If you’re a fan of off-road motorcycling, there’s a phenomenal new bike on the market that ranks right up there with 250 cc machines in terms of capability, but with huge advantages over conventional gas-powered dirt bikes. It’s called the Zero X and it uses no fossil fuel. In fact, it uses no fuel at all. It’s electric and it moves like a bolt of lightning, weighing in at a mere 140 pounds.
Powering the bike is a brushed permanent magnet electric motor with energy provided by the Lithium-ion battery that is fully rechargeable in two hours, by plugging into either a standard 110V or 220V outlet. The battery’s life expectancy is four to five years with normal use.
The Zero X rides on lightweight, hydraulic dual-front, fully-adjustable forks. A single coil-over shock for the rear features 9 inches of travel. The 2009 models will feature White Brothers front forks. The 20-by-3.0 knobby, off-road tires are mounted on lace-spoke, hollow core alloy wheels front and rear. The brakes are fully hydraulic and hand-controlled with single stainless steel discs both fore and aft.
The Zero X is fitted with a capacitor that regulates speed. There are two settings, one for up to 30 mph the other for up to 60 mph. There is also a switch that regulates torque application with Normal and Sport modes. The Sport mode obviously delivers the highest torque output.
Visually, the Zero X appears to be a normal off-road machine, until one notices that there is no exhaust. The fenders and protective bodywork are made of polycarbonate material that is impervious to breakage. Another factor that becomes readily apparent when the bike is switched on, is that there is practically no operational noise beside a slight whir and chain on sprocket buzz. This is an endearing quality that allows the Zero X to be ridden without creating noise pollution.
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