On July 20, Kawasaki Motors, part of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, conducted the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen-powered ICE internal combustion engine at the Suzuka Circuit.
The hydrogen ICE motorcycle was designed and built as part of a research project that began in March 2023, with test runs beginning this year, culminating in a public demonstration run during the Suzuka 8 Hours race weekend, the most important race of the year for Japanese manufacturers.
Last year, during the same Coca Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, the very first electric (EV) Kawasaki made its debut, this year the HySE made its premiere. The beating heart of the hydrogen engine is the 998 cc supercharged four-in-line of the Ninja H2 (and H2 SX and Z H2), with modifications to enable direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders.
The bike’s chassis was designed to accommodate hydrogen tanks and an onboard hydrogen supply system. Hydrogen ICE engines run on hydrogen combustion, which produces a rumbling, pulsating sensation that riders enjoy when they accelerate, while mostly water is emitted.
As part of their carbon neutral initiative, Kawasaki Motors is currently conducting research and development with the goal of realizing a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle as a carbon neutral option for motorcyclists 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 actively conducts basic research on hydrogen engines, hydrogen refueling systems and fuel supply systems to produce hydrogen-powered small motor vehicles, including motorcycles.
“To further strengthen the Kawasaki brand, Kawasaki Motors will provide products and services that meet the needs of our customers and society, including efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, while challenging ourselves to explore all possibilities in our pursuit of the happiness and joy of everyone whose lives Kawasaki touches.”
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.