharged models. The mid-range jet ski in the series replaces the race-inspired Ultra 310R, providing appeal for the booming luxury jet ski market, and it’s a great step-up from a 200-Hp engine.
The Kawasaki Ultra 310X features standard black and turquoise colors, with Ultra 310LX-S featuring black and green colors. The flagship Ultra 310LX comes in black and gold. The looks are impressive, with an elevated rider position for a more comfortable ride.
After waiting 14+ years for the revamp, we have to say that it was worth the wait, and the 310 series is one of the best choices you have in the luxury jet ski market. We’re confident that Kawasaki fans around the globe will be thrilled with the updated model.
Engine
Unfortunately, Kawasaki didn’t make any changes to the engine or its configuration with this update. The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 jet ski lineup keeps the same Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharged motor as its predecessor.
The motor pushes out 310-Hp, and you get outstanding acceleration and performance. So, we’re not too upset that there’s no change to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 310 series also features the same 160-mm jet pump nozzle as its predecessor.
The deck has a lower center of gravity than the previous model. As a result, you can expect better handling and performance, especially when making tight turns. While there aren’t any changes to the motor, Kawasaki decided to add launch control to the updated ski.
After activating the launch control, the jet ski automatically adjusts its trim, providing optimal power for a standing start. The larger capacity engines from Sea-Doo and Yamaha drink fuel, adding up to expensive running costs.
However, Kawasaki included multiple performance modes with the new Ultra 310 series. You have settings for full, middle, low, and slow. You also have ECO mode and “learner” slow key options, allowing you to track fuel consumption in real-time.
The new 2022 model comes with an increased fuel tank capacity, up from 78L to 80L. As a result, you can expect an extended range from the ski, thanks to the longer fuel-fill neck. The tank capacity remains the same.
There are no changes to the ride plate or air intake grid, but the ride plate looks like it has redesigned upper attachment points accommodating the bucket, and you have the option of activating it through the reverse trigger.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 series features a design with two triggers on the right of the handlebars. You get the accelerator trigger and the thumb lever for the braking and reversing of the jet ski. Kawasaki fans have been waiting for over a decade for this feature, and it’s nice to see that the manufacturer listened to its customer base.
Hull
The 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series features subtle changes to the hull design over the previous model. The original hull debuted in 2007, and it was so durable and efficient that Kawasaki decided to leave it mostly the same for the new version.
The hull’s shape, design, and construction remain unchanged for its 2022 revamp, as do the sponsons. You get a heavy-duty, lightweight SMC fiberglass hull providing excellent stability and planing for the ski.
While you can’t beach the PWC, it offers you a durable hull resistant to small knocks and bumps.
Seating and Deck
The 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series features a large 7-inch touchscreen display. It connects via Bluetooth to your phone, allowing you to play your favorite turns through the onboard 2-speaker system. You can take calls, view messages, check maps, and monitor the ski’s performance, all through your phone.
All models in the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 series feature the same 7-inch touchscreen with a dial and buttons on the console for easy navigation of the menus. This is another industry-first from Kawasaki, improving the user experience with the 310 series.
Most other manufacturers, such as Sea-Doo and Yamaha, have similar-sized screens. However, they aren’t that easy to navigate due to the toggle button for switching between menus.
In contrast, the Kawasaki Ultra 310 Series has three display modes for the analog tachometer, digital speedometer, and jet ski vitals. You also can set the screen background the white or black as per your preference.
The display offers you rider information, such as a GPS-based speedometer, which replaces the previous speedo wheel. The change also brings Kawasaki into the same category as top models from Yamaha and Sea-Doo, offering these functions as standard equipment on its skis.
You also have a digital display of the fuel gauge, tachometer, boost pressure, drive modes, oil temperature, battery voltage, engine coolant temperature, external air temperature, intake air temperature, external water temperature, and options for diagnostic fault codes.
The screen displays the trim settings, a digital clock, power modes, and a digital compass. You also have a trip meter counting total ride time in hours. The screen features a Bluetooth and phone call indicator and message alerts when connecting your device.
The flagship 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX lets you configure the screen to video mode for the rear-facing camera. Keep an eye on the person wakeboarding behind you without taking your eyes off your line or the water in front of you. The camera offers a wide 115° vertical view and 155° horizontal view through the display.
Another industry-first is the LED run lights installed on the front of the ski. They aren’t going to be bright at night, but you get more visibility during the day. The flagship model also features a 4-speaker audio system, with dual 60-watt speakers positioned in the front footwells and dual 35-watt speakers on top of the console. The system gets its power from the onboard 200-Watt amplifier.
Keeping with the industry-firsts, Kawasaki provides a dial for volume control of the speakers instead of buttons. One of the only downsides of the revamp is the reduction of storage space in the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 series.
The storage space is down from 212 liters to 168.5 liters, giving you a significant 20% reduction in the storage on the watercraft. Despite the decrease in storage space, the 310 series has some of the most impressive onboard storage in the industry. The storage compartments also feature a more practical design than the previous model.
Kawasaki got rid of the glovebox in the redesign. Instead, the side fairings on the ski open to create an additional 20-Liters of storage on each side. You also have a waterproof 1.7-liter dry pocket hidden in the right-side pod, featuring two USB charging ports for your devices. You also have a 2.8-liter wet storage area in the ski’s stern.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 range comes with extra posts on the handlebars allowing you to lash the PWC to the dock. The top deck of the PWC gets a complete rework from the bond line up. You also have two options for your top deck on the 310 series.
The slide-lock seat on the Kawasaki 310 series accommodates up to three riders, allowing you to take your friends with you for a day out on the water. The seat is plush and comfortable, with three riding positions and independent, ergonomic styling that improves the rider’s position.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310X comes with a standard length deck. However, the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX-S and Ultra 310LX come with a rear deck extension adding 7.9-inches to the rear of the PWC. This added space accommodates a range of new accessories.
Some of the accessories included with the Ultra 310 Series have a removable frame for carrying your cooler and a soft bag that fits the stern. The flagship 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX model features tiered seating, allowing you to position it to three-rider heights.
The handlebars also come with five adjustment levels, allowing you to customize your rider setup. While there are no changes to the motor (why would you try to fix what isn’t broken, right?) Kawasaki made some serious upgrades to this jet ski range’s styling and rider experience.
Pricing
2022 is the year of inflation, and it seems that every manufacturer is upping its prices. Kawasaki is not different, and they have a slight increase in the new 2022 model. The 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series is on the premium side of the industry, with its three models coming in at the following prices.
Prices in the United States exclude taxes, registration, and the trailer.
- Kawasaki Ultra 310X $17,199.
- Kawasaki Ultra 310LX-S $18,199.
- Kawasaki Ultra 310LX $19,199.
At this price point, the 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series is in the same area as rivals such as the Yamaha FX SVHO, Sea-Doo RXT-X300, and Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300.
However, we feel the new design upgrades and consistent performance of the motor earned Kawasaki the spot at the top of the heap in 2022.
2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series – The Verdict
Overall, the 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series offers you one of the best motors in the industry. You get an updated styling and redesign of its looks, features, and rider experience, filling in all the checkboxes we expect and more.
If you’re looking for a luxury jet ski for touring, performance riding, long-distance travel, or camping, the 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series has a model waiting for you right now. This ski offers you enough power for wakesports and a slew of accessories and features that send your driver experience to Atlantis in delight.
