Kawasaki has officially unveiled a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that promises all the benefits of a traditional motorcycle with much lower emissions.
The motorcycle is based on the Ninja H2 model, and is powered by a 1.0-liter (998 cc) supercharged engine, which has been modified to use hydrogen instead of gasoline. Hydrogen is injected directly into the cylinders while the motorcycle runs on a traditional combustion process.
However, the engine is not the only change, because the motorcycle also received hydrogen canisters, as well as a hydrogen supply system. These components are located at the back and are designed to look like hard saddlebags, he says Klix.ba.
Kawasaki recently demonstrated the bike at the Suzuka Circuit during the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race. It was the culmination of several months of work on the project, which began in March 2023, and test drives were carried out earlier this year.
The company said the bike provides “the rumbling and pulsing sensation that riders love when they twist the throttle, while emitting mostly water and very little CO2.” In addition, the motorcycle could avoid the problems of limited range and long charging times, which are obstacles to electric motorcycles.
Although it is a prototype, Kawasaki plans to start production of hydrogen-powered motorcycles in the early 2030s. However, the company cautioned that timelines and availability may vary depending on each country’s hydrogen fueling infrastructure and regulatory status.
Source: Klix.ba / Carscoops.com
Photo and video: Kawasaki
Source: autoblog.rs
