When a personal watercraft won't crank, the starter is often the first part to suspect. But for Kawasaki Jet Skis, the right starter depends on which engine family sits inside the hull. The older 650-series uses a clockwise-rotating starter, while the newer JT1500/STX platform uses a counterclockwise unit. Two new options cover these two groups: one aimed at the 650 TS/X2/SX/SC/650SX family and one built for the JT1500 STX-12F/STX-15F. The two listings sit $7.68 apart, with the JT1500 unit carrying the lower price. Here's how they compare and which one fits your ski.
Quick Verdict
If your Jet Ski is a 650 TS, X2, SX, SC, or 650SX, the Total Power Parts starter is the direct match. If your Jet Ski is a JT1500 STX-12F or STX-15F, the OEG Parts starter is the one designed for it. The key difference is rotation: clockwise for the 650 family, counterclockwise for the JT1500 family.
Comparison Table
| Product | Listed Price | Rotation | Teeth | Fits | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter for Kawasaki Jet Ski 650 TS X2 SX SC 650SX New | USD 60.53 | CW | 9 | 650 TS, X2, SX, SC, 650SX | |
| OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Kawasaki Jet Ski JT1500 STX-12F STX-15F | USD 52.85 | CCW | 9 | JT1500, STX-12F, STX-15F |
Where Each Wins
The Total Power Parts starter wins for 650-series owners. It lists a long set of interchange numbers-111916, 112010, 18330, 18399, 18-6295, 18-6442, and others-so if you're cross-referencing from an old part number, this listing gives you more to work with. Its CW rotation and 9-tooth drive match the 650's starter specs.
The OEG Parts starter wins for JT1500 owners. It lists compatibility with the STX-12F, STX-15F, and a wide range of Ultra 300/310 models, and it has the lower listed price. Its CCW rotation and 9-tooth drive are what those newer engines expect.
Product Notes
Starter for Kawasaki Jet Ski 650 TS X2 SX SC 650SX New
This new starter from Total Power Parts lists at $60.53 and is built for Kawasaki Jet Ski 650 TS, X2, SX, SC, and 650SX models. It spins clockwise (CW) with a 9-tooth drive, and the listing includes multiple interchange numbers such as 111916, 112010, and 18-6295, which makes cross-referencing easier if you're replacing an original part. The main limitation is the higher listed price compared with the JT1500 starter, and it's not a match for the newer JT1500 platform that requires counterclockwise rotation. If your personal watercraft is in the 650 family, this starter is the direct fit.
OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Kawasaki Jet Ski JT1500 STX-12F STX-15F
The OEG Parts starter is the lower-priced new option at $52.85, designed for Kawasaki Jet Ski JT1500 models including STX-12F and STX-15F, plus Ultra 300 and 310 series. It uses 12V with counterclockwise (CCW) rotation and a 9-tooth drive, and the compatibility list spans model years from 2004 through 2024. That wide coverage makes it attractive for JT1500 owners. The trade-off is that the CCW rotation won't work for the earlier 650-series engines that need a clockwise starter. If your hull holds a JT1500 engine, this is the lower-priced listing to consider.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a 650 TS, X2, SX, SC, or 650SX, pick the Total Power Parts starter because it matches the CW rotation and 9-tooth drive those models need. For a JT1500 STX-12F or STX-15F, pick the OEG Parts starter, which fits the JT1500 family and uses the correct CCW rotation.
