| SEA-DOO RXT-X 260 AS Review | |
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SEA-DOO RXT-X 260 AS
The Miami backdrop was the perfect setting for this product launch. It is a city of colour, speed, money and beautiful people. The 2011 Sea Doo RXT-X aS260 is colourful, fast, expensive and designed for beautiful people. LooksAt first sight the RXT-X aS 260 is an aggressive looking beast. Its predominately black décor is accentuated by its angled appearance. And flashes of deep red and X-team components only serve to highlight its racing-inspired pedigree. Carpeted foot wells and deck pads offer extra comfort and look great too. Sea-Doo’s unique X-logo is emblazoned on both sides of the seat, so there’s no confusing it with any other models out there – it certainly has the X-factor! But as they say looks aren’t everything and if the aS 260 is going to rival it’s competitors it needs to be more than just a pretty face. Comfort
The 2011 model also sports a new low profile seat design, which allows the rider to adjust body position for maximum leverage. It’s also a great feature for the vertically challenged like myself. This coupled with the X-steering system that allows adjustment of width and grip angle of the bars, another area that I always struggle with, provides a great overall ergonomic package. ControlsThe X-information centre, the control panel to you and me, provides a wealth of information, and reports over 30 key operating functions to the user. Lots of its features are race inspired but they will come in handy for everybody and are actually quite fun to use. The interactive multifunction system provides all your basic stuff like a tacho, speedo and low fuel and oil level meters, etc, etc. But it also provides features such as lap times, average speed, time/ distance to empty and a compass, which are especially useful for those long distance rides.
Also included in the RXT-X aS 260 package is one of Sea-Doo’s best innovations, the IBR system –intelligent braking and reverse. The system gives you full control of the craft, especially when you’re maneuvering about in tight places, typically launching off a busy slipway or refueling in a marina. The system works by intermittently interrupting the flow of water to the pump, which is controlled by the iControl computer. With a series of throttle taps you can engage and disable reverse, move into neutral, and likewise you can move into forward. It’s a great piece of kit, which gives you confidence and peace of mind to ride anywhere! PowerUnderneath the seat lies Sea-Doo’s most powerful engine to date, a supercharged 1503 XHO Rotax 4-TEC engine pumping out a massive 260 horses, with an internal testing acceleration speed of 0-30mph in less than 1.7 seconds.
I can’t say I spent too much time cruising around in the touring mode, but I did note the RXT-X’s fuel efficiency drop once I punched in Sport mode and opened up the throttle. It’s an impressive power plant whichever way you look at it, the engine is smooth but strong and like a horse when it changes its pace into a gallop you can feel the surge and top end acceleration. It’s got the legs! But not to worry if you have novice riders in your group because as with all Sea-Doo models, the RXT-X aS comes with a learner key option to limit the performance of the craft based on a rider’s skill level. HandlingFor a big beast the RXT-X aS handles surprisingly well. The new stepped hull design provides great straight-line stability and the confidence to keep it pinned in the turns. I really like the softer suspension setting for turning, and the way it almost catapults you out of the turns. Its straightline stability is very impressive too, and being able to stiffen up the suspension on the fly prevents it from bottoming out in the big stuff. Overall the RXT-X aS is a fine machine and one that I would certainly consider buying if I wanted a large sea-going watercraft. It has all the fixtures and fittings to make long distance coastal riding fun and, more importantly, comfortable. The storage compartments aren’t huge, but sizable enough to house the important stuff. It comes with all the standard Sea-Doo gadgetry including digitally coded lanyards, reduced sound system, closed looped cooling and many more features that have kept and will continue to keep Sea-Doo watercraft at the top of the tree when it comes to innovative, cutting edge design with top end performance. The SpecsDimensions
Engine
Drive unit
Electrical
Sum it upAt over £15K a pop the RXT-X aS is not cheap, but neither is the competition. However, if you’re in the market for a high-end performance runabout you really need to get along to your local Sea- Doo dealer and try out the new aS 260. |
BRP, the makers of Sea-Doo watercraft have never been a company to sit on its laurels and watch the competition go by. Innovative design, which continues to stretch the goal posts of watercraft technology, have kept the Canadian based company firmly at the forefront of the marine industry. But will the launch of its mighty RXT-X 260 aS be strong enough to stave off tough competition from the likes of Kawasaki’s Ultra 300? Lisa Barsby went to Miami to find out more…
The biggest difference between the RXT-X aS 260 and its predecessor the RXT-X iS is the addition of Sea-Doo’s brand new adjustable suspension system –aS – and a few extra horses, but we’ll get to that bit later. The aS system allows the hull to move independently of the upper deck, isolating the rider and passenger from the impact of rough water. The hull and upper deck are linked via pivoting aluminum arms front and back; a coil spring and gas shock handles the suspension load. The iControl computer determines the correct amount of preload for the spring, but unlike the iS system the rider can then further fine-tune the suspension by manually turning a knob on the nitrogen remote reservoir located within the glove box. In stock form, the aS suspension is calibrated at the factory for what Sea-Doo says are 2’-5’ wave conditions, and provides anywhere from 65-115% more compression dampening than the standard iS system found on other models. Further suspension fine-tuning can be found by accessing an adjustment screw under the craft’s seat. Overall I was very impressed by the system, and the ability to set the suspension whilst on the fly to my personal needs. There’s no doubt the system adds weight, and height to standard RXT-X models, but the benefits easily out weigh the negatives by providing a smooth manageable ride in hard going conditions.
From the X-information centre you can control Sea-Doo’s High-Performance VTS, a variable trim system which comes as standard on the aS 260. It adjusts quickly on the fly and offers presets that can be reached with a double-tap of the button.
Sea-Doo’s iControl system allows the user to manage the engine to suit riding conditions. The RXT-X aS comes programmed with both Sport and Touring modes; the latter is set to preserve fuel for those long distance jaunts. Whereas the Sport mode is all about letting rip!