Kawasaki has revealed advanced prototypes of the brand’s upcoming hybrid and electric models ahead of the Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race in Japan recently. Although Kawasaki did not release any official details or announcement, detailed images of both prototypes have emerged. The showcase of the two prototypes follow Kawasaki’s plans announced last year to electrify all motorcycles in developed markets by 2035, and have at least 10 electric or hybrid models in the brand’s line-up by 2025.
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The hybrid model will have a combination of internal combustion power and electric power, with a battery pack and electric motor. There's a tell-tale “Hybrid” badge along what looks like a duct for the intake running through the right side.
The hybrid model looks quite close to being production-ready and features what seems to be a parallel-twin combustion engine, like the one used in the Ninja 400. The prototype however features new engine casings indicating what seems to be the possibility of internal changes. The exhaust system also looks similar to the Ninja 400, although the prototype sports dual front disc brakes. With a power boost from the electric motor, the prototype is likely to have more performance than the internal combustion 400 cc counterpart, and will likely have performance closer to the Ninja 650. The hybrid prototype also seems to share the fork, front fender and brake calipers with the 650.
The rear section of the hybrid model looks quite bulky, owing perhaps to the battery installed to power the hybrid system installed under the seat, which is not visible. The only tell-tale sign is the “Hybrid” logo on the side of the motorcycle, and it will feature an electric motor mounted above the transmission and linked to the gearbox via an electronically controlled clutch. There’s however no shift lever or hand-operated clutch, and the bike features a push-button shifter on the left handlebar, hinting at a semi-automatic transmission system, which will allow for a smooth transition between electric power and internal-combustion drive.
The electric prototype seems to be the equivalent of a 125 cc internal combustion powered motorcycle, but may feature swappable batteries.
The frame seems to be a simple tube-type design and the swingarm a mass-produced box-section unit, with the fork and brakes also not very high-spec, so eventually, the hybrid model is expected to be relatively affordable. There’s no official word from Kawasaki about the hybrid prototype, but we can expect an unveil of a production model at the EICMA show in Milan in November.
Also Read: Kawasaki To Unveil Three New Electric Motorcycles In 2022
Kawasaki, along with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have already agreed to produce swappable batteries along with a battery swapping network.
Also Read: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki & Kawasaki Join Hands To Join Battery-Swapping Service
The EV prototype seen in Japan seems to be designed to be an equivalent of a 125 cc internal combustion powered motorcycle. Like the hybrid, the EV also has a simple steel tube frame, box section swingarm and suspension, brakes and wheels taken from existing models. The electric prototype doesn’t look as production-ready as the hybrid does, and it’s likely to have different styling and bodywork as it nears production form.
What is noteworthy is the top of the box where a fuel tank is usually placed, which looks like it can be removed or swung open. The “fuel tank” cavity may house swappable batteries, perhaps something similar to what Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have joined hands to produce, with energy company Eneos. More details are likely to be revealed in the next few months.
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