For a long time, the Japanese motorcycle giants punished e-mobility by ignoring it. Things are now changing, as the example of Kawasaki shows. The manufacturer has revealed details about its electric models Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1, which are expected to come onto the market this year.
Visually, the fully faired Ninja and the unfaired Z look like conventional motorcycles. Kawasaki promises a stable chassis with the dimensions of a mid-range bike. However, with 5 kW/7 HP continuous and the peak power of 9 kW/12 HP, which can be accessed briefly via an “E-Boost” button, these are light motorcycles. The drive is a brushless electric motor that is located in front of the rear wheel swing arm directs its power to the rear wheel via chain without a manual gearbox or clutch. There are two driving modes to choose from: Road and Eco. The E-Kawas drive 64 km/h in eco mode and 75 km/h with boost. In road mode it is 88 or 99 km/h. There is also a walk mode with reverse gear as a pushing and maneuvering aid for the bikes, which weigh 135 or 140 kilograms. Batteries are small and removable. Power comes from two removable battery packs. What looks like the tank is the storage compartment for the batteries. If the lid of the dummy tank is folded up, the two batteries can be pulled out using a handle. The batteries can be charged either via a charger or at a docking station or alternatively via a plug unit under the seat. In the latter case, the power storage remains in the vehicle during the charging process. Their combined capacity is 3.2 kWh, which is enough for around 70 kilometers. Both single-track electric vehicles are equipped with an ABS braking system and a TFT color display with smartphone connectivity. The most interesting question is the price. A Ninja 125 with a combustion engine, for example, costs around 5,500 euros. The electric models will probably become more expensive, but the price must not deviate too far from this level in order to remain interesting as an environmentally friendly alternative. (SPX)
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