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BIKES: Zero Motorcycles Dual Sport
The electric Zero Dual Sport packs plenty of torque...
Zero Motorcycles Dual Sport
Grab a handful of throttle and the Zero DS motorcycle lurches forward immediately with plenty of torque. As you pick up the pace and push the limits of adhesion you quickly realize that the handling of this machine is as impressive as the motor. Quick and nimble, the Zero DS easily carves its way up any canyon. Since it's a dual sport machine you can shred your way up a dirt road just as easily as a paved one on this bike. Just remember to plug it in when you finally take a break at your favorite rest stop.
That's right the Zero is an electric motorcycle. Zero is the only electric motorcycle company in the world producing four different models. The current lineup consists of the 'S', which is a street bike, the 'MX', motocross machine, the 'X', which is for trail riding and the dual sport model -- the 'DS.'
All of the Zero motorcycles are powered by the companies Z-Force lithium ion power pack, which produces enough power to push the Zero DS to a top speed of around 70mph. The clutchless one speed drivetrain is chain driven and makes operating the Zero a snap and easy for anybody to ride.
Of course since it's battery powered, everybody wants to know, "How far can you ride before you are out of juice?" Well, actually that's up to you. If you ride aggressively, naturally you will run out of power sooner then later, just like a gas-powered bike. However, if you are somewhat conservative with your throttle hand, you should be able to cruise around town for most of the day before you need to plug back in.
Once you do stop, it takes about two hours to get back to a full charge. The great thing is the bike comes equipped with a power cord and you can plug in just about anywhere. All you need is a 110v or 220v outlet and you are good to go. Plugging in is a big part of the fun of owning a Zero. You will definitely be the topic of conversation at your local Bike Night when you silently roll up and then plug in to the wall.
The airplane grade aluminum frame of the Zero DS is light and strong -- a combination that allows the Zero DS to be quick and agile on your favorite set of twisties. However, if you decide to venture off road it is very nimble and can tackle anything thrown at it. But what is really attractive is the fact that it only costs a penny a mile to operate the Zero.
The fact that the Zero DS is electric will allow you to explore trails that otherwise would be off limits to off-roaders who ride gas powered bikes -- one of the big advantages to going green as unfortunately many great riding areas have been closed recently to gas powered machines. But when your bike doesn't have an exhaust, it's hard to break any laws.
Riding a Zero DS takes a little getting used to. It takes a few miles to get accustomed to hearing no engine noise. There is some general mechanical and road noise, but that's it. Since the Zero has an electric motor there is no engine braking either. No problem, the full floating calipers will bring you to a quick stop without any issues.
You also have to remember that when the bike is turned on, it's on, even though you don't hear anything. You can't rev the throttle. You twist the grip, you better be prepared to ride.
Getting a chance to ride a Zero is easy to do with the tax breaks that are available. Purchase an electric vehicle these days and you will receive a check back in the mail from the federal government as well as the state from which you live in. The cost of a Zero DS is $9,995.00, but by the time you get all of the checks back, it could ultimately cost you only about half of that depending on where you live.
An electric motorcycle is a different experience and Zero isn't trying to tell people to stop riding their Harleys or Ducatis. They just want people to experience riding an electric bike and enjoy a new form of motorcycling. Add in the dollars available from the government and riding a Zero is not only fun but affordable.
That's right the Zero is an electric motorcycle. Zero is the only electric motorcycle company in the world producing four different models. The current lineup consists of the 'S', which is a street bike, the 'MX', motocross machine, the 'X', which is for trail riding and the dual sport model -- the 'DS.'
All of the Zero motorcycles are powered by the companies Z-Force lithium ion power pack, which produces enough power to push the Zero DS to a top speed of around 70mph. The clutchless one speed drivetrain is chain driven and makes operating the Zero a snap and easy for anybody to ride.
Of course since it's battery powered, everybody wants to know, "How far can you ride before you are out of juice?" Well, actually that's up to you. If you ride aggressively, naturally you will run out of power sooner then later, just like a gas-powered bike. However, if you are somewhat conservative with your throttle hand, you should be able to cruise around town for most of the day before you need to plug back in.
Once you do stop, it takes about two hours to get back to a full charge. The great thing is the bike comes equipped with a power cord and you can plug in just about anywhere. All you need is a 110v or 220v outlet and you are good to go. Plugging in is a big part of the fun of owning a Zero. You will definitely be the topic of conversation at your local Bike Night when you silently roll up and then plug in to the wall.
The airplane grade aluminum frame of the Zero DS is light and strong -- a combination that allows the Zero DS to be quick and agile on your favorite set of twisties. However, if you decide to venture off road it is very nimble and can tackle anything thrown at it. But what is really attractive is the fact that it only costs a penny a mile to operate the Zero.
The fact that the Zero DS is electric will allow you to explore trails that otherwise would be off limits to off-roaders who ride gas powered bikes -- one of the big advantages to going green as unfortunately many great riding areas have been closed recently to gas powered machines. But when your bike doesn't have an exhaust, it's hard to break any laws.
Riding a Zero DS takes a little getting used to. It takes a few miles to get accustomed to hearing no engine noise. There is some general mechanical and road noise, but that's it. Since the Zero has an electric motor there is no engine braking either. No problem, the full floating calipers will bring you to a quick stop without any issues.
You also have to remember that when the bike is turned on, it's on, even though you don't hear anything. You can't rev the throttle. You twist the grip, you better be prepared to ride.
Getting a chance to ride a Zero is easy to do with the tax breaks that are available. Purchase an electric vehicle these days and you will receive a check back in the mail from the federal government as well as the state from which you live in. The cost of a Zero DS is $9,995.00, but by the time you get all of the checks back, it could ultimately cost you only about half of that depending on where you live.
An electric motorcycle is a different experience and Zero isn't trying to tell people to stop riding their Harleys or Ducatis. They just want people to experience riding an electric bike and enjoy a new form of motorcycling. Add in the dollars available from the government and riding a Zero is not only fun but affordable.
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