Spy shots of Kawasaki’s first production electric motorcycles have surfaced on the internet, hinting at an imminent global debut. The Kawasaki Z e-1 and the Ninja e-1 e-motorcycles are identical to their fuel-sipping siblings, and will likely pack the performance of a 125cc motorcycle. 

The Ninja e-1 borrows its design cues from the Ninja 400, and features the same aggressive fascia with indicators integrated into the fairing. But there are some subtle differences like the shape of the “tank” and alloy wheels. The latter seems to be straight off the Ninja 300.  

Meanwhile the Z e-1 has been styled after the Z 400. It gets the same headlight and body panels as the 400cc streetfighter. And just like the Ninja EV, this one too gets a smaller fuel tank… for obvious reasons.  

Bits like the disc brakes and box-section swingarm appear to be borrowed from other Kawasaki bikes. The tyres on both the electric motorcycles are IRC units, once seen on the India-spec Ninja 300. Now, details about the powertrain aren’t out yet, but from what we know so far, these puny, silent machines may pack some serious punch. 

Last year, Kawasaki filed a patent for ‘e-boost’, which we thought would be a tech for its electric and hybrid vehicles. And these images have shed some light on what this could be. The switchgear has an ‘e-boost’ button which gives a short burst of additional performance. There will also be a ‘walk mode’. But what makes things all the more interesting is the provision to have a second battery pack for more range. 

According to the type-approval documents Kawasaki filed in Australia, the bikes pack 9kW of continuous power or about 12.22PS which, for reference, is as much as the Yamaha FZ Version 4.0. Now, that may not seem much, but considering that the Kwacker’s torque would be at the rider’s disposal right from the get-go, it should result in a more engaging ride. And to make things even more fun, the Z e-1 and the Ninja e-1 tip the scales at just 135kg and 140kg, respectively. 

Now, will these little electric Kwackers make it to India? It is unlikely that Kawasaki would bring its EVs here, given the current state of the charging infrastructure. But for anyone looking for a serious, sporty electric bike, the Ultraviolette F77 shouldn’t disappoint.