Zero Motorcycles 2015: ABS, Showa and 300 km of “ juice ”
No new models on the Zero Motorcycles stand in Cologne, but several important improvements to discover on the range of Californian electric motorcycles, such as the arrival of Showa suspensions and a disconnectable Bosch ABS.
No new models on the Zero Motorcycles stand in Cologne, but several important improvements to discover on the Californian, such as the arrival of Showa suspensions and a disconnectable Bosch ABS.
"Real" electric motorcycles
Launched in 2006, electric motorcycles immediately set a benchmark in the segment in terms of performance but suffered – like most "battery" two-wheelers of the time – from a perceived disappointing quality, a feeling reinforced by the format type "bicycle" of some of their peripherals such as tires, brakes and suspensions.
Little by little, the manufacturer from Santa Cruz (California, USA) has improved its offer, in particular taking care of the integration of each element until reaching a correct degree of finish on the latest generations of the roadster and its, as well as on the versatile and the typical all-terrain motorcycle (in wheelie opposite).
This step, necessary to convince the "electro-skeptics", takes an additional step in 2015 with the adoption in series of Pirelli tires (in particular the excellent ones on the SR), of an inverted fork of 41 mm and of a shock absorber. with separate Showa fully adjustable cylinder and Bosch specific ABS.
This disconnectable ABS comes in addition to the general improvement of the braking system obtained by the use of a robust 320 mm front disc on the new rim equipped with a hollow axle in order to reduce the unsprung masses (by 17 inches for the S and SR, 19 for the DS).
Pinched by a two-piston caliper actuated by a lever now adjustable in spacing, this shaped disc is now directly attached to the sticks of the rim. A solution that visually purifies the front axle, used in particular at BMW.
Motorcycles finally "in touch" with the market ?
In addition to these changes which are sure to reinforce the legitimacy of Zero Motorcycles with bikers, the 2015 range presents a substantial improvement in its range thanks to a "reconfiguration of the battery cells".
According to the manufacturer, the capacity would increase by "10%" on the Zero S, SR and DS, which would now tickle the 300 km range with the Power Tank, an additional 2.8 kWh battery available as an option (2380 €) which takes place in the false gas tank.
Equipped with this additional Power Tank, the 2015 Zero would be able to cover "up to 298 km" in town, "151 km" on the expressway at a constant speed of "112 km / h" and "185 km at 88 km / h ".
The propulsion remains faithful to the air-cooled "Zero Force" block, developing 54 hp and 92 Nm of torque on the S and DS.
Performance that classifies them in the category of motorcycles requiring the A (motorcycle) license, just like the sporty Zero SR, advertised for 67 hp and 144 Nm and "up to 164 km / h" top speed. The recent Zero FX receives an engine with lower performance: 27 hp and 95 Nm of torque..
Zero Motorcycles 2015: price, availability and guarantees |
The entire Zero Motorcycles range is guaranteed for 2 years parts and MO, but the batteries have a warranty period of up to 5 years or 160,000 km on the Zero S, DS and SR (5 years and 80,000 km on FX ). Below is the list of prices, an increase of 365 € compared to 2014. The motorcycles will be available in Europe "end of February, beginning of March". |
The weight of these electric motorcycles is between 171 kg and 208 kg for the S, SR and DS, depending on the versions and the presence or not of the additional Power Tank battery..
Relatively contained figures, especially since the Zero are equipped with an integrated charger which allows them to be recharged by plugging a cord directly into a household outlet..
The charging time varies from "6 to 10 hours" depending on the presence or absence of the additional "Power Tank" and can be reduced "by up to 75%" using the three optional external chargers available..
Zero Motorcycles to conquer special markets
Another area of development for the Californian firm: special markets, in particular fleets of vehicles intended for law enforcement. On the basis of its existing models, the brand has developed specific motorcycles for this purpose (Zero SP, DSP and FXP) equipped with two-tone sirens, specific luggage or even flashing lights..
The approach seems to "electrify" the administrations since the manufacturer assures that "more than 30 government agencies in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia have integrated the Zero Motorcycles into their patrol fleet".
For 2015, Zero Motorcycles is now also eyeing the army with its new Zero MMX based on the FX, a motorcycle recognizable by its stealthy black dress.
This MMX can be personalized as you wish thanks to a specific "selection of accessories". Like a rocket launcher or submachine gun stand ?!
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