- Kawasaki has introduced a hydrogen-powered motorcycle in Japan.
- The prototype features a modified engine that runs on hydrogen instead of gasoline.
- Kawasaki aims to offer a “hydrogen ICE” motorcycle early next decade.
Kawasaki has unveiled a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that promises the benefits of a traditional bike with far less emissions.
Based on the Ninja H2, the motorcycle has a supercharged 1.0-liter (998 cc) four-cylinder engine that has been modified to run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. Hydrogen is injected directly into the cylinders as the bike operates on a traditional combustion process.
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The engine isn’t the only change as the motorcycle has been outfitted with hydrogen fuel canisters as well as an on-board “hydrogen fuel supply system.” These components have apparently been placed out back and have been designed to look like hard saddlebags.
Kawasaki recently staged the “world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer” at Suzuka Circuit during the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race. It was the culmination of months of work as the project began in March of 2023 and gave way to test runs earlier this year.
The company said the resulting bike delivers the “rumble and pulsating sensation that riders love when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water and a very small amount of CO2.” On top of that, the bike could avoid the limited ranges and long recharging times that hamper electric motorcycles.
While the bike is a prototype, Kawasaki has plans to put a hydrogen-powered motorcycle into production “beginning in the early 2030s.” However, the company cautioned that timing and availability “may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.”
