As motorbikes go, it has a lot to boast about. It can reach 50mph in 12 seconds, produces no polluting emissions, and is as quiet as the low hum of a laptop computer.
But therein lies the problem. British engineers who yesterday unveiled the prototype of the world's first hydrogen-powered motorbike confessed they were considering adding an artificial "vroom" to the machine as they were worried its silence might be dangerous.
Known as ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle), the "fuel cell" bike is almost entirely silent. Anti-noise campaigners welcomed the prospect of a motorbike without the usual earth-shattering roar. 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 to allow for a peaceful ride.
The bike is powered by a briefcase-sized cell filled with high-pressure hydrogen, which is slotted in front of the seat and which needs to be topped up every 100 miles. Intelligent Energy is hoping to attract the interest of big motor manufacturers. BMW, Mazda and Toyota are already working on fuel cell cars.
Bikers reacted warily. 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. They want to say 'look at me, I'm a rufty, tufty racer."
Fuel cells are seen as a promising alternative to the internal combustion engine, although a single cell presently costs
Simviation Forums
Flight Simulator and other chat
... 
