Is There a Hybrid Motorcycle?

The world of motorcycles is undergoing rapid change. For years, the only choices for riders were between gas bikes and electric bikes. Gas bikes offer power and long range, but they harm the environment and the planet. Electric bikes are clean, but they have a short range and long charging times. Now, there’s a new option, hybrid motorcycles. These bikes are a combination of the best of both worlds.

Is there a hybrid motorcycle? Yes, hybrid motorcycles do exist, and they are here to stay. Major brands, such as Kawasaki and Yamaha, have been at the forefront of this. They have got bikes that run on both gas and electricity. This new tech offers new hope to riders who want clean transport but don’t want to sacrifice range or power.

A hybrid motorcycle operates similarly to a hybrid car. It has both a gas engine and an electric motor. The two power sources work in union to propel the bike. A smart computer system determines when to operate on gas, when to operate on electricity, or when to operate on both.

The electric motor assists on city rides and when riding at low speeds. The gas engine takes over for highway speeds and long trips. This setup provides you with clean, quiet power in town and good performance on the highway.

Hybrid motorcycles cannot be plugged into the wall like some cars. Instead, they power their battery, using the gas engine, or whenever they brake. This system is known as regenerative braking. It takes energy that would be lost when you slow down.

Kawasaki made history with the introduction of the Ninja 7 Hybrid. It is the world’s first strong hybrid motorcycle. This bike features a 451 cc ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) engine, paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce 68.5 hp of horsepower and 59.93 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm.

Let’s talk about the technology the Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS possesses:

• Button Shift:A simple button shifter to shift between gears located on the left handle.

• Automated Manual Transmission: This system includes both fully automatic and manual transmission modes.

• E-Boost: A unique system allowing riders to activate stronger power, acceleration, and top speed.

• Idling Stop: The bike switches off the engine when it comes to a stop to ensure better fuel economy.

• Walk Mode With Reverse: To maneuver easily in parking lots, the bike starts moving at walking speed. It also features the reverse mode to easily move the bike in reverse.

The Ninja 7 Hybrid offers 3 Riding Modes:

• Sport Mode: Both engines are used for maximum power.

• Eco Mode: Concentrate on fuel savings with auto gear shifts.

• EV Mode: Pure electric for quiet rides and short-distance rides.

Another nice feature is the E-boost. Press the button, and it is as powerful as a 1,000 cc sport bike.

The Fuel Economy of the Ninja 7 Hybrid is great, too. It ensures a fuel mileage of around 64 mpg in Eco Mode. This is what is common in most small bikes. It has a wet weight of 502.7 lbs, which makes it heavier than a standard sport bike as a result of the battery.

The Z7 Hybrid has the same tech as the Ninja 7 Hybrid. It has the same engine and electric motor combination of 451 cc. The only difference is styling. The Z7 does not have a sport bike sibling; it looks more like a naked street bike.

Like its sports bike sibling, the Z7 Hybrid provides three ride modes and E-boost. It has the same automated manual transmission activated through the push button. This naked hybrid bike can be powered by electricity only for short trips around town.

Both Kawasaki hybrids are equipped with a 48 V lithium-ion, 1.37 kWh battery pack. This provides around 7-10 miles (11-16 km) of electric-only range at speeds of less than 40 mph (64 km/h). The battery is mounted under the seat, and it doesn’t occupy a lot of space.

Yamaha unveiled their MT-09 SPHEV Hybrid Concept for the year 2025. The SPHEV is the abbreviation of Series-Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This bike is still in the testing phase and not available for purchase.

The MT-09 Hybrid retains the legendary 890 cc Inline Triple engine of the standard MT-09. But it also incorporates an electric motor for additional power and efficiency. The bike is able to ride solely on electric power up to around 35 mph. Afterwards, the gas engine is started.

Unlike the Kawasaki Hybrid motorcycles, this Yamaha MT-09 SPHEV Hybrid Concept can plug into the wall for charging. This makes it a plug-in hybrid bike. The charging port is underneath the rear seat. A small display on the handlebars indicates the remaining amount of battery charge.

Hybrid motorcycles have two types of power systems. The most common is known as a parallel hybrid. In this configuration, the gas engine and electric motor are both capable of spinning the rear wheel. They can be individually or collaboratively developed.

The other type is a series hybrid. In it, only the electric motor is responsible for moving the bike. The engine simply generates electricity to charge the battery or drive the motor directly. This allows the gas engine to run at maximum efficient speed at all times.

The Kawasaki bikes are powered by a parallel hybrid system. The electric motor is behind the gas engine and is connected to the same transmission. This setup provides smooth power delivery and satisfying fuel economy.

Most hybrid motorcycles have various riding modes. These let you choose the way that the two power sources work together. Sport mode gives max power. Eco mode saves fuel. EV mode uses electric power only for quiet and clean riding.

Hybrid bikes are economical in gas consumption compared to traditional bikes. The Kawasaki Hybrids achieve a mileage of 64 mpg. This is a lot better than most 600 cc or 650 cc bikes that get around 50-55 mpg. The electric motor is used to assist the gas engine in performing its job more efficiently.

These bikes are less polluting of the environment than normal bikes. The electric motor reduces harmful gases, especially in stop-and-go traffic. In Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, they emit zero emissions. This helps to keep the air in the city cleaner.

Electric motors provide power instantly. There’s no lag as you find with gas engines. This gives hybrid motorbikes a feel of being quick and responsive in traffic. The E-boost feature on Kawasaki bikes provides greater power and acceleration from a standstill.

When running on electric power, hybrid motorbikes are almost silent. This is great for early morning or night trips through neighborhoods. You will not wake up the neighborhood or bother the wildlife.

Unlike pure electric bikes, hybrids don’t have range anxiety. When the battery runs low, the gas engine keeps you going. You can ride as far as a tank of gas will take you. Most hybrid motorcycles have normal-sized gas tanks.

Hybrid bikes are more expensive than regular bikes. The Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid starts for $12,499. This is about $4,900 more than the regular Ninja 650. The complicated hybrid system adds to the cost.

The battery pack does make hybrid bikes heavier. The Kawasaki Hybrid bikes are about 80 lbs heavier than similar gas bikes. This can have an impact on handling and make the bike more difficult to move around when parked.

There are more parts that can break on a hybrid motorbike. The hybrid system requires special tools and training to repair. This may lead to increased repair costs and fewer shops that can fix them.

As of now, there aren’t a whole lot of hybrid motorbike models to choose from. Only Kawasaki has so far produced hybrid bikes that are available for purchase today. Some of the other brands are still in the process of testing their hybrid concepts. This is limiting options in terms of riding styles and budgets.

Hybrid motorcycles are between gas and electric bikes. Gas bikes have a long range and quick refueling, but they contribute a lot to pollution. Electric bikes are clear and quiet, but they have a short range and slow charging.

Hybrid motorbikes offer you the best of both. You get the clean, quiet ride with electric power in town. In addition, you get the long range and quick refueling of gas power for trips. The bike will select the most appropriate power source given the circumstances.

Pure electric bikes are ideal for short trips. But they are not great for long trips or places that don’t have charging stations. Gas bikes are still suitable for touring and long-distance riding. Meanwhile, hybrid motorcycles are the perfect transition if riders prefer both good range and cleaner operation.

While we are talking about motorcycles, there are hybrid scooters as well. These scooters are based on the same general hybrid concept. They are a combination of electric and gas power for riding within the city.

The Honda PCX Hybrid and the Yamaha Fascino 125 Hybrid are popular hybrid scooters. These scooters are sold mostly in Asian and European markets. They are excellent for commuting in the city, but are not powerful enough for long-distance highway riding like hybrid motorcycles.

The engines on hybrid scooters are typically small, usually ranging from 110 cc to 125 cc. For urban transport, they are concerned with fuel saving and low emissions. The hybrid is great for getting them amazing gas mileage, typically over 100 mpg.

The hybrid motorbike market is likely to grow. Experts believe it will be around $8.6 billion by 2032. As rules become tighter on emissions, more brands will be seen producing bikes.

Governments everywhere want cleaner transport. They are also providing tax incentives and other benefits for hybrid and electric cars. This makes hybrid motorcycles more desirable to buyers.

Hybrids are working well with the better battery technology. New batteries are quicker to charge. They are also lighter and longer-lasting. This will help to make future hybrid motorcycles lighter and more efficient.

More hybrid options will probably be available in the near future. Honda, Yamaha, and other big names are all working on hybrid bike models. There will be more choices for riders in the various engine sizes and styles.

Hybrid motorcycles make sense for some riders at present. They are ideal if you ride mostly around the city, but occasionally make longer trips. The hybrid system is economical in traffic and provides clean, silent power in town.

These bikes are ideal for commuters who are concerned about the environment. You will consume less gas and produce less pollution than a standard bike. The instant torque from the electric motor makes city riding fun as well.

But hybrids aren’t for everybody. If you are mostly riding on highways or going on long tours, then a regular gas bike may be more suitable. For such a type of riding, the added weight and expense of the hybrid bike system may not be justified.

Thus, sport riders may not be familiar with the feeling of the hybrid system. The current hybrids have an automatic transmission that alters the riding experience. Some riders prefer the direct clutch and manual gear shifting.

Hybrid motorcycles are real, and they are available in the market. However, there are only two currently in production by Kawasaki. Brands like Kawasaki have demonstrated that the hybrid technology is practical and it works. These machines provide an intelligent halfway between gas and electric power.

The advantages are obvious: improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, instant acceleration, and no range anxiety. Yes, they are more expensive and heavier than normal bikes. But for many riders, the benefits are worth the downsides.

As more brands get involved in the hybrid game, we will have more options and better prices. The technology will also continue to advance. Hybrid motorcycles are the future of clean and efficient riding without any compromise.

Whether you choose to buy a sport Ninja 7 Hybrid or you prefer other brands to release their hybrid models, one thing is sure. Hybrid motorcycles do exist, and they are here to stay. These bikes demonstrate that you don’t have to make a trade-off between performance and the environment. You can have both.