The Kawasaki 7 Ninja is the world’s first hybrid motorcycle
Hybrid powertrain
The Ninja 7 Hybrid features a 451cc liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 43 kW (59 hp). In E-boost mode, you temporarily have 69 horsepower at your disposal. Maximum torque is 60.4 Nm that is available as early as 2,800 rpm. Based on displacement, the engine seems to be heavily inspired by that of the Eliminator, which in turn builds on the Ninja 400 engine.
Three riding modes
The Kawasaki offers a choice of three driving modes: Sport-hybrid, Eco-hybrid and EV. Sport-hybrid and Eco-hybrid deliver different driving experiences, focusing on performance or fuel economy, respectively. Although Kawasaki has not released extensive details, they promise that fuel economy is comparable to that of a motorcycle in the 250cc class. According to the official WMTC consumption measurement, it consumes a liter of gasoline for 25 kilometers and in ECO driving mode, 1 in 27 is possible. Little is yet known about sprint times. According to Kawasaki, it pulls up from a standstill as fast as a 1,000cc motorcycle.
Start-stop system
EV mode offers an all-electric driving experience with limited speed and range. This mode is designed to prevent noise pollution at certain times, such as in quiet residential areas or parking garages. The electric range is 12 kilometers. The engine also features a start-stop system familiar from hybrid cars. Learn more about plug in hybrid or hybrid systems. The Ninja 7 Hybrid has a similar system. As soon as you come to a stop, the combustion engine automatically shuts off. The transmission then goes into first gear, and as soon as you squeeze the clutch lever, the engine springs back on and you can drive off.
Walk Mode
The Ninja 7 Hybrid also has a so-called Walk Mode. The electric motor then helps when you want to maneuver forward or backward at walking speed. Unlike the electric models, the Ninja 7 Hybrid features a six-speed transmission. However, unlike Kawasaki’s conventional gasoline-powered models, the clutch is fully automatic. You won’t find a clutch lever or shifter. Instead, the shift mechanism is equipped with a switch that lets you switch between automatic and manual transmission. There is a “+” button for upshifting and a “-” button for downshifting.
battery pack
For the bike, Kawasaki took the Trellis frame as its base and modified it considerably. In the frame hangs not only the fuel engine and electric motor, but also a battery pack with a capacity of 7 kWh. The frame has been modified so that the 7 Hybrid has the optimal weight distribution. A fairing covers the mechanical parts and has inlets on both sides of the exhaust. The left inlet presumably feeds cooling air for the powertrain, while the right inlet leads to a tunnel that sends cooling air to the battery.
