Kawasaki has taken the lead of its fellow “Huge 4” colleagues in releasing a full vary of electrical motorbikes, together with two hybrids (the Ninja 7 Hybrid and the not too long ago unveiled Z7 Hybrid at EICMA in 2023). With their totally electrical fashions – the Z e-1 and the Ninja e-1 – Kawasaki is aiming at a brand new City Mobility viewers. THE PACK examined out the Z e-1 in Brussels right this moment, in each dry and sometimes Belgian wet climate. Don’t count on a brilliant bare bike, as an alternative search for a refined, controllable and lightweight electrical bike.
Kawasaki Z e-1
This Kawasaki mannequin is just like a standard 125cc bike, which may be helpful if you happen to personal a Belgian driver’s license B; no particular bike license is required (for extra info on what autos you may drive together with your Belgian driver’s license B, go to the web site of the Flemish Authorities). In The Netherlands, you want an A1 driver’s license.
As beforehand acknowledged, this isn’t a high-powered bike, however that was by no means the plan from Kawasaki. The Z e-1 has a modest engine that ensures a nice and straightforward drive within the metropolis. This motor runs at a quiet 5.0 kW (9.0 kW peak), with a easy take-off and delicate acceleration. The bike could be very maneuverable with its extensive handlebars and also you actually wish to use the e-boost characteristic. That’s an thrilling new reflex to your thumb to get used to. Moreover, I like utilizing regeneration when driving round city; you may have full management with one hand. And, the battery will get some recharge while driving.
The Z e-1 additionally by no means shocked me with any surprising habits, even once I drove on slippery roads lined with rain, leaves and dirt. My solely (private) difficulty was my leg place (I had a knee surgical procedure so I can’t bend one in all my legs for lengthy intervals of time). Moreover, the absence of a USB port as a typical characteristic was fairly unusual. However a USB outlet is already accessible as an accessoire (see image under). Despite the fact that it’s merely a element, it appears outdated for an electrical bike to not be keyless as such. However these are minor critiques.
I get nervous at any time when I hear unusual noises or disruptive sounds whereas driving. Fortunately, this Kawasaki Z e-1 was extraordinarily quiet simply as an electrical bike needs to be. Throughout my check journey, I drove alongside the cobble stone roadway at Tour & Taxis in Brussels a number of occasions and the bike didn’t make any loud squealing noises. And the entrance wheel feels securely fixed to the bottom, good for maneuvering within the metropolis.
City Mobility
Kawasaki clearly designed this electrical bike with commuters in thoughts. This Z e-1 is made explicitly for residing within the metropolis. With its restricted vary of 72 km and a high pace of 85 km/h, the Kawasaki doesn’t fare properly on highways, making it best for city riders solely. The batteries are detachable, to allow them to be charged simply at residence.
Whenever you open the storage cowl of the Kawasaki Z e-1, you discover 5 litres of house for extra light-weight gadgets akin to gloves or rain gear (no heavier than three kilograms). This bike’s lack of clutch makes it best for brand spanking new riders and its low weight of simply 135 kilograms makes it simple to maneuver. To high it off, it even features a ‘WALK Mode’.
Kawasaki has already launched a number of equipment for the Z e-1 at launch, together with a meter cowl, USB outlet, ERGO-FIT excessive seat (+30 mm), tank pad, scratch resistant movie for the TFT meter, pillion seat cowl, wheel rim tape, U-lock, and helmet lock.
Twin Detachable Batteries
As a substitute of carrying round a single cumbersome battery, the Z e-1 makes use of two light-weight lithium-ion batteries in parallel. Each weighs 11.5 kg, making it simpler to maneuver them round. To cost them, you may both use the usual possibility or benefit from different choices for added flexibility. Each batteries are situated beneath the storage field and may be simply eliminated with no need to disconnect any fuses or switches – merely open the storage field cowl, then open the battery cowl and pull them out. Pushing a button on the highest of the battery reveals its state of cost in a window.
Charging time per battery is roughly 3.7 hours for a full (0% >> 100%) cost, 1.6 hours for a partial (20% >> 85%) cost. (Notice: charging time per battery for a typical (20% >> 100%) cost after use is roughly 3 hours relying on situations.)
Motor Sort: Air-cooled, inside everlasting magnet synchronous motor
Battery sort: Lithium-ion battery pack x2
Nominal Voltage: 50.4 V
Complete Nominal Capability: 30 Ah x2
Complete battery weight: 11.5 kg x2
Charging time (0 to 100%): 3.7 h x2
Drive modi
When driving, you may go for both regular operation (ROAD), or restrict the pace to preserve power (ECO). Bear in mind when utilizing ECO, you’ll get a slower high pace and extra subdued response than utilizing the ROAD Mode. You may change between modes on the bike by utilizing the Mode change on the left deal with. It’s attainable to do that whereas driving, however ensure to maintain a closed throttle (I forgot this a couple of occasions). When the battery’s cost falls to 34% or decrease, the machine will change into limited-power operation (as indicated by a turtle icon on its show), and the e-boost characteristic received’t work anymore.
Efficiency
ECO Mode: 62 km/h
ECO Mode + e-boost: 72 km/h
ROAD Mode: 85 km/h
ROAD Mode + e-boost: 99 km/h
Electrical consumption: 49 Wh/km [WMTC Class 1]
Vary: 72 km [WMTC Class 1]
Rated energy: 5.0 kW {6.8 PS} / 2,800 min-1
Max. energy: 9.0 kW {12 PS} / 2,600-4,000 min-1
Max. torque: 40.5 N·m {4.1 kgƒ·m} / 0-1,600 min-1
Drivetrain
Driving system: Chain
Transmission: –
Major discount ratio: 3.211 (61/19)
Remaining discount ratio: 3.867 (58/15)
E-boost perform
This was enjoyable! With e-boost, you add an extra energy for a lift in acceleration and an additional excessive high pace. The perform will solely final 15 seconds earlier than it wants to chill off. When engaged, twisting the throttle will trigger a extra dramatic surge ahead and the utmost velocity can attain as much as 72 km/h (ECO) or 99 km/h (ROAD).
WALK Mode (with Reverse)
To activate WALK Mode, the bike have to be stationary with the throttle OFF. Press and maintain the Mode button to take action; when efficiently activated, the display screen background turns purple for simple identification. When enabled, pushing the throttle up offers a slower acceleration of round 5 km/h whereas pulling it again previous zero runs the bike in reverse at 3 km/h.
Dimensions
Total size: 1,980 mm
Total width: 730 mm
Total peak: 1,035 mm
Wheelbase: 1,370 mm
Highway clearance: 170 mm
Seat peak: 785 mm
Curb mass (with batteries): 135 kg
Regenerative System
Because the rider eases off the throttle, the regenerative system recycles the power of deceleration again to the battery. This helps give the automobile an extended vary between prices. (As soon as the batteries close to their most capability, the regeneration steadily decreases.)
Light-weight Trellis Body
The Z e-1 has a trellis body just like that of Kawasaki’s top-tier bike, the Ninja H2. Kawasaki used its refined dynamic rigidity evaluation to be able to guarantee the very best stability between stiffness and lightweight weight. This trellis body design helps the bike keep a low weight.
Suspension
An ø41 mm telescopic fork gives excellent suspension. The Uni Trak rear suspension provides to the easy-to-handle really feel of the bike, due to its damping results that easy over bumps within the street. The linkage structure settings (swingarm, tie-rods) be sure that variations in avenue surfaces are considered. The shock absorber has a 65 mm stroke, which strikes the proper stability between light-weight efficiency and luxury. With 4-way adjustability for the rear suspension, riders can simply alter the journey peak or arrange the bike to deal with a passenger or baggage.
Brakes / wheels / tyres
The brakes had been designed to provide the rider a easy, exact brake really feel. The Nissin ABS management unit is designed particularly for bikes and is small and light-weight. The 17″ wheels have a sporty look that enhances the bike’s agility, and the slim tyres optimise its dealing with capabilities.
Wheel journey Entrance: 120 mm
Wheel journey Rear: 133 mm
Caster (Rake angle): 24.4°
Path: 93 mm
Steering angle (left/proper): 35° / 35°
Tyre entrance 100/80-17M/C 52S
Tyre rear: 130/70-17M/C 62S
Brakes entrance sort: Single ø290 mm disc (Efficient diameter: ø263 mm)
Caliper: Twin-piston
Brakes rear sort Sort: Single ø220 mm disc (Efficient diameter: ø193 mm)
Caliper: Twin-piston
TFT Color Instrumentation
The Z e-1 makes use of a high-grade full color TFT show for max visibility. The background hue may be manually switched between white and black, or it is going to alter itself to the given degree of lighting. You can even set the brightness ranges at two completely different intensities.
Smartphone Connectivity
Various instrument capabilities may be accessed utilizing the smartphone software “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE”. Bluetooth know-how allows riders to hook up with their bike wirelessly. Various capabilities can be found:
Automobile data
Driving log
Phone notices
Tuning – Normal settings
Communication (Sharing)
Statistics
Upkeep log
Worth
The 8,439 EUR you spend on this electrical bike can be value it — this Z e-1 comes with a spread of sensible options, together with ABS, riders connectivity, a 4-year guarantee and entry to an area seller community that gives skilled providers after buy. Not many startups grant these benefits when their motorbikes are purchased on-line. If you’d like a extra “sporty” look, the Ninja e-1 with a fullfairing bodywork prices 9,039 EUR.
Creator: Man Salens | Photos ©Thierry Dricot & KawasakiThx to Deschouwer 2.0 for all the nice and cozy coffees :))
