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Kawasaki Ninja: First Hybrid Production Model Motorcycle

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Kawasaki claims the first strong hybrid motorcycle to enter mass production

Just after the brand announced its first electric motorcycles they have introduced the first hybrid motorcycle. Unlike the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid aims to be more than an urban commuter or entry-level motorcycle.

Kawasaki declares the Ninja 7 Hybrid is the first mass produced motorcycle (excluding scooters) from a major manufacturer with a “strong hybrid” system. This means it can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of the two.

Despite the 7 in its model name, the Ninja 7 Hybrid is to be equipped with a liquid-cooled 451cc Parallel-Twin. Kawasaki hasn’t provided more details about it. Kawasaki claims the engine produces 58.3 hp, which is actually more than the Eliminator produces. Supplied photos of the TFT display show an indicated max speed of 11,000 rpm.

When using an electric motor it increases output to a possible 68.5 hp of hybrid net power. This puts the Ninja 7 Hybrid slightly ahead of the Ninja 650 and Z650 which claim 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm.

Sport-hybrid, Eco-hybrid, or EV are the three riding modes which will provide different riding characteristics, offering a focus between performance or fuel economy. Fuel economy is expected to be on par with a 250cc class motorcycle.

Other unique aspects are its clutch and idling features along with an Automatic Launch Position Finder function.

The Kawasaki Ninja 7 would likely be presented in silver and black colors with a lime green lower fairing, and is expected to arrive in European showrooms in January. U.S. availability remains to be determined.

Watch the Kawasaki announcement video:

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Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, And Yamaha Join Forces On Hydrogen Bikes

By General Posts

with inputs by Janaki Jitchotvisut from www.MSN.com

Japan’s Big Four motorcycle manufacturers will conduct research and development together.

May 17, 2023, Japan’s Big Four motorcycle manufacturers announced their brave new plan to co-operate on development of hydrogen-powered motorcycle engines. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha executives gathered together at a Tokyo press conference with the surprise announcement of formation of HySE — which stands for “Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology.”

Additionally, apart from these four biggest Japanese moto manufacturers, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation will also join HySE as special members. Having the latter two companies on board is significant as they have independently advanced their own hydrogen-powered research in their respective fields.

While HySE will focus on motorcycle engines, they plan to develop other hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility needs, as well.

The unrivalled HySE organization jointly announced a plan to pursue research and development in three main areas, with responsibilities for each divided among the four OEMs as follows:

  • Research on hydrogen-powered engines (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki Motors)
  • Study on hydrogen refuelling system (Yamaha)
  • Study on fuel supply system (Kawasaki Motors)

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What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

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by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

Following the Jan. 18 announcement, Motorcycle.com has secured a copy of the X350RA’s official owner’s manual, plus a single image of the model, with clear proof it is intended for use for Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. We’ve also briefly got a look at the official parts catalog, confirming some of the differences between X350 and X350RA.

The image above briefly appeared on Harley-Davidson’s Service Information Portal, showing a roadster with neutral riding ergonomics and, tellingly, bright orange bars bolted on to either side of the radiator.

The owner’s manual includes an illustration of the X350RA from the rider’s perspective, and it offers another view of the radiator guards. The added protection further confirms our suspicions that the “RA” version of the X350 is intended for the Riding Academy.

The owner’s manual further confirms some specifications of the X350RA. The bike is powered by an eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine displacing 353cc. The engine isn’t entirely new but a larger version of the engine employed by the QJ-built Benelli 302S. The X350’s 45.2 mm stroke is the same as the Benelli’s, but its 70.5 mm cylinder bore is larger than the 302S’ 65.0 mm. The X350’s 11.9:1 compression ratio is just slightly off the 12:1 ratio of the Benelli 302S.

The X350 reportedly claims an output of 36 hp, but the Harley-Davidson VIN information confirms the X350RA will only claim 23 hp. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board further confirms that the RA model has been restricted, as it certifies the X350 and X350RA alongside a “derating removed” version of the RA which would presumably offer its full power output.

The owner’s manual further confirms the X350RA will have a circular instrument module with an analog speedometer and a small digital screen displaying mileage, time or engine speed.

The manual provides instructions for adjusting the damping on the inverted fork and rear shock. Also present are ABS and dual petal-shaped disc brakes, which is a bit of a surprise as many of Harley-Davidson’s larger, more powerful models still only use a single front disc brake.

The X350RA runs on 17-inch wheels, front and back. Pirelli supplies its Angel CT tires with a 110/70-17 up front and a 150/60-17 at the rear. From the parts catalog, we can confirm the non-RA model will have larger tires, with a 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear.

According to the owner’s manual, the X350RA claims a running weight of 440 pounds,with its 3.6-gallon fuel tank at 90% capacity. We expect the non-RA model to come in a bit lighter as it lacks the protective bars. The X350RA also has a 55.5-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 30-inch seat height.

We don’t expect to have much longer to wait before Harley-Davidson officially announces the X350 and X350RA. While we thought there was a chance it would have been part of the Jan. 18 announcement, we can see how a small-displacement Chinese-manufactured Riding Academy model would stick out in an event focused on Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary. Harley-Davidson likely has a coordinated launch plan with Qianjiang for both the X350 and X350RA

Harley-Davidson’s 2022 Models Revealed

By General Posts

Plus, All-New Models to be shown January 26 World Premiere Event

  • 2022 Model Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Revealed And Arriving At Worldwide Dealerships
  • Additional All-New Models to be introduced January 26 in World Premiere Event

MILWAUKEE, WI (January 5, 2022) – Harley-Davidson today revealed a portion of its 2022 motorcycle line and announced these bikes are arriving at authorized US Harley-Davidson dealerships starting now and at dealers around the world in the coming weeks, with additional new motorcycle models to be unveiled later this month.

The limited-production 2022 models from Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™) and more new Harley-Davidson motorcycle models will be revealed during the “Further. Faster.” World Premiere Event on January 26 at 10:00 a.m. CST.

To take part in the January 26th “Further. Faster.” World Premiere Event, register at H-D.com/22.

CLICK HERE To Read and View the 2022 Models & their Features in:

  • Sport Category
  • Adventure Touring Category
  • Cruiser Category
  • Grand American Touring Category
  • Trike Category

CLICK HERE FOR Full Article at Bikernet.com

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Harley-Davidson Acquires Company That Makes Electric Bikes for Kids

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Harley-Davidson is trying to attract a new generation of riders at a very young age. The iconic motorcycle company announced Tuesday that it was buying StaCyc, which makes two-wheel electric bikes for kids.

StaCyc has two models — the 12eDrive and 16eDrive — that the company describes as “the perfect choice for little rippers” between the ages of 3 and 7.

The bikes have a top speed of about 10 miles per hour and sell for a range of $649 to $699.

Harley-Davidson said in a statement that Harley-Davidson branded versions of StaCyc’s two models will be available at select Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States in the third quarter of 2019.

“The StaCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere,” said Heather Malenshek, Harley-Davidson senior vice president of marketing and brand, in the statement.

Harley-Davidson is increasing its bets on electric vehicles as sales of traditional bikes slow.

The company has already announced plans to launch the LiveWire premium electric motorcycle this fall. It is also developing other electric bikes that it plans to start selling in 2021.

Harley-Davidson needs new growth opportunities as the company struggles to deal with tariffs from the Trump administration that have hurt earnings.

Sales and profits are expected to fall this year and revenue is only expected to rebound slightly in 2020.

Shares of Harley-Davidson have rallied this year with the rest of the market, rising 10% so far in 2019. But the stock is trading nearly 20% below its 52-week high.