motorbike news

Bike news

Kawasaki go electric in 2023

kawasaki_hybrid

A naked ‘Z’ and a faired ‘Ninja’ model will be developed on the same platform. The pair will be eligible to be ridden on an A1 licence, in line with a 125cc petrol machine, and will feature 3kWh batteries. That relatively small capacity battery pack points to a lightweight and hopefully affordable pair of electric motorcycles, although range is likely to be less than 40 miles on a single charge.

 

kawsaki_hydrogen_engine

 

Kawasaki showcased the new machines at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, as well as Motorcycle Live in Birmingham. The company also previewed a prototype hybrid machine, combining battery and petrol power, which is set to form the basis of a production motorcycle from 2024.

Motorcycle Live also saw the display of a hydrogen powered engine based around the existing H2 supercharged unit, with the prototypes all forming part of Kawasaki’s company wide drive towards carbon neutrality

 

kawasaki_ninja_hybrid

 

Diverse as ever, earlier this year Kawasaki launched an electric balance bike for children, called the Elektrode, for the American market, and has even unveiled a battery assisted cargo tricycle called the Noslisu at a trade show during the summer.

Where electric powered two-wheelers have predominantly been the domain of EV startups, like NIU and Super Soco at the lower end of the market and Energica and Zero Motorcycles at the top, legacy manufacturers are now starting to get in on the act. Kawasaki and Honda have publicly stated their (near) future plans to build electric motorbikes and scooters, while Yamaha’s electric moped, the Neo’s, went on sale earlier this year. Even the historically very traditional Harley-Davidson has got in on the act, with the LiveWire, the first of many anticipated electric products, while Ducati will take over as the sole supplier of the MotoE World Cup racing series with its bespoke electric superbike.

 

kawsaki_z_electric

 

Bike News

You also may be
interested in...

Bike News

Peter Hickman wins second Carole Nash Supertwin TT

Hicky makes it two in a day as rivals grind to a halt

Read more Bike News, TT News

Keep up to date with our news & blogs

Bike News

Peter Hickman wins second Carole Nash Supertwin TT

Hicky makes it two in a day as rivals grind to a halt

Read more Bike News, TT News
Bike News

Hickman destroys all-time TT lap record on way to sensational Superstock win

First ever 136mph lap of the TT… on a stock bike!

Read more Bike News, TT News
Bike News

World record: the longest distance on a motorcycle in 24 hours

Iván Cervantes bags the world record of riding the greatest distance on a motorcycle in 24 hours.

Read more Bike News

Have some questions?

Check out our tips & guides for some great information

Motorbike Reviews

Reviewed: Honda ADV350

Honda adventurizes its Forza 350 midi-scooter and fills a niche we had no idea existed…

Read more Bike News, Bike Reviews
Motorbike Reviews

Reviewed: Ducati Diavel V4

Can a combination of a sportsbike, tourer and muscle cruiser really work in the real world? The Diavel says yes…

Read more Bike News, Bike Reviews
Motorbike Reviews

Reviewed: Yamaha Track Experience

This is how to do a trackday the easy way…

Read more Bike News, Bike Reviews