When you mention the Kawasaki Ninja, motorcycle enthusiasts typically conjure images of extraordinary performance, World Superbike Championship victories, and heart-pounding laps at the Isle of Man TT circuit. The Ninja, first introduced in the 1980s, has been synonymous with cutting-edge sports bike performance, with modern variants, particularly the H2R, generating a mind-boggling 310hp and revving to 14,000rpm from a supercharged engine. These are machines for the bold.
However, it may come as a surprise that Kawasaki is expanding the Ninja family with its first range of electric motorcycles. But before you get too excited, these two models are 125cc-equivalent bikes designed for entry-level riders and boasting a top speed of 51mph.
So, what’s the story here? Kawasaki has equipped these electric city-slickers with 5kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, which can be boosted to 9kW using a special e-boost function activated by a button on the handlebars.
The Ninja Z e-1 boasts a full fairing race-style design, while the Ninja e-1 adopts a more stripped-back approach. Both bikes aim to appeal to those new to riding, seeking a clean, quiet, and efficient means of navigating city streets.
In the UK, riders can operate one of these electric Ninjas with a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), making them accessible to novice motorcyclists.
Charging these electric Ninjas can be done in various ways, including removing the two 30Ah battery packs and plugging them into a docking station at home or work, or simply plugging the motorcycle into a standard household outlet. A full charge for each battery pack takes around 3.7 hours, and Kawasaki estimates a range of approximately 41 miles on a single charge, influenced by factors like riding mode and rider weight.
Despite being aimed at novice riders, these bikes incorporate features usually found in larger machines, such as powerful disc brakes, ABS braking control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s even a “walking mode” to assist users when maneuvering the bike at low speeds.
For those looking to get a taste of the legendary Kawasaki Ninja without breaking the bank, these electric entry-level models provide an affordable option, albeit with more modest performance figures and styling.
Kawasaki is currently accepting orders through its dealer network, with prices starting at $7,599 for the Ninja e-1, while the naked Z e-1 begins at $7,299. First deliveries are expected to commence before the end of the year, with availability through to summer 2024, depending on the order queue. It’s an exciting development for the iconic Ninja brand, opening doors for a new generation of riders.
