Kawasaki was eager to start the year 2024 with enthusiasm, and it is safe to say they did a good job in that regard. Recently, they gave fans and enthusiasts around the world reasons to get excited, announcing the launch of a reasonable number of new models and bringing back some classics and icons.
However, perhaps the most important conclusion from Kawasaki’s recent announcements is the fact that the company has its eyes set on the future. To that end, Kawasaki has introduced us to what their first hydrogen-powered motorcycle will look like. Dubbed the Ninja H2 HySE (for now, as it is a prototype), the Japanese manufacturer is placing a strong bet on this model, which could be the next big thing on the path to sustainable mobility. And, although we talk more about it in this article, we have also gathered everything Kawasaki has to excite us in the short term.
Eliminator debuts as an entry-level cruiser
With Royal Enfield and Harley-Davidson battling it out in the sub-500cc cruiser race, Kawasaki quietly entered the race with the 2024 Eliminator. Although the designation is something Kawasaki fans would recognize, this is a completely new motorcycle with entirely new components.
There is a new 451 cc engine derived from the Ninja 400 and Z400, with more torque and a more cruiser personality. There is also a lot of modern technology that comes standard with the Eliminator, including smartphone connectivity and a more personalized setting for new riders. Although the frame is inspired by the Ninja, the riding height is lower, with a more comfortable height of 28.9 inches. With a lightweight trellis frame, a rear suspension with dual shock absorbers, it is a comfortable entry-level cruiser bike. Ninja 40th Anniversary Edition Given that the Ninja is celebrating 40 years in 2024, Kawasaki has announced four impressive 2024 40th Anniversary Edition Ninja motorcycles. All special edition Ninja models will have a special three-color paint scheme inspired by the color of the Ninja ZX-7. While the Ninja ZX-4RR is the entry-level variant, the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R is Kawasaki’s mid-displacement offering. Next comes the Ninja ZX-10R. To celebrate the historic victories of the Ninja ZX-7, the four variants will be presented with a three-tone paint scheme: Lime Green/Crystal White/Blue. The front half of these models will have a light green shade, with the lower fairings sporting a white-blue finish with Kawasaki lettering in bold blue.However, there are no mechanical changes in the 2024 edition of the Ninja, so the specifications remain the same. Of course, you can always choose the Ninja models in the original version.
The Ninja H2R is the fastest production motorcycle in the range
The Ninja H2R is the fastest production motorcycle for 2024, with a 998 cc inline four-cylinder supercharged engine. It is also the only supercharged production motorcycle that any conventional manufacturer offers for now. Even at its debut in 2015, it revolutionized motorcycle production and continues its power trend in 2024 as well. Meanwhile, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja H2, which can be used on public roads, is more affordable, with 227 hp and 133.5 Nm of torque.
The new Ninja 7, Ninja e-1, and Z e-1 add electric power to the 2024 Kawasaki range
Kawasaki also debuted its first hybrid production motorcycle in 2024, the Ninja 7, which adds EV and ICE power to ensure the best of both worlds. It features a compact electric motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery that combine with a 451cc twin-cylinder engine for a total of 68 hp of power and 59.6 Nm of torque. It also has three riding modes, one of which is the EV mode. Here, it will operate as a zero-emission motorcycle with a clutchless manual or automatic transmission.
Only its electric motor can produce a maximum of 12 hp of power and 36.6 Nm of torque when operating solely in EV mode for short periods. It is likely to be an exciting addition to Kawasaki’s impressive lineup.
Of course, when it comes to electric motorcycles, Kawasaki is also electrifying two of its iconic motorcycle models, the Ninja and the Z, with the announcement of the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 BEV models. These electric motorcycles can be beginner or commuting bikes, designed for city riding, with lower power outputs and removable batteries. They may soon become a complete success for the brand and for Japanese motorcycles in general.
A bold step by Kawasaki towards sustainable mobility
As mentioned before, Kawasaki is also looking towards the future and investing in hydrogen-powered machines to drive it forward. Therefore, at its “Group Vision 2030” conference last year, it presented its first hydrogen-powered prototype, dubbed the Ninja H2 HySE.
In other words, this is “Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology,” which is essentially a collaboration of all the top Japanese manufacturers: Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Toyota. According to this collaboration, each brand plays a key role in promoting the development of sustainable mobility.
Although the Ninja H2 HySE is still a prototype, it is easy to see that the design inspiration came from the Ninja H2 SX, albeit with larger proportions and striking lines and grooves throughout the bike. Furthermore, since hydrogen needs about three times the volume of gasoline to be stored, Kawasaki has developed an interesting solution in the form of large “pannier” type tanks on both sides of the passenger seat.
As for its power, Kawasaki decided to base the hydrogen-powered prototype on the Ninja H2 series. As a result, it is the world’s first and only supercharged engine for a production motorcycle. According to Kawasaki, the forced induction technology of the supercharged engine helps the hydrogen-powered combustion engine achieve performance levels close to those of combustion motorcycles.
