2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid ABS

After Kawasaki dropped the Ninja 7 Hybrid on the motorcycling world for 2024, it was really a foregone conclusion that a naked roadster version was soon to follow. And follow it has, with the Z7 Hybrid making its debut using the same non-plug-in hybrid formula pairing the 451cc parallel-twin engine from the Kawasaki Eliminator with a 9kW max output electric motor (equivalent to around 12 hp). Like the Ninja 7 Hybrid, the Z7 Hybrid’s internal combustion engine and electric motor can function together or independently from one another, depending on the selection of one of three drive modes. 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 that is only recommended for short trips and low speed. The gas engine and electric motor have a combined peak power of 68.5 hp, while the engine on its own is good for 58 hp at 10,500 rpm.

The two are combined via an innovative automated manual transmission—essentially a conventional six-speed unit that replaces the mechanical foot shifter with push buttons on the bar. There’s no clutch lever or conventional shift lever, and the system can operate either in manual mode, letting you select the ratios, or in a fully auto setting. For low-speed maneuvering, a “walk” mode runs the bike forward up to 3 mph or backward at up to 1.9 mph. The rest of the bike’s tech is more familiar, including the now-expected TFT dash, a small 4.3-inch unit with smartphone connectivity, and all-LED lighting.

Even though the Z7 Hybrid is considered the naked/roadster version without the Ninja 7′s bodywork, not that much of the fairing is gone. The bellypan from the Ninja 7 is retained, and there’s still a windshield, so the changes revolve mainly around the nose and side panels, which are less extensive than those on the Ninja 7. Although the Ninja 7 already has a relatively upright riding position and tall bars, those on the Z7 Hybrid are higher still, even if the footpeg positions aren’t changed. Curb weight is a claimed 498 pounds, including the lithium-ion battery for the electric motor.

CW’s Bradley Adams summed up his First Ride on the Ninja 7 Hybrid (which shouldn’t be too far removed from the Z7 Hybrid since the two are nearly the same): “People might expect a first-gen hybrid motorcycle to have teething issues and want to stay away, but there are none here. 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 Z7 Hybrid ABS is available in Metallic Bright Silver/Metallic Matte Lime Green/Ebony for $12,499.