Kawasaki demo hydrogen-burning motorbike

Kawasaki Motors of Japan publicly demonstrated a hydrogen internal combustion engine motorcycle at Suzuka Circuit, featuring a 998 cm³ In-Line Four Supercharged Engine modified for hydrogen fuel.

From Kawasaki 28/07/24 (released 22/07)

Kawasaki hydrogen ICE motorcycle riding at Autopolis Circuit, Japan. Credit: Kawasaki

On July 20, Kawasaki Motors, a member of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, conducted the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle (by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer) at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

The hydrogen ICE motorcycle was designed and built as part of research that began in March 2023.

Test runs started this year, culminating in this public demonstration run.

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.

Kawasaki hydrogen ICE motorcycle demo’d to public at Suzuka Circuit, Japan. Credit: Kawasaki

Hydrogen ICE motorcycles run on hydrogen combustion, producing the rumble and pulsating sensation that riders enjoy when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water.

As part of their carbon neutral initiative, Kawasaki Motors is currently conducting research and development with the aim of realizing a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle as one carbon-neutral option for riders in the early 2030s.

Kawasaki Motors is a full member of HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology), a research association focused on hydrogen technology that is actively conducting basic research on hydrogen engines, hydrogen filling systems, and fuel supply systems in order to produce hydrogen-powered small mobility vehicles, including motorcycles.

In order to further strengthen the Kawasaki brand, Kawasaki Motors will provide products and services that meet the needs of our customers and society, including efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality, as we challenge ourselves to examine all possibilities in pursuit of the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches.

Kawasaki hydrogen ICE motorcycle riding at Autopolis Circuit, Japan. Video released 22 Jul 2024. Credit: Kawasaki