Although hybrid models have been available in the automobile industry since 1997, it was a while before the first hybrid motorbike was released.
Up to now, because the Ninja 7 Hybrid is being introduced by Kawasaki.
Recently, Kawasaki unveiled the world's first hybrid motorcycle. The benefits of an electric traction motor and a traditional combustion engine are combined in the new Ninja 7 Hybrid.
A brand-new 451cc parallel twin and an electric traction motor combine to produce 59 horsepower (or 69 horsepower with the E-boost function) and 60.4 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, forming the hybrid combination.
It's obvious that your bike is a Ninja with a desire to be a sport tourer. But the name Ninja 7, which sets entirely different expectations, bothers us once more. The same goes for the R7, however this tirade may be read here.
Depending on driving circumstances, the electric motor in the 48V system can operate in the fully electric mode with a constant output of 7kW and a range of up to 12km.
This generates 60 Nm and 69 horsepower overall. It's true that he does appear to have a lengthy posterior. The machine had to be extended slightly because of the area taken up by the batteries beneath the passenger seat.
Three driving modes are available. When driving an electric vehicle, the gearbox constantly changes on its own. Yes, you read that right—switching happens when using an electric vehicle.
Its technical explanation boils down to weight reductions and a more straightforward mechanism.
Driving a hybrid vehicle involves using both an electric and combustion motor. The latter only comes to your aid when you are at a standstill and then retreats.
You have the option of manual or automatic shifting while in Eco mode. Lastly, there is Sport, which only uses the gasoline engine when you don't fully accelerate. The electric motor will then assist you by providing a 2 kW boost.
Top performance in terms of acceleration and consumption is provided by the Ninja 7 Hybrid. Fuel consumption is similar to the 250cc class, and acceleration from a standstill is comparable to a sporty 1000cc.
4 liters per 100 kilometers can be consumed in sport mode, and even 3.7 liters in eco mode.
Furthermore, when the user releases the throttle, the regeneration mechanism on this new model returns the energy that was used to slow down while riding to the battery. This adds to the wider variety.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid is equipped with a single clutch, semi-automated transmission. Thus, there isn't a gear or clutch lever.
You use the controls on your left hand to shift gears. This is something we already know from the Honda DCT system, although in this case, the gearbox only has one clutch rather than two.
EV is exclusively used in the city core. It's quiet and drives pretty nicely, by the way.
Furthermore, an E Boost button is present, which offers a brief boost of 9 kW. Perfect for gaining back lost meters when racing over the mountains in a group or for speeding around a turn.
Although exact costs are not yet known, they will be less than 13,000 euros. Although Kawasaki's bravery and technology are amazing, are we as motorcycle enthusiasts prepared for it? Or is this a trend that will never go away, much like our four-wheelers?