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by Michael Satterfield | Photos by Lucas Kepner - 12/27/2023
Zero Motorcycles recently released their dual sport electric motorcycles that are
revolutionizing the way we think about transportation both on and off-road.
With their sleek design, powerful motors, and advanced technology, these bikes
are changing the game for riders who want a more sustainable and efficient mode
of transportation. I had an opportunity to ride the new range of dual sport
motorcycles from Zero, the DSR/X designed for long-distance touring, and the
lightweight FXE most like a traditional dirt bike.
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Equipped with cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries that provide long-range and fast charging, so riders can easily go long distances without worrying about running out of power. With rapid charging capabilities, riders can plug in and be fully charged in just around an hour. In addition, the bikes are also equipped with various advanced electronic systems, including traction control, ABS, a fully digital dashboard, and of course, no shifter, making them incredibly easy to ride and control even for beginners. As someone who grew up riding and having owned several motorcycles, I was impressed with how good Zero Motorcycles were, considering how young the company is.
In terms of performance, Zero Motorcycles are truly impressive, the instant torque allows the bike to get up to speed quickly, and with regenerative braking turned on it automatically slows down when you roll off the throttle. Unlike your traditional motorcycle, there is no clutch or foot-operated shifter, so it does take some getting used to if you are a seasoned rider. Once I had gotten used to the regenerative braking, I quickly learned the advantage of not having to downshift in a corner, allowing for more control, and fast cornering.
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The bikes are also lightweight, which makes them easy to maneuver and handle, even on loose surfaces. I had a chance to test DSR/X and FXE at the Texas MotorPress Association Off-Road Invitational, the event was hosted at a private off-road park which allowed us to test the motorcycles on several surfaces and take them out on the highway for a spin. While the DSR/X is the more practical bike with its longer range and touring style, the FXE was the most fun to ride at the off-road park, the biggest surprise was how nice it was to ride through nature in almost complete silence. While we all love the sound of a good exhaust, being able to hear the birds chirping, the wind in the trees, and the sound of the creek truly changed the off-road motorcycle experience.
Overall, Zero Motorcycles are an excellent option for riders looking for a sustainable and advanced mode of transportation. With their zero emissions, advanced technology, and impressive performance, these bikes are game-changing and are sure to become popular for riders everywhere.
Check out the spec sheets on each bike below.
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DSR/X Specifications:
Range Highway:55 mph (89 km/h) 107 miles (172 km)
Range Combined:134 miles (216 km)
Range Highway: 70 mph (113 km/h)
Range Combined:115 miles (185 km)
Peak torque:166 ft-lb (225 Nm)
Peak power: 100 hp (75 kW) @ 3,650 rpm
Top speed (max): 112 mph (180 km/h)
Top speed (sustained):100 mph (161 km/h)
Powertrain: Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, torque-optimized interior permanent magnet AC motor
Power pack: Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity: 17.3 kWh
Nominal capacity: 15.2 kWh
Charger type: 6.6 kW integrated
Charge time: 2.7 hours (110% charged) / 2.0 hours (95% charged)
With Rapid Charger: 1.6 hours (110% charged) / 1.0 hours (95% charged)
Transmission: Clutchless direct drive
Final drive: 90T / 22T, Gates Carbon Drive Moto X9™ belt, 25 mm wide
Front suspension: Showa 47mm Separate Function Cartridge Forks with adjustable spring preload, compression, and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Showa 46mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable tool-less spring preload, compression, and rebound damping
Front suspension travel: 7.48 in (190 mm)
Rear suspension travel: 7.48 in (190 mm)
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FXE Specifications:
Range Highway: 55 mph (89 km/h) 60 miles (97 km)
Range Combined: 75 miles (121 km)
Range Highway: 70 mph (113 km/h) 40 miles (64 km)
Range Combined: 57 miles (92 km)
Peak torque: 78 ft-lb (106 Nm)
Peak power: 46 hp (34 kW) @ 4,300 rpm
Top speed (max): 85 mph (137 km/h)
Top speed (sustained): 75 mph (121 km/h)
Powertrain: Z-Force® 75-5 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor
Controller: High efficiency, 550 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative deceleration
Power pack: Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity: 7.2kWh
Nominal capacity: 6.3 kWh
Charger type: 650 W, integrated
Charge time (standard): 9.7 hours (100% charged) / 9.2 hours (95% charged)
One accessory charger: 4.1 hours (100% charged) / 3.6 hours (95% charged)
Max accessory chargers:1.8 hours (100% charged) / 1.3 hours (95% charged)
Input: Standard 110 V or 220 V
Transmission: Clutchless direct drive
Final drive: 90T / 18T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt
Front suspension: Showa 41 mm inverted cartridge forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Showa 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front suspension travel: 7.00 in (178 mm)
Rear suspension travel: 8.94 in (227 mm)
Front brakes: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper, 320 x 5 mm disc
Rear brakes: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
Front tire: Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 110/70-17
Rear tire: Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 140/70-17
Front wheel: 3.00 x 17
Rear wheel: 3.50 x 17
Wheelbase: 56.0 in (1,422 mm)
Seat height: 32.9 in (836 mm)
Rake: 24.4°
Trail: 2.8 in (71 mm)
Curb weight: 298 lb (135 kg)
Carrying capacity: 332 lb (151 kg)
Typical cost to recharge: $0.81
MSRP: $12,995
Standard warranty: 2 years
Power pack warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
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