First public demonstration of H2-powered Ninja
Back in December of 2023, Kawasaki unveiled its prototype that is slated to be powered by hydrogen fuel. Aptly named Ninja H2 HySE, the bike will be propelled by the same supercharged 998cc 4-cylinder engine of the mass-produced H2 but uses hydrogen as fuel. One notable feature of the prototype H2 HySE are the hydrogen tanks that are placed on the sides similar to panniers on touring bikes.
Just recently, Kawasaki has conducted the first public demonstration of the H2 HySE prototype at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
According to Kawasaki, the H2 HySE was designed and built as part of the research that began in March 2023, with test runs starting this year, culminating in this public demonstration run.
Some modifications were made to a standard Ninja H2 SX to allow the direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. The motorcycle’s chassis was also reconfigured to accommodate the hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.
While Kawasaki didn’t provide further details, the video shows that the hydrogen fuel tank being “refueled” can hold beyond 34 mega pascals of pressure – that’s almost 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. For comparison, a normal car or motorcycle tire can hold up to 60 psi of pressure.
This seems to be a better alternative to electric as manufacturers would no longer need to “reinvent” the internal combustion engine that we have today, and the only byproduct is water.
