ZERO Motorcycles - All electric

[Gas Man]

Saw one of these at the chili cook off this weekend

[Rider]

Saw one at the Audi museum. Pretty cool. KTM even has an all electric dirt bike.

[TYEster]

That KTM is pretty sweet. I'd try one, but I will never switch over. Then again people were shitting all over 4-stroke MX bikes until Doug Henry spanked their asses on one back in 97, next thing you know companies are struggling to put fuel injection in their bikes and bend every rule on the books to build the fastest motor setup possible.

AMA outlawed the Aprilia Vtwin setup because it would outclass the traditional single cylinder, and upped the displacement for 4 strokes to compensate the 2 strokes. Now 2ts are allowed to run the CC equivalent per class because they're "trying" to save them in amateur racing. Can't imagine bringing in the whole world of electrics to the table.

[Gas Man]

More official info on the 2012 S

Zero Motorcycle 2012 S Model
Published by Cyril Huze



In the race among all-electric motorcycle manufacturers to produce a bike with enough juice for speed and travel range on a single charge, Zero Motorcycles just launched in North America a new model called the Zero S. The manufacturer claims that this 2012 model is capable of covering up to 100 miles or 160km on a single charge, and also has enough power to reach speeds in excess of 140 kmph. The new Z-Force power pack that the Zero S uses is capable of 3000 charging cycles, is said to last the lifetime of the bike, and can be recharged in less than four hours. The Zero S new powertrain received a new air cooled system to keep it operating at moderate temperatures, is equipped with a double diamond rear swingarm and a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload. Available in 2 power configurations, the 6 and 9kWh. Is it the future? Zero Motorcycles.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

More official info on the 2012 S

I think they need to double the range on them for it to be something viable. At 100 miles I can see it as a commuter bike and not much else, esp considering a good riding day with my buddies can go well over 300 miles.

[Mikey]

Originally Posted by tommymac

I think they need to double the range on them for it to be something viable. At 100 miles I can see it as a commuter bike and not much else, esp considering a good riding day with my buddies can go well over 300 miles.

I would definitely use one as a commuter if it was cost-effective. Unfortunately, at $12K, they are anything but cost-effective.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Mikey

I would definitely use one as a commuter if it was cost-effective. Unfortunately, at $12K, they are anything but cost-effective.

With the commutes I have it would def be feasible but wouldnt be worth it for much else.