Success With Ninja 7 And Z7, Kawasaki Wants To Present Hybrid Version Of Eliminators And Versys

Kawasaki Eliminator 500. (Doc. Kawasaki)

JAKARTA - Kawasaki plans to expand its hybrid model after successfully launching Ninja 7 and Z7. According to the latest patent filing, the manufacturer is preparing a hybrid version of Versys and Eliminator.

Launching from BikeWale, Tuesday, June 4, the challenge of manufacturers in embedding hybrid technology in two-wheeled vehicles is to adjust the combination of ICE machines, fuel tanks, electric motors, and batteries to a compact motorcycle.

Kawasaki managed to answer the challenge by placing the battery pack under the seat. Even though the design is functional, this bike has a size that is quite large. How about Versys and Eliminator?

Based on leaked patent images, Kawasaki will overcome this by moving the battery onto the engine, thus emptying the room under the seat for a more traditional design on the Versys and Eliminator.

Thus, the Eliminator model gets a lower look at the crudeer motor. Meanwhile, Versys also has an advantage in this configuration by increasing the long-travel suspension.

Further patent applications reveal that Kawasaki will complement hybrid Eliminators with two fuel tanks on either side of the battery for wider positions and low centers of gravity. Meanwhile, Versys hybrid will use a single, wider fuel tank that will wrap the battery.

Although the specifications have not been disclosed, it is likely that Kawasaki will use the same powertrain as Ninja 7 and Z7 on Eliminator and Versys. Thus, both will use a 451 cc parallel-twin engine combined with an electric motor that produces 67 dk of power and 60 Nm of torque.