A lot of old men in the comments complaining about this, but this is an ideal bike for grinding through traffic and then capable on the open road when needed. This is not a bike to replace your chugging Harley or screaming sports bike, and you wouldn't buy it to save money either. It's something new entirely. Controlled electric creep in heavy traffic without noise and heat would be extremely useful.
first gen tech is always overpriced compared to what's been established. Prices only come down once it reachers wider adoption and companies can get the tooling necessary to produce more at a lower cost. I'm hoping Kawi doesn't give up on this concept; the second and especially third generations could be extremely compelling
Thanks for a very interesting and informative review. One thing that I really did notice and like was that the electric mode also has actual gears rather than some sort of CVT arrangement and simulated gears. Very cool motorcycle! There is one thing I really didn't like and that was the abruptness of the gear shifts, particularly in EV mode. It seemed as if the power was literally switched on and off producing a very jerky shift which is no good for the longevity of the machine. Hopefully, this will be fixed with a software update. For what it is, I think it's a fantastic machine and very interesting concept. This makes is even sadder it suffering the same fate as any other electric or hybrid vehicle at the present time. The problem is how to fix it when it is out of warranty. I know for a fact that my local motorcycle shop will not have anything to do with electric machines - I asked them about it. When I have taken by my regular car to a garage, I've asked them about EVs and, again, they won't touch them - even if it is not the electrical side that needs repair! This leaves the (potential) owner high and dry with no hope of economical repair making it a main-dealer-only proposition for those with suitably deep pockets, assuming even the main dealer will look at it! It wouldn't surprise me in the least if there are dealers only too keen to sell electric or hybrid transport but will not service or repair it themselves and it has to a 'specialist' at even greater cost, assuming there is one in the area.
Hybrids are designed to be good on gas. Makes some sense in the car world but in the bike world not so much. A regular Z650 gets around 55mpg which is crazy good to begin with. It also weighs 90lbs more than a Z650, makes less power, and it costs another $4k. Nobody but only a select few are gonna buy these things. Looking at value for money it just doesn't make sense.
3 місяці тому
weird you compare it with z650. this is more like z450 if there ever was a 450. Right now it does not make much sense, but eventually this will be the future of bikes. Still it takes all of the fun out of driving with no gears.
The e-boost isn't JUST for launching, you can engage it while in motion. The display saying e-boost didn't mean it was active, it was prompting you to press the button. It's mostly useful for overtaking - gives you Ninja 650-ish power for like 5 seconds which can really help.
I'm weird make fun of me. But I'm so excited about these bikes. I currency ride a versys x300 and I wish it had this engine/evmode. It would be so nice to electric creep in town to the store, have reverse when I'm parking the bike both out and about and tucking it into my cluttered garage. I don't like the lack of clutch, but as a day to day touring bike this EV setup makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah bikes get good gas mileage as is. But why not have even better gas mileage? Considering that motorcycles burn up tires much faster than a car, increasing the mpg will economically benefit the daily motor-rider. Full electric bikes/vehicles are extremely unattractive to me, from the added strain to my electric bill, range limits/charge times, and not being able to drive long distance somewhere without a charging station. The ninja platform has been reliable for me in the x300 so I trust Kawasaki to do something different like this and still have it be bulletproof. I think one of these will be a great investment, flop or fail, you'll have a rare unicorn or the first winner of a new era.
pretty sure it's a Z500 with an electric motor so that's where the power:weight deficit is coming from. but this will definitely help reduce emissions and save gas money in daily commuting (especially so in places like Manila and India).
I'm surprised bikes like these took so long to come about. I am actually excited to see what other manufactures come up with as i can see bikes like these being very popular in future especially if our government cracks down on ICE engines like i feel they will in the not so distant future. My only question is is this bike now considered an automatic or still a manual? as this gearing set up feels like it can be a bit of a cheat code to pass the big bike test and still be able to ride manual bikes.
Be lying if said I was attracted to it. Clutch work, helicopter like harmonious operation of inputs, is all part of the pleasure. But in effort not to be against just for the sake of, hybrid does seem more viable and could offer a _best of both_ with the features and added programmability. Guess on the flip side there's worst of both, volatile batteries next to combusting fuels. Increased vulnerability to canbus exploits. Though maybe these aren't realistic concerns to people.
maybe an e bike with at least a 600cc motor. Im not convinced e bikes are really needed tbh. we get punished now and have near zero emissions. Why do we need an e bike that may explode in my garage?
Why don't they just do a hub motor on front and leave the gearbox alone?? I would love a hybrid 2wd dirtbike rear wheel standard and then if its night or you need to sneak through the woods use just the electric motor and then both for hill climbs would be fucking fantastic
Well, we've seen high performance hybrid supercars, but I think the weight penalty makes that unlikely for motorcycles. At least with current technology.
And then you try an SR/F and go ... "Oh." ... and forget all about hybrids. (I had hybrid cars for years, until I got a full BEV. In fact I made the switch on bikes two years earlier...)
Do you own a zero sr/f? I'm considering one but a bit put off by the negative reports about service from zero , the water ingress damaging battery and controller etc is very worrying, is that fixed now? warped brake disks, belts snapping, motor bearings failing all add up to a bit of a gamble if buying used as I'm looking at doing maybe.. But value for money on used or nearly or pre reg is quite good atm so quite tempting. Energica also have some nice offers too, seems like a better bike but chain drive and gearbox so some more maintenance..
Absolutely brilliant review mate… As for the bike itself, while I don’t this this bike has ‘got it’ quite yet, it’s an interesting concept that, with development, may be the future. As for changing gears, they should have ditched the buttons and gone for a standard ‘foot’ gear selector.
I thought exactly the same after shooting the video with regard to the gear shifting. It could have had just a regular gear lever on the left foot. Would have been more intuitive for riders, but the buttons didn't take long to get used to either. 👍
Maybe not the future we want, but the future we head to. It is cool and all and very in concept idea but I think motorcycles should stick to combusting.
The problem with these bikes is that the range is not long enough in electric mode and the items engine isn't powerful enough. To make matters worse the price is ridiculous. Great innovation no doubt but, they should have waited till technology had improved so it makes more sense and stuck to ice engines for now. I won't touch anything electric because the technology is not good enough and the infrastructure is not good enough. Hydrogen makes far more sense. Keep up the good work and God bless. 👍🏿
I think the idea is good but this seems like its a bit of a mess tbh, A bike should be completely intuative to ride, its not a video game, we need to concentrate on the road at all times and need FULL power available (with traction control and maybe a rain mode ) on the twist of the throttle not by pressing silly boost buttons etc. I actually think we are looking at hybrids wrong, seems like most hybrids are more about a short distance on electric and quickly need to go to the engine, I think more range on electric would be better with a small economical engine thats capable of extending that range to get to a charger etc in an emergency or just to keep range anxiety down a bit, so if you cant find a charger you can still get to a petrol station and fill up. But tbh I dont really think hybrid is great idea as things stand, why not just get an electric that does the range you need if commuting and if you are doing long tours etc just get a normal petrol bike, most petrol bikes will do 55mpg or more which is getting close to the cost of filling up with electric anyway. I have a hybrid bike already, its called an ebike lol, I electric and my legs do a pretty good job, zero range anxiety ( but speed too slow to be safe on roads ).
@@Soeks77 That's not efficiënt at all. My BMW K1600 can drive up 23kms per liter with almost twice the cylinders and twice the engine displacement. A gallon is 3,8 liter. A mile 1.6KM.
@@bachmed00 well a z800 is a performance tuned bike, this one w a 2 cyl I believe should get up to 80mpg as well. Although who really needs fuel economy rhst good, unless your riding a lot such as your bike bring a touring bike
Yh fr bro is all about the sound of the bike I love the roar of the exhaust but if they get rid of all of it... it'll just disappoint me and lose my passion for motorcycles
It cost as much as a super street fighter, and is slower. Only benefit is it’s better fuel economy, but motorcycles get insane fuel economy to start with lmao
I took one for a test ride, it was really cool , it was like paddle shifting with your fingers ( in sport/ gas mode ) forefinger = up, thumb was down. . I really liked it! Hey I have an 800cc this thing is only about 400cc , not as fast , but really cool! And fun . I don’t think electric is req’d though?
@@AiWatchTower it’s all I can think mate, seen too many videos of cars pulling out infront of bikers and this is just making it worse. Loud exhaust saves lives.
i rather have a rusty screwdriver down my bell end ,than ride that . of course a free high viz jacket comes with it ,and a free booklet ,how to ride without any friends . i suspect the sales figures for that will be woeful .
New adopter tax isn't it. If they can get the price down under 6-7K on future generations, that would be more reasonable. But surprisingly good none the less 👍
Can we just take a moment and applaud Kawasaki for trying to put out new stuff? Is this a hit? Probably not. They are trying though.
A lot of old men in the comments complaining about this, but this is an ideal bike for grinding through traffic and then capable on the open road when needed.
This is not a bike to replace your chugging Harley or screaming sports bike, and you wouldn't buy it to save money either. It's something new entirely.
Controlled electric creep in heavy traffic without noise and heat would be extremely useful.
12 and a half grand, something like a MT09 that can be had for under 10. Interesting stuff but not something I desire.
first gen tech is always overpriced compared to what's been established. Prices only come down once it reachers wider adoption and companies can get the tooling necessary to produce more at a lower cost.
I'm hoping Kawi doesn't give up on this concept; the second and especially third generations could be extremely compelling
I like it! Especially living in London, its a great commuter bike!
eboost is meant for passing, you can use it while cruising
Thanks for a very interesting and informative review. One thing that I really did notice and like was that the electric mode also has actual gears rather than some sort of CVT arrangement and simulated gears. Very cool motorcycle!
There is one thing I really didn't like and that was the abruptness of the gear shifts, particularly in EV mode. It seemed as if the power was literally switched on and off producing a very jerky shift which is no good for the longevity of the machine. Hopefully, this will be fixed with a software update.
For what it is, I think it's a fantastic machine and very interesting concept. This makes is even sadder it suffering the same fate as any other electric or hybrid vehicle at the present time. The problem is how to fix it when it is out of warranty. I know for a fact that my local motorcycle shop will not have anything to do with electric machines - I asked them about it. When I have taken by my regular car to a garage, I've asked them about EVs and, again, they won't touch them - even if it is not the electrical side that needs repair! This leaves the (potential) owner high and dry with no hope of economical repair making it a main-dealer-only proposition for those with suitably deep pockets, assuming even the main dealer will look at it! It wouldn't surprise me in the least if there are dealers only too keen to sell electric or hybrid transport but will not service or repair it themselves and it has to a 'specialist' at even greater cost, assuming there is one in the area.
Hybrids are designed to be good on gas. Makes some sense in the car world but in the bike world not so much. A regular Z650 gets around 55mpg which is crazy good to begin with. It also weighs 90lbs more than a Z650, makes less power, and it costs another $4k. Nobody but only a select few are gonna buy these things. Looking at value for money it just doesn't make sense.
weird you compare it with z650. this is more like z450 if there ever was a 450. Right now it does not make much sense, but eventually this will be the future of bikes. Still it takes all of the fun out of driving with no gears.
Although not a bike I need or would buy. Very cool indeed. Clutch and standard shift would be better.
Seems like most of our dealers in the States do NOT have demos despite the weather being pretty good much of the year. Kudos to the UK dealers!
this is the only time i would say a motorcycle sounds good, damn that motor wooshing sound is just music to my ear
I like it! Props to Kawa.....
The e-boost isn't JUST for launching, you can engage it while in motion. The display saying e-boost didn't mean it was active, it was prompting you to press the button. It's mostly useful for overtaking - gives you Ninja 650-ish power for like 5 seconds which can really help.
Good review being as it was a spur of the moment thing. I think it's cool...and these bikes will only get better.
I want a smaller displacement version that should get around 200 mpg
I'm weird make fun of me. But I'm so excited about these bikes. I currency ride a versys x300 and I wish it had this engine/evmode. It would be so nice to electric creep in town to the store, have reverse when I'm parking the bike both out and about and tucking it into my cluttered garage. I don't like the lack of clutch, but as a day to day touring bike this EV setup makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah bikes get good gas mileage as is. But why not have even better gas mileage? Considering that motorcycles burn up tires much faster than a car, increasing the mpg will economically benefit the daily motor-rider. Full electric bikes/vehicles are extremely unattractive to me, from the added strain to my electric bill, range limits/charge times, and not being able to drive long distance somewhere without a charging station. The ninja platform has been reliable for me in the x300 so I trust Kawasaki to do something different like this and still have it be bulletproof. I think one of these will be a great investment, flop or fail, you'll have a rare unicorn or the first winner of a new era.
Wouldn't an electric scooter make more sense for that? Gives you some storage to go with it as well ;p
pretty sure it's a Z500 with an electric motor so that's where the power:weight deficit is coming from. but this will definitely help reduce emissions and save gas money in daily commuting (especially so in places like Manila and India).
They should have kept a physical clutch for normal ice mode
I'm surprised bikes like these took so long to come about. I am actually excited to see what other manufactures come up with as i can see bikes like these being very popular in future especially if our government cracks down on ICE engines like i feel they will in the not so distant future. My only question is is this bike now considered an automatic or still a manual? as this gearing set up feels like it can be a bit of a cheat code to pass the big bike test and still be able to ride manual bikes.
legally im not sure but paddle shifters are known as semi autmatic but this bike has an automatic mode in EV so proobably fully auto
Be lying if said I was attracted to it. Clutch work, helicopter like harmonious operation of inputs, is all part of the pleasure.
But in effort not to be against just for the sake of, hybrid does seem more viable and could offer a _best of both_ with the features and added programmability. Guess on the flip side there's worst of both, volatile batteries next to combusting fuels. Increased vulnerability to canbus exploits. Though maybe these aren't realistic concerns to people.
Interesting. Wonder what Honda will come up with?
maybe an e bike with at least a 600cc motor. Im not convinced e bikes are really needed tbh. we get punished now and have near zero emissions. Why do we need an e bike that may explode in my garage?
I want it 😂
Why don't they just do a hub motor on front and leave the gearbox alone?? I would love a hybrid 2wd dirtbike rear wheel standard and then if its night or you need to sneak through the woods use just the electric motor and then both for hill climbs would be fucking fantastic
Well, we've seen high performance hybrid supercars, but I think the weight penalty makes that unlikely for motorcycles. At least with current technology.
It's the same technology as a Mild Hybrid C-Class or 3 Series, innit? It's a 450cc but with better stop/start fuel economy.
Cool review. 👍
And then you try an SR/F and go ... "Oh." ... and forget all about hybrids. (I had hybrid cars for years, until I got a full BEV. In fact I made the switch on bikes two years earlier...)
Do you own a zero sr/f?
I'm considering one but a bit put off by the negative reports about service from zero ,
the water ingress damaging battery and controller etc is very worrying, is that fixed now?
warped brake disks, belts snapping, motor bearings failing all add up to a bit of a gamble if buying used as I'm looking at doing maybe..
But value for money on used or nearly or pre reg is quite good atm so quite tempting.
Energica also have some nice offers too, seems like a better bike but chain drive and gearbox so some more maintenance..
I like how he goes hehehehe 😂
Absolutely brilliant review mate… As for the bike itself, while I don’t this this bike has ‘got it’ quite yet, it’s an interesting concept that, with development, may be the future. As for changing gears, they should have ditched the buttons and gone for a standard ‘foot’ gear selector.
I thought exactly the same after shooting the video with regard to the gear shifting. It could have had just a regular gear lever on the left foot. Would have been more intuitive for riders, but the buttons didn't take long to get used to either. 👍
Maybe not the future we want, but the future we head to. It is cool and all and very in concept idea but I think motorcycles should stick to combusting.
Interesting video there matey. Not sure if i would be tempted to part with my hard-earned though.
Wonder how close to 60mph it actually is not going by its own speedometer
cool bike! weird seeing youtubers in my area too haha
Automatic gearboxes are heavier less feul efficiënt
Top speed?
We need Doug on this
The problem with these bikes is that the range is not long enough in electric mode and the items engine isn't powerful enough. To make matters worse the price is ridiculous. Great innovation no doubt but, they should have waited till technology had improved so it makes more sense and stuck to ice engines for now.
I won't touch anything electric because the technology is not good enough and the infrastructure is not good enough. Hydrogen makes far more sense.
Keep up the good work and God bless. 👍🏿
I think the idea is good but this seems like its a bit of a mess tbh,
A bike should be completely intuative to ride, its not a video game, we need to concentrate on the road at all times and need FULL power available (with traction control and maybe a rain mode ) on the twist of the throttle not by pressing silly boost buttons etc.
I actually think we are looking at hybrids wrong, seems like most hybrids are more about a short distance on electric and quickly need to go to the engine, I think more range on electric would be better with a small economical engine thats capable of extending that range to get to a charger etc in an emergency or just to keep range anxiety down a bit, so if you cant find a charger you can still get to a petrol station and fill up.
But tbh I dont really think hybrid is great idea as things stand, why not just get an electric that does the range you need if commuting and if you are doing long tours etc just get a normal petrol bike, most petrol bikes will do 55mpg or more which is getting close to the cost of filling up with electric anyway.
I have a hybrid bike already, its called an ebike lol, I electric and my legs do a pretty good job, zero range anxiety ( but speed too slow to be safe on roads ).
What boots do you wear while riding
Can it wheelie?
If Gen Z were a motorbike. No interest from me. As soon as the combustion engine dissappears, then so does my appeal of bikes.
Yep. It makes no sense bro a z800 could get up to 40+ miles per gallon lmao
@@Soeks77 That's not efficiënt at all. My BMW K1600 can drive up 23kms per liter with almost twice the cylinders and twice the engine displacement. A gallon is 3,8 liter. A mile 1.6KM.
@@bachmed00 well a z800 is a performance tuned bike, this one w a 2 cyl I believe should get up to 80mpg as well. Although who really needs fuel economy rhst good, unless your riding a lot such as your bike bring a touring bike
Yh fr bro is all about the sound of the bike I love the roar of the exhaust but if they get rid of all of it... it'll just disappoint me and lose my passion for motorcycles
It cost as much as a super street fighter, and is slower. Only benefit is it’s better fuel economy, but motorcycles get insane fuel economy to start with lmao
No clutch lever so its a scooter 😢
Yep
I took one for a test ride, it was really cool , it was like paddle shifting with your fingers ( in sport/ gas mode ) forefinger = up, thumb was down. . I really liked it! Hey I have an 800cc this thing is only about 400cc , not as fast , but really cool! And fun . I don’t think electric is req’d though?
@@donatospoony I just see no purpose in a bike like this. My duke 390 gets around 70-80mpg, why want a 400cc that gets better economy than that ?
This thing looks like an accident waiting to happen 👎
Suicide bikes, way too quiet considering drives dont even open their eyes as it is.. you have a deathwish if you get a silent bike like that.
absolutely agree.
At least make other road users hear us even if they insist on not seeing us!!!
@@AiWatchTower it’s all I can think mate, seen too many videos of cars pulling out infront of bikers and this is just making it worse. Loud exhaust saves lives.
7 miles of ev lol
Biggest downgrade
i rather have a rusty screwdriver down my bell end ,than ride that . of course a free high viz jacket comes with it ,and a free booklet ,how to ride without any friends . i suspect the sales figures for that will be woeful .
This is going to be a complete financial failure for sure. The z650 exists.
This is not the future
This will be a financial disaster for kawasaki, junk
It sounds like it would make a great town commuter but the price is WAY too high for a town commuter, so not sure who is going to buy it!
New adopter tax isn't it. If they can get the price down under 6-7K on future generations, that would be more reasonable. But surprisingly good none the less 👍