Kawasaki Threw An Insane 310 HP Supercharged Engine Into A Jet SkiRideApart[email protected] (Jonathon Klein)Tue, September 22, 2026 at 11:42 AM UTCAdd us on Google2027 Kawasaki STX 310RI feel the need—the need, for speed.Lotus' Colin Chapman famously said that the best way to build a car was to "simplify, then add lightness." I'm not sure that's what Kawasaki did with its new STX 310R PWC, though, as it took what seems to be a version of its simple supercharged superbike engine, the same found in the Ninja H2 and Teryx H2, and then enrobed it in the trappings of the brand's Jet Ski lineup, and that's about it.But unlike those other Kawasakis with their meager 206 and 250 horsepower, respectively, the STX 310R gets the engine's full potential, i.e., 310 rampaging horses intertwined with the hull. That's 310 horsepower in a machine that weighs about the same as my left shoe. 310 horsepower in a machine that generally goes where speed limits aren't a thing. 310 horsepower at your beck and call underneath your right fist, where sharks and more roam.Maybe we need to adjust Chapman's line to "Start with a trash-ton of power, then add lightness"?2027 Kawasaki STX 310R2027 Kawasaki STX 310R2027 Kawasaki STX 310R2027 Kawasaki STX 310RAdvertisementAdvertisementKawasaki Has Lost Its Mind LatelyFirst Drive: The 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Is A Supercharged, Mud-Flinging DelightYou Can Order a New Supercharged Kawasaki H2 or H2R Superbike Right Now, Act FastSo first things first, this isn't technically the same supercharged engine in the Ninja or Teryx H2s, hence why it's likely not called the STX H2. No, the STX 310R is powered by a 1.5-liter supercharged marine engine, whereas the H2 siblings feature a 999cc engine. The engine itself is a liquid-cooled, supercharged and intercooled, 4-stroke, and the exhaust is a 4-2-1 configuration for a more compact hull design. Add a 160mm jet pump with a three-blade impeller, and you've got what Kawasaki calls the "quickest acceleration of any sit-down Kawasaki" ever.Chuckles, "I'm in danger." dot gif.And while much of the rest of the STX platform remains the same compared to its more pedestrian brethren in the lineup, because the STX 310R has so much phenomenal cosmic power, Kawasaki did see fit to increase the hull's rigidity. The company also gave it launch control, which if it's anything like Ski-Doo's turbo two-step setups, will be hysterically good fun for anyone with a penchant for recreating that iconic internet "here, there, and gone" meme.2027 Kawasaki STX 310RBut given this is a ride-on PWC, there are also a host of creature comforts, including a No Wake Zone button to limit the STX 310R to just 5mph, steering assists, multiple engine maps for different users and wants and needs, reverse and reverse assist (this "allows riders to use the trim UP/DOWN buttons while the reverse switch is fully depressed to adjust engine rpm and thrust"), a giant 20.6-gallon fuel tank, and even cruise control. The latter for when you're attempting to cross the Caribbean at full tilt.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's also 30 gallons of storage space, built-in splash protection and deck cleats, a trick lighting system, a rearview camera, attachment locks galore, and more accessories than you can shake a stick at. Best yet, it ain't all that bad in price, either.There are two models to choose from; the STX 310R and the STX 310RX. The former will set you back a cool $18,799, while the latter asks $20,199 for the key. Given the performance on tap, as well as the overall usability of these machines, you can't help but wonder if these are the performance bargins of the century? I mean, what other vehicle offers this much horsepower for this low of price?I'll wait.
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