Hydrogen-powered Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX Prototype Starts Testing at the Suzuka Circuit

By testing a prototype on a track, Kawasaki has progressed with its motorcycle project involving a hydrogen internal combustion engine. The Japanese bikemaker finally moved on to physical testing after revealing the Ninja H2 SX-based concept in January this year. The 998cc in-line-four supercharged Kawasaki motor found in the H2 lineup serves as the foundation for the hydrogen engine. Direct injection of hydrogen into the cylinders is now possible thanks to modifications made to the motor. Based on the Kawasaki H2 SX, this prototype has undergone extensive reengineering to accommodate the new fuel. 

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Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX-based Hydrogen Prototype: Key Details

Hydrogen combustion provides bikers an alternative to battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric options. Hydrogen ICE is excellent for clean air zones and ULEZ schemes because, while burning engine oil, it emits just water and very little CO2, unlike bioethanol or synthetic fuels.

According to Kawasaki, the fuel supply system and hydrogen tanks are integrated into the chassis design. In addition, the company says hydrogen has a more responsive feel and burns far faster over a larger temperature range. While the exact specs are still under wraps, the Ninja H2 SX's supercharged engine produces 210bhp of maximum power and 137Nm of peak torque.

Speaking about the prototype, Project Leader, Satoaki Ichi said, 'Hydrogen engines produce power like conventional gasoline engines: air is taken in, mixed with fuel, and then combusted. 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,' Ichi added. 

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As a sustainable mode of transportation, Kawasaki intends to launch hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine motorcycles by the early 2030s. The Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology (HySE) joint venture, comprising Japanese manufacturers Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Toyota, includes the hydrogen mobility program.