Electric Thrills: A Comparative Review of Kawasaki's Ninja e-1 and Z e-1
Kawasaki is a Japanese multinational corporation manufacturer of motorcycles.Today, Kawasaki is a global leader in many industries.The company's products are used in a wide range of applications, from transportation and construction to manufacturing and power generation.Kawasaki is best known for its motorcycles. The company produces a wide range of motorcycles, from sportbikes to cruisers to touring bikes. Kawasaki motorcycles are known for their performance, reliability, and value.This article will focus on review of Kawasaki’s Ninja e1 and Ze-1
The Japanese manufacturer had initially floated the idea of going electric all the way back in 2015.Kawasaki reportedly plans to electrify all its motorbikes for the markets in Japan, Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia by 2035. Kawasaki has unveiled its new electric bike duo – the Ninja e-1 & Z e-1 . These electric motorcycles are based on their traditional counterparts, the ICE Ninja and Z series.
Motor
Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 and are powered by an electric motor with 5 kW continuous output and are intended to compete with the 125cc class of motorcycles. Via “e-boost”, up to 9 kW can be mobilised temporarily. Kawasaki has adopted a compact quiet brushless electric motor which is an air-cooled, interior permanent magnet of synchronous type for both the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1.With a rotor constructed of permanent magnets, inducing a magnetic field in the rotor is no longer required. The advantage is minimal losses and heat development in the rotor and because it’s always magnetised, it's never out of sync with the rotating magnetic field.Motor is rated for a maximum generation of 12 horsepower(5kW equivalent to 125cc petrol-powered motorcycles).
Design
Styling of both is fairly familiar, as both look much like the original sport bikes. What’s significant about the design here apart from the EV badging on the sides is the dominant silver colorway with black and green accents.
The Ninja e-1 has design somewhat similar to Ninja 400, and features the same aggressive fascia with indicators integrated into the fairing. But there are some subtle differences like the shape of the “tank” and alloy wheels. Remaining design features are borrowed from Ninja300. The tyres on both the electric motorcycles are IRC units
The Ninja Z e-1 gets the same headlight and body panels as the 400cc street fighter. And just like the Ninja EV, this one too gets a smaller fuel tank.
Modes and top speed
The EVs will get two ride modes – Ride and Eco – along with an e-boost mode for short bursts of additional performance. With a 5kW motor paired to a removable battery pack, both electric bikes claim a top speed of 99 kmph.
In normal operation (ROAD mode), the top speed is 54 miles per hour (88 km/hr) and 53 miles per hour (85 km/hr) for the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 respectively. In ECO mode, the top speed is 39 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) and 38 miles per hour (62 km/hr) for the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 respectively. WALK mode is another great parking function that allows you to walk forward with your motorcycle with the throttle open at a speed of 3 miles per hour (5 km/hr) while closing the throttle past the zero point allows the rider to walk the motorcycle in reverse at a speed of 1.8 miles per hour (3 km/hr).
Batteries
Two batteries in parallel gives it a total capacity of 60 Ah.It delivers the advantage of a more efficient charge.The batteries are located under the fuel tank-styled 1.3 gallon storage compartment with both mounted in parallel to each other. With a voltage of 50.4 V and capacity of 30 Ah, each lithium-ion battery weighs 26 lb (11.5 kg).Batteries reveal their state of charge simply with a press of a button that’s located on top of the battery.
Charging
Kawasaki’s charging strategy is three-fold which allows charging with the batteries removed via a charging dock, charging with batteries removed without a dock, and off-board charging with the batteries in place with a dedicated charger.
All the options require an accessory charger that can be plugged into a normal household electrical mains outlet (for batteries removed), while an accessory adapter is required to connect the charger to the motorcycle for off-board charging.
The docking station can only charge one battery at a time, but a secondary dock can be purchased to charge both batteries simultaneously.An indirect form of charging available to both the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 comes in the form of a regenerative system that channels power back to the battery in the form of energy deceleration.The motorcycle will not switch to “Ready” unless the Li-ion batteries are in place, a fail-safe. To start both motorcycles, simply turn the ignition ON to get the gear position indicator to show the Neutral (N) status on the display screen. Once the side stand is retracted, press the D (Drive) button and the READY light will illuminate indicating all systems are go.
Chassis
Both the Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 have a trellis frame made from high-tensile steel.The trellis-style frame design contributes significantly to their low curb weight and since they share the same frame, the dimensions in terms of wheelbase, height, overall length, caster angle, and trail are also the same.
Specifications
Summing UPThe entry-level Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 are a small part of Kawasaki's objective towards carbon neutrality.Kawasaki is planning to electrify all its motorbikes for the markets in Japan, Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia by 2035.
