2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX-SSold

Kawasaki adds long-awaited technology and a new top deck

The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX lineup had received a significant overhaul with the addition of some long-awaited technology and a new top deck.

No, what many love about the beastly Ultra 310 hasn't and won't change. It's still powered by the same 1,498cc supercharged, inline four-cylinder engine Kawi enthusiasts have come to know and love. As Kawi representatives made clear, "in thrust we trust"...and their engine still produces 1,890 pounds. The familiar deep-V, 22.5-degree deadrise hull also returns, still capable of delivering the same thrilling, all-conditions ride that has made the boat a favorite of long-distance and offshore racers.

From the bondline up, however, the Ultra has been reinvented...and in some ways, even leaps to the front of the pack.

TECHNOLOGY-YEAH

One of the most eagerly awaited features of the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 line is undoubtedly KSRD, or Kawasaki Smart Reverse and Deceleration.

A feature many buyers likely consider long overdue, KSRD will make life around those tight docks, restaurants, or launch ramps much easier than in the past with quick, intuitive changes between forward, neutral, and reverse while offering rapid deceleration at speed. Kawasaki's unique twist on the concept foregoes an additional lever on the left handgrip in favor of a button directly below the traditional throttle and grip on the right. Tap that button once, and the craft goes into neutral, push and hold. The PWC drops the reverse bucket, progressively applying power, with little change in movement other than a subtle shift of the rider's natural thumb position.

The display also jumps to a modern, 7" TFT color screen. Using a "jog dial" located where the glovebox formerly resided, riders can view the traditional speed (now based on GPS rather than the old-school paddlewheel), RPM, fuel level, boost pressure, trim position and clock in a cruise, sport or analog layout, note compass heading, even see when a phone call or email arrives if using an iOS-based smartphone.

Amongst numerous additional info and warning indicators, the display also includes a backup camera on the flagship 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX.

The pioneering JetSound music system also takes an overdue leap forward. Now ready to deliver music via Bluetooth rather than cable, the design features four total speakers, a pair of 60W speakers in their familiar spot forward above the footwells, a couple of 35-watt speakers flanking the information display and powers all with a two-channel, 200-watt amplifier. At least on paper, it would seem to promise the best sound found yet on a PWC.

Other tech highlights include front LED accent lights (for both style and daytime visibility, NOT night operation); a choice of four power-delivery modes including full, middle (80% power), low (60% power), and the governed power delivery of the SLO key; and a Launch Control auto-trim feature that can be set for one-time use or stay set for multiple accelerations.

PRACTICAL ADDITIONS

The 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 models also get a lot of both form and function from the aforementioned top-deck makeover.

Start with a new, lower center of gravity. Footwells, seats, and handlebars have all been lowered to position CG closer to the water for enhanced stability and an even more sporty feel. The saddle has also been narrowed 80mm forward, great for both standup riding and those who like to clench the seat with their thighs. A new UV-resistant material stays cooler in the summer heat while a deeper shape and stitching contribute to an upscale look and feel.

Storage also gets a clever new take. Gullwing-style doors open out on each side of the console, revealing a surprisingly large 10.6 gallons of usable space within easy reach of a seated driver. The starboard side includes a padded, waterproof phone compartment complete with a USB port. Both an accessory dry bag and cooler have been designed to take further advantage of the space.

In addition to this "ultra" glovebox and the 32.8-gallon front bin, additional storage options include an aft pocket for wet lines and towropes and a new multi-mount system. Bars at the front of the handlebars, as well as below the aft grab handle, are able to be fitted with industry-standard RAM mounts for GoPro-style action cameras and the like.

The 2022 Kawasaki LX-S also includes a new Extended Rear Ultra Deck. An added platform integrated neatly into the design consists of a deck rail system to allow users to easily anchor coolers, fuel caddies, or a new cargo box option that combines all of the above with rod holders and more.