As the automotive world is gradually moving towards electric motors, Kawasaki is breaking new ground in internal combustion technology with a hydrogen-powered motorcycle based on the supercharged Ninja H2 – yes, an H2 with an H2 engine!
Most hydrogen-powered cars on the market or in development use compressed gas in a fuel cell to generate electricity, which then powers an electric motor for propulsion. But this new Kawi burns hydrogen internally just like a gasoline engine.
The groundbreaking machine was paraded before spectators at the Suzuka 8 Hours FIM World Endurance race a few days ago. It was the first time in the world that an ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle running on hydrogen has been shown to the public, at least one that has been created by a mass-production manufacturer.
“The hydrogen engine produces power just like a conventional gasoline engine,” said Satoaki Ichi, who heads the bike project. “Hydrogen burns faster and over a wider range of conditions than gasoline, which makes for a more responsive feel than ever before.”
Kawasaki began development of the bike in March 2023, using the 998cc turbocharged inline-four found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2, but modified to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. It works by burning hydrogen, so it retains the familiar internal combustion feel when you twist the throttle, as you’ll hear in the video above.
Related: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Review
The result of burning hydrogen is water vapor and virtually no carbon dioxide, making the system largely carbon neutral. Kawasaki Motors Ltd., a member of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, is conducting R&D with the goal of producing hydrogen-powered ICE motorcycles in the early 2030s.
Kawasaki is a member of HySE (Hydrogen Small Engine & Mobility Technology), an association focused on research into hydrogen combustion technology, from engines to fueling and charging systems. Members include four major Japanese motorcycle companies and Toyota.
Using hydrogen as a fuel has clear emissions advantages, but widespread adoption will be hampered by the extremely limited infrastructure to get hydrogen into motor vehicles. Transporting and storing hydrogen requires special facilities that are expensive to set up.
Kawasaki notes that “Timings and availability may vary depending on hydrogen fueling infrastructure and regulatory status in each country.”
Kawasaki is clearly committed to replacing traditional gas-powered internal combustion engines. In 2023, Kawasaki announced two all-electric motorcycles, Ninja e-1 ABS and Z e-1 ABSAnd in January, Kawasaki unveiled two hybrid motorcycles, Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS and Z7 Hybrid ABScombines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and can run on either power source independently or on both sources simultaneously.
