2010 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260
Reviewed by Richard Crowder
Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) offers twelve models of personal watercraft in four series for 2010, of which the RXT-X 260 3-rider, is brand new this year.
Utilizing BRP’s iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control) technology, this 1.5 litre Rotax 4-TEC supercharged and intercooled (SCIC) engine with closed-loop cooling produces a whopping 260 horsepower. It is 3-star certified, meaning “Ultra-Low Emission”, by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). It also incorporates Sea Doo’s patented D-Sea-Bel™ sound reduction system.
iTC also includes a 29-function digital information center offering neutral, lap timer, distance to empty, top speed, average speed, altitude, engine temperature, and a high-performance Variable Trim System along with the uniquely colored X-Gauge instrument display. In addition, the RXT-X 260 comes with a sport mode to provide quicker throttle response and instant acceleration for aggressive driving.
But there’s lots more technology. The RXT-X 260 incorporates Sea-Doo’s S³ hull design, the world’s first stepped hull on a watercraft. The step is located behind the intake allowing the hull bottom to be ventilated thus decreasing pressure at the transom and allowing the bow to stay up at a positive angle resulting in less drag and a smoother faster ride.
Sea-Doo’s exclusive iBR (Intelligent Brake and Reverse) utilizes a brake handle on the left side of the handlebar, which if applied when moving forward, will slow the watercraft down, and if applied when stopped, will put the watercraft into reverse. Sea-Doo’s exclusive Learning Key allows the watercraft to be limited to two speed choices: about 56 km/h or about 80 km/h, thus permitting both fuel savings and a way to indoctrinate less experienced riders to the sport. The standard built-in iControl technology allows these two speeds to be adjusted according to rider preference and experience.
More technology includes X-Steering with A.E.S. (Adjustable Ergonomic Steering) which provides handlebar width and grip angle adjustment plus tilt steering with gauges that adjust with the handlebars. Also included is O.T.A.S.™ (Off-Throttle Assisted Steering) which assists manoeuverability in off-throttle situations. D.E.S.S.™ (Digitally Encoded Security System) is a theft-deterrent embedded unique microchip which is engaged by the lanyard.
| Length: |
11' 7" |
3.53 m |
| Beam: |
4' 0" |
1.21 m |
| Dry weight: |
855 lbs |
388 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: |
15.9 US gals |
60 l |
| Engine / Drive: |
Rotax 4-TEC/Sea-Doo Direct Jet Drive |