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Zero DSR Black Forest (2018)

Touring electric motorcycle in long-term test

With the DSR Black Forest, Zero presented the first electric motorcycle for longer tours specially developed for the European market. MOTORRAD will put the e-bike to the test for four weeks in everyday life.

An electric motorcycle that should be especially suitable for extensive and longer tours? Sounds ambitious when you consider the ranges other models are currently achieving. In general, one of the bigger challenges for manufacturers of electric motorcycles is to achieve longer ranges. The new Zero DSR Black Forest has set itself the goal of making longer trips with an electric motorcycle possible.

Zero in the four-week long-term test

This is exactly what MOTORRAD wants to try out in a long-term test over four weeks. A Zero DSR Black Forest has now rolled into the editorial garage. Charging times, charging power and consumption should be documented. Of course, suitability for everyday use is also assessed. You can find all information here in the form of a diary.

Ferdinand Heinrich on the Zero

Ferdinand Heinrich

Standing in front of a petrol pump, but only takes electricity.

No howling starter, no roaring idle. The well-camouflaged electric vehicle starts moving with a sterile hum. The left hand reaches into space, as does the left foot. On the right-hand side, everything remains conventional (except for the missing start button).

The gentle start in ECO mode and the soundscape compete strongly with the yellow light rail on the left. There is an interesting effect at the traffic lights. The stapling and humming of the cars standing around seems much louder and you feel really environmentally friendly. Even if the ecological balance of Zero is a different matter: The immediate surrounding air remains indisputably clean.

But it gets sporty even in eco driving mode when the “gas"-The handle is turned up further. There are enough reserves for cross-country driving and the Zero remains handy even when cornering. Despite the sweeping crash bars. The quiet driving noise is also almost the biggest problem, similar to electric cars. You have to be prepared to be overlooked or overlooked by pedestrians and cyclists. But since the left hand has nothing to do besides blinking, it can at least keep itself constantly on the horn-ready position. The range varies depending on the driving style, but over a hundred kilometers are always possible, even in sport mode. So fully suitable for commuting, but enough quick charging stops should be planned for the longer tour through the Black Forest. Despite good acceleration, an ambivalent impression remains emotionally. Because of the concept, I see greater opportunities for the KTM electric enduro or large electric scooters. The KTM offers real advantages for forest endurists compared to loud gasoline-powered vehicles and (electric) scooters are practical short-distance vehicles that can be plugged into the socket almost every evening anyway.

Uwe Seitz on Zero

Baumann

Uwe Seitz can only get excited about the sound of the Zero.

After about 250 kilometers, almost exclusively on the motorway, charging at a standard household socket for almost 9 hours with a consumption of 11.13 Kw / h, my judgment on the Zero Black Forest is initially divided. As a sports motorcycle maniac, I don’t suffer so much from the Zzzz sound of the Zero, no, it’s even fun – especially in the city. But if you make your way across the motorway at a maximum of 113 km / h (in eco mode) on the speedometer, overtaking dreamy commuters in 100 km / h mode and looking in the rearview mirror with the sedans charging towards you becomes hair-raising.

Anyone who now says that you should stay behind and use the slipstream to save energy is technically right, but at the latest after the motorway exit and considering the fact that you are now half an hour later than a normal motorcycle over the distance, that will be Eco-Limit when overtaking trucks, agricultural machines and badly aged fellow citizens behind the wheel more than curse.

After almost exactly 100 kilometers, the cockpit showed 40% remaining charge and around 50 kilometers remaining range. This relatively high range display is probably at the expense of the initial traffic jam, because on the second drive over the empty motorway, the rest fell to 30% with exactly the same route. 126 kilometers with a corresponding speed limit are probably safe.

Otherwise, the Zero goes off quite a bit in sport mode. The torque is awesome. Not for long, though. With the usual driving style, the Zero sucks more than 15% electricity from the battery for 16 kilometers – extrapolated that is a very short pleasure on the home route or a new very short home route. In view of the fact that the Zero costs over 21,000 euros, I am not enthusiastic about vehicles like this – I also drove the new KTM 790 Duke: costs less than 10,000 euros and is simply great.

Exclusively for the European market

According to its own statements, Zero developed the new model exclusively for the European market. It should shine with the largest range of all Zero models to date. According to Zero, the range of the new Zero DSR Black Forest in city traffic should be up to 262 kilometers. When driving on the motorway, the range should be reduced to a maximum of 126 kilometers. Thanks to a new rapid charging system (charge tank), the Touring-Zero’s battery can be charged within an hour, which means that another 150 kilometers can be covered. A type 2 charging station is required to quickly charge the battery. According to Zero’s plans, the combination of longer range and faster charging should be sufficient for longer driving experiences.

Sufficient range?

It is still doubtful whether this range is sufficient for extensive tours. For comparison: the new Honda Africa Twin has covered more than 400 kilometers on the country road in normal operation (MOTORCYCLE measurements). The adventure sports version of the Africa Twin, whose tank holds 24 liters, even manages over 500 kilometers.

Manufacturer

The Black Forest will cost 21,980 euros in Germany.

For longer tours in not so well developed areas, the Zero DSR Black Forest could get tight, especially since the range varies depending on the driving style. Compared to the basic DSR, the Black Forest also features a case system including a top case, as well as better wind and headlight protection. In addition, the bench, handlebars and the lighting itself have been upgraded and made suitable for tours. The Zero DSR Black Forest should be available at dealerships as early as May 2018. In Germany it will cost 21,980 euros. Those who opt for the variant with a charge tank have to invest 24,670 euros.

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