Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 – First Look

Leading with innovation, Kawasaki unveils the 2024 Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 electric motorcycles.

Kawasaki propels into 2024 and beyond with the electrifying Ninja e-1 ABS and its sporty sibling, the Z e-1 ABS. The Kawasaki Ninja e-1 evokes its high-performance lineage through sporty, full-fairing bodywork, while the Z e-1 channels the audacious spirit of Kawasaki’s Z supernaked series. Their shared silver and matte lime green attire sets a fresh tone for Kawasaki EVs.

The $7,599 Ninja e-1, drawing inspiration from its Ninja lineage, boasts aggressive full-fairing bodywork. The front cowl’s distinct design, combined with slim LED headlamps, highlights its sporty essence, unmistakably marking it as a Kawasaki. Additional design elements include chin spoilers, a well-crafted cockpit with TFT instrumentation, sleek built-in turn signals, and a uniquely raised bottom cowl due to the absence of an exhaust. A louvre-style front, storage in lieu of a fuel tank, and battery case texture unique to Kawasaki’s EV series accentuate its innovative design. The tail cowl, reminiscent of the Ninja H2, features a triple-peak motif, while the LED taillight, inspired by the Ninja ZX-10RR, finalizes the futuristic all-LED ensemble.

The $7,299 Z e-1 melds Kawasaki’s bold Z supernaked design with futuristic EV elements. Distinct from traditional supernaked models, its compact motor design forgoes an exhaust system, offering greater ground clearance. The front design, highlighted by a sleek cowl and dark meter visor, exudes sportiness, amplified by a bright LED headlamp and sharp-looking turn signals with clear lenses. Additional features include stylish mirror stays, a decorative head pipe cover due to the absence of a radiator, and distinctive cut-outs in the front fender. The bike also features a storage box in place of a fuel tank, a uniquely textured battery case, and a stylish tail cowl with an LED taillight, wrapping up its all-LED illumination.

Both bikes employ a 290mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and rigid front brake master cylinders. At the rear, a 220mm disc with a dual-piston caliper provides additional braking power. Standard equipment on both models includes a compact and lightweight Nissin ABS control unit that offers precise control.

Borrot technology from Kawasaki’s 400cc range, these bikes offer familiar motorcycle characteristics. The trellis frame, 41mm forks, and Uni-Trak linkage promise a ride experience blending agility with stability.

The 4.3-inch TFT color display provides crucial stats and connects seamlessly with the RIDEOLOGY THE APP, transforming the rider’s smartphone into a holistic dashboard.

Nestled where a fuel tank typically resides is a nifty 1.3-gallon storage box, ideal for urban commuters. The additional under-seat compartment and built-in hooks cater to varied storage needs.

The heart of these machines is the brushless electric motor, responsive from the get-go. The Ninja e-1 races at roughly 52 mph in ROAD mode, with the Z e-1 close behind at 49 mph. Engaging ECO mode caps the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 at around 37 and 35 mph, respectively. The e-Boost function can momentarily push these boundaries further. The Ninja e-1’s e-boost can increase its top speed from around 52 mph to around 65 mph in ROAD mode and from approximately 37 mph to 45 mph in ECO mode. Similarly, on the Z e-1, activating e-boost can increase its top speed from approximately 49 mph to around 65 mph in ROAD mode and from 35 mph to around 42 mph in ECO mode. The regenerative system recycles the energy of deceleration back to the dual lithium-ion batteries when you release the throttle. This helps to increase the distance the vehicle can travel and starts working when the battery reaches 60% charge, gradually decreasing as it approaches full charge.

A nod to modernity, the WALK Mode ensures hassle-free parking lot or tight quarter maneuvers. To activate WALK Mode, you must ensure that the bike is stopped and the throttle is closed, and then press and hold the mode button located on the left side of the handlebar. Once activated, the background screen turns red to distinguish it from normal operation. When engaged, the bike can be moved forward at a walking speed of around 3.1 mph by opening the throttle. To move the bike in reverse at a speed of approximately 1.8 mph, you should close the throttle past the “zero” point.

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 are available for order now via your local dealership. Delivery dates will be announced in the near future.

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