We have come a long way from glorified mountain bike suspension, and ridiculously short travel ranges. Electric motorcycles, for the most part, are entering fourth and fifth generation development, but Zero reminds us it is “the longest running electric motorcycle company in the world.”
We tested our first Zero back in 2009, and the company is still around developing more powerful, more sophisticated motorcycles with longer range of operation. To celebrate 10 years, Zero is launching a 10th Anniversary DSR, limited to 50 units. Here is the press release from Zero:
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (June 7, 2016) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles, has announced its 10th anniversary celebration. To mark a decade of pioneering electric vehicles, Zero launched a limited edition 10th Anniversary model, rolled out a rich timeline of stories chronicling the rise of the company, and highlighted 10 years of owner savings with a special gift for buyers.
Zero was founded in Santa Cruz, California, in 2006 as “Electricross,” by Neal Saiki, a motorcycle enthusiast, aeronautical engineer and innovator. The company’s heritage involves cutting-edge technology, motorcycle craftsmanship and action sports. After a decade of innovation and California-based manufacturing, Zero is the longest running electric motorcycle company in the world and continues to transform the global landscape of two-wheeled transportation.
“At a time when electric vehicles were little more than a far-flung idea, for even the most tech-savvy riders, the founders saw the potential to transform an industry,” said Zero Motorcycles CEO Richard Walker. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve passed one milestone after another to redefine the motorcycle experience by eliminating the typical heat, complexity, noise, vibration and maintenance headaches of gas-fueled bikes. The result is exhilarating, and we’re still just getting started.”
The centerpiece of Zero’s celebration is the 10th Anniversary Zero DSR. Fifty of the flagship motorcycles will be handcrafted at Zero’s California headquarters. The limited edition model is designed to be Zero’s most elegant and refined, with signature touches of metallic black paint, custom graphics, as well as a full complement of accessories. It’s the first model to include a factory-installed Charge Tank, allowing customers to expand their riding opportunities by using the increasing network of Level 2 charge stations. As a versatile dual sport, the 10th Anniversary Zero DSR is a nod to Zero’s off-road roots.
One of Zero’s founding principles is to provide riders with a thrilling experience while making their lives, and the world around them, better.
“We estimate that Zero riders have offset about 13 million pounds of CO2 and saved over $2,000,000 on gasoline,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer. “While the economics and environmental impacts tell a compelling story, the real advantage to our customers is the thrilling magic carpet ride.”
Zero is also offering a special gift to buyers. Through the month of June, purchasers of a new 2016 Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS, or Zero DSR will receive a $1,000 gift card. Customers purchasing a new 2016 Zero FX or Zero FXS will receive a $650 gift card. (This offer does not apply to 10th Anniversary Zero DSR.)
“We’ll also cover the cost of all the clutches, oil filters, spark plugs and oil changes for your new Zero over its entire life,” joked Askenazi. Zero motorcycles have no clutch or oil and require no routine powertrain maintenance.
Zero will also host a 10th anniversary celebration on September 10. Owners will receive invitations to join Zero staff and notable personalities for motorcycle rides, factory tours, technical seminars, food and entertainment.
“This event may be the first-ever motorcycle gathering where the attendees make more noise than their bikes,” said Walker.
See more of MD’s great photography:
With all this complaining about the noise, the vibration, the maintenance, the heat, the complexity and (gasp) having to stop for fuel – what in the world attracted you to motorcycling in the first place? How have you put up with all these smelly, antiquated bikes for so long? These electric replacements have arrived in the nick of time for surely motorcycling was very nearly dead!
…”noise, the vibration, the maintenance, the heat, the complexity and (gasp) having to stop for fuel”…
Whether you fancy electric bikes, ICE bikes or both, why the hell would anybody be attracted to motorcycling for any of those reasons you listed?
Basically, it’s a purchase price/range stumbling block. When those two items are on par with gas powered bikes the prejudices will be gone and E-bikes will be accepted. Until then, it’ll be an uphill battle. You can’t blame most motorcyclist for not wanting to spend $18,000 on a commuter bike plus another 10-20 thousand on a bike that you can ride longer distances before recharging. When E-bikes can perform on par with ICE bikes on every level we’ll have “Zeto” resistance in the motorcycling community.
Like so many other products, it’s the early adopters who drive the progression. Somebody had to pay $1200 for the first VCR’s that hit the market in the 70’s. If it hadn’t been for those people, we wouldn’t have been able to buy them for 100 bucks 10 years later.
There are plenty of people who own multiple bikes that cost over 15 grand each. If someone has a Harley, a Ducati, and a BMW in the garage now, it’s not a stretch that they would replace one of them, or even add to the stable, and buy a Zero electric bike.
And with every generation, they’re getting closer to ICE bikes on price, power, and range. They may never make it down to the bang/buck ratio of, say, an SV650, but they will almost certainly compete with the mid- to high-end Euro bikes. As hard as it is for some to comprehend, not every rider is trying to get the absolute maximum value per dollar in their motorcycle. Some people – a lot of people, actually – just want what they want, because they like it. That’s what will sell Zeroes…
Riding in relative silence out in the wild sounds like a dream! The ability to crest a hill and see undisturbed wildlife is something I am very interested in. I quit changing to after market silencers some time ago to help with this. Now that the range is getting where it needs to be (on the premium models) I’ll most likely go take a look.
High point of my 2-wheel history was riding my mountain bike N-bound, Bonneville Shoreline Trail, east border of Cache Valley, Utah, 1/3rd up the Rocky Mountains, between Providence and Dry Canyon.
A “wildlife” chain link fence borders the single track trail, helping to keep wildlife E of the fence on the mountain side. The fence has openings through which dear and elk pass. A half dozen elk were 150′ W of the fence grazing. I saw them before they saw me. One elk finally looked over, then the other five in unison looked at me. They slowly turned N and E toward the fence, in no hurry to get ahead of me. I rode N along the trail and fence line. They started to trot, I rode harder to keep up. They ran, I pushed as hard as I could and they could not get IFO of me. Finally they just gave up and slowly trotted back down the hill away from me.
The sound of six elk, mostly full grown, galloping in unison within close proximity, was a sight and sound I hope to never forget. Wish I had a camera on my helmet.
Never would have happened with an ICE motor! For one thing, the motor would drown out much of the sound, and they would have heard me coming way before I arrived.
“The ability to crest a hill and see undisturbed wildlife is something I am very interested in.”
Careful what you wish for. Wildlife hurts sometimes. I got knocked off my mountain bike years ago by a large mule deer coming around a blind turn. I don’t imagine getting hit by a truck would have felt all that much worse. He was very much undisturbed right up until the point that he suddenly realized I was there. Then he apparently decided that the best route of escape was to go through me.
But, yes, all in all I like the serenity that a mountain bike provides when riding around nature. I want the same from a motorcycle as well.
We have a ’14 Honda Accord Hybrid. While not full electric it is often in a series hybrid mode where the electric motor provides the go while the engine plays a supporting role to it and keeping the batteries charged. There isn’t a transmission in the traditional sense.
Its outright performance lies between that of the I4 and the V6. What amazes me is the punch that it can deliver, like dropping down 2 gears except there aren’t any and it’s in one smooth rush.
So when I see the advancement of these technologies in not only cars but also bikes it catches my attention. Motorcycles being what they are, maybe especially here in the US, they may never catch on with dyed in the wool riders but I can see where they might find their place worldwide.
The big question will be whether or not they adopt “tater tot, tater tot, tater tot” as a soundtrack (maybe there’ll be an app for that?) to please the cruiser bunch?
I’m kind of shocked how negative the comments are. This is close to being the perfect commuter and back road scratcher. Still could use another 50 or so miles of range at freeway speed, but it’s close. Would work for my 50 mile round trip commute. The price is a bit high, but it’s new technology as opposed to the ICE.
I agree…and I few years ago, I would’ve been amongst the last people that would ever consider something like this. Now, a few years older and not so narrow minded, it doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.
Coincidentally, I just saw my first Zero out on the highway the other day. Was sitting in my daily rush hour stand still and it went by be on an offramp to my right. Not a sound except for the rustling of the rider’s jacket. Pretty cool 🙂
what are you reading? I just went back and counted and only found 3 posts I would consider negative. 2 by Chase and 1 by Michal Ray. Overall this is being received here rather positively imo.
I am personally pretty impressed with the Zeros. I spent some time riding one around and even came pretty close to buying one. Chances are good that I’ll pull the trigger on one before the end of this year or next.
I scanned twice and saw no price and no range. That’s telling!
IMO TPTB at Zero, same as the rest of the world, did not and could not predict 10 years ago that US MIC would attempt to cause financial harm to Russia by taking down oil prices. It’s too bad that his has also hurt the US oil industry.
For Zero, I suspect the fact that oil is so cheap diminishes interest in their bikes.
I have never in my life seen such high ratio of gas guzzling full size trucks and SUVs in all my life as over the last year or so. It’s disgusting.
$18,995
There was a link to Zero’s website when this article first appeared, but now it’s gone for some reason. All the info is there…
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/10-years/model/
No beak….would ride.
I took one of their S models for a demo ride.
It was a lot of fun!
I’m amazed at the progress Zero has made.
I wouldn’t mind having one as a 2nd bike, The price point is certainly coming down.
Shhh… Don’t tell the “real” motorcycle riders. They won’t be able to comprehend it.
Scott,
That’s why I posted. I’m 55, been riding since I was 12.
Raced motocross.
Still manage 10,000 miles per season, April-October in Wisconsin, on my 2013 FZ8.
It was 39 degrees F this morning in Stevens Point! I’m one of those goons out there
in the bright yellow Roadcrafter one piece every day.
AND I LOVED THE ZERO! Lol!
Zero is the perfect name for as it coincides with the amount of interest it generates in the “real” motorcycle community.
^ As I said…
They probably aren’t that interested in the “real” motorcycle market (which is relatively tiny).
There are now a few of these in my local market. The people who have them, love them.
I’ve got 800,000+ miles on 24 -/+ bikes in 40+ years. I just got to drive a Chevy Volt and I was stunned. I think a electric bike would/will be fantastic. I’m a “real” motorcyclist and I wish I could live far into the future, to see our 2 wheeled world transition into another fuel source. The future is upon us.
Go hang off your ape hangers with your cartoon hide, while your loud pipes save lives. It’s not if, it’s when.
At $19K or even discounted to $17K you are all full of BS . You can buy a KTM 1190 Adventure loaded for that kind of money.
The specs on that machine place it in the under $10K bracket if it had a fuel burning motor. A$9-10K in gasoline and small amt of maintenance tells me y’all can’t do mathematics or are just drinking Liberal/PhonyGW nonsense.
The gorilla on the backs of the whole E-car/bike thing is the FACT that these batteries don’t have an infinite life and are very expensive to replace which will be wayyyy outside of any warranty you can secure.
It is simply unbelievable that these things even exist in a world where people go to school to develop a critical thinking mind.
Electric bikes exist because there are people that can afford to buy them and don’t need to make economic sense of them. If I lived somewhere like California where lanesplitting was legal, I’d own one to commute on.
Electric vehicles are progressing at a rate that is embarrassing the conventional makes. Prices will come down, range will go up, and maintenance will continue to be near zero.
Dave-What you fail to mention is that it is not their marketplace prowess that is driving the proliferation of these vehicles, but government mandates and taxpayer subsidies. Remove those and you will not see any but maybe one, because that is the REAL market for them outside very densely populated urban areas.Have you not paid attention to the multiple failures of E vehicle companies. Despite the illegal subsidies granted by our rogue POTUS?
Living in Norcal I cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a Prius,tesla,Leaf . Even given this, I have seen maybe 1-2 of these Ebikes on the road.
Jeremy-Lanesplitting virtually negates the advantage of E-vehicles as the lanes designated for this already accommodate motorcycles and should they take that advantage away you can still split lanes in the undesignated lanes.
Take subsidies away from big oil and our cars will be parked just as fast. Turn back the clock on the US auto bailouts and lots of us are walking to the bread line. Turn it back a lot farther and we might have had good rail infrastructure.
E-technology needs to be bailed in because it’s worth doing. The government has always acted in this manner. The US auto industry (and HD) have benefited for decades from favorable policy.
Jeremy-So what you are saying is logic and value has nothing to do with the decision to purchase one? I would say that is as unsustainable a marketing program as I have ever heard.
Then it again it seems to have been a viable market strategy for Ferrari, Lamborghini, and a few other companies. Let’s face it, logic and value has nothing to do with the hordes of people buying F-250’s for $40k+ even though they don’t live on a farm and have no need for them besides an unwavering determination to make people think they have a small penis, and their intense desire to support foreign oil and terrorism while driving around with an American Flag sticker on their rear windshield.
Chase, I am not saying that at all. What I am saying is that the value proposition of electric bikes and the logic behind why one would choose to purchase one can be very different depending on what you want out of a motorcycle. It might make perfect sense for my needs while at the same time make no sense at all for your needs.
Don exposes himself as the MSNBC watcher that he is. Nice parroting the standard lefty straw men arguments . Now go back to making calls for Hillary.
Jeremy-How does this bike answer your needs better than say an SV650 Suzuki? Which beats it in every possible way except it burns gas? But for the same price you could buy one SV for your whole family or buy enough fuel to use it for basically its entire lifecycle?
Chase, it would meet my requirements better because:
1. I would never have to stop for gas during my commute. Ever.
2. Other than plugging it in when I got home and the occasional tire change, I wouldn’t spend hardly any time on maintenance.
3. It is fast, quiet and cluthless, all of which are bonuses in traffic.
An SV650 is a great bike, but buying three of them isn’t going to beat the Zero on those points.
Jeremy-Then you really need to buy this bike. Good luck with that decision.
My business requires me to visit different condos. Many of the complexes ban motorcycles, but nobody says anything about my Zero. 6,000 miles in the first year. That’s while owning a R1 too. Also, the fact that it doesn’t get hot is wonderful. Riding the R1 here in Florida can nearly be boot melting.
Such negative vibes (pun intended)! Let’s remain positive (sorry)!
As Mickey mentioned, it looks much better than their first designs.
Hope I don’t sound negative, but I see a potential difference of opinion nyuk nyuk nyuk…
Combining an electric bike WITH a special “Limited Edition”? Oh, let the MD Whine Festival begin!
Does this anniversary edition have greater range? I’d love nothing more than to commute on an electric bike (my commute on I-93 is 120 miles round trip). I commute on my 2006 Suzuki V-Strom 650 (at least when there is no snow or ice) and average 64 miles per gallon on fossil fuel. I’d be real happy to get to work on an electric M/C and be able to go home without charging the bike.
“10 years of owner savings” :”eliminating the typical heat, complexity, noise, vibration and maintenance headaches of gas-fueled bikes” and “saved over $2,000,000 on gasoline.”
yep, but it comes at a hefty up-front purchase price. gimme an electric bike that will roll 200 miles (mixed), needs no more than an 8 hr charge (i don’t ride at night), and costs less than $15 out the door. i’m 67 now; dunno if my wish will come true…LOLOL.
“…costs less than $15 out the door.”
Either that’s a typo or you need to put down the bong and come up for air 🙂
oops, $15K
50 unit limited edition. thats nice. all 30 people that want one won’t be dissapointed.
They are so much better looking than they were in the beginning. It actually looks good now. I would ride that if every where I wanted to go was close by. Just went to a CB1100 rally in Virginia. This wouldn’t have made it there from my house in Ohio in 4 days as opposed to 6 hrs on my CB. I do wish them well, and hope they keep advancing. My son may get to ride one on a trip someday.
If your Zero had a 500 mile range on a single charge, would you ride it to the CB1100 rally? 😛
lol no but I would ride it to a Zero rally within 450 miles. 500 miles would be an acceptable range for me. I rarely ride more than 500 miles a day anymore although 2 years ago I did 5500 miles in 11 days which computes out to eleven 500 mile days in a row, although in reality some of them were 300 mile days and some of them were 600 mile days.
500 miles or 10 hours in the saddle, is plenty for me anymore. of course without stopping for gas I could ride further in the same time, but I still have to pee lol
Maybe nurse Ratchet could install a DE catheter for you.
the “lack of vibration” got my attention. my arms are still buzzing from riding yesterday.
It’s so smooth, it will spoil ya.
That’s nice. How far will it go before it runs out of electrons?
Ask Elon Musk.
Elon does not exist. He is merely an A.I. Living in an eloaborate simulation.
with the ghost of the original Bill Gates
My 2015 SR doesn’t have the extra battery pack or anything. If I ride like a total jackass, I can get around 65 miles. If I just relax and take it easy, I’ve gotten 90 with 4% still left. I’ve never run out of juice in 13 months of ownership.
Nice to hear from someone who actually owns and rides a Zero, instead of the rantings of people who have never even ridden one, know nothing about them, and base all of their opinions on whatever political bias they bring to the conversation…
Thank you!