Cycle News Staff | July 31, 2024
Kawasaki Heavy Industries created its own little slice of history when it conducted the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer. The motorcycle was revealed at the Suzuka Circuit during the 2024 running of the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Kawasaki was justifiably proud of its new hydrogen motor but don’t expect a production version any time soon.
The hydrogen ICE motorcycle was developed and constructed as part of Kawasaki’s research initiative, which started in March 2023 and commenced test runs in 2024. The motorcycle is powered by a hydrogen engine derived from the 998cc inline four-cylinder supercharged engine of Kawasaki’s Ninja H2, which debuted almost a decade ago, modified for direct hydrogen fuel injection into the cylinders. The chassis is designed to house hydrogen fuel canisters and an onboard hydrogen fuel supply system.
Hydrogen internal combustion engines run on hydrogen combustion and offer the same tactile feel as a traditional gas motor when accelerating, but the result is while the gas motor emits hydrocarbons, the hydrogen version emits mostly water and a negligible amount of CO2.
However, while the initial run was promising, we don’t expect a production version of the hydrogen engine to be released soon. Compared to the traditional gas motor, the hydrogen system is extremely bulky, as can be seen from the back of the bike where the water vapor is emitted.
Kawasaki is now in the riding stages of testing its first hydrogen-ICE-powered motorcycle.
“Hydrogen engines produce power like conventional gasoline engines: air is taken in, mixed with fuel, and then combusted,” said Project Leader Satoaki Ichi. “When hydrogen combusts, water is produced. If you hold your hand near the tailpipe, you can feel it is moist. It is a very gentle engine—like a humidifier on wheels.
“Hydrogen burns more quickly and under a wider range of conditions than gasoline, making it possible to create a more responsive feeling than ever. We are still at the basic research stage.
“We have finally reached the point where we can conduct riding tests on a two-wheeled vehicle. Stay tuned for more about this environmentally-friendly future motorcycle.”
Compared to the traditional gas motor, the hydrogen system is extremely bulky. Hydrogen engines emit water vapor rather than CO2.
In line with its carbon-neutral goals, Kawasaki is actively researching and developing a hydrogen ICE motorcycle as a potential carbon-neutral option for riders by the early 2030s. Availability will depend on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and legal regulations in each country.
Kawasaki is a full member of HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine technology), a research association dedicated to hydrogen technology. HySE conducts fundamental research on hydrogen engines, filling systems and fuel-supply systems to develop hydrogen-powered small mobility vehicles, including motorcycles.CN
Here is the complete press release from Kawasaki followed by a video of the demo…
Kawasaki Becomes World’s First Mass-Production Motorcycle Manufacturer to Hold Public Demonstration of a Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle
On July 20, 2024, Kawasaki Motors Ltd., 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 Kawasaki’s research that began in March 2023, with test runs starting this year, culminating in this public demonstration run during the Suzuka 8 Hours FIM World Endurance race. Powering the machine is a hydrogen engine based on the 998 cc 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 operate on hydrogen combustion, delivering the rumble and pulsating sensation that riders love when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water and a very small amount of CO2.
As part of their carbon-neutral initiative, Kawasaki Motors is currently conducting research and development with the aim of achieving a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle as one carbon-neutral option for riders beginning in the early 2030s. Timing and availability may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.
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.
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 the pursuit of happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches.
VIDEO | Kawasaki Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle (Research Vehicle)
