Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/183375
50 • October 7, 2013 • Powersports Business PWC The 2014 Kawasaki Ultra 310R features a motorcross-style handlebar and a 12-position handlebar mount. www.PowersportsBusiness.com Kawi introduces 2014 PWC models Kawasaki unveiled four new Jet Skis at it dealer meeting in San Diego last month. Jet Ski fans can enjoy a barrage of new models, starting with the 2014 Ultra 310X. Upgraded for the new model year are its supercharged 1,498cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 310 hp and its impeller, which has a revised three-blade design, giving the PWC greater initial acceleration. It also features new instrumentation, including a new fuel consumption function, a revised boost meter scale, riding modes, external water and air temperature, clock, time, trip and hour meters, tachometer (in digital or graph displays), speedometer and max speed functions. In addition to receiving the same upgrades as the Ultra 310X, the Jet Ski Ultra 310X SE has a new Sportseat with a special support bolster and a grippy KX motocross-like seat cover, along with aggressive graphics. The Ultra 310R offers extreme performance with upgrades similar to the 310X, but adding a KX motocross-style electro-polished stainless steel handlebar and a 12-position handlebar mount. Kawasaki's 2014 Jet Ski Ultra 310 LX offers a luxurious three-passenger ride with the updated engine and impeller of the other models, however it adds creature comforts, such as a new JETSOUND audio system, a heat-resistant seat cover that keeps riders and passengers cooler and Hydroturf striped pattern deck matting for a classy look and superior grip. PSB The Jet Ski Ultra 310X is one of four new 2014 models from Kawasaki. PWC sales back in positive territory Bucking a soft patch that began at the dawn of the year, PWC sales growth has edged solidly back into positive territory, approaching 10 percent growth through August on a rolling year-over-year basis. Sales growth in the PWC category declined sharply at the end of 2012, bottoming out in early 2013. The news is according to the latest figures for August sales released from Info-Link Technologies. Continuing improvement shown throughout the summer of 2013, sales of 15-foot or greater powerboats have shown their third consecutive, albeit slight, gain in year-over-year sales growth edging closer to 10-percent growth. Ski boat sales growth continues at its recent growth rate, near 10 percent, which has held strong throughout most of 2012 and 2013. Ski boat sales growth has steadily increased for the past four years — a dramatic turnaround — and has remained at its current pace since the end of 2012. Outboards continue showing very solid sales growth, which exceeded the 10-percent mark at the end of August. While sales growth in the outboard category dropped at the beginning of 2013, its growth has increased markedly every month since the start of the summer season. The data is based on new U.S. boat registrations. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (which varies by market segment and time of year). PSB P48x50-PSB13-PWC.indd 50 9/25/13 12:26 PM