2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid

Kawasaki’s Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS is a non-plug-in, hybrid motorcycle with an internal combustion engine, an electric traction motor, and a 48V lithium-ion battery with regenerative braking. This all-new motorcycle inherits sporty features from other Ninja models, but provides revolutionary technology unavailable on traditional ICE motorcycles.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS features a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with an electric motor that can work simultaneously or independently from one another. Kawasaki refers to this as a two-drive-system propulsion. Three drive modes are available (Sport-Hybrid, Eco-Hybrid, and EV).

In Sport-Hybrid mode, the bike offers the propulsion of both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. In Eco-Hybrid mode, the electric traction motor initiates acceleration with the internal combustion engine kicking on around 2,000 rpm. When the bike comes to a complete stop, the internal combustion engine turns off. In EV mode, the electric motor handles all of the workload, but is recommended for short trips and low speed.

Walk mode and E-Boost are two additional features unique to Kawasaki’s hybrid motorcycles (Ninja 7 Hybrid, Z7 Hybrid, Ninja e-1, and Z e-1). Walk mode enables the motorcycle to be maneuvered at a walking pace via the electric traction motor. Opening the throttle moves the bike forward. Closing the throttle past “zero” moves the bike in reverse. E-Boost increases overall output and Kawasaki claims it gives the Ninja 7 Hybrid faster acceleration from a standstill than a 1,000cc motorcycle under certain conditions, according to Kawasaki. E-Boost acceleration is limited to five seconds and is only available in Sport-Hybrid.

Kawasaki’s Ninja 7 Hybrid also features an electronically controlled six-speed transmission which automatically shifts gears via a hydraulic clutch. The gearbox can be used in automatic operation (AT) or manual operation (MT). In AT, the gears are shifted automatically by the bike. In MT, riders have control of gear changes via shift buttons on the left of the handlebar. With Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) turned on, the transmission is automatically returned to first gear when the bike comes to a stop.

The chassis of the Ninja 7 Hybrid is similar to the Ninja 650 and is designed for sporty handling, although it does have a long 60.4-inch wheelbase. Suspension components consist of a 41mm telescopic fork with 4.7 inches of travel and single gas-charged shock with preload adjustment offering 4.5 inches of travel. The rest of the chassis is standard equipment with dual 300mm discs and twin-piston calipers up front, a single 220mm rotor and single-piston caliper at the rear, and 17-inch wheels.

Last time we tested the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid, test rider Bradley Adams noted, “Fueling is smooth, there’s no hesitation as the bike transitions from electric motor to gas engine, the automated manual transmission works well, and despite being a little heavy, the bike is still plenty of fun to ride when the roads tighten up.”

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS is available in one variant for $12,499.