What do you consider while you consider a Kawasaki Ninja?
Whereas I am guessing that you simply’re extra prone to trip bikes than not in case you’re studying RideApart, I am curious what these two phrases imply to you, even in case you’ve by no means ridden earlier than in your life. Why?
As a result of they carry a sure kind of weight. A part of that’s the fault of Tony Scott and High Gun, however a part of that’s simply the fame that the bikes themselves have constructed up over the many years. Time and again, these bikes have cemented a sure identification within the minds of most of the people, each rider and non-rider alike.
And that is why the most recent video from YouTube e-bike fanatic Sur Ronster (I imply, his username is a lifeless giveaway, proper?) is of explicit curiosity. See, Sur Ronster is not a motorcyclist, not less than, not a road one. He is all concerning the e-bike life, though generally he’ll do different e-things with each two- and four-wheels.
Nonetheless, like anybody would, he was excited to attempt Kawasaki’s Ninja E-1 and see the way it matched up with the views he is constructed over time, driving primarily e-bikes.
And like even non-motorcyclists do, he had sure lofty expectations of something that carries the identify “Kawasaki Ninja” anyplace on its bodywork.
Now, presumably he did not throw a leg over anticipating Ninja H2 R ranges of energy. That might be ludicrous, each as a result of he is not likely a motorbike man (and sorry, however that should not be anybody’s first bike), and in addition as a result of he listened to what Kawasaki instructed him to count on out of the Ninja E-1.
We’re speaking single-digit kilowatts right here, people. 9, to be exact. That is about 12 complete horsepower, in case you’re holding monitor. On a motorcycle that weighs just below 309 kilos on the curb. Claimed torque is 29.7 pound-feet, in case you’re questioning.
To be truthful, it is received plenty of issues going for it as nicely, in case you’re the correct rider with the correct expectations, and driving it in the correct state of affairs. With its estimated 40 miles of vary, two detachable battery packs that may both be charged on or off the bike, and useful stowing space for the charging cable positioned the place the gas tank could be on an ICE bike, it is clear that plenty of thought went into this design.
Dealing with is intuitive and easy, even for somebody who is not a seasoned rider, like Sur Ronster. Issues like Stroll Mode and Reverse are additionally good to have. But it surely’s gradual, the vary is fairly minimal, and it is virtually $8K within the US (costs will fluctuate in different markets the place it is obtainable).
It completely seems the half. Kawasaki nailed the household resemblance, no query. However in case you’re a non-rider, and also you’re trying to purchase into the Ninja mystique whereas additionally holding your emissions down on the similar time, this will not fairly be it. It is a doubtlessly promising choice for brand spanking new riders, however the pricing form of precludes that being the selection most will make.
For instance, a shiny new 2024 Ninja 500 is sort of a complete US $3,000 much less. And in case you’re pleased to purchase a used bike, you may simply get smaller-displacement ICE Ninjas (haha, ice ninjas) for a lot much less.
Electrical bikes are having a troublesome time proper now. From the current collapse of Energica to the dissolution of Cake (and the possible vaporware of Damon), there is no doubt that it is onerous on the market within the EV motorcycle area.
And it is clear that if EV bikes are to actually take maintain, just a few issues must occur. One is that we want each viable startup companies, in addition to legacy OEMs, to maintain advancing applied sciences and transferring issues ahead.
However to do this, they first must persuade people to purchase in. As a result of in any other case, why make any bikes in any respect? And to do this, the ranges, costs, and infrastructure all must align to be applicable for real-world use.
Credit score the place it is due, the Ninja E-1 is completely a step in the correct route by way of pricing. Whereas it is nonetheless not low-cost, it is actually so much nearer to the low worth starter bike mark than, say, a Zero S or a LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Granted, it is also significantly much less highly effective, but it surely’s additionally half the value (and even much less) of both of the latter two bikes.
All that mentioned, I sincerely hope that the primary Ninja E-1 is not the final Ninja E-1, and that we see future enhancements that make it a extra enticing bundle to new and/or commuter riders down the road.
It is meant to be a 125cc gasoline bike equal, so I get the facility restriction for that cause, though it does not essentially make a ton of sense within the US. In Europe and Asia, although, the facility appears much more affordable. However a bit higher vary and pricing will most likely go a good distance towards getting extra riders to take up the Ninja E-mantle.
What would you prefer to see in future Kawasaki electrical bikes? Tell us within the feedback.
