Motorcycle specifications KawasakiNinja 7 Hybrid 2024 The alternative future

History will record that it was in 2024 that motorcycling underwent one of the most significant changes in its history since the end of the 19th century. Kawasaki intends to shake things up by becoming the first manufacturer to market a hybrid motorcycle. Yes, like a car: a combination of combustion and electric motors. The new Ninja 7 Hybrid innovates by offering this cocktail of technology.

Kawa promised us this at EICMA 2022. It was no flim-flam! The hybrid motorcycle is ready and eager to let us discover the alliance between petrol and electrons. Beneath its sporty exterior, it's powered by a 451 cm3 engine capable of developing 45 horsepower. A flagship engine for the year 2024, it will appear simultaneously on the 7 Hybrid sports bike and roadster, as well as on the 500 Eliminator, Z 500 and 500 Ninja.

Behind its bank of cylinders is a 9 kW electric unit. When the two combine forces, power reaches 59 hp. The e-boost mode takes it up to 69 horsepower. It's a time-limited little kick, but handy for overtaking.
The Ninja 7 Hybrid has the native strength of a 500, can boost its power to the equivalent of a 650, but....would"consume like a 250 and rival 1000 Supersports in standing start", according to the manufacturer. It's true that electric motors instantly produce a hell of a thrust. We have no doubt that the twin-engine Ninja will surprise on start-up. But by how many decameters.......?!?

With its Ninja 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki is not only a trendsetter in the motorization field, but is also taking the opportunity to introduce new solutions. This is Kawasaki's first big cube to be fitted with an automatic gearbox (forget the Z 125 Pro with auto gearbox, not sold in Europe). No more selector! To shift gears, two paddles on the left-hand commodo switch gears. Or shift into AT and the system manages the gearbox by itself.

the color TFT screen reflects only part of this Ninja's electronics. For the first time, there are two fuel gauges. One for benzine, the other for the 48-volt battery. A number of pictograms and controls on the instrument panel allow the rider to combine the many features of the Ninja hybrid. With the driving modes Sport-Hybrid, Eco-Hybrid or EV - in all-elec' mode, range reaches 12 km, while the motor produces 7 kW, or just under 10 hp.
There's also a Walk function for moving the bike at very low speeds (like electric bikes), an APLF (Automatic Launch Position Finder) system for automatically shifting into first gear when stationary, a Stop & Start and reverse (in Walk mode). Kawa has also incorporated a deceleration energy recovery system.

the concept promises a host of advantages: smooth driving, quiet city driving (with EV mode), controlled pollution and fuel consumption, and no range problems as long as you can find petrol. It's a pretty picture, but it doesn't take into account one important factor: price. This will have a decisive influence on a Sport-GT with less power than an MT-07. At last count, it's somewhere between 11,000 and 12,000 euros.
The weight may also put some people off. An electric vehicle is no lightweight, and the Kawasaki is no exception: 227 kilos dry. Once the tank is full, it's not far off the weight of an R 1300 GS.

The hybrid's name immediately suggests a sporty approach to its strengths. The fairing is clearly in line with this approach, although the heavy shapes are due to the technology carried along. The rear end is dressed up more than usual, to conceal the battery... but which remains visible up close thanks to semi-translucent sections. The independent boot is in charge of cooling tasks. The left-hand duct brings air to the gearbox housing, while the right-hand duct ventilates the battery.

On the other hand, the high-altitude half-guidelines imply a raised riding position, not at all suited to attack. This Ninja wants to ride, not cut. Its chassis also defends this doctrine, with a conventional fork with no adjustment, a basic swingarm and 2-piston brake calipers. The frame is made of tubular steel. There's nothing to report about the two brake discs or the tire dimensions, which are similar to those on the 650 Ninja. On the other hand, the wheelbase is very long for a machine of this size. At 1535 mm, it's even longer than that of a Triumph 1200 Speedmaster. Bear in mind that the 6-and-a-half's is only 1410 mm.

we've seen projects, prototypes, simulations... chimeras above all, praised by short-lived start-ups. This time, it's serious business. Not only is the motorcycle going to land in real life (not in a crowdfunding scheme) in 2024, but one of the market's leading brands is getting involved. Kawasaki is seriously thinking about a different future. The idea is more than salutary, but the price isn't as intrepid as the concept.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos