Playing a central role in the exhibition in terms of media and public interest were so-called “concept models” and ideas for the future from a variety of exhibitors.

Kawasaki were among those that showcased new and possible future technology with reference to innovative Hydrogen ideas and the J concept vehicle with its bi-modal orientation offering sport and city riding ergonomics.

For many motorcycle fans, the start of the show was undoubtedly a new Supercharged engine concept relying heavily on Kawasaki’s worldwide expertise in aerospace technology.

As Mr Shigehiko Kiyama said in his welcome:
“Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has a long history of developing technologies for turbine engines. The lifeblood of these turbines is their blades, which need to be able to cope with extreme heat and vibration while spinning at high speeds.

Know-how from years of designing turbine engine blades was instilled in the first supercharger developed by a motorcycle manufacturer. And of course, designing a motorcycle-use supercharged engine in-house means that maximum efficiency could be pursued.”

Elsewhere in his introduction to a possible new venture for Kawasaki, Mr Kiyama also referred to gas turbine technology, yet another successful arm of the vast Kawasaki Heavy Industries conglomerate.

“In a gas turbine, the jet flow generated by combusting gas is used to spin the turbine to create energy. Turbines need to be able to withstand heat, high pressure and extreme vibration. Drawing on the knowledge gained from the design and production of gas turbines, we created a motorcycle-use supercharged engine. By developing both the supercharger and engine concurrently and in house, we aim to achieve a supercharged engine with unprecedented efficiency.”

Considering the role of diverse divisions and their research and development capability, Mr Kiyama outlined how new concepts could be exploited via the pooling of new ideas and emerging technologies.

“The Kawasaki Group is involved in a wide variety of fields, including transport machinery such as aircraft, rolling stock and ships; energy-generating equipment like gas turbines; and various plant and industrial machinery. Fostering inter-company cooperation and sharing research findings is what enables the Kawasaki Group to create great new technologies.”

Whilst the supercharged engine concept is still simply at an ideas stage, the engine mock-up and warm words of KHI’s President of Motorcycle and Engine Company illustrates a corporate focus on the future and reflection of the Kawasaki Group triumvirate of core values “We respond to our customers’ requirements,” “We constantly achieve new heights in technology,” and “We pursue originality and innovation.”

In closing, Mr Kiyama reinforced the promise that Kawasaki will continue to deliver innovative powered two wheelers.
“These three technologies drew from the technical know-how of the whole Kawasaki Group to create original, innovative new technologies. Through them, we hope to contribute to a better environment and a brighter future for generations to come.
In the world of motorcycles, we intend to continue delivering exciting new machines for an exhilarating motorcycle life. Please continue to keep an eye on Kawasaki as we look to the future.”