Kawasaki started researching a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine for motorcycles last year. Recently, Kawasaki conducted a trial of such a prototype bike based on the Ninja H2 SX at Suzuka Circuit. And now, it became the world’s first mass-production motorcycle manufacturer to do so.
The Japanese automaker’s goal is to launch a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that is commercially feasible by 2030.
The prototype features a hydrogen engine adapted from Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX’s 998cc, inline-four-cylinder, supercharged motor. However, rather than relying on fossil fuels, the engine uses hydrogen for combustion.
Generally, the typical ICE engines emit harmful gases. However, the engine underwent significant modifications, enabling direct injection of hydrogen into the cylinders. The primary exhaust from the hydrogen ICR engine consists of water, released as moist air from the exhaust pipes.
Riders can experience the engine’s rumble and vibrations directly. Furthermore, the bike will have its presence felt on the road without relying on artificial engine noises through onboard speakers. Kawasaki states that the process involves burning a small amount of engine oil, with water being the only emission produced.
According to Kawasaki, the chassis has been structured to integrate the hydrogen tanks and the onboard fuel supply system. Moreover, Kawasaki claims that hydrogen burns more rapidly over a wider range of temperatures, resulting in enhanced responsiveness.
While Kawasaki has not disclosed the exact specifications, the supercharged engine in the Ninja H2 SX produces 210bhp and 137Nm of torque.
Satoaki Ichi, Kawasaki’s Project Leader, told MCN that:
“We are still at the basic research stage. We have finally reached the point where we can conduct riding tests on a two-wheeled vehicle. Stay tuned for more about this environmentally friendly future motorcycle.”
Kawasaki aims to launch hydrogen-powered ICE motorcycles by the early 2030s to promote sustainable mobility. The hydrogen mobility effort falls under the Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology (HySE). It is a collaborative project involving Japanese manufacturers, including Kawasaki, Toyota, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
