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The heels of the announcement of its first electric street bikes, Kawasaki has taken another big step towards a carbon neutral future by revealing details about its first hybrid motorcycle. Unlike the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, however, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid aims to be more than an urban commuter or entry-level motorcycle.

At the heart of the Ninja 7 Hybrid is the innovative combination of a brand new 451cc parallel twin, water-cooled four stroke engine – complete with manual or automatically selected gears – and a traction motor plus battery; a futuristic combination that offers a number of new riding experiences plus an engine power of 43.5 kw rising to an impressive hybrid net power of 51.1kw thanks to “e-boost”. In terms of torque, the figures are equally impressive, with a maximum system power with ICE and EV combined of 60.4 N·m {6.2 kgƒ·m} at just 2,800rpm.

The Ninja 7 Hybrid comes with a six-speed transmission, but unlike Kawasaki’s gas-powered models, the clutch is automatic. There is no clutch lever or gear shifter on the left footpeg. Instead, the left switchgear includes a toggle for switching between automatic and manual transmissions, along with an upshift “+” on the front and a downshift “-” button facing the rider.

The Ninja 7 Hybrid weighs in at 227kg and is a mid-size package offering 650cc to 700cc class overall performance with the instant acceleration to rival that of a 1,000cc-class supersport model from a standing start (with Kawasaki’s e-boost function already seen on their EV machines) and fuel economy on par with the 250cc-class with a WMTC Class 3-2 certified rating of 4.0 L/100 km which becomes yet more economical in ECO-HYBROD mode.

Comes with three ride modes, Sport-hybrid, Eco-hybrid, or EV. Sport-hybrid and Eco-hybrid provide different riding characteristics, with a focus between performance or fuel economy. EV is an all-electric mode with a limited speed and range designed for riding in areas where noise may be an issue, such as quiet residential areas or parking garages.

Kawasaki also designed the engine with an idling stop function, which shuts down the engine when fully stopped to save fuel and reduce emissions. Kawasaki also added what it calls an Automatic Launch Position Finder function which automatically shifts into first gear when starting from a standstill.

Full-colour TFT instrumentation includes smartphone connectivity via a custom version of the Rideology The App, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.

The Hybrid uses a new steel trellis frame with the engine, motor and 48V lithium-ion battery packaged under the seat. Kawasaki says these elements are positioned to optimize weight distribution.

Ergonomically, the relaxed and sporty riding position eases the rider towards the high-grade cockpit and carefully considered layout of the switchgear; both designed to be intuitive and to inspire confidence.

Up front, the Hybrid sports a fairing with the now familiar jutting chin that we find on other Ninja models. The forward turn indicators are also embedded in the front fairing as it is on other members of the Ninja family.

Kawasaki did not provide details about the suspension system, but on visual inspection, we see a telescopic fork that resembles the one on the Ninja 400. The swingarm also resembles the unit on the Ninja 400, but the Ninja 7 Hybrid uses a different linkage system.

The wheels also appear similar to those of the Ninja 400, and the tire markings indicate tubeless Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires, with a 120/70ZR17 up front and a 160/60ZR17 at the rear. The front wheel sports dual disc brakes with Nissin two-piston calipers resembling the ones on the Ninja 650. The rear wheel, however, has a two-piston Nissin caliper instead of the 650’s single-piston caliper.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid comes in silver and black with a lime green lower fairing, and is expected to arrive in European showrooms in January.

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