ZeroMx
Latest
Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in
The failing weather reminds us we're fast approaching the end of another year, but Zero Motorcycles wants to brighten our day with the announcement of its 2013 all-electric line-up. Immediately noticeable are the harder lines and healthy dose of matt black on the frames of the Zero S, DS, XU and MX refreshes. New to the team is the FX "Stealth Fighter" (pictured above), touting the fastest acceleration of any Zero moto to date and taking design cues from the late Zero X, which has been removed from the roster. As well as aesthetic improvements to the bikes, each Z-Force motor should produce up to 125% more power than previous iterations, and an optional CHAdeMO charging accessory will juice you up in around an hour. Companion iPhone and Android apps will also be available, allowing you to customize your ride's performance and review other info. The class of 2013 will be hitting retailers throughout January and February, with MSRPs of the basic spec models running from $7,995 to $13,995, depending on your wants and needs. Head over to the source link to review your hardware options and, more importantly, choose your color scheme.
Zero Motorcycles will pay for your first 25,000 e-motorbike miles, wants you to ride guilt-free
If you've been staring lustfully at an electric motorcycle but needed that little extra push to make the jump, Zero Motorcycles has a unique incentive in store: it'll pay for your first 25,000 miles on the road. Should you take the keys to any one of the company's two-wheelers between now and the end of May, you'll get a Visa gift card for the amount within a few weeks. Of course, the reason it can make such a seemingly generous offer is through the sheer efficiency of an electric engine: at a typical 10 cents for every kilowatt-hour, you're looking at just under $200 for what's likely several years of driving, even if you're particularly enthusiastic. Knowing that riding the same amount with a gas-powered bike practically requires taking out a small mortgage in the current economy, though, we'd say that Zero is just reminding us of an an advantage e-motorbikes already have.
Zero Motorcycles reveals longer range, longer lasting 2012 lineup (video)
Zero Motorcycles is gearing up for 2012, and not by stockpiling canned goods and ammunition. The company is refreshing its line of all-electric bikes and adding a host of refinements, including a new powertrain and a battery pack rated to last as long as the motorcycle does (though, whether or not it lives up to that lofty claim in real-world conditions remains to be seen). Of particular interest is the 9kWh configuration of the Zero S, which has an estimated range of 114 miles -- making it the first EV bike available to consumers that can exceed 100 miles on a single charge. In total Zero will be shipping five models in February, starting at $7,695 for the XU, while the S and DS will fetch $11,495 or $13,995 in their respective 6kWh and 9kWh versions. Off-road enthusiasts can choose between the trail shredding Zero X at $9,995 or the motocross-minded Zero MX for $9,495. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break for peek at the company's 2012 line. %Gallery-138781%
Zero Motorcycles unveils faster-charging, even quieter 2011 motorcycle lineup (video)
To those who are still convinced that loud motorcycles make you more safe: it's best you look away now. The quietest bikes in the business just got even more silent. Zero Motorcycles just has unveiled its 2011 lineup of electric motorcycles and among a suite of generally tidy enhancements comes a change to belt drive. This means no more chains, no more chain lube, and no more rattling and grating noises. There's nothing but the sound of the wind and the faint scream of the motor, which you can hear for yourself in the video below. Also new is a 12.5 percent boost in battery capacity and a quick-charge option that drops charging times in half -- but does so at an up-front cost of $595. That's on top of the $9,995 for a road-going Zero S. Meanwhile the dual-sport Zero DS starts at $10,495, off-road Zero X at $7,995, and the higher-spec Zero MX $9,495. All are available for order right now. Update: We spoke with the kind folks at Zero and got a little more information on that new trick charger. A current Zero S or Zero DS will take about four hours to charge, but if you opt for the $595 quick-charge it'll go down to just two hours -- though you can get a 90 percent in about an hour. The X and MX, meanwhile, can be fully charged in about an hour. This is without requiring any fancy plugs or DC converters, it's still just a standard 110 outlet! %Gallery-115936% [Thanks, Darius]
Zero off-road electric motorcycles get recalled, might crash more than usual
The Zero S our own Tim Stevens rode fearlessly through the streets of New York apparently isn't effected, but it looks like Zero's off-road electric motorcycles (the Zero X and Zero MX) have been hit with a recall after it was discovered that they might crash when it's not entirely the driver's fault. Turns out the throttle can get stuck in the open position or become disconnected, and that the "Easy" or "0-25" modes can "unexpectedly" lead to full power when the bike is turned on -- both what you might call "bad things." Of course, this is a fairly small recall (some 200 vehicles), but if that includes you, you'll want to get in touch with Zero to arrange for a free repair. Hit up the link below for all the necessary details.
Zero MX all-electric motorcycle takes on the trails
Not one to rest on its ultra-quiet laurels, Zero Motorcycles has just introduced its newest zero-emissions bike: the Zero MX. Hitting the scene just a month and change after we test drove the Zero S, this whip is engineered specifically for track riding and motocross, with the fork, shocks, wheels and tires being all new for this model. In fact, we're told that the MX will enable riders to jump higher and land softer, with a beefier front-end and a "custom rear shock that gives riders a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping." Better still, it's available as we speak for the not-at-all-reasonable price of $8,250, though at least we're heading in the right direction -- the aforesaid Zero S rang up at nearly ten large (while that Brammo bike we tested today starts at twelve grand). Live action video is after the break.
