The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid is the first gasoline/electric hybrid motorcycle. It is not a plug-in; the battery charges as you ride, so all it needs is a gas station. The price is $12,499.
The 7 in the name does not mean a 700cc-class engine. The gas engine is a retuned version of the 451cc parallel twin from the Kawasaki Eliminator. A liquid-cooled electric motor behind the cylinders makes just over nine horsepower continuously and 12 horsepower in short bursts. Peak combined output is 68 horsepower with e-boost.
There is no clutch lever or shift lever. The clutch is fully automatic, and the 6-speed transmission shifts through the ECU or with left-hand paddle shifters. Neutral is at the bottom of the shift pattern.
Three drive modes change its character. Sport-Hybrid keeps the gas engine running, requires manual shifting, and adds a thumb-activated e-boost for up to five seconds. Kawasaki says the Ninja 7 can initially out-accelerate a Ninja ZX-10R from a standing start with e-boost under certain conditions. Eco-Hybrid is designed to reduce fuel consumption, shutting off the engine at stops. EV mode is all-electric for short ranges, using 1st through 4th gears.
Walk Mode with Reverse uses the electric motor to maneuver the bike at up to 3 mph forward and 1.8 mph backward, with the gas engine off.
A 4.3-inch TFT shows the active mode and dims automatically at night. It pairs with a smartphone through Rideology The App, which can also log data and report the drive battery charge.
The steel trellis chassis uses a non-adjustable 41mm fork and a spring-preload adjustable shock. Dunlop Sportmax 05A tires are standard, and 300mm front discs and a 220mm rear disc work with regenerative braking. ABS is standard. The ergonomics are semi-upright, with a narrow front seat to ease reaching the ground at stops.
The technology adds weight and cost. At 503 pounds, the Ninja 7 is nearly 80 pounds heavier than the Ninja 650, and its price is $1100 above the Ninja ZX-6R. It suits riders who want a Ninja without clutch work, plus electric running on short trips.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid Specifications
ENGINE
Type: Parallel twin
Displacement: 451cc
Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 58.6mm
Maximum power: 68 hp w/ e-boost
Maximum torque: 44 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio: 11.7:1
Fueling: EFI w/ 2 Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Transmission: 6-speed w/ automatic and manual thumb-shifting
Clutch: Automatic
Final drive: Sealed chain
MOTOR
Type: Interior permanent magnet synchronous
Rated power: 7.0 kilowatts (9.3 hp)
Maximum power: 9.0 kilowatts (12 hp)
Cooling: Liquid
BATTERY
Type: Lithium-ion
Battery voltage: 50.4 volts
Capacity: 27 amp-hours
CHASSIS
Frame: Steel trellis
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 4.7 inches
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
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