All Tests – Zero S and FXS Electric Motorcycles Test: 15 hp … and more with electricity – Small Ride of Zero FXS 11 kW

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Zero S and FXS electric motorcycles test: 15 horsepower … and more with electricity

All Tests - Zero S and FXS Electric Motorcycles Review: 15 horsepower ... and more with electricity - Zero FXS Small Ride 11 kW

Leader of the – microscopic – electric motorcycle market, Zero Motorcycles offers its S and FXS motorcycles in 11 kW version (accessible to B licenses), more efficient than their thermal competitors of 125 cc. Explanations and first contact.

Small Tower of Zero FXS 11 kW

With its weight limited to 133 kg, the Zero FXS looks more like a 125 cc. By climbing on the supermotard – the term "climb" is correct, since its saddle is placed 29 mm higher than on the roadster – Site realizes that this motorcycle should better meet the expectations of the target clientele..

To "jump the traffic jams" in the city center, motorists are indeed looking for a vehicle that is easy to handle, lively and compact. Three characteristics that combine the FXS, as easy to master but more explosive and more agile than the S.

Always as gentle in terms of engine management, the supermot ‘benefits from a lighter front axle: this Zero is more obvious to take in roundabouts or intersections thanks to its slightly wider, higher and more handlebars. open.

In a straight line, on the other hand, you should be more wary of the FXS because the "Sport" mode is aptly named! The bike asks its rider to hang on to the handlebars and not to overestimate the braking distance in the event of a problem….

Question braking, the system of the S is renewed as it is on the FXS. Lighter, the bike is therefore logically stopped faster and the dosage is a little easier. On rare portions sheltered from the rain, MNC was even able to lift the rear wheel when braking. Like what, a single disc is more than enough.

With greater travel and more flexible settings, the FXS suspensions are a little more pleasant – less moving – than those of the S on small cobbles. This is unfortunately all that allowed us to observe our short walk in the alleys of the Bois de Boulogne.

Great fans of 125 scooters, holders of the B permit who circulate in motorized two-wheelers are also looking for comfort and practicality. On the first point, the supermoto is doing well: its driving position is straighter than on the S, also allowing better monitoring of traffic. We forgive him for his narrower saddle.

The driving pleasure of the two motorcycles is reinforced by the "Zero vibration" offered by the electric motor. This is one of its strong points, compared to the more or less untimely hammering of small 4-stroke single cylinders..

On the other hand, the S and the FXS sin naturally by their lack of protection against bad weather and the absence of trunk under the saddle. Fortunately, "a top case and a whole bunch of accessories are offered in the catalog", blows us the French manager !

On the practical side still, electric motorcycles mark a new point in terms of maintenance, almost zero: no oil change is to be expected (no oil or coolant!), And no maintenance on the brushless type motor. "certified waterproof … A nightmare for a workshop manager ?!

"We still recommend regular visits to the dealership for consumables, in particular: pads, tires, etc..", explains Bruno Muller."There is little more than the belt which must be changed every 40,000 km"… And the suspensions which must be checked from time to time.

Battery level, the Lithium-ion cells (four sealed in the S, two removable on the FXS) are guaranteed for five years and 160,000 km on the S or 80,000 km on the FXS. To extend their life expectancy, "we recommend charging them as soon as possible, without waiting for the charge level to be low because there is no memory effect", specify the managers of Zero Motorcycles.

And what to do when the batteries are dead? If necessary, they can be changed, but the manufacturer believes that this will not be necessary: ​​according to the learned experiments of American engineers, their lifespan would reach "up to 580,000 km"…

Site was obviously not able to verify this point, nor that of the autonomy announced on the S and the FXS. Regarding "Zero emissions", however, MNC is categorical: not a gram of carbon monoxide or microparticles escaped our motorcycles during this test..

On the other hand, we can wonder about the origin of the electricity consumed: 82.2% of nuclear origin in France (via EDF) and 67.2% of fossil fuels in the United States … that the small 125, the electric motorcycles do not have "Zero impact" on the environment or humanity (happy birthday Chernobyl, and full "gaaaaz" on the shale)…

If the two S and FXS 11kW were very convincing – and even endearing – during this mini trip in the Bois de Boulogne, Zero Motorcycles will have to answer the double question of networks to sell them: electric on the one hand, commercial of the other.

Indeed, Site knows from experience that new private buildings currently delivered are not automatically equipped with terminals in car parks. Unless you live in a pavilion, recharging your motorcycle, although compatible with mains sockets or specific to electric cars, can be tedious..

On the other hand, French officials admit that their network of dealers (only 16 to date) does not yet cover all of France: "we still have to develop the north and south-west of France", believes Bruno Muller:"if some of your professional readers are interested, let them know !"

Finally, the last brake on the purchase: the price of Zero Motorcycles … The FXS 11kW (yellow or yellow!) Appears at € 12,590 and the S 11 kW (black or black!) At € 15,990, i.e. triple – or even quadruple – the price of a 125 (to which should however be added the gasoline budget, much larger than the electricity budget).

Finally, unlike the automobile, the electric motorcycle does not benefit in France from any tax aid or incentive: "in France you know, we do not promote the practice of the motorcycle, and neither the electric motorcycle", regrets the boss of Zero Motorcycles France.

Our interlocutor also points out that "for the moment, the motorcycle is not penalized by any ecological penalty and therefore does not benefit in return from any bonus". In some cities, however, access will soon be prohibited to certain motorcycles (for example). A hell of a penalty that deserves the establishment of a hell of a bonus, no ?!

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