Zero Motorcycles, the leading electric motorcycle manufacturer in the United States, has introduced the Zero SR/F that will be available in two versions beginning at $18,995. These new bikes are very high performance, with a claimed 140 foot/pounds of torque and 110 horsepower, and a range of up to 200 miles. Together with the new bikes, Zero is touting its Rapid Charge System, which will work at public “Level 2” charge stations.
Here is the full press release from Zero regarding the new SR/F:
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (February 25, 2019) Zero Motorcycles, the brand that defined the category of electric motorcycles, introduces the SR/F, their most innovative and powerful motorcycle yet. Zero’s new streetfighter delivers an unprecedented combination of industry-leading power, control and connection in the first fully “smart” motorcycle. The SR/F incorporates Zero’s revolutionary new operating system—Cypher III—which builds off the brand’s 13 years of industry-leading motorcycle and powertrain development. The SR/F sets a new standard for premium electric performance.
EFFORTLESS POWER — Effortlessly powerful, the SR/F delivers an incredible 140 ft-lbs of torque and 110 horsepower with a simple twist of a throttle. The bike is propelled forward by the class-leading performance and efficiency of Zero’s new ZF75-10 motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery.
The compact powertrain boasts innovative air-cooling that increases longevity, eliminates most routine maintenance and effortlessly launches the SR/F to top speed. A single charge delivers up to a 200-mile range with the addition of Zero’s Power Tank, which will be available fall 2019.
The innovative Rapid Charge System works on the large and growing network of Level 2 charge stations and provides a platform that allows for up to three independent charging modules. This enables unique adaptability and the fastest recharge capacity in Zero’s lineup. With all three modules installed, the SR/F can charge from 0 to 95 percent capacity in one hour.
The SR/F’s uniquely designed steel-trellis frame and concentric swingarm optimizes torque delivery to the rear wheel, allowing the bike to harness the full capabilities of the new powertrain.
EFFORTLESS CONTROL —As much brains as brawn, the SR/F ensures the rider is in control regardless of conditions, thanks to Zero’s new Cypher III operating system and Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC).
Cypher III acts as the central hub, integrating all systems on the motorcycle to deliver a superior riding experience. From Bosch’s MSC all the way to Zero’s next-gen app and dash, everything is seamlessly connected for easy and intuitive control.
The SR/F is the first electric motorcycle to integrate Bosch’s MSC system, renowned for dynamic acceleration and improved stability regardless of road surface or conditions. When combined with Cypher lIl, the MSC’s full capabilities are unleashed, resulting in best-in-class straight-line ABS and cornering brake control, traction control and drag torque control.
The SR/F’s arsenal of ride modes allows the rider to customize the bike’s performance through the intuitive next-generation app and dash interface. The SR/F navigates the road no matter the conditions with Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to 10 programmable custom modes.
The SR/F is also equipped with a dual radial front brake system, adding a level of control that makes shedding speed as effortless as building it.
EFFORTLESS CONNECTION —The SR/F is the first fully “smart” motorcycle thanks to the Cypher III operating system. It is also the first commercially available connected motorcycle on the market. Connectivity gives the rider the ability to monitor the bike in four main areas: Bike Status and Alerts, Charging, Ride Data Sharing, and System Upgrades and Updates.
- Bike Status and Alerts: The SR/F alerts riders regarding bike status, including interruptions in charging and tip-over or unexpected motion notifications. In addition, the “Find my Bike” function allows riders to keep tabs on the motorcycle at all times.
- Charging: The SR/F takes the convenience of recharging to new levels with the ability to remotely set charging parameters, including Targeted Charge Levels, notification of State of Charge (SoC), Charge Time Scheduling and Charge Tracking. These notifications allow riders to control all aspects of charging and to monitor charge status even when away from the motorcycle.
- Ride Data Sharing: Riders can gather, relive and share extensive data about their ride through the app. An industry first, the motorcycle records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, SoC and energy used/regenerated. Riders can replay each ride and also choose to upload additional content to record and share their full experience. Riders also have the option to keep data anonymous.
- System Upgrades and Updates: New updates and diagnostic capabilities allow the rider to remotely download the latest Cypher III operating system release to ensure optimal performance and provide access to feature improvements.
All the benefits of connectivity are offered free-of-charge for the first two years with the purchase of a new SR/F.
An SR/F with a 3 kW Rapid Charger starts at $18,995 USD. The premium SR/F model with 6 kW Rapid Charger, fly screen, heated hand grips, and aluminum bar ends is $20,995 USD. Both models begin shipping to dealers this spring.
Both models are available in Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red colorways. Financing is available through Freedom Road.
See more of MD’s great photography:
I am very aware that when riding my Street Triple in traffic in 1st or 2nd it makes a lovely noise that makes car drivers aware of my presence, and things like Harleys shake the ground, so would feel rather unsafe on a silent electric vehicle, which would also surprise pedestrians, otherwise it would be an interesting alternative. Expect a few years down the line there will be a minor industry of retro-fitting newer batteries and control systems to the older models.
I agree. Was once riding my bicycle in my neighborhood and was coming up to a stop sign and since I intended to make a left turn I checked behind me to make sure no one was there. There was a guy on a Gold Wing right behind me and it put a scare into me. I had no idea he was there, his Gold Wing was almost silent. Good thing I always check.
I understand Zero batteries are warranted for several hundred thousand miles, pretty sure it was at least 300k miles. I’ve been driving electric vehicles for 7 years. Only the Nissan Leaf has battery degradation issues related to lack of thermal management for the batteries. My BMW Active E, i3, Chevy Volt and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV have not suffered from that malady. No retro-fitting needed even for the Leaf.
First electric that interests me. I like the styling and the range looks halfway decent too. Still only suitable for rides not to far from home. The power sounds great also. I’m thinking HD is in big trouble. This bike looks WAY better than the Livewire.
I am tempted………..
Hey Buell Fans
Just read that Erik is getting into the E Bike business and his company is call Fuell..no joke
https://jalopnik.com/erik-buells-new-company-fuell-jumping-into-the-electric-1833050677
Shocking! (Sorry, I couldn’t help it.)
Bad puns aside, it really is surprising. I’m interested to see how that motorcycle stacks up. They resisted the temptation to go all out on power, which piques my interest.
I sense a developing frenzy of anti Batt-ites. Think English trials, enduro, TT, grass track, hill climb, dual sport, adventure touring, crotch rocket, cruiser, etc. etc. etc. We all, can afford more diversity in whizzing down the road. Wha Hoo ! GO ELECTRIC ! Ohm was right.
You can own as many ICE bikes as you like (I currently own three) and the fuel costs will be no more than if you only had one. You can only ride one at a time and ICE bikes don’t use fuel when they are not being ridden. The major running cost of electric bikes is battery degradation and that is happening all of the time, even when you aren’t using them. Batteries usually degrade faster if they are not being used much. So if I had three electric bikes it would be very expensive.
I will continue to have ZERO interest in electric bikes until they are competitive with ICE bikes (price, range, looks…) The marketers of these machines don’t seem to have a clue as to what it takes to make a bike appealing to the average motorcyclist. I believe in another 15-20 years they MIGHT produce a bike that appeals to enough riders and corner a much bigger slice on the market. As for now, their only hope is to capture the imagination (and the wallet) of a few techno-nerds that are “shameless shills” for the electric bike scene. Not me, not yet.
Have you ridden one?
Dirck, it must be great being a motorcycle journalist and get to ride all kinds or bikes at other people’s expense. They give you an electric bike to test and you say, “Wow, this thing is amazing to ride.” But unless you have bought one you don’t have to deal with the costs involved. And you get to test them when they are new which means you get to ride electric bikes when they have a new battery.
Thanks, Captain Obvious.
Thanks, Mr Simple Minded.
I have. At least I’ve ridden a 2017 DSR ZF14.4. Lots of fun, but lots of money for a very limited use case. Very impressive from 35-70mph, but nothing special above 70mph. Great for commuting or a short day ride. Not so much for a long day ride, or a multi-state vacation trip.
The fawning over e-bikes reminds me of The Emperor’s New Clothes. It’s sometimes good for the children of the great unwashed to point out that ev’s and e-bikes are not the future. No matter how much we are told that they are wonderful, most of us can see right through the hype.
Sort of like naked emperors, they may have their place, but we don’t really need or want one in our garages.
To be fair, they’re sort of aimed at commuters. This one at commuters that want a bit more sport in their commute. You’re not gaining much benefit from an electric bike if it’s just sitting in your garage most of the time and only being rolled out on weekends or bike nights like a typical Harley. If you have a charge port at home, and this is your commuter, you’d never have to look for a gas station or charge port. If you’re trying to save money though, you’d of course be better served by any of their lower-priced models in that respect…
Grover, do you remember the first few times you operated a motorcycle on your own, the free flowing sensory enhancements, the positive interface between your body and a machine that empowered your sovereignty ? After 54 years of doing everything on a motorcycle , and as one loses physical abilities due to age and medical issues, the value of those first few times can be more than enough to satisfy. Not having all the required work and effort of an ICE with drive chain is a wonderful opportunity to continue riding. A morning loop of 45 or 70 miles is good enough, and wheelies, screaming tons, with stoppies are still stupidly disrespectful of the machine. Enjoy the leaning, the unfiltered air at a relaxed pace and continue to continue. Wish for a electric bike that is properly ergonomic. That is all.
I own a 2017 Zero SR, a 1982 Honda CB750F, Honda TRX400 Rancher, and many other motorcycles before. Regarding price I would respectfully disagree with your statement. If I add up what it cost to maintain an ICE bike and gasoline spent after ownership the Zero would be about the same as an ICE bike. On Range, well I did not buy a CB500 to ride across the country ( I would have bought a Goldwing for that). I used the CB500 for around town riding. Just like I do not like taking a Goldwing or similar bike to the corner store. On Looks well I think the new SR/F looks like other naked sport bikes and maybe a naked sport bike is not what you like but it is what I like. The marketers do not have a clue for you but they do have a clue for other ICE buyer’s. Please keep in mind even before electric if we all would agree on the same bike all those other ICE companies would only make ONE BIKE.
And then the name calling “As for now, their only hope is to capture the imagination (and the wallet) of a few techno-nerds that are “shameless shills” for the electric bike scene. Not me, not yet.” Well if liking all things on two wheels either ICE or electric then I guess I’m a techno-nerds.
Did a sit fit on two different models of ZERO today at a dealer in Oregon. This would be a perfect solution for my continuing need to ride for pleasure, after having quit last year. All the normal service issues of chain drive, gas powered motorcycles, eliminated. Two problems though. No equivalent battery constant conditioning such as ‘Battery Tender’ ( my last batt. lasted 10 years in a T-Scram ), and AGAIN STUPID ERGO DESIGN. One is forced to sit nuts to ‘ tank ‘ on a foward sloped seat, with a STYLISH stepped seat that does not allow any positional adjustment for differing leg length or knee flex. There is no sub frame that could be modified to eliminate the seat rise. When is function going to return to design ? Granted a rearward CG negatively affects stability, and Nancys with weak wrists need help staying on during acceleration, but really ?
The sad part is ZERO have committed to CONSTANT development to the entire drive train, which is very good for ” making things better “.
The seat/bar/peg positioning of the SR-F looks just about perfect for comfort and control. I think it is you who doesn’t understand “proper ergonomics”.
Ergonomics is the adaptive comfort and controls of the machine to the human, not one person feeling comfortable on one machine. Congratulations to you and your fit with the SR-F. As a retired human factors tech in aerospace I am familiar with ergonomics. More importantly the styling obsession with stepped seats STOPS some percentage of the population from feeling comfortable enough to buy.
Buy the way how did you like the rt foot peg /heel interference.
So what works in an airplane must work the same way on a motorcycle. Got it.
Just think.
A few years ago, in line fours were often referred to as blenders or kitchen appliances, have no character.
At my age, I plan to ride that dinosaur train, off into the sunset.
FAR over the top for my current needs. Zero’s entry level would provide my now much-limited mc’ing needs and abilities.
the electrified transportation industry amazes me. i dont freak out over global warming, but i do agree that reducing fossil fuels is not a bad idea.
i applaud attempts to generate energy via wind, water, solar, and (ahem) nuclear sources.
already the auto industry is concerned about imminent future reduction of ICE powered transportation.
i’m about ready to settle for this, as balance, rather, lack of it, has become an issue:
https://electricbikereview.com/wp-content/assets/2017/03/2017-pedego-electric-trike-review-1200×600-c-default.jpg
If it was 12k, and real 150 miles range on highway, 80-85 mph . Then I would buy it.
Otherwise I can get barely used tiger 800 for 6-7K and get 45-50 mpg with about 180 miles range
2 up. I got mine new OTD for 12k few years ago.
My coworker just got 2014 bmw 800 gt for 4500, with 8k miles. And with ohlins suspension.
Cost of batteries will come down somewhat, but power density probably not, at least for next 10-20 years.
Battery power density is improving much faster than that. Oxis (lithium/sulfer) is about to begin production of cells in Brazil. It offers (claimed) more Wh/Kg, lower cost per kg, endless shelf-life, and much better safety than current lithium battery tech. As ever, when volume comes up, all costs will go down.
That could be a true leap if the batteries work as claimed. 50% more range I think is what it would roughly amount to. But I do remember reading somewhere that Oxis claimed cost would be $200 per kW WITH mass production which is more than twice as much as current tech I believe.
May be in the lab(claimed), then it will 10+ years to be used(sold) in a mass produced vehicle in USA.
Its not like I dont want electric moto, but not 20k toy. And range has to be real 150-160 miles, not “city” riding. With heated grips, jacket, lights etc.
Batteries have been on the edge of the next big breakthrough for a long time. Lots of big promises, but the reality is slow, small steps.
Don’t get me wrong. LED’s and Li-ion’s have transformed flashights, and brushless motors and Li-Po’s have revolutionized RC.
We are still a long ways from being able to store and quickly transfer the amount of energy needed for the practical transportation needs of most motorists and motorcyclists.
“We are still a long ways from being able to store and quickly transfer the amount of energy needed for the practical transportation needs of most motorists and motorcyclists.”
We passed that threshold several years ago, actually. I think you mean we’re still a ways away from electric satisfying the needs of long distance recreational riders, of which there are very few. The average American motorist drives about 35 miles/day.
It seems that there’s a pervasive mentality here that a machine should retain it’s original value years after the original purchase. Harley folks used to use that as one of their justifications to own one. Well that hasn’t worked out so good, now has it. No matter what, if something gets used, it’ll start to wear. I’ve got a 50 grand truck that’s depreciating at 7k a year, in the end it ain’t worth much.
EV’s are the next generation, even you naysayers will be dragged into the future. 40 years ago, who’d have thought that in the future, construction sites would have been devoid of power tools with cords, we could tune a engine with a phone or take a blue ED pill that’d allow us to punch holes in sheetrock walls? Times are changing, I would really love to own one of these bikes.
Electric vehicles take a much larger hit in depreciation. We are talking half the price in two years. Thats tough to swallow and no one wants the uncertainty of buying a used electric where there’s no way of determining the remaining range without a multi-hour test drive.
“even you naysayers will be dragged into the future”
I’m not a naysayer. I’m very supportive of the idea. We are comparing electric bikes to ICE bikes. In the future EBs may be the winner, but at the moment they can’t compete. Their range is inadequate for many riders, and the running costs are being hidden from us. We are being told they can be recharged for very little and require little maintenance. But they are not telling us how long the batteries will last and how much it will cost to replace them. We do know that they are hideously expensive, so much so that you may just replace the whole bike.
A couple of years ago I bought an extra bike. It was 12 years old at the time. It is a high performance model with low mileage that still performs and handles like new. Servicing costs are minimal because I do it all myself, and I enjoy doing it. The only significant disadvantage compared to EBs is the cost of fuel. The purchase price was about 25% of the equivalent new bike, and I expect it will give me plenty of thrills for many years. A 12 year old EB will have already been scrapped. And an EB costs a lot more when new.
I’m not expecting it to “retain it’s original value years after the original purchase.” I’m just not expecting it to lack the capability it had when new, to the point it’s absolutely worthless and needs to be junked.
A properly maintained 10-year old CBR600RR that originally sold for around $8000 will still have about the same range (about 150miles?) and be worth around $4000.
A properly maintained Zero S with the ZF14.4 battery and charge tank and quick charger that sells for $17000 today and has a combined range of 120 miles. According to the dealer I talked to, it will lose about 10% of its battery capacity per year. In 15 years, the Zero S will have a combined range of about 40 miles and will thus be worth absolutely nothing. That’s unacceptable to me.
Still waiting for Zero (or others) to focus on replacing Alta’s remarkable dual sport bike. If they could get the weight down to 220-220 lbs or so, keep the range at 40-50 miles, and keep the price under $10k I think a lot of casual trail riders might bite.
Zero’s current FX falls just a bit short…but close!
Unfortunately, we can’t get ICE race MX bikes below 220lb/$10k.
Electric seems like a great opportunity for land access. Quiet, no emissions. Those have historically the “weapons” used to deny motorcycles access to riding areas.
The electric equivalent of a Honda XR600R e.g. about 40 hp, 11+ in travel and +/- 300 lbs. Give it about 40-45 miles range and it would basically replace the bike I have now. Although my skill set is probably better suited to casual trail riding I regularly chase around more aggressive types. Electric seems like a good fit for off road riders of all varieties.
I’ve been wanting an electric dirt bike for a long time. I can’t remember now what the Alta weighed (275 maybe?), but they were there as far as I was concerned. It didn’t feel much different weight wise than 450 class enduro.
The issue was still range from what I read on the forums. I’d be fine with 300 lbs if it could just make it 40 or 50 miles like you said.
I like it. I mean c’mon…140ft lbs of torque AND quiet as a ghost? Carving through your favorite area and nobody even knowing you’re there unless they see you themselves? Nice to also finally see eMotorcycles are starting to incorporate looks that aren’t so industrial. Some publication needs to gather up one of these, an Esse Esse 9, the new Lightning Strike and the Livewire, and do a full spectrum eBike battle royale. And none of that “We were at %70 charge so we think we could’ve gone blah blah blah” speculation. I mean, ride them like a normal person until dead and then charge them back to full and do it again. Do that over the course of a week, and then report how all involved REALLY feel about what it takes to own an electric motorcycle. Finally let people know what to expect in real world use. Until some manufacturer or publication is willing to do that, the skeptics will continue to greatly outnumber the fans.
A 220 kg Suzuki Gladius lookalike with a 160 mile range and zero resale value 10 years later. No thanks.
A lot more people would be interested in small electric scooter that can do 65mph and go 100 miles on a charge if the price can be kept around $3500. Would be great for commuting and running around town.
Just wondering, what will be the common obstacles with new e-bikes? We’ve lost tank-flange and ugly muffler as two deal breakers for any reviewed ICE bike, regardless of price. Might “range” and “charge time” be the automatic reasons we won’t buy any e-bike?
For me, it’s the fact that there is no multi-ratio transmission or the rising and falling exhaust note. Electric is a total non-starter for me. I like to enjoy riding.
Looking forward to my first electric motorcycle.
Range and cost I think realistically is about another ten years away.
One day hopefully.
In 10 years?.. Cost, possibly. Range, I don’t think we’ll see much progress there.
Nanotechnology.
Nanohype
Hmmm… not so sure. Battery technology is improving and the demand for rapid charging stations is increasing. We may be there sooner than you think.
Supercapacitors with li-ion batteries allow quick charge of the capacitor and slow release to the battery. Soon they will perfect the balance. Then we will see 1-2 minute charge times and no one will care about range anymore.
Define “soon”
Supercapacitors are currently on luxury super cars and race cars to harness regen braking energy. Remember points, carbs, unleaded fuel, kick starts, two stroke street bikes….? Sooner than that was later.
Trying to understand… If one of most peoples objection to e- motorcycles is charging times, and the tech is currently available and in use for 1-2 minute charge times. Why isn’t Zero/Brammo/KTM/Harley Davidson, using it?
“Soon” means “not now”. It also means “not this model year”. And “not next model year”.
“Soon” is great for scientific interest, but meaningless when actually buying a motorcycle.
For the record, there are three document cargo airplane crashes suspected to be caused by Li batteries: UPS at Philadelphia; UPS at Dubai; and Korean Air departing Korea, crashed in to the sea.
I’m not aware of the Philly crash. But the other 2 were caused by Li batteries being transported, not used by the aircraft, and that’s been a while.
.
How they came to auto-ignite is something not determined. I can only surmise it was how they were packaged and stored for transport, allowing vibration against the terminals to excite it. In the past, with cell phones, the batteries were plugged in for charging or being used. A battery, on its own doing nothing should not have done anything. Or maybe it was a lower atmospheric pressure that had something to do with it. Boiling points do lower as atmospheric pressure lowers. Perhaps being 40,000 ft in the air in a lower pressure part of the plane was an issue.
.
As for Li batteries in planes, I do know the 787 was grounded twice for their very oddly shaped and packaged batteries. I don’t know if Airbus has any issues, without doing a search. however, they’re being used in an extreme environment by comparison to a motorcycle.
Thank goodness these motorcycles don’t fly.
Wasn’t Tom Hanks on one of those planes?
Yep. Him and… wait for it.. WILSON!
220kg isn’t bad. It looks heavier than that. Getting there!
Is that 220kg dry or wet?
I couldn’t resist.
Knowing how manufacturers play with numbers, it’s probably 220 kg uncharged.
LOL!
If I had a house, working in high tech for example, young with money, old with money, hey, why not? No gas. No oil. No valves. They could even program in whatever sound they want out of the exhaust. But they whine sounds kind of formula one cool one some of them. I think I’d want my bike to bark or something so deer would not run out in front of me, or kids, or cars. 😮
If money grew on trees. Why not? Tesla’s out run some ICE super cars. 140 Ft/Lbs? next year the demand will be 200 at least for some people for some people. What I don’t get about electric vehicles why do they have to be so fast? If you wanted to be green lights slow should be the way to go. Fast means more energy no matter where it comes from. More batteries mean more weight and less range to carry that weight. Makes me wonder what the sweet spot is for power and weight for an electric vehicle and still be fun. Would I buy an electric scooter if it had similar performance and price of gas powered one? Depends on what the Chinese and Indians come up with.
Speaking of class D fires. I used to notice a lot of burnt concrete on the interstate. It was new at least to me. Were aluminum engine blocks catching fire? Thinking a large lithium fire could burn a hole in concrete or at least cause enough damage to cause shut down.
The added performance is available with very minimal cost. If you don’t use it your range is about the same as the same system with lower performance. It isn’t like an ICE. Tuned for higher performance an ICE becomes very wasteful at speeds it isn’t tuned for. With the general market for vehicles being so impressed by performance it is easy to see manufacturers use it to gather attention.
Additionally a BEV is VERY easy to ride irrespective of the performance. If you want less performance simply dial on less. Want more, dial on more. no narrow power band, no mess of gears and clutch to have to deal with to keep it running in its power band. BEVs are ally unique and have an outstanding driving experience. I have ridden the Zero offerings and they have really great rides. I have driven BEV 4 wheels for the last 4 years with my current being a Tesla Model 3. All have been an great experience.
its the future and I like it BUT……don’t tout 200 miles then slip in you have to have something optional to do it. I want real numbers. How refreshing would it be (Tesla I’m looking at you) to have a real life range number based on real life riding? Once they do that and we believe it I’ll be hooked.
At 70 mph the range is 132 km or 81 miles. I need at least 300 km or 185 miles. At 75 mph the range will probably be 60 miles. Too short. I need a motorcycle with a 30 KWh battery or more but with the actual technology the price and the weight will be absurd…
https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ca/zero-srf
I had an electric bike, loved it, unlikely to be a replacement to all ice bikes yet due to the range, but if their given specs and range suit your riding style, definitely worth a look or better, a test ride, I was blown away (silently)…
First let me say I love my ICE bike, a T120. I love the way it feels, sounds, smells. As most of you here, I have a deep rooted attachment to the ICE having spent many weekends and evenings spinning wrenches.
Now let me tell you the future of motorcycles and autos is the EV. Honda can build all of the Cubs and Monkeys it wants but what is going to get new riders in is the electric motorcycle. Like it or not, there is going to be a huge shift in economics and energy in the next year or so and it doesn’t matter how many miles an EM gets, Government incentives will draw in buyers and new companies like bees to honey. I encourage the naysayers to watch 60 Minutes from 2/24. You’ll see what I am talking about. China is poised to dump EVs into the US market and there isn’t much we can do about it.
Until EV cars and bikes are truly comparable (or better) in every way versus their ICE equivalents they will not become popular. What could change that is if the manufacturers stop making desirable ICE vehicles or if governments support EVs through big incentives. Right now EVs still don’t cut it on a rational basis, especially in bikes, where weight is too high and range too low.
Which is exactly what China is doing right now. Incentivizing businesses to make EVs and people to buy them, making it more expensive to purchase an ICE vehicle.
Communist Chinese “incentivizing” is blunt force trauma. When governments, even well-intentioned governments, get involved in the markets, the people lose. Always. And it is a huge stretch to think that the ChiCom’s are well-intentioned.
Gasoline and diesel power the world economy. They have done so for a while, and will continue to do so into the future. Nuclear generation of electricity could offer an alternative, but there are so many who oppose nuclear power that we will not see major strides in electric generation for a long time yet.
Most European countries have already announced target dates when fossil fuel vehicles would be banned (2040 is a common target). Norway is targeting 2025. The market will shift the volume before that. Range is adequate for the way the majority of people drive now. Those of us who need 250+ mile range are very much in the minority. Tesla gets all the attention here in the US, but I’m pretty interested to see how the new Nissan Leaf sells.
Just got my Zero FX ZR3.6 modular. 100miles and sport mode is still awe inspiring. No, it absolutely does not replace an ICE bike but the grin factor is off the chart. 250lbs, 75ftlb of torque. Ok, I can only go flat out for 20 minitues but it’s soooo fun! The modular has replaceable batteries so I can just plug in another battery and do another 20 minute hot lap.
I honestly can’t imagine 140ftlb of instant torque. Zeros make great cafe racers. Oh, and no vibration except the rumble of the asphalt. Yes, ashphalt rumbles under your tires when your bike doesn’t.
Pedaling a bicycle you are doing about 140 ft-lb of instant torque. There you go.
So, on your bicycle you can accelerate from 40-70 mph in about 3 seconds? No? Then please STFU about it. You know g** d*** well what people mean when they talk about torque.
They really are talking about power. That’s why you can’t accelerate from 40-70 in about 3 seconds on a 140 ft-lb of torque bicycle.
Thanks Todd, I had forgotten that. That would be why when I was 12 and put the tiny front sprocket on my Mustang bicycle I could pull catwalks all the way down the street! There is the slight issue of rpm when pedaling though, Zero can “pedal” a heck of a lot faster than I can 🙂 I know that we would then be talking about horsepower.
Thank you Anonymous but I know exactly what I was talking about. I was talking about torque not horsepower. Please keep to your own threads if you’re goings to be ignorant and rude.
And according to Todd you’d be wrong. So thanks for backing me up.
What is average actual battery longevity? What is actual street replacement cost? The next time you see someone brag about less maintenance cost vs. ICE powered vehicle, tell them to prove it. In this case, prove it means show a chart compiled by an independent source documenting actual short and long term costs. Till then, consider it pure unadulterated “puffery,” an advertising term for horse manure.
I recently erred in the operation of one of my lithium powered electronic components, causing premature battery replacement. Four 3.3V (similar diameter to a D cell, 50% longer) cost about $50 IIRC. (BTW, there’s plenty of videos of those same 4 batteries starting huge V8 motors all day.)
What is the difference in risk in the case of a fire of this bike vs. a similar ICE powered bike?
Am I the only one who watched the several YT videos of the many jet plane crashes (including more than one air cargo jumbo jet), caused by lithium ion battery fires that spread like wildfire?
I did not mean to imply ICE powered motorcycle fires lack deadly fire risk. A motorcycle journalist and I pulled a deceased CBR600R rider from an accident fire the deceased caused when he crossed the solid double yellow line of CA Highway 1 just N. of Pt. Reyes.
“What is average actual battery longevity? What is actual street replacement cost?”
These are the important questions that nobody is answering. Add to them – What is the rate of battery degradation? In other words, how much will the range decrease every year? I have heard that replacement batteries can cost about half of the total purchase price of the new bike. That could cost more than the running costs of an ICE bike if it is only ridden occasionally. We need to know the facts. If they won’t tell us we have to assume they are hiding something.
Don’t think that you could buy one of these and then sell it when the battery gets weak to avoid the replacement cost. Selling an electric bike with a battery that has some years behind it will be like selling an ICE bike with a blown engine. You won’t get much for it.
Answering Provologna and Ralph with this response. You really can’t compare battery life from electronic equipment with most BEVs. You charge your typical smart phone with a rapid charger designed to get your phone charged and back in service and they are sacrificing battery life to do it.
Most BEVs have active thermal control to keep the temperature under control during charging. Goes a long way towards preserving batteries.
Right now I think the longest distance a Tesla Model X has is over 400K miles. It is used to taxi customers between LA and Las Vegas. It is charged with only high speed Superchargers and has lost 13%. There are many with 300K miles and the losses are at 10%. I don’t think that Zero is going to have a worse record with their battery management.
Bryan, saying how many miles a battery can do does not answer our questions. Batteries degrade with time and their life is usually measured in years. They may have no trouble doing 400K miles in 4 years. But how many miles will they last if they do, say, 10K miles a year? What percentage of their capacity remains after, say, 5 years?
If an electric bike has a range of, for example, 100 miles, for some people that is totally inadequate and they will not buy it. For other people it will be more than enough. If they travel less than 50 miles at a time the battery capacity can drop to 50% before it becomes inadequate. For other people the range of 100 miles will be just enough. If the range drops by 20% it will no longer be enough.
For many people motorcycles are recreational vehicles that are only used occasionally. For them the costs of buying and running an electric bike could be more than for an ICE bike.
You, like others, are simply covering up the facts. We don’t want to know how many miles or how many charge/discharge cycles a battery can do. We want to know how many years they will last and how much they will cost to replace. I realize that battery life will depend on many variables, but so to does their range, so they should be able to give us some idea. And there is no reason why they can’t state a price.
And I repeat – If they don’t tell us we have to assume they are hiding something.
Short answer – we don’t know. There aren’t enough EVs with 10+ years to have an accurate picture.
Battery warranties vary for electric cars but most companies guarantee 70% capacity after 8 years / 100K miles.
Zero warranties their batteries for 5 years / unlimited miles.
I went a Zero dealer and asked them about this. IIRC, they said that they expected battery capacity to degrade about 5%/year, so at 10 years, the battery might be down to about 50% charge compared to new. Seems to me that’s a pretty significant decrease and performance and thus, resale value if you ever want to sell it. I asked about replacement, and they said it wouldn’t be worth it to replace, you might as well buy a new bike. At that point, I lost all interest.
Sorry, I don’t think a $20k bike should be considered disposable in 10 years.
The best data you can find easily right now would be for Tesla and Nissan Leaf packs.
There are plenty of Tesla S with over 200,000 miles and packs showing over 85% of original capacity. There are some on original packs at over 300k. Leaf packs seem to lose capacity a bit faster, possibly due to lacking active temperature control.
Would a Zero pack do the same? No idea, yet.
There are people that have rebuilt packs for both, mostly after buying a wreck and for making their own vehicles. To the best of my knowledge Tesla haven’t yet sold any replacement packs but I have heard of them replacing a few under warranty, including for a taxi company that thrashes them al day every day. Cost? No market means no data.
For bikes – other than Harley whales – it’s still hard to handle the weight but the energy density improves a bit each year. Years ago it was a real challenge to fly electric powered model planes. Now they are the standard and you have to really like the noise, smell and mess of liquid fuel to use it. I’m surprised no one is making an e-cruiser; 700lb would surprise nobody and allow for a good bar-hopping range even for two-up Americans at 350lb a piece. Even the cost could match Harley…
Rode an older zero while my bike was being serviced, very impressed it was a little strange no noise or anything .But it was pretty quick getting on the freeway on ramp looked down I was doing 90 no gears just turn throttle and go. Never thought I would say this but like to have one.
This is sounding like a lot of required options $ to get the improved performance on top of a steep price. I don need connectivity etc complexity just to whiz on down the road. Still interested in the baser bikes for a reasonable price if they fit me. Wonder what kind of weight with all the optional batteries/ chargers/ plugs etc. for any of the ZERO bikes. Really looking forward to the next 5 years.
Surprised that only one other noticed the “Ride Sharing” feature… That was great marketing lingo for a complete black box that may or may not be used against you in a court of law?
Or perhaps you could share the max speed to impress the internet.. that won’t spiral out of control?
“the motorcycle records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, SoC and energy used/regenerated. ”
Oh I see, the uesr can choose to keep the data anonymous.. right…
(now get off my lawn!)
Or a black box that can be used in the rider’s favor in the event of a non-fault collision, no?
based on my reading of the industry i think zero puts out a good quality product. i could be happy with an S ZF7.2, as i no longer crave all-day rides. around north coastal san diego county’s about all i need.
Maybe OK as a commuter but for the motorcyclist who likes to travel, it’s a non starter. A bit pricey too, but not eye watering like the Live Wire. I hope HD is watching and see what their competition is doing. At 30 large, only a handful of Live Wire’s will ever leave Milwaukee.
They’ll leave Milwaukee…and languish on dealer showrooms.
Unfortunately not an option for Asia/Oceania, since Zero pulled out of the region in 2017. Looks like remarkable engineering, but the reality for this region is that e-bicycles and low end e-scooters remain the only two wheeled options for the foreseeable future.
What does “a range of up to 200 miles” mean? I dont piddle around locally. I have places to go. Stopping to charge I guess could be coordinated with meals/bladder stops, but an hour wait sometimes would just be excruciating on a cross county run. The concept is not feasible for me.
“What does “a range of up to 200 miles” mean?”
That means with the optional power tank in a stop and go city cycle. 161 miles without the power tank. 82 miles at 70 mph. Probably slightly downhill with the wind behind you.
Just because it doesn’t suit your needs, doesn’t mean it won’t suit anyone else’s. A 200 mile range (if true) means there’s probably a weeks worth of commuting in between charges for most people with this bike.
Bring it on I say!
You could wait weeks between charges but that isn’t the best way to use an electric vehicle. Li-Ion batteries last longer with many shallow discharges than they do with deep discharges. It is better for the battery to charge it each night. This also let you leave each morning with a fully charged vehicle.
Charge times don’t matter as the bike is charging while you sleep. I can keep my electric car topped off even on standard 110V power.
(Li-Ion batteries like to stay between 20% and 80% SOC)
Except for initial buy in price, it makes a pretty good case as a second bike for long distance riders. Not having to push out the heavy big rig for a local jaunt. Not unnecessarily wearing out the tires needed to make some distance, when it can be done on tires that cost less and last a whole lot longer. Getting 60 mpg instead of 40 mpg. Many of us long distance riders have such a bike in the garage already. Smaller, lighter, easier to handle for errands etc. A Gold Wing and an SV 650, a BMW 1600 and a CB 500X etc.
Perfect bike for this purpose, if it were as affordable as an SV650 or CB500X
It’s probably best to look at electric bikes as being as shorter-distance/daily trip tools instead of touring alternatives. There just isn’t the space on them to carry the storage mass necessary to compete with the distance and refueling advantage of gas bikes. If you can only have one bike and need to go far, days at a time, get gas.
Such is the way now. Maybe a decade of development changes things.
“With all three modules installed, the SR/F can charge from 0 to 95 percent capacity in one hour.”
I can fill up the Tuono in 5 minutes and it has real soul. Pass.
Well I can charge my Tesla Model 3 in about 10 seconds or less. I simply plug it into the wall as I get out of the car. Takes less than 10 seconds. Then in the morning I unplug it as I get in. Amazingly in a total of maybe 15 – 20 seconds I have a fully charged battery with 280 or miles of range.
You don’t need to fall asleep at the gas station though.
With an EV you start every day with a full “tank”
Only if you make it to the charger.
I see what you did there and I approve.
Half the price of the Indian.
I have ‘zero’ interest in the Harley, but I like these bikes. Still too expensive.
and it’s attractive to boot.
I’d rather ride this than a LiveWire at $12K more anyday
They are getting close. Just have to get the price competitive to at least a 700cc class bike or around $10K
My Bafang 1000w powered bicycle gets me through town, keeping up with traffic (because of the traffic signals). The bolt on motor is $500. Battery $500. Peddle assist. cruse at 22 mph. Max speed, 33mph, pedaling my ass off, with full throttle.
Half the price (half the power if necessary, although the that would not dramatically reduce the cost to build) and I’m there. Still 2 yrs away for direct ICE comparison…
“Harley Engineers were unavailable for comment”, I imagine.
Can’t wait to see this machine tested in the real world. I wonder what warranties will be offered, and what the lifetime savings are with respect to “fuel” vs. a comparable gas bike, and also weight. Not sure I’d want the “Ride Data Sharing” feature though, especially if it could be accessed by the Highway Patrol or Allstate.
I told someone last week that I could make the case for an electric car, but not an electric motorcycle. I may have spoken too soon.
Zero’s warranty is:
2 years / unlimited miles for the base vehicle
5 years / unlimited miles on the battery pack.
If I understand correctly, this is an effortless motorcycle that can be ridden effortlessly, providing the owner with an effortless experience that he can enjoy effortlessly.
Aside from the redundancy of the article, this seems to be a major step forward in electric motorcycles. Yes, the price is still high, but now you seem to really get a lot for your investment. I’m eager to see the performance figures which will likely be very impressive and delivered effortlessly. .
I agree that they’ve overcooked the messaging a little bit, but it’s probably the right message. Effort and perceived danger are the main obstacles for motorcycling to those who aren’t already in.
Unfortunately, it looks like this company’s product direction is ballooning into electrified versions of the motorcycles we have now. I think the opportunity in the long run will be something lighter and leaner. Cooler than a middle-weight scooter but that kind of practicality for the urban/suburban commuter.
Effortlessly spoken.