Kawasaki’s Electric Motorcycle Concept At EICMA

Kawasaki had a lot to show off during this year’s EICMA show in Milan, including the new Z H2, the W800, and revisions to popular models like the Ninja 650. Among the torrent of news from Italy came another revelation from the Japanese brand: An electric motorcycle concept.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company President Yuji Horiuchi took the stage to announce the news.

“We have focused on the riding sensation during road testing combining an electric power source—which enables a high level of flexibility in torque and power delivery—with gear-shifting capability,” Horiuchi explained. “The result is a machine delivering good rider feeling in line with our overall mission of Rideology.”

Horiuchi emphasized that Kawasaki has been conducting research for an electric vehicle project for years, with a particular focus on developing a midsize machine with more elements familiar to gas-powered motorcycle riders than other bikes currently available. Having a gear-shift capability, for example, will be a notable differentiator. Kawasaki states that the concept is equipped with a clutch and four-speed gearbox.

The concept machine is comparable to the Ninja 650 in size, with Kawasaki road suspension and a trellis chassis similar to those used in the brand’s Z and Ninja lines. Its battery can be quickly recharged by way of a CHAdeMo-style charging system, and the power output is claimed to be around 20kW during acceleration and 10kW while cruising. Kawasaki says range is around 62 miles between charges.

So it’s not going to win any power or performance contests, but that’s no matter for the time being because according to Horiuchi, there are no plans to add this EV bike to the lineup for the foreseeable future. The tests and development work are contributing to a better understanding of the growing segment, however, and are allowing Kawasaki to find “many more avenues to explore to expand the excitement of control on two wheels.”