World's First Fuel-Cell Motorcycle

Alex writes "Rubber Magazine reports that the British company Intelligent Energy has unveiled today the first purpose-built, fuel-cell motorbike. The bike has a 6kW (8 hp) electric motor, top speed of 50 mph (80kph), a range of 100 miles (160km). The engine is completely silent, which might not go well with many motorcycle lovers. In addition it could also possibly pose an interesting safety issue, since a pedestrian or motorist would not hear it coming."

Comments

Cool

[BWJones]

In addition it could also possibly pose an interesting safety issue, since a pedestrian or motorist would not hear it coming.

We bicyclists have the same problem, but if one obeys the rules of the road, there should be no problem. The problem bicyclists (and many motorcyclists) have is with people in their automobiles who fail to properly look out and are too busy talking on the damned cell phone while driving their gas sucking SUVs. (Disclaimer: I own a Toyota 4runner, but bicycle back and forth to work every day, and run many of my errands on the bicycle) My recent experience with a near miss can be read here.

The engine is completely silent, which might not go well with many motorcycle lovers.

I have to admit that when I did ride motorcycles, there was a certain magic about either the banshee wail of a sport bike as you wound it up while screaming up a canyon road or even the relaxed "POTATO POTATO POTATO" of the Harleys. However that said, this is going to be the future of transportation and I would most certainly embrace fuel cell technology that reduces the worlds outrageous consumption of oil. Plus, this ENV bike is a pretty sweet looking ride.

Re:Cool

[craXORjack]

In addition it could also possibly pose an interesting safety issue, since a pedestrian or motorist would not hear it coming.

It's not a problem really. Just tape a playing card to it so it flaps against the spokes. Worked for me when I was a kid. Between that and the banana seat, I was too cool for school.

Re:Cool

[soft_guy]

Sure, people like the loud sound of some motorcycles. But I can also imagine growing to love the Zen of riding a silent bike through on a scenic trip. No loud sounds - just the wind and the sounds of nature. I think that would be cool.

moto myths

[tedtimmons]

Myths:

• Not all motorcycles are made by Harley.
• Not all motorcycles are cruisers or sportbikes.
• Not all motorcyclists like loud pipes.

-ted, motorcycling geek

Re:moto myths

[tedtimmons]

i have yet to see someone who didnt ride their
motorcycle around as some kind of penis extender.

That's because you notice the loud bikes, dangerous riders, etc.

Just like if someone says "the only thing on the road are these huge SUVs". That's because they are big and you are looking for them- a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc is generic enough that you don't notice it. That doesn't mean they aren't there.

A Goldwing isn't a cruiser, and you probably haven't seen many people pulling wheelies on them. Others: nearly every bike by BMW, many dualsport and adventure bikes by other makers, the SV650 and clones. These bikes aren't cruisers or sportbikes- they are standards. Sure, there are stupid people on bikes, but there are stupid people on cars, too.

Many of us follow the MSF or Team Oregon philosophy, reducing our risk as much as possible. Don't judge an entire population based on a miniscule subset.

-ted, motorcycling geek who doesn't need to compensate

motorcycle lovers

[whizzard]

The engine is completely silent, which might not go well with many motorcycle lovers.

Somehow, I think that the top speed of 50 mph might not be that popular either.

Drive By?

[Crystalmonkey]

The engine is completely silent, which might not go well with many motorcycle lovers. This sure would make a drive-by easy though. I hate it when they run...

Core = power solution

[BrookHarty]

They are using the bike as an example of what a CORE power system is, think if it as a big battery, you can take the battery out of your motorcycle and put it into your jet ski.

But the battery is reusable, and can be used else where. Camping, Emergency Generators, vehicals, kids toys, etc.

And as for the quiteness of them, new problems are only new challenges. Most people cant hear whats outside their car now, with the radio on, speaker phone, and kids crying in the back.

Funny how quiet is a drawback, when I'm thinking quiet traffic is worth it. You dont jay-walk for a reason, now you dont hear the car hitting you, maybe its darwinism in realtime.

As a motorcycle owner

[bruciferofbrm]

I have always wanted a quiter bike. I do not like the loud 'like at me' rumble (which may exceed legal limits in many places) that some riders seem to like.

Now my 250cc Rebel (my firts bike) puts out 15 HP. So, an 8 HP bike might be a bit weeny for highway cruising, but this sounds like a great city bike.

In terms of noise again, bicycles and even Segways make no (or very little) noise. Its not the pedestrian who has an issue. Its the driver.

If its licensed like a standard Gas powered bike, then the driver knows the rules on riding and should not be endangering anyone.

I applaud this and all the other cool alternative fuel bikes. My little bike gets 70 mpg, and my biggest get 35 mpg. Not bad compared to most cars people actually drive, but they still add to the pollutiuon level none the less.

Its the weight that concerns me.

[Stone316]

At 80kg, your not going to want to ride this on a windy day or the highway, even if they do increase the top speed.

Even on my bike 500lbs I get tossed around alot on windy days... I wouldn't want to be on this bike if an 18 wheeler passed me on the highway.