World's First Fuel-Cell Motorcycle 481
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."
moto myths (Score:5, Informative)
Myths:
As a motorcycle owner (Score:5, Informative)
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.
Re:Meh (Score:3, Informative)
Re:SF ENVy? (Score:2, Informative)
Another Fool Cell (Score:3, Informative)
says who ? (Score:3, Informative)
my statio wagon is a 1200 kg volkswagen parati with a 1800cc engine produces 90 hp and at 80 km/h it does... 12 km/l.
an engine 14 times bigger only needs twice the fuel to move a car 7 times the weight of the motorcicle.
things get worse as the motorcicle engine gets bigger. a honda CB-400 with a 400cc engine does 15 km/l a CBR-7500 spends more than my car.
whos "pretty damn fuel efficient" now ?
Re:Another Fool Cell (Score:3, Informative)
Re:moto myths (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Watch me Not Care (TM) (Score:3, Informative)
14. Conspicuity of the motorcycle is a critical factor in the multiple vehicle accidents, and accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (on in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets.
18. Conspicuity of the motorcycle is most critical for the frontal surfaces of the motorcycle and rider.
I have a hunching feeling that even though you say you use straight pipes to get noticed, you care too much about looking like Jesse James to wear a high-visibility vest and actually protecting yourself as a rider. Also, your comment about having wind blow by your ears make me think you're one of those yahoos riding without an helmet (keep doing it, i'm fine with darwinism at work).
So in conclusion, you ride a loud bike to look like a badass and try to impress others, not for your safety. That is all.
Re:Watch me Not Care (TM) (Score:3, Informative)
You're way off. My ride's a GSX1200, stock pipes. The bike can pull 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, but its quiet enough to slip up behind someone at a crosswalk without their noticing from a meter away (when parking on the sidewalk and re-entering traffic).
Problems with people changing lanes and not seeing you won't be fixed by louder volume - hell, you could wear a day-glo yellow reflective vest and still be missed. The only solution is to drive like everyone is constantly out to kill you.
Its easier to fit into blindspots on bikes, and quite frankly people with cranked-up stereos who are speeding along trying to weave in and out of traffic are the ones that are going to nail you anyway .. they won't hear you no matter way. You're just doing damange to your ears.