“World’s first purpose-built hydrogen bike” premiers

**Bob** · 16th March 2005, 01:16

The ENV bike, which according to British designers Seymour Powell is the world’s first purpose-built hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled at the Design Museum in London.

The ENV bike, which has a top speed of 50mph and a range of at least 100 miles, said it demonstrated the potential of new fuel cell technology. On a full tank it runs continually for up to four hours on its hydrogen fuel cell, which can be detached

It has no gears, and according to its designers Seymour Powell, feels more like a mountain bike. Director Nick Talbot said: “ENV is light, fast and fun. It has good ground clearance, great off-road suspension travel and a very carefully considered power-to-weight ratio. I have ridden motorbikes for years and in the process of designing the bike I have become a convert to fuel cell technology.”

**Storm** · 16th March 2005, 16:22

We'll see how that one turns out. Hmmm, no exhaust note. Oh well, looks like they wont sell well (eh, all you straight through pipes,window-rattling harley types)

**Jackrat** · 16th March 2005, 18:42

Hell,down hill a good push bike would eat it.

**Bob** · 17th March 2005, 01:09

Originally Posted by Storm

We'll see how that one turns out. Hmmm, no exhaust note. Oh well, looks like they wont sell well (eh, all you straight through pipes,window-rattling harley types)

Funny you should say that...

This just in...

"The new ENV fuel cell bike may have an artificial “vroom” added.

The bike is almost entirely silent. Anti-noise campaigners were delighted, but Harry Bradbury, chief executive of the bike's manufacturer, Intelligent Energy, said: "There has never been a silent bike produced, so no one is used to it. As it goes forward towards production, we're going to give thought to some light noise modulation."

He is planning to introduce an artificial engine noise which could be used in an urban setting to alert other road users but switched off in the countryside.

Peter Wakeham, director of the Noise Abatement Society, said motorcycles were among the greatest causes of noise distress. He welcomed the prospect of a noise-free bike but added: "It kind of defeats the point to have a silent motorbike and then put an artificial noise on to it."

Jeff Stone, of the British Motorcyclists Federation, said that noise was part of the attraction for many enthusiasts. "A lot of motorcyclists will say bikes these days are already far too quiet."

**Blakamin** · 17th March 2005, 05:56

Sounds seriously boring to me...
50mph???

(If I wanted to do 50, I woulda got a cage and sat in traffic like every other dickhead)
No noise (or arftificial "vroom")?

(If I wanted a quiet bike, I woulda bought a 4 cylinder)
feels like a mountain bike?

(if I wanted a mountain bike I woulda bought one)

ummmm.... no thanks, they can jam that one up their ring hole!

**Ixion** · 17th March 2005, 08:06

Hm. Hydrogen. Remembers the Hindenberg. Well, the bins will be spectacular that's for sure.

At least the hapless rider will have the posthumous satisfaction of knowing he immolated the cager that took him out.

**Bob** · 17th March 2005, 10:03

Don't think there is going to be enough hydrogen here to take out much of anything... here is an image of the bike, courtesy of the BBC:

**Ixion** · 17th March 2005, 16:20

Well, looking at that rear sprocket, and the size of the brakes, I don't think it the R1 or GSX is in any really danger of being challenged.

**Coyote** · 17th March 2005, 16:33

Stuff what you all think, I'm interested in it

Paint it matt black and get some nice stealth fighter-esk carbon fibre fairings on it, it would be the ultimate ninja bike!!!

Although, it'll cost a pretty penny won't it?

**Blakamin** · 17th March 2005, 16:43

Originally Posted by Bob

Don't think there is going to be enough hydrogen here to take out much of anything... here is an image of the bike, courtesy of the BBC:

of course it feels like a mountain bike!!!!
It Friggin is!!!!!

**Bob** · 18th March 2005, 00:55

There is one more problem if you own one of these... there is only one, repeat ONE petrol station in the UK that is geared up to re-fuel it!

With a 100 mile range, this means you can't go more than 50 miles from Hornchurch in Essex... or to be more specific, the BP Garage on the A127 outside of Hornchurch.

The only reason that this garage can re-fuel the ENV is that it was adapted to fuel the three hydrogen cell buses currently on trial in London.

**Ixion** · 18th March 2005, 09:28

Originally Posted by Bob

There is one more problem if you own one of these... there is only one, repeat ONE petrol station in the UK that is geared up to re-fuel it!

With a 100 mile range, this means you can't go more than 50 miles from Hornchurch in Essex... or to be more specific, the BP Garage on the A127 outside of Hornchurch.

The only reason that this garage can re-fuel the ENV is that it was adapted to fuel the three hydrogen cell buses currently on trial in London.

No prob. Just take a spare can in and get it filled

**Bob** · 18th March 2005, 10:58

Originally Posted by Ixion

No prob. Just take a spare can in and get it filled

We-ell.... the fuel cell unit is detachable... so in theory, I suppose you could carry a spare (not knowing how large the unit is).

Wouldn't want to fall on top of it though...

Tell you what, this one has really caught the imagination though - all the usual news sources I trawl through have articles about it all over them.

One thing nobody has picked up on though - it'd probably be a good little bike for 16 year olds, what with no gears, cheap to run (I guess) etc. But the daft rules in the UK mean they couldn't ride it, as up until 17th birthday, they can only ride mopeds with a top speed of 30mph... and this thing does 50mph!

I really don't understand the point of limiting 16 year olds to mopeds, but once they're 17 allowing them on 125cc bikes. 16 is the youngest you're allowed on the road here - so what is the point of one year on something that in all honesty is bloody dangerous? At least with a 125, you've got a chance of getting out of trouble - accellerate out of trouble on a moped? Forget it.

Sorry, got a bit off subject (and emotive) there...

**ManDownUnder** · 18th March 2005, 12:31

[RANT]
Great idea and H2 ain't hard to make yourself... compress it up to the storage pressure (or otherwise manufacture it on the bike) and it's all good!

Needs an image overhaul though - make it sorta like the current scooters zipping around. Make it more mainstream.

Like Toyotas new hybrid car. Who wants to buy that ugly thing???
[/RANT]

**Ixion** · 18th March 2005, 12:59

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

[RANT]
Great idea and H2 ain't hard to make yourself... compress it up to the storage pressure (or otherwise manufacture it on the bike) and it's all good!

Needs an image overhaul though - make it sorta like the current scooters zipping around. Make it more mainstream.

Like Toyotas new hybrid car. Who wants to buy that ugly thing???
[/RANT]

Well, it's easy enough to make. (Take water, remove oxygen). But compressing it, and storing it.

Ahem, please confirm that you don't live anywhere near me !