Kawasaki’s hydrogen bike project has been no secret for some time, with the company itself showing some images of a prototype last year. Finally, the real project has been revealed, although it is still a prototype.
Unveiled at the Akashic brand’s Group Vision 2030 conference on December 12, Kawasaki’s new hydrogen bike made quite an impression
Firstly, as the 2022 images suggested, the bike – called the Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE – is based on the sports tourer, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. But the alternative fuel results in something much bigger.
Not only are there hydrogen storage bags on each side of the bike, but everything looks huge. From the bulky front fairing to the seat unit, there’s little about this bike that makes it look particularly agile.
Admittedly, that’s not the point. This is more of a technical exercise to demonstrate that the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility and Engine) project has validity and merit. Its success will therefore only be determined when it goes into production and reaches the hands of the public.
It looks like there’s still a long way to go, but the bike seems to be roadworthy. At such an early stage, we have no idea of the bike’s specifications, its power or – perhaps most importantly – its fuel consumption and range.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE is the first hydrogen-powered motorcycle from the four major Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, as well as Kawasaki) collaborating on the HySE project. HySE will take part in the Dakar Rally next month with its hydrogen buggy, built in Belgium.