World Premiere Z7 Hybrid, Ninja 500, Z500 and New-Color Ninja 40th Anniversary Models On Display at EICMA

At EICMA 2023*¹ held on the outskirts of Milan, Italy from November 9 through 12, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. unveiled the world premiere Z7 Hybrid, Ninja 500, and Z500, in addition to two Ninja 40th Anniversary models with new color and graphics, following the ZXR-inspired Ninja 40th Anniversary models announced in late October.

Exhibited at the show were the Z7 Hybrid and Ninja 7 Hybrid, the world's first*² strong hybrid*³ motorcycles, and the Z e-1 and Ninja e-1, Kawasaki's first electric motorcycles—models that are part of the policy toward achieving carbon neutrality*⁴ that Kawasaki announced in November 2022. Through these and other models and services that meet the needs of customers and society, Kawasaki aims to further strengthen the Kawasaki brand as it pursues all possibilities.

Overview of Models on Display

■ Z7 Hybrid

Following the full-fairing Ninja 7 Hybrid announced in October of this year, the supernaked Z7 Hybrid becomes the second strong hybrid motorcycle model ever released. It features a 451 cm³ liquid-cooled, Parallel Twin engine with a traction motor and large-capacity battery. It is equipped with a 6-speed buttonshift transmission, three drive modes (SPORT-HYBRID, ECO-HYBRID, and EV), and a number of never-before-seen advanced features made possible by having a traction motor. Blending the sharp, powerful design of the Supernaked Z series with the sleek, luxurious image of Kawasaki’s new hybrid models results in aggressive yet clean styling. A perfect combination of environmental-friendliness and exciting performance, this is a next-generation Kawasaki Supernaked model.

Z7 Hybrid

■ Ninja 500

The Ninja 500 is the latest addition to the Ninja family, fitting into the new class of 500cc lightweight machines. The newly designed 451 cm3 liquid-cooled, Parallel Twin engine delivers well-balanced power and strong acceleration throughout the rev range. It is packaged in a slim, lightweight, 250cc-based frame, making it an all-around machine that a wide range of riders can enjoy, especially in day-to-day riding.

A newly designed front cowl, centred around compact, dual headlights, presents an aggressive and high-quality look. The styling is inspired by Kawasaki's participation at the forefront of international road racing, including in the Superbike World Championship and others, making it instantly recognizable as a member of the Ninja family.

Ninja 500

■ Z500

Newly added to the Z series is the Z500, a 500cc class Supernaked model. While sharing the same basic engine and frame design as the Ninja 500, the new Z500 has wider handlebars and a more upright riding position. This gives the rider active control of the machine for an exciting, sporty riding experience. Its design is a direct reflection of Kawasaki’s Sugomi*⁵ Supernaked design philosophy. The centrepiece of the front end is a newly designed triple headlight unit, while compact, flowing bodywork expresses a sharper, more aggressive new Z styling.

Z500

■ Ninja 1000SX 40th Anniversary Edition, Ninja 650 40th Anniversary Edition

The Ninja 1000SX sport tourer model and Ninja 650 all-round sport model adopt the red, black, and silver colors made famous by the Ninja/GPZ series of the past. The two-tone Firecracker Red and Ebony colors with silver stripes first appeared on the 1985 Kawasaki Ninja (GPZ900R) and was subsequently used on various Ninja/GPZ models throughout the 1980s. The colors became a symbol of high-performance models of the time. The Ninja and Kawasaki logos have been faithfully reproduced from their original designs, while on top of the fuel tank is a gold-toned 40th anniversary emblem designed in the style of a championship sticker—a fitting tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Ninja's birth.

Ninja 1000SX 40th Anniversary Edition

Ninja 650 40th Anniversary Edition