The US has officially received the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 and Z7 hybrids.

For those anticipating Kawasaki's foray into electrification and alternative power sources, 2023 was a significant year. It marked the unveiling of the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 for the first time by Team Green. Shortly after, the Ninja 7 HEV and later the Z7 HEV were revealed at EICMA. Towards the end of the year, Kawasaki showcased its first hydrogen motorcycle concept, adding the finishing touch to its alternative power lineup.

While the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 are intriguing as technological exercises, their limited range, speed, and charging capabilities make them less desirable for riders with specific needs and locations. Those with long commutes or who frequently travel at high speeds on highways may not find these bikes suitable.

This is where Kawasaki's strong hybrids come into play. The 2024 Ninja 7 HEV and Z7 HEV feature a hybrid powerplant that combines a 451cc combustion engine with a small electric motor for low-speed maneuvers. As with all Ninjas and Z bikes, riders can choose between fully-faired or naked styling, although the Z7 has a more covered design compared to other Z models.

While the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 were announced early on for release in the US, Kawasaki waited until January 2024 to officially announce the 2024 Ninja 7 HEV and Z7 HEV for the American market. We appreciate this decision as these models appear to be well-suited for a wider range of riders and geographic locations due to their powertrain capabilities.

Price is often a major obstacle for many electric vehicles. The 2024 Ninja 7 HEV and Z7 HEV are not fully electric but fall into their own category, with no other manufacturer currently producing bikes like them. So, what does this mean for pricing?

While Kawasaki will sell both models in various markets worldwide, the US MSRP for 2024 is $12,499 for each bike.

Similar to the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, both HEV models feature Kawasaki's new Walk Mode with Reverse, which aids in low-speed parking maneuvers. This useful feature is also found on electric motorcycles from other manufacturers and should be well-received here, depending on its implementation.

For comparison, the US pricing for the Ninja e-1 starts at $7,899, while the Z e-1 has a US MSRP of $7,599.