Japanese Kawasaki will be able to offer its customers a motorcycle that burns hydrogen in the 2030s.
Hydrogen-burning motorcycles are no further off in the future than Kawasaki believes series production can be done in the early 2030s.
The prototype already cruising around is based on the gasoline-powered Ninja H2 with a 998cc four-cylinder engine. However, the engine has been modified so that it burns hydrogen instead of petrol.
Kawasaki places the hydrogen tanks themselves for the time being at the back of the motorcycle, so that it looks like ordinary bags for storage, which are already found on various touring motorcycles.
The motorcycle brand recently showcased the prototype at the Suzuka circuit in Japan for an eight-hour long-distance race. However, without the rebuilt H2 taking part in the race.
The project itself began in March 2023, and the Japanese believe that they are already so far ahead with the development that a series-produced version will be available for purchase already at the beginning of the next decade.
The CO2 emissions are also limited. In fact, the Japanese say that most of what leaves the excrement is nothing but water.
Kawasaki is not alone in toying with the idea of burning hydrogen. Toyota is also testing the idea. Just on four wheels. The car brand is also proving itself with filters that can capture CO2 directly from traffic. Read more about it here .
Back in motorcycle land at Kawasaki, however, they are also cautious with the objective of a series production. The launch of the hydrogen-powered MC will, say the Japanese, depend on the roll-out of hydrogen stations and laws in the individual countries.
Hydrogen stations are a bit difficult. At least here at home. In September 2023, the last publicly accessible hydrogen station in Denmark closed.
