Kawasaki's Ninja 7 HEV Hybrid Motorcycle: A Game Changer?
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
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UPDATE: Kawasaki sent out some additional specs for this bike after I'd produced this video, so here they are: peak torque is 60.4Nm at 2,800rpm. Weight comes in at 227kg kerb which is pretty substantial for a 58/68hp bike, although I suppose it's not completely unmanageable and there's always going to be a trade-off for having both an engine and motor/battery on board. Fuel efficiency is said to be 4.0L /100km so a little more than I was expecting, but I think this is for the SPORT-HYBRID mode because they say it "becomes yet more economical in ECO-HYBRID mode."
and price is just 20k =)
So we having a heavy, slow, expensive bike but it's greeeeeeen wow.
@motobob Can you for one say what you really think not that rainbow and unicorns?
58 mpg USA in the most extreme optimistic calculations? Nope. I can get much better than that on a bigger bike like a Honda NC750X. My 250 also gets better than that. Those small high revving gas sucking engines are not going to benefit much. The same way a Toyota Corolla hybrid gets less mpg economy than its larger sibling the Toyota Camry hybrid. This one is a pass from me. And ultimate Irony $20k gets you the Toyota Corolla as well! More for your money than this bike at the same price.
Start stop means a lot more wear on the starter motor and one way clutch engagement gear. Don’t hear anything about them beefing these up to account for the increased wear and tear.
@@DG-jq2jq Apparently its performance is going to be similar to an r7 or n650, with ludicrous amounts of power down low, with torque in the sub5k range thats comparable to the mt09. It seems to be going for the punchy commuter type bikes. Its not my sort of thing, maybe a bit more of a dad bike.
Still, this is the first bike. I have a theory that if you used similar tech with a more horsepower focused engine like the zx4 or zx6, you will have fucking AMAZING performance. It also might be better for these bikes to aim for power in the 600-750 categories, and just be a heavy powerful bike.
I seriously think I'm onto something with the zx4rr. Kawasaki has to be planning something else with that engine.
There absolutely is a 250 in their lineup btw, sold here in Malaysia
@@babyfknblu yes there is, but does it runs as well as the old ones? Or just a half as good?
Kawasaki has always pioneered new technologies and bikes. That’s why they’re my favorite brand
100% I have a '66 B8S and a '23 Z H2 SE. Hard to believe that one lead to the other. I enjoy riding both, for completely different reasons.
Yeah I agree. The bike has many problems though. It's heavy, but it is 1 gen so that's fine, the electric system is heavy. However what they could do something with is those forks need to be replaced with upside down forks that are better immediately, telescopic forks are ugly and usually inferior. That swingarm looks like it's from my 125cc, cheapest thing you can make, it works fine, but looks bad. A brake upgrade would also be nice, but at least it has dual calipers.
Makes it look like a Ninja 650, just way uglier which is sad because the design has potential.
Those clip ons are also disgusting! That's just my opinion.
True, just a pitty its not the brand of reliability...but they have decent fanboys who are toleraring and paying it and so its developement, so its fine!
But they can't update their forks smh.
@@Daniel-dj7fh They have to save money somewhere on a 1st Gen.
This is actually pretty awesome. I am surprised kawi didn't put this into the Versys platform. That would be the ultimate commuter and tourer.
This weighs 34kgs more than Ninja ( 193kgs ), Versys already weighs 219 & it will become 253kgs !!!
@@srinivassiddaiah9865 but the gas mileage would make it go forever.
I think it's styled as a Ninja 650 or a "Ninja 7" commuter/tourer already.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see a Versys 7 or some adv package if this bike is popular. It's already fucking heavy
@@36shadowboy I hope you're right. I think a Versys 7 would do very well. If this bike is getting "250cc" mileage (60 mpg), with the 5.5 gallon tank on the versys, it could do 300 miles on a single tank. That's incredible.
Pretty confident it won’t take Kawasaki long to offer this in a Versys equivalent if the uptake is good on this one.
I’d quite like this power train in Versys-form. For 95% of my riding it’d be quite nice I recon.
Bet that would be 250kg + and 25k
@@chrishart8548 I’d think about 210-220kg. We’ll see when the thing is properly released.
They could probably get it down to 210kg, but the price kills the bike imo. Saving $15/fill-up doesn't seem worth it if it costs over $20k @@903lew
@@IrishSpyHD60 Yeah, you can buy a lot of petrol for that amount of dosh. Can’t say I don’t want to try one regardless.
Congratulations to Kawasaki for being the ‘first-mover’ in incorporating new technologies - Supercharging, hybrid, electric (among the Japanese Big-4) in motorcycles
i heard they also planning to release hydrogen powered bike, we'll just have to wait and see
Absolutely! Otherwise they loose one day to america...or even europe...
It would be neat if this bike had a supercharger too
I am really liking the automatic transmissions becoming more popular
Looks interesting. Kudos to Kawi for being innovative.
No it's not. It's crap
@@DG-jq2jq You've never even seen one. Do you work at the RE factory? 🤡
First Prius was also crap. Have you seen the current one now? @@DG-jq2jq
People who want to preserve ICE engines will definitely like this set-up, Honda is also trying to bring something similar for their bikes below the 650cc segment but still no official announcements
Excellent presentation and production. Thanks.
Love this! really interested in a sports tourer style one
Long time subscriber... never miss your single video and surprised that you cross million subscribers yet ❤
Definitely interested in seeing how this tech develops. IMO this is the way to go for all high performance vehicles, we’re already seeing Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Porsche and others exploiting hybrid assist for increased performance and efficiency. I can Imagine a future where they can blend a high output 600cc with added torque of an electric motor giving you the performance of a 1000cc with little compromise, higher efficiency than both and longer range and engagement than a pure EV motorcycle.
Respect, you are always the first to let us know the bike news! 😊 Therefore your channel is the best! Best wishes.
I’m impressed with the concept, but would like to see the idea applied to a 120hp sport touring bike or an ADV. it’s cool that they can make a 450cc engine perform like a 650, but I still like liter bikes or the hybrid equivalent.
Well done Kawasaki for leading the way.
I’d love to see an option where extra batteries (in the form of slimline panniers) could be easily attached to their existing electric motorcycles to extend the range threefold. This would completely eliminate range anxiety.
I think the engine keeps the battery charged
There should definitely be battery upgrade options in the future for those who end up buying the full electric options. Part of the appeal of removable batteries is their easily upgradable, if all goes well the electric Kawasakis should have some serious longevity. We'll just have to see if those upgraded batteries will come with a higher sustained top speed too, perhaps a permanent form of the eboost mode. A constant 60mph with the option to go 70-80 for 15 seconds is much more appealing than the current offers. I'm very curious to see what Kawasaki will do.
April the 1st has came early, I’m sure they’ll be queuing at dealerships for them. Positively the few that are sold will end up in museums in the future alongside the Sinclair C5.
I think you miss the point here a bit when comparing power to a 650. The 650 doesn’t generate peak power whenever you want it as you mentioned. That’s reserved for winding the rpm’s up to get that peak power whereas being able to engage an electric motor boost for an extra 15ish hp anywhere in the rpm range is more like having a nitrous kit. It’s very interesting 🧐
I'm interested in the long term low cost of running the bike just like Honda BRV HYBRID car. It's 1/4 the cost of running compare to Honda CRV !
Fuel is getting more expensive Dude !
Personally don't think hybrid motorcycles are quite as necessary as hybrid cars, but hope this type of tech makes somebody happy.
Yeah! Maybe they'll pair this tech with the tiny 4 cylinder so we could have a screaming little inline 4 with low end torque.....sorry I need to take a moment...
Not gonna happen, 4 pots are already too heavy.
Cost is always a problem. Renewables pay off later like stocks but more cash up front initially. Hybrids are a bridge until batteries have range like a car. Everything heading towards full EV
This has got my attention. It’ll depend on pricing when it arrives in Australia. I’m looking for a new bike next year and already considering mid-size bikes as I’ve already got two big ones. Unfortunately this weighs almost as much as either of them. But if they release this with a bigger IC component I’d be interested. I’ve ridden the Z650 and that’s a pretty neat bike with plenty of useful performance unless you’re Rossi, and easy to throw around. A dedicated tourer would be good with this technology.
Its just the beginning. Interesting to see what the future holds for hybrid bikes
kudos to the big K for getting into this market segment. I for one will be watching closely😊
This thing looks awesome
I really like the idea of coming home or leaving in electric mode. This is really intriguing to me right now since I am living in an RV park. No need to disturb the 50 neighbors within 50ft of you when you can just creep away and light up the Yoshi pipe when you turn onto the highway.
The whole idea is brilliant but look into hybrid cars. Most of them will still launch the engine first thing in the morning just to heat things up or get that extra electricity top up. Only after a few mins you can go into EV mode. Hope that's not gonna be the case with bikes.
Someone has to try it first and it will be interesting to see where it all leads
Early bird gets the worm. Second mouse gets the cheese
Competitors will see Kawi's mistakes on this and improve theirs if they would produce a Hybrid Motorcycle
Kawasaki does have 250 for comparison in their lineup, but exclusive only to certain country, mostly asia.
Our ninja 250 is exact clone of ninja 400, but with less bore & stroke.
Unfortunately all 250 parallel twin (cbr250rr, ninja250, R25) is a gas guzzler for their displacement. Our actual fuel consumption is not too far from 650 parallel 2, especially on spirited canyon ride.
Most motorcycles are already very fuel efficient. The technology is interesting but I imagine it makes the bike much heavier. With the less than appetizing fuel economy gains, what is the point?
First Prius was also not that great. 25 years past it's a sales record holder.
i am super interested in the technological development of bike propulsion. hopefully, the eco mode is good for everyday riding and like half of the announced 4 liters. i would love to hear more about electric motorcycles , too, like the ones honda announced once they get near their launch dates.
Kawasaki announced 2 electric bikes last week.
@@mrmark8603 Those are garbage though.
@@Waldo1122 Wow! You are the first person to have test ridden them. Tell us all, more about your experience.
@@mrmark8603 6 horsepower, max speed of about 40 mph, 42 miles of range and slow charging for about $8k. Yeah that is garbage.
from what i read, those are quite expensive (glorified) scooters and in no way comparable to even the lowest spec zero. i am hoping that honda will launch something more between those and a high spec zero / the (harley) livewire one with better value for the price.
My cb500x will do 3 liters per 100 kilometers in traffic on my commute to work don’t think this will sell well but they are moving in the right direction
We need bike companies to start making 2 wheel drive on sports bikes. It's been done before and that will be a game changer too!
Look forward to seeing some riding reviews. Kudos to Kawasaki for experimenting with the tech!
I like the styling
Love it! And want to try it!
Here we are the last generation to enjoy the sound of inline 4.
This boy becomes more and more interesting. Key points: consumption, price, weight! In two of this points I am not extremely happy. The price we will see. But I like the idea and if the things are going in the right direction, this could be a good choice
beautiful bike,,, nice technology... love the new GS, but GS people will get pist-off to see this small bike with reverse 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
I appreciate Kawasaki experimenting with hybrid technology. Not only does it help with fuel efficiency, but the ability to switch to EV mode will be vital in the future as urban areas crack down on emissions and require smog-free driving. I only hope Kawasaki either comes up with some luggage or works with proven suppliers (e.g. Givi) for mounting of top cases for ease of commuting or maybe even some saddlebags for touring (think Versys 650LT). My old back has officially retired from backpack riding.
Well, thats thinking out of the box! Interesting.......great innovation. Big K making their own way.
Feels a bit like a redux of the middleweight bikes with turbos from the 80s... anybody else notice the ZX750 Gpz Turbo in the video?
i did notice an older kawa..
Z750 owner here can't wait to test one!
Love Kawasaki! 💚
I am so hyped up for this until I see the numbers. Concept is great and I love the transition but their first model is way too expensive and heavy for me and yet does not save as much fuel as I expected. Kawi knows that and therefore have to pitch this 650-700cc bike with e-boost tech to rival acceleration of liter bikes. Otherwise, it is straight up not attractive spec-wise. It is a good direction for development though. Love to see its next gen asap.
quite tempting
Is it ULEZ compliant? A 3.0 Petrol Hybrid Porche Cayenne is!! Fair???
Good video. Seems we've seen this before when the Japanese manufacturers first introduced the turbo bikes. However I think this may stick because of the "eco friendliness " and how current laws and future laws may be heading.
I'm interested though it looks a bit more sport bike than I'd prefer.
If we can get some government money or rebates from the US like cars … maybe I’d buy one.
If it doesn't make it heavy and expensive, this would make the Versys 650 perfect. It's already an amazing concept, just need a SE high tech version of it
With a battery onboard you won't be able to make things lightweight.
The future is a range of solutions, not just electric, so well done Kawasaki.. not the bike for me though. I also think they’ve made a mistake styling it as a sports bike.. I think that will hold sales back.
BMW's i3 used a 650 Kymco, but the payload was more.
Bike owners are already getting about at 20km per liter, roughly. That’s 76km (47miles) on a U.S. gallon.
One thing I can't find: can it be plugged in to charge? Or is it hybrid like the old Prius's where it only self charges?
i read on several motorcycle magazine sites that it's a "normal" hybrid => old prius style
@@D.i.n.i.c.h.t.h.y.s Thanks. That's disappointing.
I'm not too hyped about this, but it is promising for the future.
The first hybrid cars were not that great either, and then 10 years later we had the Porsche 918.
I'm also happy to see Kawasaki continue to push the envelope, unlike the others from the big Japanse 4, who are just building P-twin and 1000cc bikes and nothing else.
Exactly, someone has to be first. Wait for Honda, they've got more budget for experimenting ;)
So what are the HP torque numbers?
With cars you can have an electric motor on one axle and petrol on the other, if Kawasaki can do this through the gearbox and have a kind of constant boost setting that would be pretty sick imo
You mean you want the front wheel to move the bike? Scary...
@pasiutrial no although there are 2wd bikes, I meant both motors simultaneously through the gearbox to the back wheel
If they release a naked or Z version and if the price is around a Ninja 650, I'd buy it.
A new Versys 7 Hybrid announcement should follow...
My decades long dream is realized! World will never be the same ol’, same ol’, ever again! Hoping it uses KERS system from F1 cars (super-capacitor bank in place of battery pack) that would greatly reduce maintenance costs, etc. And why no brake lever for the left hand like all other two-wheeled machines such as bicycles and scooters? Seems odd to be trained to use both hands to squeeze clutch/brake levers during rapid stops, but then there’s no left lever! The absence of a left brake lever may be a safety issue for some riders in some situation (ex: LT side dismount on a steep incline).
Um, Kawasaki does have 250CC bikes, Z250, ZX-25R and Ninja250 . Usually sold in SEA markets like here in Malaysia (though rebadged as Modenas bikes these days).
But not in Europe or the US, where they were replaced a while ago by the 300 and then 400 (nakeds and sports at least, there is still the KX 250 for MX). And since that segment of the video was about fuel consumption, it's probably not that useful to compare the 250R engine (which was still carburated in some markets even in 2017) to the Ninja 7 HEV, rather than a current 250~300cc engine sold in Europe.
they also got 125 150 and 180cc
They killed 250 400 and now they after 600.
Current single piston/twin 250/400 not ever close to models from 90s. And even fancy ZXR400 r with 4 cylinders getting destroyed by 30 years old zxr 400. If people don’t see how the best bikes getting destroyed by regulations we end up with bicycles and everything you want available within 15 minutes walking.
Looks like a good start👍
Hi
Is it has regenerative braking?
one thing that isn't mentioned is weight which IMO is the most important part of the riding experience with all this tech onboard it sounds like it's going to be in the 900cc plus weight range for something that's a 1/4 the power, the eco mode doesn't make sense either since motorcycles get really good MPG compared to most vehicles and most stock motorcycles are extremely quite so i honestly don't see the point in this bike, don't get me wrong it's cool but i see this is going to be a flop.
That battery pack gives it the wheel base of a Peterbilt 379.
And at 227kg she's a porker.
But hey, we all have to start somewhere l suppose.
Humble and not so pretty beginnings l guess.🤷🙄
How much top speed
whats the range in electric only when fully charged?
Self charging off the engine
My 21 CB500X get 3.2 - 3.5 liters per mile all the time in city riding.
Litres per mile🙄
What will the insurance costs on these EV/Hybrid bikes?
Excellent question bearing in mind today’s shenanigans.
It will change the game 😅
Judging by the images here it looks like the Hybrid has a l-o-n-g wheelbase (I'm guessing to make room for that battery), or at least a longer wheelbase than the Ninja 650. Great for drag strip launches and a smooth ride, but maybe not so good for handling.
I thought the same but it's just an impression, because the bike is so short/ low!
If the elec power was doubled, E range increased to 40 miles urban then I'd jump on it in an instant. I'd take a bit less fuel and a bit more weight
7:46 remember EVs are not "green tech". They're not better for the environment due to raw earth materials usage, they just move emissions from the tip of your exhaust to somewhere else (electric plant or lithium mine).
I'd be more interested in 250-300cc hybrid with 1/2 the eBoost.
F performance
try the new ducati scrambler 2023 model
1:08 not entirely true. With electric boost you get a lot more torque from 0 RPM. With just a standard ICE bike you need to get it up to revs to feel that max hp/ torque.
If this came in a versys platform, and could go up to 10 miles on battery only I would buy in an instant.
Even if it were £25k ?
@chrishart8548 $25k would completely defeat the purpose of buying the bike. I would pay $13k though.
@@chrishart8548 How old are you?
@@andrewwhittenburg8723 I see trouble-makers on m/cycle and car channels, just stirring the pot and trying to put doubt in potential buyers minds. I assume they work for competitors, NOT investing in whatever these new models boast.
@@mrmark8603 43
This is perfect for maxi scooter
270º crank and I might have a look... otherwise I'd sooner wait for that Hydrogen research to finish, in Japan...
Its known tech. from auto industry, real question is why moto industry wait with this...why BMW, Ducati...etc dont offer it...well until they can earn money selling old stuff why would they?
The 650 already gets good gas mileage in the city where hybrids shine, so this is pretty pointless considering the added weight, complexity and a battery that's guaranteed to fail...
Kawasaki has really stepped up to the plate with superchargers and now hybrids. Gas motors are being squished
Fantastic! When it blows up in a car park, the media and powers that be will blame it on a diesel car. You get a guaranteed pay out!
I need to surprise you. ICE cars blow up way more often that hybrids! Just go out and see the figures.
It should be as the market wants it. Incentives to start with yes, then either flourish on its own merits or go full Hindenburg! ...er
Muchas gracias por los subtitulos en español. 👏🏻👍🏻
Estoy totalmente a favor de los cambios de marchas automáticos porque son más confortables y seguros.
Un saludo enorme desde Zaragoza (España) 👍🏻👍🏻🙋🏻✌🏻
cool
Patience everyone! As the first of it's kind, it has to be fast enough for major motorways, and post a really good fuel economy for the normie politicians. I can't wait for the battery and plug-in mods.
What 7 stands for?
Maybe 7 years until agenda 2030 ruins everything.
Meaningsless and over-complicated is my verdict. Turbo-era bikes was a similar hype that died quickly.
Come on. 1/2 litres less fuel per 100km? How long is the payback over the 650 if this hybrid is indeed an extra £4k?
If I were a Kwak dealer I would defo not order one for stock.
If it's acceleration is competative with liter supersport bikes that run €17k, but it costs way less (around €11k?), and has a couple other nifty gimmicks too, I think people will be interested. Especially for my biker bros who aren't in Germany, the max speed is not nearly as important as the max acceleration anyway, so why pay €6k more for something you will never use?
No plug in? Low EV range? No power out? Meh. I'm not so interested. If I'm paying for all the Hybrid hardware anyway, I want ALL the hybrid features. I wanna commute for pennies as a plug-in EV, and then drive to the desert and power the sound system for the rave. It's only a few hundred euros more hardware to be not just one of the fastest accelerating bikers, but also a party hero and an eco warrior. Why stop a few hundred euros short of being absolutely epic?
Zero tax presumably..
Excellent work as always. Thks BOB!
I have a sweet spot for KAWASAKI and I think they are on the right path creating an Hybrid range.
I drive electric (Car), but I'm 100% sure this is just a transition technology, NOT the way to go in the future.
Something like the E-POWER models by NISSAN are the next best thing... before Hydrogen can pass from paper&potential to real day-to-day usable solutions.
E-POWER means you're moving the vehicle through ELECTRIC power-train, which feeds from a battery, which gets juiced up by an internal combustion engine (a built-in power plant, running on petrol)
Hence, you get the electric boost and drive comfort, with minimal emissions, and ZERO range & charging-time anxiety!(!)
When KAWASAKI launches a future HYBRID "E-POWER" model, which runs electric but feeds on petrol, it'll be a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN for everybody ( Petrolheads, Sheiks, Battery manufacturers, and Polar bears...)
- THIS IS THE WAY
Cheers from PORTUGAL;
Looking forward for a greener future! RIDE safe everyone!
>
Honda has a similar power train with their e:HEV models.
I am a bit disappointed with their battery setup, going with a 48v, 33ah battery instead of going for 60v or 52v which is becoming more of a standard in e-mopeds and ebikes. It def has something to do with the weird swap system they’re trying to develop with the other Japanese manufacturers, which is a very interesting prospect, but I feel like they’re leaving a lot of performance on the table. Maybe waiting for the next generation of battery technology?
Keep in mind this thing has an ICE engine still, it already weights 500lbs
@@Carlisho 500 lbs? 😂
@@mrmark8603 fr im not joking 😂
@@Carlisho weight has nothing to do here. 60V system is just a different voltage, doesn't have to be heavier.
@@pasiutrial yeah but the battery is already small, making it a 60v the range would be even lower, and its already low as it is
They always got a new tech but the design bruh....
Finally the trad. Motorbike Industry is moving towards a contemporary technologies using the massive benefits that are here - instead of using this 30 years old wasting engine technologie they still do, how boring...
My Honda CTX700DCT will average 70 MPG and I have gotten 80. So the hybrid doesn't make much sense.
First Prius didn't make sense either. Look at it now.
It’s definitely very interesting but this rear swing arm is killing me. Good job KAWA!
I think it's interesting. Ultimately, too expensive to buy as a commuter. Hope they will keep developing this tech. I think the battery needs to be smaller. Ultimately, what I would like is very good fuel consumption figures with good acceleration. This does not require a massive battery. Just give it 0.5Kwh tops. Enough to give you maybe 30 seconds of boost before it runs out, but that would be all you need when accelerating, overtaking or having fun in some twisties. Then just use the energy recouperation to fill it back up. When riding sportingly, this will be easy because there is a lot of braking. The EV only mode is kind of a gimmick I think. These bikes are quiet enough as they are.
0.5 kWh battery will be around 18 kg still. Another 15 for the EV motor, a few more for additional hardware and you are still above the normal weight figures.
Not a bad step forward fore Kawasaki. Wold like to ride it.