Everything we know about the Kawasaki hybrid motorcycle

After unveiling the EV Endeavor in 2019, Kawasaki is back, announcing a new hybrid motorcycle that will be the first in a new wave of hybrid and electric motorcycles slated for launch by 2025. Several new technologies have been included and adapted to increase performance and efficiency. efficiency, and Kawasaki also takes the technology of electric cars and makes them suitable for use in motorcycles. This particular hybrid motorcycle is also derived from the model of several Ninja models.

Details may be limited at this point, but read on to find out more about Kawasaki’s new hybrid motorcycle and its features.

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First in a new wave of Kawasaki bikes

The Kawasaki hybrid motorcycle is the first of a new wave. Based on various predecessors such as the Ninja 250 and Ninja 400, this new model has a hybrid prototype available for the show. It has been confirmed that this new bike will feature both a flagship design and a small parallel twin engine reminiscent of its Ninja predecessors.

The engine was also downsized to make room for both a water-cooled electric motor under the main radiator and a 48-volt battery. The clutch will be automatic and the transmission will be semi-automatic, and the electric motor is intended to serve as a generator. The motorcycle can also run only with its gasoline engine or electric motor, which allows the prototype to qualify for use in zero emission zones.

Kawasaki plans to go “more” green

The hybrid motorcycle is part of a larger initiative that Kawasaki is implementing and focuses on respecting the environment. Kawasaki wanted to put 10 hybrid or fully electric motorcycles on sale by 2025 to fuel its greener efforts, and other plans call for a fully electric lineup by 2035. The hybrid motorcycle is the first hybrid motorcycle planned by Kawasaki , and the prototype body has been removed somewhat in order to demonstrate how it works and to show off its hybrid powertrain, which has both an electric motor and a parallel twin engine.

Regenerative braking will also be added to charge the battery and preserve brake pad wear. The motorcycle’s GPS can switch the powertrain to electric once the bike enters town to reduce emissions. Hybrid powertrains haven’t had much success when applied to motorcycles, but Kawasaki aims to change that with the arrival of the hybrid motorcycle. The fully-ready production version of the hybrid motorcycle is expected to arrive in early 2022, with more fully electric motorcycles to follow.

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Is the timing of the Kawasaki hybrid prototype correct?

Several hybrid motorcycles have been in the planning stage in previous years, but none have reached this stage. Even Kawasaki had already tried to try their hand at a potential EV / hybrid concept. In 2019, they adapted a hybrid motorcycle of the Ninja 300 model, known as Endeavor. This new hybrid bike could either be seen as the next stop for the Endeavor, or be a reboot and an entirely separate project. However, while hybrid cars have grown in popularity, hybrid motorcycles have not.

Thanks to the smaller motors in motorcycles, it is difficult to fit an electric motor inside without also increasing the weight. Additionally, the increased weight compromises the benefits of fuel economy and performance, negating the overall benefits and making the bike very impractical. Other companies, such as Honda, have attempted to make their own version of a hybrid motorcycle, but also encountered the same obstacles and roadblocks as Kawasaki.

How the Kawasaki hybrid works

The specific detailed operation of this motorcycle differs from the standard motorcycle. As mentioned earlier, the hybrid motorcycle can be electrically powered in the city. Conversely, it can also run on gasoline during outings in the suburbs or in the countryside. By operating both in tandem and alternating as needed, overall performance levels are increased. Regenerative braking recharges the 48-volt battery under the seat.

Its parallel twin engine is also bolted to a new specially designed tubular steel frame, which has a huge electric motor placed just above the transmission. Automated shifting is also advanced technology that features both an automated clutch and a servo-controlled shifter that will allow the rider to make changes with the push of a button. This automated shifting, when applied to the hybrid, also makes the transition between gasoline, electric and hybrid modes smoother for the rider.

Sources: coachindia.com, gaadiwaadi.com, cycleworld.com, autoblog.com,

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