Hydrogen-fuelled Kawasaki Ninja H2 Takes On Suzuka

Of the big four Japanese bike manufacturers, Kawasaki has really been the one to take the gamble on alternative fuels as a future mobility solution rather than all-out electrification. It has been working on a hybrid solution for motorcycles for some time and after a lot of internal tests and preliminary concept showcases, the Ninja H2 Hydrogen has made its first public demonstration. 

Unlike the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid bikes, the Ninja H2 Hydrogen uses only an internal combustion engine for propulsion. Admittedly, Kawasaki has heavily reworked it to run on abundantly available hydrogen gas without really taking out the supercharger. Part of the main modification to the 998 cc inline four engine was done to allow direct injection of hydrogen gas into the combustion chamber for cleaner and more efficient power generation. Details regarding power outputs and emissions are still unavailable, though.

Another major change from its petrol counterpart was made to the chassis to reinforce it so that hydrogen canisters can be safely mounted and carried on the go. Special care has been taken to carefully integrate the fuel supply system as well. Hydrogen as a gas in itself is not self combustible. However, in the presence of oxygen, it can catch fire. Hence, ensuring safety on the fuel on board becomes all the more important.

If done correctly, the main emission from the exhaust is H2O, water basically. This Ninja H2 Hydrogen is part of Kawasaki’s initiative to provide carbon-neutral options for riders, with the aim of having a fully-functioning production-ready product by 2030. 

Kawasaki demonstrated this tech prior to the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours, an endurance race that garners a lot of attention from Japanese and global fans alike. We hope that Kawasaki does succeed in its endeavours with hydrogen as it will show the path to other bike makers across the world as to how to keep the internal combustion engine alive. And while it is at it, maybe name the production bike Ninja H2 H2 or Ninja H2 Squared for obvious reasons.