2024 kawasaki Z7 Hybrid - It's Here But Are We Ready for IT?

[@D.i.n.i.c.h.t.h.y.s]

Sehe das recht ähnlich, denke ich. Ich bin der Technologie bei einer Probefahrt vor ein paar Monaten positiv gegenübergetreten, in der Erwartung dass es einen oder mehrere Vorteile bietet (Verbrauch? Sportlichkeit? Komfort durch Automatisierung?). Leider kann ich keinen Anwendungsfall für die Hybrid-Kawasaki finden. Im automatischen Hybridmodus tuckert sie bleischwer wie ein Traktor dahin, ohne einen Hauch von Dynamik. Die Gänge werden wie mit dem Brecheisen gewechselt. Im Sportmodus kann man sie mit viel Mühe zumindest ähnlich einem 400-500ccm Bike bewegen (von einer 650er sehr weit entfernt). Der e-boost ist ein nettes Gimmick, der ein bisschen anschiebt (gefühlt +20% für 3-5 Sekunden), aber er lenkt vom Fahrgeschehen ab und verliert nach drei mal seine "Faszination". Der elektrische Modus bewegt die Kawasaki einem 50er Elektroroller gleich (wenn auch bis knapp über 50 km/h). Der Akku wird ausschließlich vom Motor geladen, Rekuperation findet nicht statt (das wäre noch der einzige Hybridvorteil, auf den man hätte hoffen können und sei es auch nur zum Bremsen schonen). Ich bin eine eher gemütlicher Fahrer, meine 100 PS 900er Reiseenduro verbraucht fast nie über 4,5 Liter. Bei im Vergleich noch gemäßigterer Fahrweise zeigt mir die Z7 über 5 Liter an, WTF? Sie fährt insgesamt wie eine 250er, verbraucht wie eine 900er und kostet so viel wie eine 1000er. Ich weiß nicht, was sich - abgesehen von einer Anwendung als Studie - Kawasaki da gedacht hat. Vielleicht wird die Technik ja noch komplett überarbeitet und eine andere Generation bringt einen Mehrwert mit.

[@overboost7667]

Ja, und wie in einem anderen Video erklärt, hat sich herausgestellt, dass man in den EV-Modus nur unter 25km/h REIN- UND RAUSwechseln kann. Also bei jedem Ortschild, egal ob in den Ort oder raus, immer erst auf unter 25km/h. Unfall vorprogrammiert. Das hat niemand in echt getestet. Version 2.0 muss sofort kommen, die Version 1.0 bleibt Sammlerstück.

[@robb8773]

Compared to a Z500, less than 2mpg difference and more than double the price, what's the point. No thank you!

[@dalemeadows225]

Good job Scott, I have the same feelings as you about this

[@Rainer.M67]

For me, EV Mode Would make more sense if the e-motor was permanently on in town/village for example up to 55 km/h and then on the country roads the Combustion engine sets in and doing the work and also loading the battery. By the way, Kawasaki presents an automatic transmission (okay, not perfekt) and nobody notices unlike other manufacturer like Honda, Yamaha and, with a loud roar, BMW.

[@SpringfieldFatts]

This is basically how my Prius is. Anything over like 35mph is gas, creeps on electric in traffic / low speed conditions.

It will work in pure EV up to 50/55 km/h if you have EV mode selected. In HEV mode, it will start the engine around 25 km/h, just like a regular hybrid vehicle. Also, the “walk” mode is great for slow speed maneuvers as it works forward and in reverse (yes, this bike has reverse like a K1600 😊)

[@Stargazer221160]

Unfortunately with legislation this is going to be the future, I probably will stay with my current bikes but i do think Kawasaki should be applauded for its first attempt at a hybid vehicle. The technology is still young in motorcycle manufacture and will improve. This bike is not intended for my age group but for a future demographic.

[@SpringfieldFatts]

The hybrid was an odd choice for Kawasaki, any plans on getting your hands on their electric model?

[@JMeyer-qj1pv]

Hybrids are good for fuel economy, but unless you're commuting that's not a big selling point, and the added weight is a buzz kill. So to me it's either got to be ICE or BEV with no middle ground. I think the success of electric motorcycles is tied to the development of electric aircraft since they both need high density, lightweight, and fast charging batteries. Right now we don't have those. The other issue is I really enjoy working the gearbox and clutch when I ride and you don't get that with twist and go electrics.

[@_Makanko_]

Ai they made it but seems halfbaked. What are the advantages? Its not enough to warrant it an option for me. Thanks for your review!

[@druegeme]

if the objective is most fuel efficient personal transportation, then it might make sense, but not as much sense as riding a 250. On the other hand most of us have different objectices in mind when riding.

[@JeroenvKL]

For town riding it would be a lot more convenient and fuel efficient if it could go up to 50km/h on electric only. 25 is so low, you are so easily faster than that.

[@robsonenduro3316]

not ready and never gonna be - no EV no hybrids and definitely don't want one parked in my garage.

[@vinfastluxayoutube365]

not gonna disrespect but i think hybrid is a good choice because its better for the fuel economy, plus it doesnt force you to ride at EV mode so yeah lol

[@samibeemer7619]

At the first 54 seconds of the video I'm telling you that we're not ready for the Hybrid

[@larryvanputten4048]

It seems Kawasaki build this bike to prove something… The first brand with a hybrid bike. It doesn’t make me cheer… They’d rather build bikes like there’s nothing to prove!

[@deanzaZZR]

1st gen tech. Props to Team Green for investing in the future.

[@SkuStyle]

Electric in not the future, it's way in the past.

[@SumPixelz]

I’m ready for it, the motorcycles are not.

[@boblynch7535]

My 22 Tiger 900 tells me I’m averaging 55.6 MPG with slightly spirited riding.

[@TheTonicro]

Imo versys hybrid would make more sense. Maybe even slightly bigger battery as well. But again taking extra price and minimal fuel savings its pointless.

[@nitrousninja882]

I would have preferred if Kawasaki had used the 650cc engine rather than the 451cc twin.

[@langhamp8912]

This bike exists as a way for a suburbanite to legally enter congestion areas where ICE vehicles are understandably not allowed to be.

[@kannermw]

Manufacturers should just use DCT to improve fuel economy. Many riders like to ride at high rpm in low gears and waste fuel. This is why I prefer liter bikes. Same acceleration rate as smaller displacement bike with a simple twist of throttle in 1 or 2 higher gear.

[@RodeoRides]

Kawasaki should of put the effort into updating the Z 650

[@NothingToProve]

YES! Agreed.

[@bog1dan]

What about the 30 percent increase in weight ? We ride for pleasure otherwise we’d all buy some commuters

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Informative vid. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@mazdamaniac4643]

I already have a hybrid, it's a V-twin with only one working cylinder. On a more serious note, I really hate how everything seems to have _modes_ these days. As you've shown when faffing around trying to get it to work, it's a gimmick and a distraction.

[@spikodemiko5514]

Very interesting debate Scott as always. Not convinced by EV or hybrid vehicles in general and especially at double the price so it’s a no from me…..

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Interesting... and no thank you! I'll stay a petrol head - in fact I miss the two strokes!! Regards!!

[@rjgallman4916]

Hybrids are the worse of both worlds -Sandy Munroe

[@andrewdyson4255]

I love electric cars, I’ve had one for last 4 years and won’t go back to ICE ever. That said I have 2 motorcycles and wouldn’t touch electric bikes with a barge pole. The range is just not practical and they too heavy.

[@chrishart8548]

the adventure model of the can am has sparked my interest. I currently ride a bmw f800gs and drive a skoda enyaq. Really happy with both. I also have a mk4.5 diesel mondeo estate (auto) but the enyaq has made the mondeo irrelevant .

[@MaxFromSydney1]

Kawasaki know this will be a commercial failure. They’re doing this to send a message to governments: “We tried, but we told you these things wouldn’t sell”.

[@kannermw]

Kawasaki is appealing to climate change zealots who think they will save the planet.

[@tuicks11]

Wish they made a really competent smaller capacity, a lot cheaper, than this. Cities everywhere would be filled with them. A 300 single cylinder would sound and perform almost the same. Who buys a 500 for urban riding that expensive? Still does not make sense to most riders this formula. Make it very cheap and make sense or it will always just be a concept on a shelf.

[@langhamp8912]

They do already, it's quite cheap, and it's the most sold EV in the world today. It's called the eScooter. They are outrageously popular despite many cities legislating against them.

[@tuicks11]

@@langhamp8912 that's garbage

[@langhamp8912]

@@tuicks11 If you've ever lived in dense urban areas, then you would know that being able to bring your vehicle inside your apartment is the most important factor due to organized theft. Anything that you have in mind won't work if it is left outside.

[@tuicks11]

@@langhamp8912 I understand your frustration, but it's not a real option for a commute of a few kilometres. And in the hands of tourists those become a hassle more than anything. If I lived in a city, for short distances I would have one too.

[@langhamp8912]

@@tuicks11 When I lived in the city I used a mid-sized electric unicycle. It was relentlessly fast, and had the bonus of easy portability onto public transportation. Everyone should have them although they are somewhat difficult to learn to ride. The bonus to knowing how to ride one is that you end up with perfect balance for riding a motorcycle at low speeds. Anyway, full-size motorcycles are a suburban invention. They need a garage for safety and maintenance. Cars are terrible for the city but full-sized bikes get stolen.

[@Timo-y8p]

Added complexity, more weight, less character, and more things that can only be fixed with a laptop. Drives like a 250cc, drinks like a 900cc, and has no character (

[@keithd87]

500cc engine 180deg crank? 👎 + 13kgs (heavier than the modern NC750x) 13k EUR ?? for what?

[@NothingToProve]

That's my point too

[@demonic082]

I can see the point in battery EVs and to a lesser extent plug in hybrids but self charging hybrid don't seem to solve any problems. Your getting z500 fuel economy and near z650 performance. Around 5k buys a lot of fuel for your lighter better handling z650

[@stephenchapman8344]

Not for me thanks 👍

[@DJPTEXAS]

Keep it in Europe....

[@kowalski2334]

I cant believe they put such ugly swingarms on a bike in 2024. The bike itself is pointless.

[@bobz1736]

It's just a gimmick. Bolting a low power density battery to a high power density fuel powered engine makes no sense on a motorcycle. Weight will always be the killer. What question is it trying to answer?

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

Not interested in anything with a battery that powers the wheels. Most riders do so on sunny weekends. That battery will just degrade while you’re not riding it. I’ll stick with ICE bikes. And cars.

[@Mac_okee]

Stupid bike! 60 kg extra weight for what? You should have compared it to the Honda 750 X DCT, lighter, DCT and 3.5 l/100 km for around 10 k Euro

[@ogasi1798]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo thanksssssssss - zero benefits

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Motorcycles do not use a lot of fuel. A hybrid is only there to please the eco fascists. Kawasaki going woke... Fine to me, never liked them much. Goes back to the 500 triple H1...

[@tomfjr3872]

No thanks ... there are no benefits to owning this.

[@ridefree2403]

Not for me l will give riding away if l am made to ride them not this little black duck!!!

[@PaoloD2R2]

KAWASAKI wasting time over this crap, meanwhile the Versys 1000 is getting older and older, anche the 650cc is obsolete.. WAKE UP.

[@kannermw]

I tend to agree with you. However, I own 2022 Versys 1000LT+ and by far best bike I've ever owned. Where I live it is mostly cruisers, ADV, and sport bikes. Maybe the market outside U.S. is much different. I can't say I have ever seen another Versys 1000 on the road. For some reason sport touring segment has limited market appeal and they intentionally design products leaning more toward sport than touring. I believe it is perception, image, marketing and lack of consumer knowledge. From a seating position perspective I want more upright touring and not sport lean forward design. In terms of what Kawasaki might do with the 1000? Improve quick shifter, eliminate forward sloping seat, handlebar position further back, make windscreen adjustment easier on the fly, smart phone integration with larger display, and cruise control accuracy. Then increase displacement to 1200 cc and it would be perfect. The price of Versys 1000 has stabilized over last 2 years while competitors have gone up much more. They now have $1000 savings promo in U.S. About same price as Tracer 9GT. I don't want lower torque smaller displacement triple that is buzzier on highway and requires you rev it put to make similar power. Pundits state the 4 cylinder lacks character but I disagree. Give it 10% more torque and power and then those naysers will go away.

[@PaoloD2R2]

@@kannermw I have a ZH2, i can say that kawa should have done a Versys with that supercharged engine.. tune it down from 200hp to 150, keep the same massive torque and 4 cyl smoothness. Would have been perfect. But hey, they choosed to go green to save the planet LMAO now they are lagging behind competition here in EU. It's a pity as the versys 1000 is a great bike!

[@jfro5867]

Why even bother? Creating something no one actually wants.