Zero Motorcycles today
announced its highly
anticipated 2011 product line alongside a strategy
for continued leadership of the global electric
motorcycle industry. The only company to offer a
complete line-up, Zero Motorcycles has made sweeping
technical improvements as well as adding a
contemporary new look to each of its four models,
including a complete overhaul of the Zero S
and the Zero DS.
Every model is now ‘quick-charge’ capable
using an optional upgrade that allows the
motorcycles to charge nearly twice as fast. In
addition, for the first time on an electric
motorcycle, riders can now take advantage of J1772
public charging stations by using an optional
accessory. This offers riders greater mobility by
giving them access to a rapidly growing network of
charge stations. The
entire line-up is equipped with upgraded suspension
systems, a more intelligent and rugged Z-Force
powertrain, more precise charge indicators, new
higher performance brakes and industry-standard
component features to provide owners with more
aftermarket options. Other highlights to the product
line include street legal configurations of the dirt
bikes and a new maintenance free belt drive for the
street and dual sport models.
“During the past year,
our Engineering and Manufacturing teams have
benefitted from experienced new leadership and the
results are clear. In close coordination, they have
been working overtime to design and build the
world’s finest collection of electric motorcycles,”
said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “Our 2011
model line is composed of exceptionally high quality
electric motorcycles that balance performance,
range, weight, affordability and availability. We
are excited to announce such major changes across
the entire model line and to also be setting new
industry standards in the way we report on our
motorcycles’ performance specifications.”
Nearly every component of
the Zero S and Zero DS has seen major upgrades and
improvements. With a bold and completely new look,
the street and dual sport models will become the
world’s first production electric motorcycles to
feature a maintenance free belt drive system. The
quiet operation of the drivetrain, when combined
with each of the motorcycles’ overall improvements,
yields a sophisticated silence during riding that
speaks to their overall solid build quality. Zero
has also increased the capacity of the power packs
by 12.5% to improve the motorcycles’ range. Among
the other upgrades are more robust wheels, a new HB
Performance braking system, tires with better grip,
more robust hardware, new aggressive profile foot
pegs and an integrated ignition switch and lock.
Unique to the Zero S, it has been lowered by two
inches to improve street handling and the new
overall package gives it an eye-catching naked look.
Zero Motorcycles has also made major changes to its
off-road line. For the first time, the company will
deliver street-legal configurations of both its
trail and motocross dirt bikes,
Zero X
and Zero MX respectively. The ability to legally
ride the electric off-road motorcycles on the street
opens countless new possibilities for enthusiasts as
well as a new market for Zero. Street-legal versions
include additional components such as headlights,
taillights, side stands, dashes, sensors and
different gearing.
Both the Zero X and Zero MX are better performing
and more robust than ever before. They have stouter
wheels, new tires, a more robust HB Performance
braking system, new aggressive foot pegs and an
integrated ignition switch and lock. Their motors
are energized using a beautifully refined aluminium
power pack that is highly durable and easy to swap
in less than sixty seconds. To maximize control,
Zero has customized each motorcycle’s suspension
internals to give them a more fluid and compliant
motion under rough conditions. Unique to only the
Zero MX, the 2011 model uses a motor mounted Z-Force
Air Induction System to cool its new and more
powerful Agni motor. Designed to ride harder, faster
and longer, it represents the most competitive dirt
bike that Zero has released to consumers.
The Zero S, Zero DS, Zero X and Zero MX are all
available now through Zero Motorcycles’ website and
will begin shipping in March. Each of the models
carry a two year limited warranty. This is currently
the best warranty offering in the electric
motorcycle industry and is backed by an
international service and support network. Zero
operates on a strategy of building a ‘better
motorcycle’ wherein each model balances performance,
range, weight, affordability and availability. To
consumers this translates into owning a high quality
motorcycle that is supported by a company with a
solid business foundation.
Zero S – Street
Instant torque and power from a standstill, plus
smooth acceleration as you race out of turns—all
without ever needing to stop at a petrol station.
Developed to aggressively take on urban environments
and encourage the occasional detour, the Zero S
electric motorcycle integrates revolutionary
technology with innovative motorcycle design. Built
from the ground up using Zero Motorcycles'
proprietary Z-Force power pack and aircraft grade
alloy frame, the Zero S features an industry leading
power-to-weight ratio that increases its range and
manoeuvrability. It has a range of 43 miles using
the newly adopted MIC’s prescribed “Driving Range
Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles,” which is
based on the EPA’s UDDS testing, and it has a
homologated top speed of 67 MPH. The Zero S is
designed for optimal performance off the line, in
sharp turns and while navigating obstacles. Instant
acceleration and lightweight design enable the Zero
S to take on any city street, hill or obstacle,
combining exhilaration with efficiency.
The Zero S is priced in
the UK at £8,295. In the US, it is eligible for a
10% Federal tax credit which effectively reduces the
price by $1,000, great support for both the industry
and consumer alike. In the UK the Government has
not extended its £5000 electric car grant to apply
to the two wheel market.
The motorcycle can be
purchased online now and will begin shipping in the
United States during mid-March, and in Europe during
April. The Zero S comes with a 2-year limited
warranty.
Zero DS - Dual Sport
The Zero DS combines innovation with passion to
deliver the world's most versatile electric
motorcycle. Created to be agile in the dirt and
quick on the street, the Zero DS represents a new
kind of freedom. Tough when you demand it and
distinguished when required, the Zero DS has an
edgy, yet sophisticated appearance highlighted by an
eye catching twin spar frame that is both rigid and
lightweight. Powered by the most advanced
drive-train in the industry, the Zero DS is a fully
electric motorcycle that can handle any surface you
can throw at it. Navigating obstacles and
maintaining control is assured using a specially
developed suspension system and a rugged wheel set.
During technical manoeuvres, an optimized direct
drive belt system delivers astonishing
responsiveness with the twist of your wrist.
The Zero DS is priced at £8,595. In the US, it is
also eligible for a 10% Federal tax credit which
effectively reduces the price by $1,000, great
support for both the industry and consumer alike.
In the UK the Government has not extended its £5000
electric car grant to apply to the two wheel market.
The motorcycle can be
purchased online now and will begin shipping in the
United States during mid-March, and in Europe during
April. The Zero S comes with a 2-year limited
warranty.
Zero MX
The Zero MX takes Zero’s revolutionary electric
motorcycle technology to the track. Designed for
smooth landings, the Zero MX uses a newly-developed
suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain.
Incredibly tough and lightweight, the Zero MX
combines the state-of-the-art Z-Force™ battery
technology with an ultra-light frame design, making
it agile and fast where it counts most. The custom
suspension system makes the Zero MX highly
responsive while maintaining an industry leading
power-to-weight ratio. Easily swappable, riders can
purchase an additional power pack to extend their
riding. Silent and featuring a more powerful Forced
Air Induction Agni motor, the Zero MX opens up a
whole new world of riding possibilities.
The Zero MX starts at £7,795. The motorcycle can be
purchased online now and will begin shipping in the
United States during mid-March, and in Europe during
April. The Zero MX comes with a 2-year limited
warranty.
Zero X
The Zero X is a performance electric motorcycle that
takes technical trail riding to the next level.
Using Zero’s patented Z-Force™ technology, this
stealthy motorcycle will send you racing up hills,
flying over jumps, and cutting through streams. The
Zero X is built from the ground up for quick
handling and manoeuvrability. Custom valved
suspension; direct drive gearing and weight
optimized components allow riders to master
demanding terrain. Lightweight, silent and quick,
the Zero X opens up trail riding possibilities that
would otherwise be out of the question. To extend
ride times customers have the option to purchase an
extra power pack that can be swapped with a quick
pit stop.
The Zero X starts at £6695. The motorcycle can be
purchased online now and will begin shipping in the
United States during mid-March, and in Europe during
April. The Zero X comes with a 2-year limited
warranty.
