For Europe, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid makes its debut, following the Kawasaki Z e-1 and Ninja e-1. Expected in Kawasaki Europe dealer showrooms in January next year, the Ninja 7 Hybrid offers a compromise between internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles and pure electric two-wheelers (e-bikes). Touting acceleration equivalent to a 1,000 cc superbike, the Ninja 7 Hybrid is powered by a brand new 451 cc parallel twin, water-cooled four stroke mill. With the rider allowed to manually select gears of let the gearbox do it automatically, engine power is supplemented by a 9 kW electric motor and battery pack.
This gives the Ninja 7 Hybrid the power
equivalent of 58.3 hp on ICE, rising to 68.5 hp when combined with the electric
motor in “e-boost” mode. Power for the electric motor comes from a 48 volt
lithium-ion battery pack located near the centre of gravity for optimal weight
distribution. Kawasaki says the Ninja 7 Hybrid offers performance on par with a
middleweight sportsbike with the earlier mentioned superbike level
acceleration. However, fuel economy is at 250 cc level, with three ride modes –
Sport-Hybrid, Eco-Hybrid and EV – offering performance to match the rider’s needs
and situation.
Idling stop cuts the engine off at stops
to conserve fuel while Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) automatically
puts the Ninja 7 Hybrid in first gear at a stop. Engaging “Walk Mode” allows
the rider to creep the Ninja 7 Hybrid either forward or in reverse, allowing
for easier maneuvering at parking lot speeds.
The full-colour TFT-LCD instrument panel
comes with Kawasaki’s Rideology app and allows for connectivity to the rider’s
smartphone. The Ninja 7 Hybrid comes in a unique to this model colour scheme of
a matte lime green under cowl with silver and black bodywork.
