Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid Are Coming to America for 2024
Faired and naked hybrids each priced at $12,499
Kawasaki announced it is bringing its Ninja 7 and Z7 Hybrid models to the U.S., bringing the world’s first mass-produced “strong hybrid” motorcycles to America. Both models are available immediately at American Kawasaki dealerships, each priced at $12,499.
That’s a pretty hefty price tag for models that claim a level of performance similar to a 700cc-ish motorcycle; Kawasaki’s own Ninja 650 clocks in at $8,299 while the Z650 is priced at $8,149 and the retro-flavored Z650RS carries a $9,599 price tag. But perhaps that’s part of the process bringing a brand new technology to market, and future iterations will come down in price. We also wouldn't say no to a future Versys version, but for now, we have the sportbike and naked models.
Read more: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid Review – First Ride
Read more: 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid – First Look
Read more: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid – First Look
In his review of the Ninja 7 Hybrid, Troy Siahaan said it offers a clever solution for European riders, especially those in urban centers that may be introducing strict vehicle emissions regulations. He was less confident about how it would play in the U.S., but we’ll soon find out.
Both the Z 7 Hybrid and Ninja 7 Hybrid are powered by the same powertrain, a combination of an electric motor and a version of the 451cc Parallel-Twin that Kawasaki introduced on the Eliminator, and now on the new Ninja 500 and Z500. An evolution of the engine that powered Kawasaki’s 400 and 300 models, the gas-sipping component has a well-established track record. Besides the larger displacement, the engine also receives a new integrated starter generator (ISG), combining both a starter and generator into a single component.
The gas engine is paired with an electric motor rated at 7.0 kW (sustained, with a peak of 9.0 kW). The motor works with the engine to produce three modes: Sport-Hybrid, Eco-Hybrid, and EV mode.
In Sport-Hybrid mode, the engine does the bulk of the work, with the motor providing some assistance. In Eco-Hybrid, the engine turns off when stationary to conserve fuel; when you set out again, the electric motor starts things off, with the gas-powered engine kicking in as you gain speed. In EV mode, the engine remains off, leaving the electric motor to provide traction.
The motor also provides an E-Boost feature to give an extra bit of power and torque in Sport-Hybrid mode for five seconds, almost like hitting a power-up in a video game. The motor also allows for a low-speed Walk Mode which helps with maneuvering in tight spaces in both forward and reverse directions.
Kawasaki developed an electronically controlled six-speed transmission for the Hybrids. The system can work automatically, with gear shifts prioritizing fuel economy, or manually with shifts initiated via buttons on the left handlebar. There’s no clutch lever, so the hydraulic clutch is controlled by the ECU, engaging or disengaging as needed.
Compared to the powertrain, the chassis for both models is fairly conventional. The trellis frame is new, designed to package the engine, motor and 48V lithium-ion battery. The 41 mm telescopic fork and preload-adjustable rear shock are similar to the ones on the Ninja 400, though the shock is attached via a new linkage design.
The brakes consist of dual 300 mm front discs with dual-piston calipers, and a rear 220 mm disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS comes standard.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid
Other features include LED lighting, a 4.3-inch TFT display, and smartphone connectivity. The Z7 Hybrid has a claimed curb weight (including the battery) of 498.3 pounds, while the Ninja 7 Hybrid claims 502.7 pounds. Both models come in a Metallic Bright Silver/Metallic Matte Lime Green/Ebony colorway.
2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid
Specifications | Ninja 7 Hybrid | Z7 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled | 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 451cc | 451cc |
Bore x Stroke | 70.0 x 58.6mm | 70.0 x 58.6mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 | 11.7:1 |
Fuel System | EFI with dual 36mm throttle bodies | EFI with dual 36mm throttle bodies |
Ignition | TCBI | TCBI |
Traction Motor | Liquid-cooled, interior permanent magnet synchronous motor | Liquid-cooled, interior permanent magnet synchronous motor |
Motor Drive Battery Type | 48 V lithium-ion battery | 48 V lithium-ion battery |
Transmission | 6-speed Automated Manual | 6-speed Automated Manual |
Shifter Mechanism | Push button | Push button |
Final Drive Ratio | 3.071 (14/43) | 3.071 (14/43) |
Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
Power Modes | 3 Modes (SPORT-HYBRID/ ECO-HYBRID/EV) plus e-boost | 3 Modes (SPORT-HYBRID/ ECO-HYBRID/EV) plus e-boost |
Torque | 44.2 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (claimed) | 44.2 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (claimed) |
Electronic Rider Aids | Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) in MT, WALK Mode (with Reverse), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) in MT, WALK Mode (with Reverse), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
Frame Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
Front Suspension/Wheel Travel | 41mm telescopic fork/4.7 in | 41mm telescopic fork/4.7 in |
Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with single gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload/4.5 in | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with single gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload/4.5 in |
Front Tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-17 |
Rear Tire | 160/60-17 | 160/60-17 |
Front Brakes | Dual 300mm discs with 2-piston calipers and ABS | Dual 300mm discs with 2-piston calipers and ABS |
Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
Rake & Trail | 25°/4.1 in | 25°/4.1 in |
Overall Length | 84.4 in | 84.4 in |
Overall Width | 29.5 in | 31.7 in |
Overall Height | 44.7 in | 42.5 in |
Ground Clearance | 5.1 in | 5.1 in |
Seat Height | 31.3 in | 31.3 in |
Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal | 3.7 gal |
Wheelbase | 60.4 in | 60.4 in |
Curb Weight | 502.7 lb (incl. battery, claimed) | 498.3 lb* (incl. battery, claimed) |
Special Features | e-boost, Idling Stop Function, Regenerative System, TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP | e-boost, Idling Stop Function, Regenerative System, TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP |
Color Choices | Metallic Bright Silver/Metallic Matte Lime Green/Ebony | Metallic Bright Silver/Metallic Matte Lime Green/Ebony |
Warranty | 12 Month Limited Warranty | 12 Month Limited Warranty |
Kawasaki Protection Plus (optional) | 12, 24, 36 or 48 months | 12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
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Hurts my eyes, too expensive, wimpy electric motor. 7hp? Why bother?
That price is hilarious. The curb weights are even funnier. All this tech that almost nobody wants and yet I don't see any claims on range or MPG. The only note in this article that I can even come close to classifying as a performance claim is "a level of performance similar to a 700cc-ish motorcycle". Why aren't the prices and weights in line with one of those bikes? I seriously hope this fails wildly just like eMotorcycles are flopping.
I want to hear more about e-boost. How often can I crack the throttle for a couple of seconds and get thousand cc perfotrmance?