4 months ago - 2 mins read

Kawasaki’s green Ninja goes blue – and it’s powered by hydrogen

August 01, 2024
By Matt Lister, Editor
2024 Kawasaki Ninja Hydrogen Motorcycle Driving Hydrogen July 2024
Kawasaki’s hydrogen motorcycle

Kawasaki has unveiled a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered motorcycle at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. 

Ever wondered what the future of motorcycling looks like? Well, it’s sleek, green, and sounds like the Ninja H2 – with only water vapor coming out of the exhaust.

A green revolution on two wheels

In the future Mad Max world where petrol could soon cost £10 per litre and fossil fuel ICE vehicles banned, Kawasaki’s hydrogen bike offers a thrilling yet eco-friendly alternative.

Based on the Ninja H2, this bike features a hydrogen internal combustion engine that burns hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water.

Soon you might be tearing down the road with 197 of the finest Japanese horses under you, hitting 0-60 mph in just three seconds, and topping out at a blistering 209 mph – all while being green! …Or blue in this case…

The tech behind the ride

The supercharged 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine offers a thrilling ride, and it’s been tweaked to handle the power density of hydrogen. 

With 101 LB-FT of torque, it’s no slouch on the track either.

And let’s not forget the best part: you can refuel in minutes, not hours, like those pesky electric bikes.

A collaborative effort

Kawasaki’s hydrogen bike isn’t a solo venture. It’s part of the Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology (HySE) consortium, alongside giants like Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Toyota. 

This collective effort aims to advance hydrogen technology across small mobility vehicles, proving that cross-industry collaboration can lead to remarkable innovations.

Kawasaki plans to bring this hydrogen motorcycle to market by the early 2030s.

The road ahead

As we shift towards greener technologies, Kawasaki’s hydrogen-powered motorcycle stands as a beacon of what’s possible.

It’s still early days, but rigorous testing has shown its reliability and performance, with customised components ensuring it matches traditional engines while significantly reducing emissions.

This bike is a statement. A statement that high performance, the character and thrill of the ride, and environmental responsibility can coexist.

If you’re as excited as we are about the future of motorcycling, keep an eye on the developments – because the future is coming fast, and it’s hydrogen-powered.