The Kawasaki hydrogen motorcycle project has not been a secret for some time, with the company itself showing some images of a prototype last year. Finally, the actual project was revealed, although it is still a prototype.
Revealed at the Akashi brand’s Group Vision 2030 conference on December 12, the new Kawasaki hydrogen motorcycle made a good impression.
First of all, as suggested by the 2022 images, the motorcycle – named Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE – is based on the sport touring bike, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. But the alternative fuel results in something much larger.
Not only are there hydrogen storage compartments on each side of the motorcycle, but everything seems huge. From the bulky front fairing to the seat unit, there is little about this motorcycle that makes it particularly agile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lzG-e4FkE&t=819s
It is true that agility is not the goal. This is more of a technical exercise to demonstrate that the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility and Engine) project is valid and worthwhile. Therefore, its success will only be determinable when it goes into production and reaches the hands of the public.
It seems that there is still a long way to go, but the motorcycle appears to be in conditions to be ridden. At such an early stage, we have no idea about the specifications of the motorcycle, its power, or – perhaps most importantly – its fuel consumption and range.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE is the first motorcycle to be powered by hydrogen from the four major Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, as well as Kawasaki), who collaborate on the HySE project. The HySE will participate in the Dakar Rally next month with its hydrogen buggy, built in Belgium.
