Kawasaki Electric Motorcycles: Ninja E-1 and Z e-1
With electric vehicles steadily making strides to claim a chunk of the American auto market, it was only a matter of time before we saw electric motorcycles become more than just a novelty. The Japanese manufacturers lagged behind Harley Davidson and BMW, already having their electric horses in the race. It wasn’t until the last few years that we heard anything about thoughts or plans for electric models. Suzuki and Honda are making claims. Yamaha has its concept bikes, like the PES1 and the PES2, and a TY-E electric trials bike. Meanwhile, Kawasaki electric motorcycles are on the market and ready for purchase.
Table of Contents
First Kawasaki Electric Motorcycles
Back in 2022, Kawasaki introduced several gasoline alternative prototypes at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. This was the first time Kawasaki produced an electric vehicle. There were two categories of Kawasaki electric motorcycles. The Naked Z and full fairing were battery electric vehicles (BEV). These are the models that became available for purchase. Kawasaki also introduced a hybrid motorcycle in prototype form (HEV).
Kawasaki Ninja E-1 ABS
Kawasaki envisions the Ninja E-1 ABS to be a pleasurable commuter bike. Compared to the other models in the Ninja lineup, it’s lighter and slimmer. The less aggressive riding position makes the bike fun and functional for riding around town.
Styling
Kawasaki made a good effort to make the Ninja E-1 ABS look like the rest of the bikes in the Ninja family. They really want you to believe that this is a high-class sportbike. It has all of the aggressive fairings you would find on a traditional gasoline sportbike. Sitting on the bike, you will notice there is a lot less bulk to the body of the motorcycle. This is because the battery packs and brushless motor occupy less space than traditional combustion engines.
- Rake & Trail 24.4° / 3.7 in
- Overall Length 78.0 in
- Overall Width 27.0 in
- Overall Height 43.5 in
- Ground Clearance 6.7 in
- Seat Height 30.9 in
- Wheelbase 53.9 in
- Curb Weight 308.7 lb
- Color Choices Metallic Bright Silver/Matte Lime Green/Ebony
Performance
This is not the motorcycle for winning races or touring the country. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks performance capabilities. It performs its purpose well. This bike is incredibly quiet while running. No more waking up your neighbors every time you leave or come home from work. The EV power means you never have to stop for a fuel up. Rush hour traffic is a breeze with no clutch to worry about. The multiple power modes let you tailor the bike’s performance to the riding conditions. With a recharge time of 3.7 hours, it will always be ready for riding when you are.
Performance Specs
- Power Modes 2 Modes (ROAD/ECO) plus e-boost
- Motor Type Air-cooled, interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
- Max Speed by Mode ROAD = 55 mph (65 mph with e-boost), ECO = 40 mph (47 mph with e-boost)
- Rated Power 5.0 kW (6.8 PS) / 2,800 min-1
- Maximum Power 9.0 kW (12 PS) / 2,600-4,000 min-1
- Maximum Torque 29.7 lb-ft @ 500 rpm
- Battery Type Lithium-ion battery pack (x2)
- Battery Voltage/Capacity 50.4 V 30 Ah (x2)
- Battery Range 41 mi (approximate in ROAD Mode w/o e-boost)
- Battery Charge Time 3.7 hours (x2)
- Transmission Type Single reduction gear
- Shifter Mechanism Push button
- Primary Reduction Ratio 3.211 (61/19)
- Final Reduction Ratio 3.867 (58/15)
- Final Drive Type Chain
- Electronic Rider Aids WALK Mode (with Reverse), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Handling
Because the Ninja e-1 only weighs 300 pounds, you can really throw it around. The lighter curb weight means you need less power to get the bike going. Then, the powerful disc brakes give you the necessary stopping power for complete control.
Handling Specs
- Frame Type Trellis, high-tensile steel
- Front Suspension/Wheel Travel 41mm telescopic front fork/4.7 in
- Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with single gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload/5.2 in
- Front Tire 100/80-17M/C 52S
- Rear Tire 130/70-17M/C 62S
- Front Brakes Single 290mm disc with dual-piston caliper
- Rear Brakes Single 220mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Top Speed
The top speed of the Ninja e1 is 55 miles per hour in ROAD mode and 40 mph in ECO mode.
How much is the Kawasaki Ninja E-1?
You can order your Kawasaki Ninja E-1 ABS for an MSRP of $7,599. There is an additional destination charge of $450. Prices can vary depending on what your local dealer decides to charge.
Kawasaki Z e-1
The second of the Kawasaki electric motorcycles released for 2024 is the Z e-1. Let’s face it: these two motorcycles are almost the same bike, minus the fairings. They have the same powertrain, dual battery setup, riding, and walk modes.
Styling
The styling is where you will see the majority of differences between these two bikes. While the Ninja version sports full fairings, the e-1 has a naked look. It still has the classic green and black color options that you see on all Kawasaki bikes.
Styling Specs
- Rake & Trail 24.4° / 3.7 in
- Overall Length 78.0 in
- Overall Width 28.7 in
- Overall Height 40.7 in
- Ground Clearance 6.7 in
- Seat Height 30.9 in
- Wheelbase 53.9 in
- Curb Weight 297.7 lb*
- Color Choices Metallic Bright Silver/Matte Lime Green/Ebony
Performance
Because both Kawasaki electric motorcycles use the same powertrain, you can expect similar performance from them. There are two modes, ROAD and ECO, plus e-boost. There is even a walk mode to help you reverse the bike. While the e-1 is slightly slower, the difference isn’t enough to be noticeable.
Performance Specs
- Power Modes 2 Modes (ROAD/ECO) plus e-boost
- Motor Type Air-cooled, interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
- Rated Power 5.0 kW (6.8 PS) / 2,800 min-1
- Maximum Power 9.0 kW (12 PS) / 2,600-4,000 min-1
- Maximum Torque 29.7 lb-ft @ 500 rpm
- Battery Type Lithium-ion battery pack (x2)
- Battery Voltage/Capacity 50.4 V 30 Ah (x2)
- Battery Range 41 mi (approximate in ROAD Mode w/o e-boost)
- Battery Charge Time 3.7 hours (x2)
- Transmission Type Single reduction gear
- Shifter Mechanism Push button
- Primary Reduction Ratio 3.211 (61/19)
- Final Reduction Ratio 3.867 (58/15)
- Final Drive Type Chain
- Electronic Rider Aids WALK Mode (with Reverse), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Handling
You’ll find the Z e-1 ABS to be beginner-friendly. The simplistic operation and light weight make it the perfect bike for the non-traditional motorcycle rider. The lack of fairings does mean it isn’t as aerodynamic as the Ninja version. However, it can’t go that fast, so what are you worried about?
Handling Specs
- Frame Type Trellis, high-tensile steel
- Front Suspension/Wheel Travel 41mm telescopic front fork
- Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with single gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload/5.2 in
- Front Tire 100/80-17M/C 52S
- Rear Tire 130/70-17M/C 62S
- Front Brakes Single 290mm disc with dual-piston caliper
- Rear Brakes Single 220mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Top Speed
The Kawasaki Z e-1 isn’t going to win any races with a top speed of 53 mph in ROAD mode and 40 mph in ECO MODE. However, if you’re just cruising around town or live in a city, this will be plenty to keep up with traffic.
How to Buy a Kawasaki Z e-1
Customer order requests for these EV motorcycles are open now through November 30, 2023, or until production of these models is sold out. EV motorcycles ordered through this program are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in December 2023 and continue through June 2024.
How much is the Z e-1?
You can order your Kawasaki Z e-1 for an MSRP of $7,299 with an additional destination fee of $450. However, prices can vary based on what your local dealer decides to charge you.
