Kawasaki seems to be the front-runner when it comes to developing future-friendly two-wheeled products. Just a few weeks after revealing its first ever all-electric offerings – the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 – Kawasaki has revealed the Ninja 7 HEV, the brand’s debut petrol-electric hybrid motorcycle.
Powering the Ninja 7 HEV is a brand new 451cc parallel-twin, water-cooled engine combined with a 9kW electric motor and a 48V Lithium-ion battery. While the engine develops a peak output of 58.3bhp, with ‘e-boost’, the net hybrid output goes up to 68.5bhp. Interestingly, the Ninja 7 HEV features shift paddles instead of a traditional clutch-gear mechanism, similar to Honda’s DCT-equipped motorcycles.
And the list of interesting features goes on. The bike comes with an Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) which, when selected (at the push of a button), automatically selects first gear at a standstill, irrespective of the gear in which the bike comes to a halt. There’s also a forward and reverse ‘Walk Mode’ to aid low-speed manoeuvring and parking, and the rider can choose from three ride modes – Sport Hybrid, Eco Hybrid and EV – that offer varying levels of performance. Of course, since the battery is quite small, do not expect the EV mode to offer a substantial riding range. Kawasaki claims it is only meant to offer short, noise-free commuting in busy or populated areas. The Ninja 7 HEV also offers an idle stop/start feature, which works in the same way as it does on four-wheelers. All these controls and features can be navigated via a Bluetooth-enabled TFT cluster.
In terms of styling and overall look, the Ninja 7 HEV seems to borrow a lot from its stablemates like the Ninja 400, 650 and even the e-1. But it does get some distinctly styled bodywork to set it apart, like the matte lime green undercowl.
The Ninja 7 HEV will go on sale in the UK from April 2024, with prices and detailed specifications to be confirmed nearer the time.