The Zero S electric motorcycle is impressive, but be careful with the throttle—it accelerates superfast from a standing start—and keep in mind that it weighs only 225 pounds.
Those are the initial observations of this first-time rider, who took the street model made by Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Zero Motorcycles out for a spin.
It’s an odd feeling to twist the throttle and feel the powerful acceleration (62.5 pound-feet of torque) and still hear no sound except a slight clanking from the chain, not yet lubricated on this pre-production vehicle. Making tight turns is a little tricky, as there’s no clutch (and no gears). But once you get used to it, it’s just like an ordinary street motorcycle.
That’s the point. In contrast with Zero’s earlier off-road model Zero X, which is not intended for road use, Zero S is made for daily use, such as commuting or making trips up to 60 miles, which is the maximum range on a single charge (complete charging takes 4 hours on 110 volts).
According to Zero Motorcycles CEO Gene Banman, the Zero S is the first in its class ready to ship. Competitors would be the Strada from Swiss Quantya, X Rider from Xtreme Green Products, and the VX1 from Vectrix Electronics. CNET News
The Zero S generates about 31 horsepower, which won’t impress many riders. The 250cc Honda Nighthawk, a beginners’ model, puts out about 20 horses. High-performance models with 600cc to 1000cc engines typically have 100 to 180 horsepower. The Zero’s $9,950 price is hard to justify using the horsepower-per-dollar formula some riders favor. But its high-tech uniqueness makes it attractive to those seeking a different kind of ride.
Because electric motors differ from internal combustion engines in the way they generate power, the numbers don’t accurately characterize how the Zero feels on the road. Near-instantaneous power gets the bike moving quickly. There’s no clutch or gearbox to manipulate, so all one does is twist the throttle—and hold on.
After initial acceleration that seems impossibly quick, the motor’s power steadily settles down so the time it takes to reach cruising speed feels about the same as for any fast motorcycle. At 225 pounds, though, the electric bike feels more like a lightweight off-road model than an everyday street bike. When the rider stops and has to hold the bike upright, its weight never feels overwhelming. This lightness also takes away much of the fear of toppling over that motorcyclists feel when making slow turns and maneuvering in tight spaces such as parking lots. Wall Street Journal
When you first roll on the throttle, there’s a small bit of a hesitation, and then the Zero S launches smoothly and silently. There’s no engine braking whatsoever, which makes for a strange sensation when you let off the throttle - as the bike doesn’t slow down until you squeeze the brake lever or press the foot-brake pedal. We’d like it if those hydraulic front two-pot and rear one-pot brakes were a tad stronger, especially for the unpredictable conditions of urban riding. Saiki says they are probably going to offer better brakes to customers later, and that the company is on a mission to constantly improve and update the bike.
The Z-Force is easy to disconnect and install and can be sent back to Santa Cruz for software updates or repair. The rest of the bike is made from “standard” parts, so it is not necessary to find a Zero technician to service the suspension, brakes or wheels. The inexpensive stock tires on the Zero S are 110/70-16 on front and 140/70-16 on back, and customers who want to do more than ride around the block may want to swap them out first thing for a more familiar brand.
A replacement Z-Force power pack is a bit costly, at $2950, but it should last five to six years with average use - and you won’t need oil changes or valve adjustments. Cycle News
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