Welcome to the Future: The Electric Roar of the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 & Z e-1!

So, here we are, on the brink of the future, with Kawasaki’s latest electric masterpieces, the 2024 Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. Before we dive into the specs, let me assure you, I've been around long enough to tell the real deal from a fluke. But I’m not always right and my results are like every teenager’s bedroom - a mixed bag.

First impressions? Well, if you thought electric motorcycles would be all futuristic, Tron-esque things, Kawasaki's decided to burst that bubble. Stylistically, both bikes look like their gas-guzzling ancestors, only... quieter. They're powered by a 5 kilowatt (6.7 horsepower, for the American in you) electric motor. Peak? That’s 9 kW (or about 12 ponies). So…despite looking like they could do some serious riding, both bikes actually are more city-bound commuters. Kawasaki is not jumping into the deep end, it’s gingerly trying to dip its toes in the EV pool.

Now, electric aficionados might point out the lack of a clutch. For decades, we've had the roar of a motorbike and the tactile joy of shifting gears. Now? Silence and simplicity. Perhaps it's progress. Or perhaps it’s the universe's way of saying, “Take it easy, old-timer!”

Battery talk – we’re looking at removable 30 amp-hour packs. Full charge? About 3.7 hours (better than waiting in line for your morning coffee). And, you can charge these puppies three ways - plug the bike directly into the household outlet, take the battery out and plug it in or put it on its dedicated docking station . Handy, if you ask me. Oh, and remember those days when electric vehicles would give you range anxiety? Kawasaki promises 41 miles on a single charge. But, we all know real-life figures can be a tad different. Hills, winds, and your desire to rev the motor will all play their role.

Dimensionally, the two bikes play a little "Who's taller and who’s heavier" game. The Ninja e-1 comes in at a slightly heavier 308.7 pounds and stands 43.5 inches tall. Z e-1? She’s 297.7 pounds and a shorter 40.7 inches. Guess the Ninja’s been having too many electric cookies. Let's not even get started on the steel trellis frame, 41mm telescopic front fork, the adjustable rear, or the ABS brakes. Sounds all fancy and road-ready!

Kawasaki throws in two riding modes. Eco, for those “save-the-world” days, caps you at 36 mph. Road mode? It lets you venture out at 51 mph. But if you want to feel the wind in your hair (under your helmet), the e-Boost cranks it up a notch, pushing the boundaries to 59 mph in Road mode. But mind you, it’s like a sugar rush, lasts just 15 seconds. After which, it's back to the mundane reality.

And for the walking enthusiasts, Kawasaki’s got a “Walk Mode”. Move forward at a stately 3 mph or reverse at 1.8 mph, just in case you fancy walking alongside your bike rather than riding it. Odd? Absolutely. Useful? Probably!

Both bikes boast a 4.3-inch TFT color display, which, to be honest, sounds a lot like my old TV. And they've also thrown in a trunk, I mean, "frunk" - because where else would you keep your U-lock?

And what's the hit to your pocket? The 2024 Ninja e-1 starts at $7,599, and the Z e-1 shaves off a few dollars, starting at $7,299. If you're eager, Kawasaki’s taking orders until the end of November 2023. 

So, will the electric roar (or a whine?) of these bikes replace the beloved hum of old-school motorcycles? Ask me again in a few years. Until then, happy (and quiet) riding!