2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid First Look

Admin · November 7, 2023

The 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid is a naked version of the brand-new Ninja 7 Hybrid. (Kawasaki/)

With the Ninja 7 Hybrid revealed earlier this year, Kawasaki introduced the world’s first production “strong hybrid” motorcycle—in other words a bike that can run purely on electric or gasoline power as well as combining the two. Now there’s a second one in the range in the form of the Z7 Hybrid.

The Z7 Hybrid uses the same powertrain and chassis as the Ninja 7. (Kawasaki/)

Anyone with an eye on Kawasaki’s modus operandi around its Ninja and Z model ranges probably won’t be surprised. The strategy of stripping the fairing away from cowled Ninja models to create roadster-style Z versions is a long-established one, and the Z7 Hybrid is exactly that—a Ninja 7 Hybrid with the fairing removed.

A view of the Z7’s cockpit. (Kawasaki/)

In fact, not even that much of the fairing is gone. The bellypan from the Ninja 7 Hybrid is retained for the Z7 Hybrid, 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 version. 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.

The rear end of the Z7 Hybrid is identical to that of its stablemate, the Ninja 7 Hybrid. (Kawasaki/)

The entire rear end, and all the mechanical parts, are carried over from the Ninja to the Z. That means a steel-trellis frame is hidden under all that plastic, wrapped around the 451cc parallel-twin engine that first appeared in the Eliminator. In the Z7 Hybrid, like the Ninja 7 Hybrid, that engine is bolted to an electric motor/generator that can be operated either on its own or along with the gas engine for 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 foot shift, and the system can operate either in manual mode, letting you select the ratios, or in a fully auto setting.

The Z7 uses an automated manual transmission with push-button control and a full-automatic mode. (Kawasaki/)

Like the Ninja 7 Hybrid, the Z7 Hybrid can manage a few miles purely on electric power, albeit at low speed, but will spend most of its time using both powertrains in harmony, either in Sport or Eco modes. The latter includes an idle-stop system and uses the electric motor to pull away before adding thrust from the ICE. There’s also the “e-boost” function, available in Sport mode, that combines the output of both powertrains for that 68.5 hp peak, albeit only for brief periods up to five seconds.

The Z7 comes with a 4.3-inch TFT display. (Kawasaki/)

However, the real benefit comes not from performance but from economy. Despite acceleration that’s on a par with a 750cc bike (hence the “Z7″ name) the fuel consumption is claimed to be similar to bikes in the 250cc ICE class.

The Z7 features a Walk mode that allows the bike to creep at low speed for easy maneuvering in a parking lot. (Kawasaki/)

For low-speed maneuvering, there’s also a “walk” mode that 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. There’s no full spec yet, but the bike’s overall weight is sure to be within a whisker of the mechanically identical Ninja 7 Hybrid, which comes in at 500 pounds.

From the side view you can see the Z7’s tall handlebars and relaxed riding position. (Kawasaki/)