BARCELONA: Kawasaki kept rumours about its upcoming hybrid motorcycle on the boil for several years and now the machine has finally arrived.

After numerous patent drawings, prototypes, function videos and strategy statements, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer unveiled the world's first production hybrid motorbike called the Ninja 7 Hybrid at a media event here recently.

With full lighting and a numberplate holder the bike is ready for street action.

Kawasaki said the mid-size package offers the "instant acceleration of a 1,000cc-class supersport model from a standing start (with e-boost), fuel economy on par with the 250cc-class, and button-shift sport riding."

"Three drive modes are on offer each with a distinct riding character and numerous innovative features for riders to explore, the Ninja 7 Hybrid truly changes the game, ushering in a new era in riding experience," the company said.



Kawasaki has presented the new Ninja 7 Hybrid for the 2024 model year, but so far without naming prices. However, these are likely to be higher than those of the recently presented Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 which cost €8,235 and €8,835 respectively.

The combustion engine in the steel frame is a newly-developed twin with 451 cubic capacity, to which Kawasaki has bolted a 48-volt starter-generator system behind the cylinder bank on the transmission.

The small traction battery with a capacity of just under 1.4 kWh and weighing 13 kilos is mounted under the seat in the rear of the frame.

The battery cannot be charged externally but only by the combustion engine, which corresponds to the definition of a mild hybrid.

The engine comes from the new Eliminator model and for the Ninja 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki gives a maximum power output of 59 hp supplemented by the 9.5 hp of the starter-generator on the transmission. This adds up to around 69 hp which is pretty good for a 450.

The fuel consumption of 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres in Eco mode and 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres in Sport mode is also commendably low. This means the Ninja 7 Hybrid consumes as little as a 300cc twin with 42 hp and slightly less than a 500cc twin with 48 hp.

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