Zero Motorcycles Zero S
Reviewed by Chuck Squatriglia • July 02, 2009
Zero's Newest Electric Motorcycle Is Good Clean Fun
First Look
$9,950 • zeromotorcycles.com
Zero's Newest Electric Motorcycle Is Good Clean Fun
Summer Test 2009
We'd like to be able to tell you the Zero S is an awesome electric motorcycle that makes commuting more fun than speed dating at a baby shower, but we can't. Someone at the factory sent us a neutered model fitted with a speed limiter that had the bike gasping like a lifelong smoker once we pushed it past 45.
Still, an afternoon on a pre-production version of the latest two-wheeler from Zero Motorcycles impressed us. The S offers nimble handling and decent range, and it's capable of mild canyon-carving provided you don't stray too far from a wall socket.
Zero S
Power comes from a brushed permanent magnet motor that produces 31 horsepower and an impressive 62.5 foot-pounds of torque. Zero says the bike will do 65 mph -- 75 with the optional 47-tooth rear sprocket -- and hit 60 mph in less than four seconds. We'll have to take Zero's word for it until we get an uncorked S later this summer. That said, the Zero X dirt bike we rode in April was quick enough to leave us grinning like models in a toothpaste ad.
The 4-kilowatt-hour lithium-manganese battery is good for an average range of 40 to 45 miles and a maximum of 60, depending upon how hard you twist the throttle. Once it's dead, you're looking at four hours to charge it from a 110-volt outlet. You can plug it into a 220-volt line but it won't charge any faster because the charger is limited to 1,000 watts, and at 110 volts, a 15-amp U.S. wall outlet already exceeds that by 650 watts. Unlike the Zero X, the S doesn't offer a swappable battery because the pack weighs 80 pounds, twice as much as the pack in the X. Zero figured that was too heavy for people to move around safely. Everything is wrapped in a gorgeous aluminum frame and plastic bodywork that, though bland, is stouter than a Romanian bodybuilder.
Zero S
Even though it has less power than the Republican Party, the S was fun to ride. It weighs just 250 pounds and is mountain-bike nimble. The suspension -- with 8 inches of travel at the front and 9 at the rear -- soaks up potholes almost big enough to swim in, though our bike had a rattle that we suspect was the chain slapping against the swingarm. Stopping power is adequate, but you'll find it a bit weak if you're used to a sport bike. Mind your manners and watch your speed around town, and you'll be fine.
Zero S
The S uses 16-inch wheels instead of the more conventional 17s because they offer lower rotational mass. Zero says that improves efficiency, and thus range, but it will limit your tire choices.
Our biggest complaint is that the bars are a bit low and the seat is harder than an organic chemistry final. At 36 inches off the ground, it's also higher than the audience at a Phish concert. Zero says a softer seat is coming, and you can get a lower one at 35 inches, but the inseam-challenged will still be on their toes at stoplights.
We're told we'll get an unencumbered S for a proper test later this summer, but the one we rode suggests "electric motorcycle" isn't an oxymoron, even if we aren't quite ready to surrender our Ducati.
Zero S
* Body Style: Motorcycle
* Engine Type: Electric
* Manufacturer: Zero Motorcycles
* Price: $9,950
Release Date: June 30, 2009
