Kawasaki has recently staged the “world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer” at Suzuka Circuit during the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race. This event marked the culmination of months of work, as the project began in March 2023 and led to test runs earlier this year. The motorcycle showcased during this event is based on the Ninja H2 model.

The hydrogen-powered motorcycle features a supercharged 1.0-liter (998 cc) four-cylinder engine that has been modified to run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. Hydrogen is injected directly into the cylinders, and the bike operates using a traditional combustion process. In addition to the engine modifications, the motorcycle is equipped with hydrogen fuel canisters and an on-board “hydrogen fuel supply system,” designed to resemble hard saddlebags and positioned at the back of the bike.

The company claims that the resulting bike delivers the “rumble and pulsating sensation that riders love when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water and a very small amount of CO2.” Furthermore, the hydrogen-powered motorcycle could potentially avoid the limited ranges and long recharging times that currently affect electric motorcycles.

While this hydrogen-powered bike is still a prototype, Kawasaki has plans to begin production in the early 2030s. However, the company cautioned that the timing and availability of the motorcycle “may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.”