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Source: https://www.lowyat.net/2023/300587/japanese-brands-hydrogen-bike-engines/ Specifically Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha, with Toyota being a "special member". When it comes to clean alternatives to fuel, much of the conversation is centred around electric vehicles (EVs). Every once in awhile, hydrogen engines come up, but these are usually talked about with regards to cars or larger vehicles. Four Japanese bike makers are looking to change that, as they have announced a research partnership for developing hydrogen-powered combustion engines for motorcycles. The research group is collectively known as the Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology (HySE), comprising of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Beyond the four, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toyota are also included as special members of the association, which has been granted approval by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Each of the four companies also have their roles within HySE quite clearly defined. As per the press release by Honda, the company will be responsible for “research on the model-based development of hydrogen-powered engines”. Suzuki, on the other hand, will be working on “element study on functionality, performance, and reliability” instead. Yamaha will be working on the tank and refueling systems, while Kawasaki handles the auxiliary equipment for the tank and fuel supply system, as well as the equipment in between the fuel tank and injector. Both of these companies will also be doing “hands-on research using real hydrogen-powered engines on their functionality, performance and reliability”. Among the challenges faced by those looking to make hydrogen engines for bikes is due to the fact that they are smaller, and therefore have more limited room for hydrogen fuel cell storage. Japanese online publication Kyodo News also reports that HySE is also considering installing these engines onto boats and even drones, should this research in making hydrogen engines for bikes be successful. The report also notes that while members of the association are working together for the research, the decision to make anything to be sold commercially is up to each company.

Iron Man is the heroic movie character played by Tony Stark - a selfish and arrogant character who's always proud of himself, yes, quite ironic, indeed - in the Iron Man movie series. However, it seems that Tony Stark isn't the only person dreaming of becoming the Iron Man. You can see that in the images we come across on the World Wide Web. There's a diverse range of motorbikes that their owners convert such that they look like a ride especially designed for the hero who gained his popularity from the comic series. What's unique is that while some of the motorbikes are as fierce as the Kawasaki ZX-14R, there're also scooters which aren't likely, if at all, to become a ride for the Iron Man. However, though, it's the right of every single person out there to convert their ride to look as if it belongs to the superhero. So, have a look for yourself. Oh, by the way, there're also concept designs by Wang Buffon for the superhero's ride if you like.

The vehicle that you see here pretty much looks like a three-wheeled motorcycle. But many aspects on this vehicle are very much car-like. This three-wheeled contraption is made by a Canadian company known as Campagna Motors and it is known as the T-Rex 16S. The Campagna T-Rex 16S is the company's latest sub-model within the T-Rex range and it is equipped with a new engine when compared to the T-Rex 14R. Let me talk about the company a little before I continue on the T-Rex 16S. Campagna Motors has been making the three-wheeled T-Rex since the 1990s. A few years ago, they merged with another company, Cirbin which developed the wider and more fully-bodied V13R model and both models are manufactured in Montreal, Canada. Unlike the T-Rex 14R which is equipped with a 1.4-litre four cylinder engine sourced from Kawasaki, the T-Rex 16S is equipped with a 1.6-litre six cylinder engine sourced from BMW. Power output from the new engine has dropped to 160bhp but the torque has increased to 175Nm. The T-Rex 14R has a power output of 197bhp with a torque value of 153Nm. The engine is mated to a six speed sequential transmission and should be able to launch the 500kg vehicle to 100km/h in less than five seconds (the 14R completes the century sprint in 3.9 seconds). As mentioned above, much of the vehicle's features are very much car-like and one of them is the steering wheel. There is also a gear knob in the middle, two bucket seats and it has similar foot pedals that you will find in a car. In other words, anyone who is familiar with car-type controls would be able to drive the T-Rex. The Campagna T-Rex 16S has a tubular chassis and it comes with an integrated roll cage and a three-point safety harness. The bodyshell is made out of fibre glass and accentuated with several carbon fibre parts. The T-Rex 16S is available in eight different body colours and the one shown here is in Winter White. Due to its car-like features, the company has mentioned that most of its customers are car enthusiasts and most of them are attracted to the vehicle's ride stability and its unique looks. Image credit: Campagna Motors

to all motor siao and drift fans !