Kawasaki’s innovative hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) prototype, developed and built as part of a research project that began in 2023, has now been demonstrated in several public runs including the weekend of the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race in 2024 and at the famous 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in April this year. The machine was created within the framework of HySE, the HYdrogen Small mobility and Engine technology association – of which Kawasaki is a member.
The machine is equipped with a hydrogen powered engine based on the 998 cm3 In-Line Four Supercharged unit found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 motorcycle, modified to allow the direct injection of hydrogen fuel into its cylinders.
The Hydrogen ICE motorcycle runs purely on hydrogen combustion, producing the familiar rumble and pulsating sensation riders enjoy when twisting the throttle, while being virtually a “zero emission” vehicle with water vapour as the only visual exhaust component. The HySE machine is a clear demonstration that hydrogen, the “fuel of the future,” can be applied to two-wheeled vehicles as well as four.