Last year’s Milan Motorcycle Show saw Kawasaki unveil a working prototype of a new electric motorbike project it was developing.
The development bike was a real parts bin special, using an adapted Z650 frame and numerous parts from other bikes in the Kawasaki range – such as a Ninja 400 fairing – although the company insisted at the time that ‘there were no plans to add an EV bike to its range in the near future.’
However Kawasaki has released further information on the project, suggesting that a battery powered model may not be as far away as originally thought.
Most significantly, the bike now has a name, Endeavor, and promotional videos show a reasonably advanced test mule being put through its paces at the company’s private Autopolis race track. Despite being track developed, it’s unlikely that the Endeavor will be a high performance model.
Visually it is clear that the Kawasaki motor is smaller than those used on electric motorbikes from the likes of Energica, Harley-Davidson and Zero and the Japanese company is claiming that the Milan prototype had a continuous power output of 10kw (13.5bhp) with double that available in short bursts. Those numbers would lean towards the Endeavor being a learner legal, A1 compliant commuter bike – albeit with something of a sporting bent to it.
Kawasaki’s point of differentiation is the adoption of a clutch and four-speed manual gearbox for its electric debut. While early electric motorbikes have dabbled with gearboxes, all of the current manufacturers of two-wheeled EVs have settled on a single, fixed gear final drive. The huge torque of the motors mean that conventional gearboxes are not necessary for the latest electric motorcycles, with the complexity adding weight and ultimately cost to the end product.
Kawasaki suggested that the adoption of a gearbox was part of a bid to make their electric machine more appealing to traditional motorcyclists, who can be notoriously conservative when it comes to adopting new technology. With a claimed weight of 219kg for the prototype shown in Italy last year the Kawasaki is quite heavy, even by electric bike standards. The battery, usually a lithium ion type, is the heaviest single component on most electric motorcycles, with a bigger battery typically equating to a longer range between recharges. No mention has been made of the battery size, although a claimed range of 100km (62 miles) suggests a battery capacity of around 7-8kWh.
If the production version follows the prototype, then the battery will be able to be charged through a regular domestic plug socket, as well as at public fast chargers using a CHAdeMo socket.
A big factor regarding the success of any production Kawasaki electric motorcycle will be the price, and that’s something we don’t know yet. Although they are traditionally much cheaper to run than petrol powered bikes, the high purchase cost often puts potential owners off. If Kawasaki can get the pricing right, it could well make a breakthrough in getting electrics into the mainstream.
What are the alternatives to the Kawasaki Endeavor?
Electric motorcycles are still pretty thin on the ground and if Kawasaki do introduce a learner legal, geared electric bike then it will hold an exclusive place in the market.
There are various scooters out there, and quite a few high end models costing in excess of £20k, but for those looking for an entry level motorcycle-styled machine there are really only two choices: from Super Soco and Zero.
Chinese company Super Soco have being doing a great job in recent years. They claim to be manufacturing around 300,000 units a year and are Britain’s ‘most popular electric motorcycles’.
After enjoying great success with a range of electric mopeds, the latest TC Max offers a 60mph top speed to make it a more feasible proposition for occasional dual carriageway work – although the small battery will be depleted after just 30 miles on the open road (or 60 miles in town). It’s inexpensive (by electric standards at least) at £4249, and the battery can be removed and charged off board – which is perfect for owners who live in flats. It’s not quite as substantial as a full sized motorcycle though, which may be offputting for some potential owners.
The only other motorcycle styled, learner legal, machines on the market come from Zero. The Californian firm makes four A1 licence models. The FX and FXS are lightweight (sub 140kg) enduro and supermoto styled machines with 7.2kWh batteries (for a range of between 40-60 miles) and a top speed of over 70mph. The S and DS models are roadster and adventure bikes with 7.2kWh or 14.4kWh battery options, which give twice the range. Zero’s 7.2kWh models cost just under £10k after a government grant of £1500, while the 14.4kWh bikes are an additional £2700. These bikes also have an option of fast chargers and extended range batteries, at an additional cost.
