Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid – the world’s first hybrid motorcycle

The news is big. We are facing the first hybrid motorcycle in history and, as we already knew since the last EICMA, it is Kawasaki that presents it to us. The Japanese manufacturer has started a strong phase of technical renewal and, after presenting the first electric motorcycles Z e-1 and Ninja e-1, now presents the final version of the Ninja 7 Hybrid, the first motorcycle to have an endothermic engine and an electric motor.

2 in 1: twin-cylinder and electric

At the heart of the new Ninja 7 Hybrid is a 451 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, two-cylinder engine, with a clutchless gearbox that can be used manually or in automatic mode, and a 9 kW electric motor. As for the battery that powers it, we do not yet have accurate data, but we can bet that it may have a capacity of 1.5 kWh and, in that case, be one of the two modules always used in the Z e-1. The substance changes little: together they provide a power of 43.5 kW (58.47 hp) which peaks at 51.1 kW (69.35 hp) due to the e-boost function.

The performance we expect is that of a motorcycle of about 650 cc with the advantage, however, of having more acceleration when starting: Kawasaki in the press release even says that it is comparable to that of a 1,000 cc supersport thanks to the e-boost function. The other advantage is in economic terms, because fuel consumption should be more similar to that of a 250 cc. Finally, gear changes are quick thanks to the gearbox mounted on the handlebar. There are three driving modes: SPORT-HYBRID, ECO-HYBRID, and EV2. Each offers a different approach to driving, adapting to a wide range of situations.

The features include the “start-and-stop” mode, where the combustion engine stops when the motorcycle is stationary to save fuel and reduce emissions, and the Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) which – when selected – automatically chooses the first gear when the motorcycle is stopped, as well as a “walk” mode both forward and backward to facilitate low-speed maneuvers and parking.

The two motors and the 48V lithium-ion battery are positioned to optimize weight distribution within a trellis frame. The riding position promises to be dynamic yet comfortable, with the rider leaning over the fairing but without overloading the wrists. After all, it’s not a hypersport. As for instrumentation, the color TFT screen includes smartphone connectivity through a dedicated version of the RIDEOLOGY app, helping to enhance the riding experience.

From a design standpoint, the Ninja 7 Hybrid also shows a certain recognition, despite references to the family feeling of other Ninjas. There is no lack of personal details and the color scheme is that of the electrified Akashi family. Its arrival is scheduled for early next year. We still do not know if it will be a benchmark model, but one thing is certain: this Ninja 7 Hybrid shows Kawasaki’s boldness in seeking alternative solutions, taking advantage of what current technology can offer us. And innovations can only excite us and arouse our curiosity.