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 hydro
-
gen fuel injection into the cylin-
ders. The chassis is designed to
house hydrogen fuel canisters
and an onboard hydrogen fuel
supply system.
Hydrogen internal combus
-
tion 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 hydro
-
gen 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 hydro
-
gen 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.
"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, mak
-
ing 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 ve
-
hicle. Stay tuned for more about
this environmentally-friendly
future motorcycle."
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 hy
-
drogen 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 hydro
-
gen technology. HySE conducts
fundamental research on hydro-
gen engines, filling systems and
fuel-supply systems to develop
hydrogen-powered small mobil-
ity vehicles, including motor-
cycles.
CN
VOLUME ISSUE JULY , P25
Compared to the
traditional gas motor,
the hydrogen system
is extremely bulky.
Hydrogen engines emit
water vapor rather
than carbon dioxide.
