Japan’s ‘big four’ which is comprised of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki have announced a partnership to build hydrogen-powered bikes
We know Japan is at the forefront with hydrogen technology as Toyota actually sell a hydrogen-powered car, the Mirai. But, this is about bikes, and Kawasaki have not been quiet about developing hydrogen powered bikes, even displaying some at Motorcycle Live.
But the Japanese super powers in the bike world, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki have announced a partnership company that will be called HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology). Each manufacturer will have a specialised part in the company. Honda will be responsible for the research side of things, Suzuki for the reliability aspect and the other two will have a much more hands-on approach.
Yamaha will be developing refuelling systems and hydrogen tanks (which they have made for BMW) and Kawasaki will be focused on ‘auxiliary equipment required for a fuel supply system and tanks, and the equipment installed between the fuel tank and the injector.’
Kenji Komatsu, Chairman nominee of HySE and Executive Officer of Technical Research & Development Center, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., comments, “We are extremely pleased to announce the planned formation of the association. There are many challenges in the development of hydrogen-powered engines, but we hope to see the association’s activities advance the fundamental research in order to meet those challenges. We are committed to this endeavor with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which epitomize the long-time efforts that our predecessors have invested.”
No word yet on when we’ll see a full production version of a HySE bike, but with Kawasaki showcasing models, it shouldn’t be too long and we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we hear anything.