Kawasaki’s electric “Ninja e-1” and “Z e-1” have already been peeked to the public ahead of their EICMA, but what about that hybrid-electric motorcycle that Team Green has been cooking up in the lab?
Good question.
Here’s what we know so far about Kawasaki’s Ninja HEV, complete with sources:
- The Ninja HEV’s production model will be revealed in 2024 (CycleWorld).
- Model names include “HEV Ninja” and “Ninja HEV,” the last being the preferred title (Kawasaki’s original press release).
- We’ve known about the HEV since 2020 (The Autopian).
- The hybrid powertrain is comprised of a battery married to a twin-cylinder engine (Ultimate Motorcycling).
- Kawi’s installed a push-button-operated, semi-auto transmission for seamless go-between (CycleWorld).
- Multiple ride modes will include an electric-only “walk” option for riding at slower speeds, a gas-only option for cruises / longer trips, and a hybrid mode for max power called “eBoost” (CycleWorld).
- Batteries will be slowly replenished while the Ninja HEV is in full gas mode.
- Componentry includes “a traditional fork, conventionally mounted Nissin brake calipers, and Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires” (Ultimate Motorcycling).
- “Other features include… a switch that moves the transmission into a fully-automatic setting” (CycleWorld).
There’s hefty potential for multiple hybrid models with this powertrain, given that this system is so convenient, it can be “used on virtually any bike with a conventional transverse combustion engine.” Kawasaki is also “the first of Japan’s big four… to show off near-production-ready machines powered by alternate fuel sources,” so we’re looking forward to a bit of extra sparkle on the day of the big reveal.
Since the Ninja HEV is set for a 2024 due date, we are expecting this hybrid to be a MY2025 machine and an eligible contender for EICMA 2024, with the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 likely claiming a spot in EICMA 2023.