Tech Kawasaki unveils hydrogen-powered motorcycle

Kawasaki Motors aims for completing electrification of its major models by 2035, but it faces difficulty in securing the necessary production facilities. However, in the case of a hydrogen-fueled engine, it can utilize the techniques and production facilities formerly used for gasoline engine models. But practical use of hydrogen engines still faces obstacles. Because hydrogen tends to ignite much more easily than gasolines, there is a risk of an unexpected abnormal combustion inside the engine. Another issue is how to mount the larger fuel tank compared to a gasoline tank on the vehicle. To mount the hydrogen fuel tank, the specially made model can have no luggage rack on the rear. Relevant laws need to be amended for the hydrogen-fueled motorcycles to run on public roads, although they can operate on private roads including circuit tracks like it did for the introductory event. To obtain type approval necessary for mass production, related laws have to be amended, too.

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