Riding the Zero MX
















Video!
  

Click the following link for a video featuring the 2009 Zero MX.
 
Don't forget, if you're a Vital MX member, you can comment on any of the photos in the gallery. Not a member? Join now! It's fast and free.

The last time we got our hands on one of the Zero electric motorcycles, it was one of their 2008 X models, which featured lighter wheels, tires, and suspension components that were more reminiscent of something you’d find on a mountain bike. This time around, they’ve upped the performance in all those areas, and while it’s still not quite what you’ll find on a modern MX bike, it’s definitely a step forward.


Also gone was the stinkbug feel that we experienced in the past. This time around the seat was much flatter and more comfortable. Zero has also been expanding their line, with a full street legal version, off-road light kits, and more.


Controls take a bit of getting used to. You turn on a key, which is mounted on the right side of where the fuel tank would normally live. Make sure your kill switch is off, and your panel of lights on the board will come to life. Once you get a green light on the dash, you’re good to go. With a single-speed tranny, there’s no shifter, there’s also no clutch, and both brakes are lever-operated. Rear on the left, and front on the right. It does take some adjustment to get used to, but the Hayes hydraulic discs work well.


Run time when you’re aggressive? About an hour. Charge time? About two hours. According to the crew at Zero, most purchasers of their bike opt for an additional battery, but at $3,000, it’s a pricey item. The bikes themselves aren’t exactly cheap, either, starting at $8,250. There’s also an “Extreme” upgrade, with components like a Marzocchi Shiver fork, and a little faster engine.


So who are these bikes for? First of all, they’re great for anyone looking for a ton of fun. But they’re definitely good for riding in areas where noise is an issue. They’re pretty darn close to silent, and the noisiest part might be the chain clanking on the swingarm, or the suspension working. They’re surprisingly quick and powerful, and have made big strides in performance with the MX version.


There has been lots of development on electric bikes over the last few years, with more companies jumping into the fray. If the jump in performance between model years is indicative of what we can expect to see in the future, things are looking very interesting in the electric realm.


For more, be sure to check out the video (see the link at the top of the article).


ZERO MX 2009 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


ENGINE

Type Brushed Permanent Magnetic Electric

Torque 50 ft-lbs (67.7 Nm)


POWER SYSTEM

Type Patent-Pending Lithium Ion Array

Capacity 2 kWh (58 volts @ 35Ah)

Range 45 minutes to 2 hours

or up to 40 miles (64 km)*

Recharge Time Less than 2 hours

Input Standard 110V or 220V


DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission Clutchless One Speed

Drive System 13T / 71T, 420 Chain


CHASSIS/SUSPENSION/BRAKES

Front Suspension Travel 8 inches (203 mm)

Rear Suspension Travel 9 inches (229 mm)

Front Brakes 4 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor,

Hand Actuated

Rear Brakes 4 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor,

Hand Actuated

Front Tire 19 x 3.0 inches

Rear Tire 17 x 3.5 inches


DIMENSIONS

Wheel Base 54 inches (137 cm)

Seat Height 36 inches (91 cm)

Head Angle 24 degrees from vertical with 8 inch

(20 cm) fork


WEIGHT

Frame 18 pounds (8kg)

Power Pack 45 pounds (20.5 kg)

Total Weight 156 pounds (70.75 kg)

without Power Pack 112 pounds (50.8 kg)


ECONOMY

Operating Cost Less than $.01 per mile or kilometer


www.zeromotorcycles.com


Related:
0 comments

The Latest