Kawasaki is about to release its first electric motorcycles, debuting in the UK market. But these are no mean, green battery-powered machines. Instead, the new Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 are aimed at the commuter market.
We haven’t had a full spec reveal on these bikes, but Kawasaki did show them off at EICMA last year, and we’ve seen them on-track at Suzuka and other events, so we had a pretty good idea of what’s coming. A recent update from Kawi’s UK arm also shares some very important info on the new Z e-1 and Ninja e-1.
The Z e-1 has almost a supermoto look to it. Put some chunky tires on this, and many of us would be tempted to see how it fares on gravel. Photo: Kawasaki
Last year, we’d deduced these machines are sort of retro-fitted electric powertrains into Kawasaki’s Z400 chassis, with some Z300 parts tied in as well. Kawasaki’s UK release now tells us these bikes are built to compete with 125cc motorcycles, with brushless 5kW motor (max output of 9 kW available on-demand via “e-boost”). As you’d expect, they come with a single-speed gearbox. There’s a Road mode and an Eco mode; top speed is 99 km/h. See below:
Created to sit proudly within the 125cc class of current motorcycles, the new Kawasaki EV machines will be available in Ninja and Z family styles as Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 with both able to boast mid-capacity type chassis and running gear specifications delivering typical Kawasaki fun to ride characteristics mated to zero emission desirability.
With a near silent and efficient brushless motor rated at 5kw (with a useful maxim of 9Kw on demand) this duo of EV models rely on an innovative twin (removable) battery solution with the batteries wired in parallel unlike competitors delivering the advantage of more efficient charge usage. Enjoying a variety of charging options this twin battery configuration allows the sort of portability that heavy single item applications simply prohibit.
Clutchless, with no gears to change and with a simple “twist and go” riding style, the fun to ride feeling is augmented by some clever rider-centric features such as two riding modes (Road and Eco) plus an exciting “e-boost” option delivering an on-demand max of 9kw of power and acceleration (plus a potential top speed of 99kph where permitted) over a short distance thanks to a e-boost button on the right bar under the twist grip.
Kawasaki Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 riders can also amaze their friends with a walk mode that allows these machines to manoeuvre at walking pace in both forward AND reverse – particularly useful for tight parking spots or moving backwards up an incline.
ABS is standard, and taller or shorter seats come as accessories. Kawasaki hasn’t listed pricing yet for UK customers, or confirmed these bikes will come to North America—but sooner or later, we expect these bikes or their mechanical descendants to arrive here.
