"We are now collecting data from ongoing trials of the fuel-cell powered motorcycle," said Kunihiko Nakajima, managing director of the world's second largest motorbike maker.

"But I think it will take several years to recoup the investment, even after commercialization because it will be too expensive for customers," he told a news conference.

Invented in 1839 by William Grove from Britain, the fuel cell produces electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which leaves water as its only by-product.

TERRA.WIRE