While other firms are showing an increasing interest in battery-powered electric bikes, Suzuki has long been a supporter of hydrogen fuel cells and its latest designs shows work on an off-roader developed around that technology.

Suzuki's latest detailed designs show an off-road machine with a fuel cell, motor, and hydrogen tank that appear virtually identical to those used in the small run of fuel cell-powered Burgman scooters made in 2011. (Similar parts were also used in the company's 2007 Crosscage concept.)

What has changed is the layout. The cylindrical hydrogen tank has been mounted vertically in the new motocrosser, rather than horizontally as on earlier designs, with the fuel cell itself directly in front of the tank and the electric motor below. The layout is more compact and also allows for the components to be easily protected by the cage-like frame that extends from the otherwise-conventional chassis around them; preventing hydrogen leaks is a high priority.

As with other electric off-roaders like KTM's Freeride E (see our review on KTM's Freeride E here) , the Suzuki should offer the benefit of being virtually silent, allowing it to be used in places where conventional 'crossers might raise objections from neighbors. And with pure water as its only emission, there's nothing to discourage indoor use either.