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5 Of The Most Affordable Kawasaki Motorcycles For Beginners

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While Kawasaki’s most recognizable bike will be the Ninja, the producer does have one thing to suit the traditional cruiser look you may’ve come to know and love from Harley-Davidson and Triumph. The Vulcan S is the proper starter bike for individuals who like these kinds however aren’t thrilled about seeing the excessive MSRP. Luckily, the Vulcan S is an reasonably priced choice that begins at $7,899 for the non-ABS base mannequin. Both fashions are available below 500 lbs, making them heavier than the opposite choices on the listing, however that is to be anticipated with the cruiser construct of the Vulcan S.

The Vulcan S has a robust 649cc twin engine, however the adjustable seat, pedals, and handlebars make it a very good bike for freshmen who need to experiment with what settings are greatest for them. There are 18 completely different configurations, so there’s lots to fiddle with as you look to seek out what works greatest for you. 

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Take A Look At Kawasaki’s First Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle Prototype

If it looks as if Kawasaki’s been exhibiting off its progress in creating alternatively-powered autos at a document tempo in current months, that is as a result of it has been.

Back in October 2023, it revealed the HySE-X1, a brand new four-wheeled hydrogen-powered experimental automobile that can run within the Mission 1000 program on the 2024 Dakar Rally. This automobile was the primary undertaking to be revealed by HySE, the cooperative hydrogen engine growth staff beforehand shaped by Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, and Yamaha.

Since it is now the center of December 2023, meaning the beginning of the 2024 Dakar Rally is not distant in any respect. While we’re actually to see how issues go for the HySE-X1, we might after all be much more if it was, say, a hydrogen engine bike.

Kawasaki Hydrogen Motorcycle 3

Thankfully, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is an enormous firm, and one which covers a number of segments. Since all these segments are at present engaged in working towards group carbon neutrality targets in several methods, all of them sometimes maintain group conferences the place they offer progress experiences on how every section is shifting ahead.

On December 12, 2023, Kawasaki Heavy Industries held its Group Vision 2030 Progress Report Meeting. It additionally helpfully posted the complete occasion on its YouTube channel, although as you will in all probability not be stunned to be taught, it is totally in Japanese. 

Updates from Kawasaki Motors Company Limited president and CEO Hiroshi Ito, Aerospace Systems Company senior managing govt officer Hiroyoshi Shimokawa, Energy Solutions and Marine Engineering Company senior managing govt officer Motohiko Nishimura, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited president and CEO Yasuhiko Hashimoto have been all on the docket.

Naturally, the one we’re most fascinated with is the replace from Kawasaki Motor Co. president and CEO Hiroshi Ito. During his section, he gave updates on the current rollouts of the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 battery electric motorcycles, in addition to the Ninja 7 HEV and Z 7 HEV that have been introduced a short while later.

With 4 of the 5 corporations concerned in HySE being Japan’s huge 4 bike corporations, it was solely a matter of time earlier than a hydrogen engine bike would lastly present its face. On December 12, 2023, we had our first glimpse at it throughout this Kawasaki presentation.

Kawasaki Hydrogen Motorcycle

According to President Ito, it is primarily based on the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. Rather than Team Green’s traditional colorways, the prototype design sticks to various shades of calming blue. You’ll additionally see these within the HySE emblem, in addition to on the HySE-X1 automobile that will probably be working at Dakar 2024.

Not a lot in the way in which of concrete data or particulars got. While the video features a check rider exhibiting off each the Ninja 7 Hybrid’s Walk operate and the primary public exhibition of the Hybrid Engine Motorcycle prototype, sadly there is not even a lot as a brief clip of a startup.

President Ito went on to say that testing would quickly start with this prototype, which is probably going the explanation why a startup wasn’t tried whereas cameras have been rolling. 

Are you intrigued by HySE’s analysis into a possible hydrogen engine bike? Would you be fascinated with using one if the infrastructure existed to reliably provide you with gasoline as wanted? Let us know within the feedback!

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2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 And Z500 Bring A Little Boost To The Middleweights

If you were wondering when Kawasaki’s recently introduced 451cc parallel twin engine would find its way into the Ninja and Z lineups, your questions have just been answered at EICMA 2023. Both the 2024 Ninja 500 and Z 500 have officially broken cover, here to bring a new engine to the middleweight sport and naked lineups. 

While Kawasaki’s Eliminator cruiser name has been going strong, it was only earlier in 2023 that Team Green first debuted the slightly larger-displacement version of the bike. In the US, it’s simply called Eliminator because we didn’t get the 400cc version sold elsewhere. However, in markets that did, it’s differentiated as the Eliminator 500 to tell potential riders that indeed, it’s not the 400. 

This is the same engine that now powers the new Ninja 500 and Z 500, so let’s dive into these two new bikes. 

Engine 

2024 Kawasaki Z500 - Studio - Engine Closeup

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z 500 are both powered by Team Green’s liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, eight valve, 451cc parallel twin. The engine has a bore and stroke of 70mm by 58.6mm, and a compression ratio of 11.3 to one. It makes a claimed 33.4 kilowatts (just under 45 horsepower) at 9,000 rpm, and 42.6 newton-meters (about 31.4 pound-feet) of torque at an undisclosed RPM. Both bikes get a six-speed gearbox. 

Chassis 

2024 Kawasaki Z500 - Shadow - Front Right Angle View

Both the 2024 Ninja 500 and Z 500 use a steel trellis frame design. Suspension consists of a 41mm nonadjustable telescopic front fork and a rear shock setup with preload adjustability. Brakes are a two-piston caliper and single semi-floating disc up front and a two-piston caliper and single disc setup in the rear.  Both bikes roll on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensions  

While the Ninja 500 and Z 500 have some similarities, the dimensions between the two differ slightly.

  2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 2024 Kawasaki Z500
Wheelbase 1,375mm (54.13 inches) 1,375mm (54.13 inches)
Length 1,995mm (78.5 inches) 1,995mm (78.5 inches)
Width 730mm (28.7 inches) 800mm (31.5 inches)
Height 1,120mm (44 inches) 1,055mm (41.5 inches)
Seat height 785mm (30.9 inches) 785mm (30.9 inches)
Curb weight 171kg (377 pounds) 172kg (379 pounds)

Colors, Pricing and Availability 


2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 - Studio - Front Right Angle View 3

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The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 will be available in a Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Flat Raw Graystone colorway. Meanwhile, the 2024 Kawasaki Z500 will be available in a Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colorway. 

Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2024 Ninja 500 and Z 500 but will likely be coming soon. Pricing will vary by geographic region. 

Both the 2024 Ninja 500 and Z 500 have been announced as upcoming models that will be sold in Europe. Kawasaki has not announced these bikes for any other regions yet, but they will likely roll out in other regions in the coming months. 

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Here Are Three More 2024 Bikes That Kawasaki Just Premiered In Japan

Kawasaki has made big waves at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 with the introduction of its 40th anniversary Ninja lineup. Enthusiasts have reacted positively to this revival of a beloved vintage paint and graphics scheme. Motorcycle fans love the nostalgia for historic moto design high points.

In addition to the Ninjas, Kawasaki has also unveiled a few other bikes at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. It’s not clear yet if these bikes will be released in other markets. Let’s take a closer look at all three models.

Kawasaki Meguro S1

Kawasaki filed a trademark application for the name ‘Meguro’ back in 2019. Meguro comes from one of the companies that merged to form Kawasaki back in 1964. The Kawasaki Meguro K3, introduced in December 2020, was based on the W800. However, it was unlikely to come to the US since the W800 was already available there.

Now, in October 2023, Kawasaki has unveiled the new Meguro S1 at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. While full specs have not been released, Kawasaki claims that this bike is powered by an air-cooled, 250cc single-cylinder engine. It is considered the proper successor to the 1964 Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG.

Many markets in Asia, Europe, and Latin America have a love for retro-styled, air-cooled, small-displacement singles, making the Meguro S1 a potential candidate for those regions. However, in the US, street bikes in the 250cc range are not as popular. The US market tends to prefer higher displacements for street bikes. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Meguro S1 will be released in the US at this point.

Kawasaki W230

The W230 is another addition to Kawasaki’s vintage motorcycle collection. It shares design elements with the W800 but in a smaller package. The Kawasaki W230 features an air-cooled, single overhead cam single-cylinder engine and a steel double cradle frame that exudes classic motorcycle style. Similar to the Meguro S1, it is more likely to be introduced in markets that appreciate smaller-displacement bikes rather than in the US.

2024 Kawasaki KLX230

The KLX230, a popular dual sport bike, is already available in various markets, including the US. Kawasaki unveiled the updated 2024 KLX230 at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. This new model features changes to the frame, suspension, wheel travel, headlights, and seat thickness. While full specifications are not yet available, Kawasaki confirms that the 2024 KLX230 will have switchable ABS and smartphone connectivity. It’s expected to be released in markets where the previous model was available, suggesting that it will make its way to the US.

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2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 And Z e-1 Electric Bikes Officially Launched In US

Kawasaki has unveiled its first two electric motorcycles, the 2024 Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, in the US market. These bikes, equivalent to 125cc models, come with a 5 kilowatt interior permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that generates a peak power of 9 kW. The bikes feature regenerative energy from deceleration and do not have a clutch. They are powered by removable 30 amp-hour battery packs, which can be charged in three different ways and take approximately 3.7 hours for a full charge. The estimated range of the bikes is 41 miles on a single charge. The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 have a steel trellis frame design, telescopic front forks, and bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension. They are equipped with a 4.3-inch TFT color display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a small front trunk for storage. The bikes offer two power modes and an e-Boost function for acceleration and top speed. Kawasaki is taking orders for these bikes in the US, with delivery expected to start from December 2023 through June 2024. The starting price for the Ninja e-1 is $7,599, and for the Z e-1 is $7,299.

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Electric Kawasaki Ninja And Z Bike Details Revealed In Type Approval Docs

Kawasaki unveiled its Ninja EV and Z EV prototype electric motorcycles at EICMA 2022. The company had been secretly working on electric bikes and planned to release them as production models in 2023. If you’re curious about the progress of these bikes, Kawasaki has recently filed type approval documents with Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.

The approval was granted to Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited on July 31, 2023, and is valid until July 30, 2030. The approved vehicle is known as the model NX011A, with variants listed as NR011A and NX011A. The NR011A is the Z e-1, while the NX011A is commonly referred to as the Ninja e-1.


Kawasaki Ninja e-1 - Front Right Angle View

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The type approval document not only reveals the first images of the completed vehicles but also provides some previously undisclosed details about Kawasaki’s first two production electric motorcycles. The motor power is listed at 9 kilowatts, or a little over 12 horsepower. While this may not be extremely powerful, it’s important to note that these bikes are designed for commuting and are relatively lightweight for electric motorcycles.

The wheelbase for both the Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 will be 1,370 millimeters, or approximately 53.9 inches. The curb weight of the Z e-1 is 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds), while the Ninja e-1 is slightly heavier at 140 kilograms (308.6 pounds).

It’s worth mentioning that the weight of electric motorcycles is largely due to the batteries. In 2023, the weight of electric vehicles is mainly attributed to their batteries due to the current energy densities and customers’ concerns about range anxiety. During the public introduction of the project at EICMA 2022, Kawasaki stated that the production versions of these bikes would utilize swappable electric batteries instead of larger, heavier packs to offer a longer range when fully charged.

Swappable electric battery packs have been demonstrated by Gogoro as a viable power source for short-range electric vehicles, particularly for urban commuter vehicles like the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. However, Kawasaki has yet to announce how it intends to address infrastructure considerations.

Interestingly, Japan’s leading motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) formed a company called Gachaco in 2022 to develop swappable batteries for motorcycles. Although Gachaco’s focus has primarily been on scooters, it remains to be seen if Gachaco’s swappable batteries will be used to power the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1.