On July 20, 2024, Kawasaki conducted its first public test of a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle at the Suzuka 8 Hours race. While the demonstration is a great first start in this new technology, we won’t be seeing them on the road for a while. The company has stated they are currently conducting research and development with the aim of providing a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle as an option for riders in early 2030s.
Kawasaki showcased their hydrogen-fueled engine at the Dakar rally earlier this year in a four-wheeler, but Suzuka is the first time it is shown on a two wheel vehicle.
Mounted in the machine is a hydrogen engine based on the 998 cm3 In-Line Four Supercharged Engine found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 motorcycle, with modifications made to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. The motorcycle’s chassis was designed to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.
Hydrogen ICE motorcycles run on hydrogen combustion, producing the rumble and pulsating sensation that riders enjoy when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water.
Kawasaki is part of the HySE research association along with Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Toyota. Together these companies are working to develop hydrogen-combustion engines for small vehicles.
One of the most challenging factors to the commercialization of the bike is the distribution and manufacturing of hydrogen. There are few hydrogen filling stations in most areas, but Kawasaki is being proactive on looking for options to meet their goal of an early 2030 distribution.