Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid - Is this the answer?

[@WyreForestBiker]

It'll be interesting to have the depreciation data in a few years especially when they fall out of warranty , I suspect it will be shocking ... puntastic !!

[@TAYM]

@@WyreForestBiker thanks David 😁

[@daviddavies5347]

Bertie would scoff if you had one! He wouldn’t allow it in the garage! 🤣

[@daviddavies5347]

In fact Bertie was ‘phoning you saying, ‘Oi No!’ Whilst you rode! 🤣

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 most likely 😂😂 thanks Dave 😁

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 he was indeed 😂😂😂

[@billriverwill]

I too like the idea. And I like it.thanks for giving it a go and reporting.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Bill 😁

[@GapBahnDirk]

I was starting to adjust to this new fangled bike, until you mentioned the price! Jaez! If this is in our future, I think that it is a good time to be old 🤣🤣.

[@TAYM]

I think I say something similar in the next video 😁😂😂 thanks GBD 😁

[@Steck896]

I've been in love with motorbikes since I was a child, and after some decades I still am. I do appreciate innovation in technology and mechanics, but electric (or hybrid) engines are the antithesis of what I call a proper motorcycle engine. I love the sound, the smell and the vibrations of my bike, I love changing gears, so I strongly doubt I will ever buy a washing machine on two wheels. At the same time I guess that the theory of the "eco friendliness" of electric motors is quiet debatable.

[@TAYM]

Yep, that’s about the top and bottom of it 😁 thanks S 😁

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

Thanks TAYM, I like the looks especially in that colour I’m not sure about the paddle shifter but the electric bit as much as we probably don’t like it is the way it’s going and around town I can see it working well but having the option to switch it back ( shame you have to stop first) and have some fun is a bonus

[@TAYM]

Thanks GCK 😁 I think it can change without stopping, just I wasn’t pushing the right buttons in the right sequence 😂😂😂 it’s complicated 😂😂😂

[@BlakesPipes]

And yes, great pair of gloves!

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂

[@daintree2455]

OK now watched...looks great,great colour and sounds great in proper bike mode. In electric silent mode cars won't even know we're in the traffic...oh hang on...a folly and madness. Sorry, great review tho thanks TAYM. 😊

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks DT 😁😂😂

[@bruceleong9534]

If I was looking for a commuter I’d probably test ride one. Just not sure my old brain could adapt to the gear changing and electrics. I think I’m definitely a 19th century model myself 😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂I know what you mean 😁 I am sure you would get used to it 😁 but you would never figure it out on an ordinary test ride which means not many will buy them 😁 I reckon you would need it for a week to decide 😁 thanks Bruce 😁

[@barryjmarling]

Personally I’ll stick to my air cooled Moto Guzzi,but this is all day long better than a fully electric bike,be good for those perhaps with arthritis where clutch control is an issue but saying that I’d choose the Honda 650 with the e-clutch (only £100 more than standard bike). Truly fantastic video there credit to you TAYM,first I’ve heard of this on a bike.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Barry 😁 never knew about the e-clutch 🤔

[@barryjmarling]

TMF did a video on it,pop down John Banks (Bury st Edmunds) they might have one.

[@robertmassey807]

Irrespective of whether it is pointless, rubbish, or unpleasant to the eye. A very interesting take, thank you, Taym. Great video.

[@ashermil]

Of course it’s pointless! Kawasaki has used electronic ignition at least since the 1970s!

[@TAYM]

Thanks Rob 😁

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😂😂😂

[@BlakesPipes]

Wonderful review sir. The only thing you should have kept till the end of the review is, no clutch and no shift lever... you know what I thought from there on. But you did talk enough to make me forget about the shifting issue. I really like that bike, hope that battery has a 20 year life span and you have a perfect bike for me. Except the shifting keeps me from enjoying this bike! 😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks LoY 😁

[@johnfountain8588]

Whoa That ride along totally freaked me out😮😮😮😮 Entertaining tho but certainly not for me as I was holding my breath and you were doing the riding Guess I’m too old school Thanks for taking the risks tho And regards from Florida

[@TAYM]

Thanks John 😁😂😂😂😂 quite a thing isn’t it😁

[@paulsilson2148]

And we've finally jumped the shark, gone over the edge, off the cliff, were done.

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks Paul 😁

[@goodwinjohn9844]

It seems like a good compromise for the future but at my age petrol will see out, another exerlent video which will get people talking 👍

[@TAYM]

Funny you say that, I say something similar in the comparison video which will be out soon 😁 thanks John 😁

[@melfzs]

Morning TAYM, you said "good for the environment " and "eco" and "EV" far too many times there! ,I was getting concerned! 😟 please don't dye your hair green and glue your self to the road ,. And get back on Bertie as soon as possible for your own good! 😅😅😅 Have a good petrol engined weekend, Cheers Mel 🍻

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks Mel 😁 I think you’ll enjoy the next video 😁😂😂

[@melfzs]

@@TAYM oh no! It's not an electric pedal bike is it ? 😆

[@franklowry4852]

Good video. It would be neat if you could plug it into your house current and charge the battery all the way up before you leave home. When you get out of town and to the motorway, you could switch from EV to Sport. I think this might be the future.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Frank 😁

[@crumblymal8479]

Hmmm interesting one TAYM not much into the transformery look really but this looks quite good big old radiator on her, umm not for an old simple sole like me really but I can appreciate the clever tech even though I have zero understanding of it 😉I think i will just stick to the classic looks and fade into the past quietly 😁always good cheers 👌👍

[@TAYM]

Thanks Crumb 😁 I know what you mean, a little complicated 🤔

[@SuffolkQualityBoy]

A very interesting machine and well done to Kawasaki for putting it on sale. My concern is what happens if the battery runs out and you are not aware whilst negotiating and concentrating on town ‘obstacles’; does the bike suddenly stop or does it change to petrol mode just prior to running out? Could be a safety issue. Not for me personally but I am sure there is a market out there - somewhere!

[@TAYM]

Thanks Nigel 😁 I am sure there is a mode for that but as I say, it’s complicated to learn every function in such a short space of time 🤔 at least enough to video 😁 😂😂

[@kristophertrout7328]

I think it would be nice if they could adjust the ecu so the horsepower be limited for A2 licenses. It would make it easier for newer riders with the transmission setup, and be a bike that they would like to keep once they have the full license. 🤔😎

[@TAYM]

Absolutely agree 😁 thanks KT 😁

[@christopherreed442]

That price is a massive fly in the ointment. There’s also the weight. Would I get one over a 500 or 650? No, not a chance.

[@TAYM]

Absolutely 😁 and I bet Kawasaki aren’t making anything but dare not charge any more 🤔 thanks Chris 😁

[@peter236uk1]

Cool bike have to say

[@TAYM]

Thanks Peter😁

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Have you seen Kawasaki’s hydrogen prototype? In my mind that is the future over the electric craze. I would take hybrid over a totally electric bike. Kudos to Kawasaki for bringing one to market.

[@TAYM]

Thanks PW 😁 absolutely 😁

[@chrisweeks6973]

Thanks, Taym - interesting technology, though personally I'll stick with the Guzzi. As for a full-electric, NO, not at any price!

[@TAYM]

Thanks Chris 😁

[@michaellilley6725]

I have to hand it to Kawasaki for their innovation and inventiveness, it's a cleverly thought out machine. However I'm not a fan of electric vehicles and theirs nothing green about them at all. Now we're looking at a ban on ICE vehicles by 2030 hybrids included, then it doesn't make sense at all. Folks will try to hang on to their ICE machines but now a European directive is going to ban the repair of them. By confirming even partly to this agenda is simply contributing to loss of our freedoms, it's time to rebel against all of this nonsense.

[@nickclarkuk]

The ban on repairing vehicles over 15 years old is looking like fake news . Outside of chat forums I can’t find any evidence of it .

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Hybrids won't be the future, worst of all worlds. Like it or not electric is the future. No doubt the clever scientists and engineers will come up with cracking bikes and in 20 years time it won't be an issue. I see this has also triggered the usual foaming at the mouth whenever the word electric is mentioned, so congrats for having the courage to try it.

[@iantownsend17]

Get the phone mate 😆 🤣 😂. Different. A bit like the wife's car. I was dead against it for a start, but when you get into it, it is a really clever but of kit. Great stuff and love the variety 👌 😀

[@TAYM]

Thanks Ian 😁 takes some getting used to 😁

[@AlanRambler]

What’s the point? Batteries will never be the future in cars or bikes total crap.

[@jefflambert8603]

Really ? The New Government will Push on with E.V .Agenda maybe reinstate a 2030 Ban on I.C.E Vehicle's I Fear 😢

[@TAYM]

That’s the question, what is the point🤔 I can only see it as a way of getting round rules, rules that come about because of misleading information. It’s crazy but it’s happening. 😁 thanks Alan 😁

[@tenorbanjoguy]

Yeah, pass. I have grey hair and all, but ICE is a fundamental element of motorcycling for me. I appreciate the innovation and technological achievements, but if that is all that was available, I would likely pivot to another activity. Is that too closed minded? Maybe so.👍 it is attractively done though!!!

[@TAYM]

@@tenorbanjoguy thanks TBG 😁

[@ashermil]

Interesting that the 450 motor alone in this bike makes-what?-57hp? So without the A2 tuning, something like a Z500 could have quite a punch from the factory. 🤔🤔

[@TAYM]

59 bhp and the z500 is about 50kg lighter, can you imagine 😁 thanks Ash😁

[@billthomas6873]

Not my thing Taym, But it made me laugh , Thought you was going to give us another BOOST !, I know you wanted to, Bit dangerous in the wrong hands ?.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Bill 😁 I spent all day playing with the boost 😂😂😂 but still not sure about it 😂😂

[@davidnunnerley9084]

Great review as always. What do I feel about it? I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. 42 mph !😮 The silence could be deadly in town. People can’t hear you coming. Also aren’t as green as you would expect due to the manufacturing process of the batteries. Would I have one? No. But it is the future.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Dave 😁

[@billellis6538]

Definitely an interesting concept. Would be interested to know if there is a facility to plug it in overnight to charge the battery. That would make it really useful for local commutes. Looks like all the other insectoid machines to me, but the colour scheme does hide it to some extent. I forsee technical repairs being prohibitively expensive and bikes being written off when the electrical gremlins strike. Nice bike but I think I'll have to stick with burning petrol for now 👍😃

[@TAYM]

Thanks Bill 😁 no, it can’t be charged from a plug in 🤔 but of a flaw really 😁

[@adrianwalker7189]

Well I think it's definitely the future and I like it, the look of the bike well it's fine looks really good, for all that technology the price is good, like it 😊

[@TAYM]

Thanks AW 😁

[@simonbealing]

Not keen on the looks but with those economy figures it will probably be a popular commuter bike.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Simon 😁

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

I don’t know taym to me as someone said I don’t think electric will catch on starma thinks by 2030 it will be the end of petrol/diesel but if we don’t buy electric I don’t see how it will catch on unless he prices us all out of the market then electric it will be but not for me anyway there probably be a war anyway so as that bloke said in dads army we’re doomed 😂but I think electric is a good idea but price needs to half for majority of us can afford it take care ride safe taym

[@TAYM]

Thanks Nick 😁 yes, it’s definitely a conundrum 😁

[@chrishart8548]

It will only be the end of new sales for cars 2030. I think we already have some good EV options. By 2030 EV's could be cheaper than ice and if people have home chargers and more public chargers and the lower the cost tesla charge 30p why do others charge 95p ? And maybe they will allow hybrids to continue if 2030 is still to soon.

[@reverendhoover]

It's a weird combination of new and old - new is the hybrid engine, old is the standard suspension and steel swinging arm. Weird but I'm interested to give it a test ride.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Stuart 😁 yes, exactly 😁 strange isn’t it 🤔 like sticking an engine in a chariot 😂😂 very interesting 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

It's a great idea 💡 having both like a Hybrid car.Surprised it taken this long to get them.A Full battery bike is not practical unless it a short distance commuter bike & can hold charge all day to be able to get you home. The weight isn't to bad for having a battery as well as a petrol motor basically it's a answer to pollution & Governments should be giving Tax breaks, cheap Rego & discounts to encourage people onto them.Bikes are low polluters & if Governments encouraged more people to ride them 20-24yrs ago planet be better for it now.Be more parking less smog less cars as most families have 2cars that way average families have 1car or hybrid car & 1 bike or more.

[@TAYM]

Exactly 😁 thanks RR 😁

[@daintree2455]

Should be called the Kawasaki Igniter haha.

[@ruahinesrider]

17th😲

[@TAYM]

😂 no excuse? 😂

[@ruahinesrider]

@@TAYM Enjoying fireplace 🔥 in Lazyboy nice & cosy & had sound turned down on phone 📱.Very relaxing sitting in front of fire watching 👀 the tele on a winter's evening. I think 🤔 you're right about hybrid bike being the future.

[@daintree2455]

Can u see out the window from the couch RR?😊

[@ruahinesrider]

@@daintree2455 If I sit up in Lazyboy & turn head & look out see out into paddock & down road.Can See 👀 those sheep 🐑you're interested in D.T😂🤣.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@daintree2455 Rubber necking.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Another thing that is coming in this types of bikes and automatics is to change the foot back break to the left lever just like on scooters.. It's freeds up the feet and you can move around more and allows easy change for the pegs location. Have seen few e-dirt bikes that way and some of the Honda automatics. p.s. -50 subs this time? 😂😂

[@billfreeman398]

Can't park there mate..

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 dead right 😂😂 thanks Bill 😁

[@simonchilli2088]

The fuel economy comes from being in electric mode in town I'm told by a nephew who has hybrid cars. On the open road it runs the battery down quickly. In 2 generations time they'll probably be the norm. The cost should come down as more are sold and the technology improves around. Then we start thinking about Hydrogen bixe😅

[@TAYM]

Yes, I think they are already working on the hydrogen bike 😁 thanks Simon 😁

[@trevjones1315]

Oh mate, why has my comment been removed? I didn't use bad language or offend anyone. I thought it was quite witty. 👎

[@TAYM]

Very strange, I certainly haven’t removed it 🤔 try posting it again.😁 I haven’t replied to many comments yet as I have covid 🤧 maybe it’s held waiting for a response🤔

[@Steck896]

@@TAYM Sorry for that. I really hope you will recover soon, dear Taym. ❤

[@TAYM]

@@Steck896 thanks S 😁

[@zedcharlie]

For me I would love electric. But we need more range and reasonable charging time. A hybrid is too complicated, def need to be under warranty. But 200mile range. Maybe overnight charging. Easy swap battery at reasonable cost, which is where they fall down financially. No one will want to buy one that is 3 yr old due to that issue. But I.d love to ride a zero.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Charlie 😁

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day Taym, this might be the answer, however what’s the question 🤷🏻‍♂️😳🤪

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks S4B 😂😂😂

[@OlManShit4Brains]

Actually this one doesn’t look too bad, however I work with some hybrid heavy vehicles at work, as well as my company is doing some testing on an electric heavy vehicle. My experience with these isn’t great. Actually in my opinion they can be downright dangerous. Also I hate the way the world is going, having things forced upon us…. Sorry, rant finished 🙄😁. I suppose I’ve just shown what a Luddite & petrol head can I am 🙄😳. Ride safe mate, Hooroo for now……P.S, Recently I read a comment somewhere saying, possibly in years to come the world might look back at these times with disbelief concerning the environmental impact caused by producing the components for these battery powered vehicles. Apologies again,second rant finished 🤷🏻‍♂️🙈🤣🤣🤣🤣 .Take care mate🏍👍😎