Tag Archives: Zero Motorcycles

Motorcycle News, News

Zero plug in electric SR/S sportsbike

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The biggest electric motorcycle company, Zero of California, will finally plug into the sportsbike market with the launch of the SR/S.

Over the past 14 years, the company has produced dual-sport models and last year added the naked SR/F streetfighter.

The Zero SR/S is basically an SR/F with a fairing.

Zero says it’s “the most comfortable sportbike on the road” with higher bars and lower footpegs.

However, range, power, speed, and other tech specs are fairly identical to the SR/F.

The premium SR/S model with 6kW Rapid Charger, heated handgrips and aluminium bar ends starts at $US21,995 and the standard model with 3kW Rapid Charger starts at $US19,995. They are available in grey or blue.

Plug pulled

But don’t get too excited as Zero Motorcycles pulled the plug on the Australian and New Zealand market in 2017, citing unfavourable exchange rates and taxes.

Since then the exchange rate has worsened.

While Zero has not yet made an announcement about a return, we suspect it is a long way off. At least until the government offers subsidies like America’s 10% rebate and our charging infrastructure catches up to the USA and Europe.

As a guide, their 2017 Aussie fleet ( Zero S, SR, DS, DSR, FX and FXS) ranged in price from $18,000 to $25,000 on the road. You can also buy an optional $4790 Power Tank battery which extends range up to 320km.

SR/S power and range

The Zero SR/S is powered by the same 14.4kWh battery and ZF 75-10 motor with 82kW of power (110hp), 190Nm (140lb-ft) of torque and a top speed of 200km/h (124mph).

Range is also the same at 260km (160mi) in the city, 132km (82mi) on the highway and a combined range of 175km (109mi).

Riders can also buy a $US2895 3.6kWh Power Tank that increases range 323km/201mi (city), 166km/103mi (highway) and 219km/136mi (combined).

However, with 13% improved aero from the fairing, range could be better if you tuck down low.

Zero SR/S has the option to install one, two, or three Level 2 charger modules on board.Zero Motorcycles SR/S plug

Charge time from 0-95% is four hours with a single charge module, two hours with two charger modules and just over an hour with three.

It features a Cypher III operating system that includes Bosch stability control and a full telemetrics that links to your phone.Zero Motorcycles SR/S plug

It shows charging status, charge time scheduling, tip-over protection or unexpected motion notifications in case someone is trying to steal it plus a Find-my-Bike feature to track its whereabouts.

You can also share your ride data with other riders, but be wary of divulging too much incriminating evidence!

They even have optional Shard panniers in case you want to go sports touring.Zero Motorcycles SR/S plug

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Cleveland CycleWerks goes electric

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American fun bike manufacturer Cleveland CycleWerks is the latest to join in the electric motorcycle trend that will define Whirring Twenties decade.

For years now, the Ohio-based company has been designing small-capacity fun machines that have been built in China and retail for less than $50000.

Cleveland CycleWerks Heist and Ace
Cleveland CycleWerks Heist and Ace

However, in March 2020 they plan to unveil their first American-built bike and it will be powered by an electric motor.

It will join other American motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson, Lightning Motorcycles and Zero Motorcycles in the race to win market share of this nascent market.

There is not much detail yet except the blurred image at the top of this page and this video on their Facebook page where they talk about electric bikes with another bike under a blanket in the background.

The photo and video show a light and basic street model with a sit-up-and-beg riding position, MX-style bars, upside down forks, bench seat, sprocket for chain drive, electric motor and battery forward of the footpegs and same-size road tyres front and back on spoked wheels. 

So it’s not an off-roader to replace the now-defunct Alta Motors electric company which folded in 2018.

Alta Redshift MXR Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles EV doomed
Alta Redshift MXR

We can’t see a clutch lever, so it could be twist-and-go, although they do talk about the use of a clutch on another electric bike in the Facebook video.

If it’s like their other product, it will be aimed at the bargain end of the market, not the top end like Harley, Lightning and Zero.

This is the official Cleveland CycleWerks announcement:

A New Concept in E-Mobility, to be released live to the world 03-20-2020 @ the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland Ohio.

This will be our first made in the USA product, which is exciting in itself.

This will be the first bike we have ever run pre-orders on, which will come soon. The project’s code name Falcon Rising represents our brand’s rise in the E vehicle space. It also brings a new chapter to our company, looking inward and local to grow globally. We have wanted to product bikes ourselves, here in Cleveland for 10 years. The time is now, and we are seizing the opportunity.

This vehicle represents 10 years of consumer insight, feedback from loyal customers, and a unique take on the market, that Cleveland has always had.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric drag race goes ho-hummmm

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There is no doubt that electric vehicles are fast with 100% of torque available from go, but this drag race between a Tesla Model 3 Performance and Zero SR/F is all a bit ho-hummm.

Pointless drag race

Apart from the lack of earth-shattering noise usually associated with a drag race, it’s a pretty pointless exercise.

We’re note sure why InsideEVs Italia chose the Tesla Model 3 and Zero SR/F.

They’re not even the world’s fastest electric car and bike.

That honour goes to Tesla’s Roadster and the Lightning LS-218. That might have been a better match-uo for drag race.

Lightning LS-218
Lightning LS-218

Check out the tech specs comparison below for the Model 3 and SR/F.

Zero pulled out of Australia a couple of years ago, before the SR/F was released. So we have quoted prices of both in Europe.

If you really are enthused about straight-line drag speeds, you can see you get a lot more bang (or whirring whistle) for your buck from an electric motorcycle. 

Mind you, the same goes for a traditional motorcycle over a conventional car!

Tesla Model 3 Zero SR / F
Power 383kW 82kW
Torque 640Nm 190Nm
Weight 1,860 kg 220kg
Range about 500 km about 320 km
Battery capacity 75kWh 14.4kWh
Top speed 261km/h 200km/h
Price about $A103,000 about $A34,000

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Energica eases electric range anxiety

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If range anxiety is the biggest hurdle for electric motorcycles, Italian company Energica, who supplies the bikes for MotoE, may have the answer.

Their new Ego and Eva have a larger battery with up 400km (250 miles) of range.

Now that’s a substantial amount and it should ease any range anxiety you might feel about electric motorcycles.

As far as we can see it’s the best on the market beating Zero motorcycles with 360km if you use their optional Charge Tank which costs an extra $US2295.

2020 Energica Eva Ribelle
2020 Energica Eva Ribelle in the city

Range anxiety

However, Energica’s quoted 400km range is for city riding only.

As we know, regenerative braking helps replenish a battery, so stopping and starting actually provides more range than a steady throttle. It’s the opposite of petrol-powered vehicles.

Read all about the electric vehicle range hoax here!

Out on the highway, Energica’s range drops to 230km (143 miles) which is still pretty good, but may not ease some people’s range anxiety.

However, they don’t say at what speed that is. You certainly won’t get that far if you are doing their rated top speed of 200km/h!

If you buy or have access to a DC Fast Charger, it will charge to 80% in 40 minutes, which is fairly standard across most electric vehicles.

On fire!

electric garage fire energica
Energica garage explodes in flame

Meanwhile, Energica is still reeling from the fire earlier this year that destroyed their entire fleet of MotoE race bikes.

The fault was found to be in an overheating charger that wasn’t even plugged in.

Harley-Davidson last month embarrassingly, but temporarily, pulled the plug on its electric LiveWire production over the same issue after one charger overheated.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuit
LIveWires on DC fast chargers

Energica models

Despite the issues with chargers, these Energica electric bikes certainly look fantastic.

They’re not yet available in Australia, but they would cost more than $A30,000.

That’s still about $14,000 less than Harley’s LiveWire is expected to cost when it goes on the market here late next year.

It comes with a mix of Marzocchi forks and Bitubo shock, with Bosch brakes and full-colour TFT instruments.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

2020 Guide to New Street Motorcycles

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This handy guide includes all new or significantly updated street-legal motorcycles for the 2020 model year. Organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer, it includes photos and links to details or, when available, first rides and road test reviews about each bike. This guide is updated regularly as more new/updated models are announced, and when we’ve had a chance to ride them and report our impressions.

Want to see all of the new/updated motorcycles for 2019?
Check out Rider’s 2019 Guide to New Street Motorcycles

2020 BMW R 1250 R

2019 BMW R 1250 R. Image courtesy BMW Motorrad.
2020 BMW R 1250 R

Receiving updates similar to those that other models in the
R family received for 2019, the BMW R 1250 R roadster gets a larger 1,254cc
boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve stroke and updates to
its electronics package. It also gets a mild style refresh with a TFT display,
a DRL option for the halogen headlight and new color options. Although originally
announced as a 2019 model, the R 1250 R didn’t make it to the U.S. in time. BMW
says it will be available as a 2020 model with an MSRP starting at $14,995.

Read our 2020 BMW R 1250 R First Look Review

2020 BMW R 1250 RS

2019 BMW R 1250 RS. Image courtesy BMW Motorrad.
2020 BMW R 1250 RS

Receiving updates similar to those that other models in the
R family received for 2019, the BMW R 1250 R roadster gets a larger 1,254cc
boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve stroke and updates to
its electronics package. The RS also gets a style refresh that drops the
asymmetrical, winking look of the S 1000 RR in favor of a sporty twin-LED
headlight assembly, and an LED DRL (daytime running light) is an option.
Although announced as a 2019 model, the R 1250 RS didn’t make it to the U.S. in
time. BMW says it will be available as a 2020 model with an MSRP starting at
$15,695.

Read our 2020 BMW R 1250 RS First Look Review

2020 BMW S 1000 RR

2019 BMW S 1000 RR in Motorsport livery. Images courtesy BMW Motorrad.
2020 BMW S 1000 RR

More power (205 hp), less weight (434 lbs), updated
technology and a new up-spec Motorsport version. The 2020 BMW S 1000 RR is at
the pointy end of the sportbike spear. Pricing starts at $16,995 and bikes will
be in dealerships in summer 2019.

Read our 2020 BMW S 1000 RR First Look Review

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire action
2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire (Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson)

Harley-Davidson’s new LiveWire electric motorcycle is seriously sporty, shockingly fast and whisper-quiet–everything a typical Harley isn’t. And that’s just the way Milwaukee wants it. It’s propelled by a liquid-cooled electric motor that makes a claimed 105 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque, drawing power from a 15.5 kWh battery that offers, according to H-D, a range of 146 miles in the city and 95 miles of combined stop-and-go and highway riding. Single-speed transmission offers twist-and-go convenience, and styling, ergonomics and components are the sportiest offered on any Harley-Davidson. MSRP starts at $29,799.

Read our 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire First Ride Review

2020 Suzuki Katana

2020 Suzuki Katana
2020 Suzuki Katana (Photo courtesy Suzuki)

The 2020 Suzuki Katana features styling cues that pay direct homage to the 1981 original, and it’s built around the potent GSX-S1000 999cc inline-four. It features ABS, traction control, Easy Start and Low RPM Assist, as well as a twin-spar aluminum frame, braced superbike-style swingarm, KYB suspension, dual front Brembo monoblock four-piston calipers, 310mm floating rotors and a model-specific LCD panel. We got a chance to ride the new Katana in Japan last March, but pricing and availability are TBD.

Read our 2020 Suzuki Katana First Ride Review

2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700

The Ténéré 700 will be coming to the U.S. in the second half of 2020. Images courtesy Yamaha Europe.
2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700

Announced in the fall of 2018, we’re still waiting to see the
new Ténéré 700 (T7, for short) in the flesh–Yamaha says it will be coming to
the U.S. in the second half of 2020 as a 2021 model. We know it will be
powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel twin used in the MT-07, housed in a new
tubular steel double-cradle frame. Other details include a 62.6-inch wheelbase,
9.5 inches of ground clearance, a fully adjustable USD 43mm fork with 8.3
inches of travel and a remote preload-adjustable rear shock with 7.9 inches of
travel.

Read our 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 First Look Review

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M (left) and YZF-R1 (right)

Yamaha has updated its flagship sportbikes, the YZF-R1 and the track-ready YZF-R1M, for 2020, with both featuring refinements to their CP4 crossplane crankshaft engines, an augmented electronic rider aids package, enhanced suspension and redesigned bodywork. MSRP is $17,300 for the YZF-R1 and $26,099 for the YZF-R1M (the latter is available in limited quantities through Yamaha’s online reservation system).

Read our 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M First Ride Review

2020 Zero SR/F

2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F

The first new model from Zero Motorcycles since 2016, the 2020 SR/F’s streetfighter look and steel trellis frame blur the styling lines between gas and electric motorcycles. Powered by a new ZF75-10 IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery, it delivers a claimed 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. It also features Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control System and Zero’s new Cypher III operating system. Pricing starts at $18,995.

Read our 2020 Zero SR/F First Look Review

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle News, News

World’s most expensive electric motorcycles

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The prices of electric motorcycles will eventually come down like the prices of flat-screen TVs did, but right now they are very expensive.

We’ve charted the top 10 world’s most expensive motorcycles and were surprised to find they even include two pedal-assisted bikes, the $US80,000 (about $A114,500) Black Trail electric mountain bike and the eROCKIT at $US40,000 ($A57,250)!

However, they also include the world’s fastest motorcycle, the 150kW (200hp) Lightning LS-218 in 10th position at $US38,888.

Harley-Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle specs strikes diverse expensive
Harley-Davidson Livewire

We were originally surprised that the Harley-Davidson LiveWire would retail for $US29,799 ($A41,699) when it arrives in North America and Europe in September.

It will not come to Australia and New Zealand until 2020. No price has yet been released, but it could be as expensive as the top-of-the-range Harley Tourer.

However, it pails in comparison to these electrics.

Top 10 most expensive electric motorcycles:

  1. Detonator $US150,000 ($A215,000)

    Detonator expensive electric motorcycle
    Detonator

  2. Peraves MonoTracer MTE-150 $US100,000 ($A143,000)

    Peraves MonoTracer Electric MTE-150 expensive
    Peraves MonoTracer

  3. Lito Sora $US82,250 ($A118,000)

    Lito Sora electric motorcycle expensive
    Lito Sora

  4. Black Trail BT $80,000 ($A114,500)

    Black Trail BT electric motorcycle expensive
    Black Trail BT

  5. ZecOO $70000 ($A100,200) 

    Zec00 electric motorcycle expensive
    Zec00

  6. Ophiro $70,000 ($A100,200)

    Ophiro Electric Motorcycle expensive
    Ophiro

  7. Mission One $69,000 ($A99,000)

    Mission One Electric Motorcycle expensive
    Mission One

  8. Curtiss Zeus Bobber and Cafe $US60,000 ($86,000) 
  9. eROCKIT $US40,000 ($A57,250)

    eROCKIT electric assisted bicycle expensive
    eROCKIT

  10. Lightning LS-218  $US38,888 ($55,660)

    Lightning electric motorcycle fast electric LiveWire electric bike race expensive
    Lightning record-holding electric race bike

Prices coming down

Those are quite expensive, but prices are coming down.

For example, Lightning has now released the more affordable street bike, the Strike, at $US12,998 (about $A18,000).

Electric Lightning Strike strikes out expensive
Lightning Strike

It’s not a “pov-pack” bike, either as it comes with plenty of aluminium and carbon, has 140kW of power, 196Nm of torque and maximum range of 450km.

The top-selling electric motorcycle company in the world is Zero Motorcycles who pulled the plug on exporting to Australia and New Zealand in 2017 with no hint of a return just yet.

In 2017 their fleet ( Zero S, SR, DS, DSR, FX and FXS) ranged in price from $18,000 to $25,000 on the road. That’s quite reasonable.

Now they have released their top-of-the-range SR/F at $US18,990 with 82kW of power, 190Nm of torque, a top speed of 200km/h and range of about 130km on the highway and up to 260km in the city.

Zero SR/F expensive
Zero SR/F

Good on you if you want to be an early adopter of electric motorcycles at these prices.

But while we love the acceleration exhilaration of electric motorcycles, we think we’ll wait until the price and charging times come down, range goes up and infrastructure is in place.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News, Uncategorized

Are electric motorbike range claims a hoax?

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Electric motorcycles are coming on a wave of hype about range of more than 300km, but are the claims a hoax?

Traditional petrol-powered motorcycles are quoted in terms of miles per gallon or litre per 100km. It provides a reliable and realistic guide to the range from a bike’s tank. Riding hard or conservatively doesn’t make a huge difference to range.

However, the range calculations for an electric motorcycle are not as simple.

Vacuum sucks

We recently bought an expensive cordless vacuum cleaner which was claimed to have a battery that would last for a couple of hours of cleaning.

However, that was based on using the low-powered mode. If you want to really suck and use the boost mode, you are flat out getting about 20 minutes out of it. And six months down the track, that’s more like 15 minutes.

I also once drove an early Tesla sportster on a hot day around the Ipswich Motorway for only five laps before the fully charged battery overheated and I had to pit.

On another occasion, I rode an electric Zero DS with a claimed 290km of range from the Gold Coast to home and nearly ran out of battery because I was riding on the highway.

MotorbikeWriter and Zero DS police special electric motorcycle hoax
MotorbikeWriter and Zero DS

Electric hoax?

So is electric motorcycle range a hoax to rope in riders who want to be seen to be keeping pace with the modern world and showing their “green” credentials (that is, if they have access to clean power for recharging!).

Battery range in electric vehicles is subject to so many variables a range figure is almost a pointless hoax.

Factors that affect battery range include:

  • Extreme ambient temperatures;
  • Riding modes such as “eco” and “sport”;
  • Constant throttle at highway speeds that deplete batteries faster;
  • Brake regeneration extends range in stop-start traffic; and
  • Downhill sections conserve battery power.

Riders will have to think totally differently about electric motorcycles and almost disregard the salesperson’s claims about range.

For example, highway and city riding yield totally opposite range yields to a traditional petrol engine.

The latest Zero SR/F comes with this complex table of range calculations that vary from 132km on the highway to amiss double in the city! It’s enough to confuse any buyer.

Range

PREMIUM

STANDARD

City

259km

259km

Highway, 89km/h

159km

159km

Combined

198km

198km

Highway, 113km/h

132km

132km

Combined

175km

175km

Range (based on EU standard)

157km

158km

Electric sales

But the complex range claims have not stopped the surge of electric motorcycle sales, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Electric motorcycle and scooter sales will hit 55 million worldwide by 2024, according to London technology consultancy Navigant.

While more than 90% of electric bike sales are low-powered scooters and mopeds in Asian, Europe is surging ahead on the back of a host of financial incentives for the sale and use of electric bikes.

While motorcycle sales in Europe rose by 9.9% in 2018, electric motorcycle sales rose 81.5%, although they still represent only 0.75% of all motorbikes sold in Europe.

New range claims

Almost every day an electric motorcycle company makes outlandish clams about extended range.

Indian startup Mankame Motors claims it can make an affordable electric motorcycle capable of 480km range, beating the current (pun intended) longest range record of 360km by Zero Motorcycles.

A Chinese company claims it has a prototype power cruiser made of lightweight aluminium with  up to 400 km of range and charging from flat to full in just 15 minutes.

Battery life

As for the longevity of expensive batteries, there are few examples as electric motorcycles have not been around long enough.

However, Italian electric bike company Tacita says that in almost eight years their batteries have had more than 1700 recharging cycles with unchanged range.

They say they can guarantee 80% of the battery’s energy will remain after 4000 charge cycles.

I don’t say I disbelieve their claims, but they do make a mockery of my vacuum cleaner experience!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

2020 Zero SR/F | First Look Review

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2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Boardwalk Red.

Zero Motorcycles has released its first new model since 2016, the 2020 SR/F, and with its streetfighter look and steel trellis frame it’s blurring the styling lines between gas and electric motorcycles.

The SR/F, powered by a new ZF75-10 IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery, delivers a claimed 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. Go ahead and read that again. Yes, that’s more torque than any of today’s top-of-the-line 1,000cc superbikes, and it beats Zero’s own personal best of 116 lb-ft and 70 horsepower, as seen on the 2019 DSR we reviewed last November.

With twist-and-go operation and no transmission, Zero’s controller quickly doles out power in a smooth, linear fashion all the way up to the peak, with response, power and regen (battery regeneration and “engine braking” function) regulated via Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to ten additional custom riding modes. The SR/F is also the first electric motorcycle to be integrated with a Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system, which works with the SR/F’s Cypher III operating system to optimize cornering ABS, traction control and drag torque control.

2020 Zero SR/F
The brains behind the SR/F is the new Cypher III operating system, which now allows for four pre-programmed riding modes plus up to ten user-customizable ones.

Read our Best Bikes for Smaller Riders (and Budgets) list here!

Zero says the SR/F is the first fully “smart” motorcycle thanks to the Cypher III system, which now offers comprehensive rider connectivity. SR/F owners can monitor the bike in four ways:

  • Bike Status and Alerts – This includes tip-overs or unexpected motion notifications, plus interruptions in charging. In addition, the “Find my Bike” function allows the rider to keep tabs on the SR/F at all times.
  • Charging – The rider can remotely set charging parameters, including targeted charge levels, charge time scheduling, charge tracking and more.
  • Ride Data Sharing – The SR/F records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, charge level and energy used/regenerated, and riders can replay and share the experience via the app. Riders also have the option to keep this data anonymous.
  • System Upgrades and Notifications – Riders can remotely download Cypher III OS updates to stay up to date and ensure optimal performance.
2020 Zero SR/F
The SR/F is the first Zero to come standard with a Level 2 Rapid Charger built in. It can still be plugged into a standard wall outlet using the included EVSE cable.

Battery life and charging time are two of the most important concerns in this early stage of electric motorcycle development, and as the newest Zero product the SR/F seems to be showing steady improvement. Despite the massive increases in power and torque, claimed range from the standard battery (without the optional Power Tank installed) is 161 miles (city), 82 miles (highway, 70 mph) and 109 miles (combined). This is roughly equivalent to the less-powerful DSR we tested in November.

Harley just announced pricing and details on its LiveWire electric motorcycle. Read more about it here!

The SR/F, like all Zero electric motorcycles, can be plugged into a standard 110V wall outlet to charge the battery, but it’s the first to come standard with a Level 2 Rapid Charger. So while you could plug it into a wall, using a Level 2 station will net serious reductions in charge time.

The standard SR/F, which retails for $18,995, comes with a 3.0 kW Rapid Charger that Zero says will charge to 95 percent in 4 hours, and to 100 percent in 4.5 hours. The premium SR/F, which also comes with heated grips, a fly screen and aluminum bar ends, is equipped with a 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that charges to 95 percent in 2 hours, and to 100 percent in 2.5 hours. It retails for $20,995. Both models can also be upgraded with another 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that drops charge time (to 95 percent) to as little as one hour.

Both SR/F models are available in two colors, Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red, and will be available in dealers this spring.

For more information, visit zeromotorcycles.com.

Keep scrolling for more pictures….

2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.
2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.
2020 Zero SR/F
2020 Zero SR/F in Seabright Blue.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

News

Zero SR/F is a Harley LiveWire lookalike

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Zero Motorcycles has pulled the rug out from underneath the coming Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric sports bike with its new Zero SR/F that looks uncannily like the Milwaukee product.

However, the Zero SR/F has better performance and range but costs about $US11,000 less than the LiveWire. The Harley is due in September at $US29,799 and will arrive in Australia next year at more than $US40,000.

Zero Motorcycles pulled the plug on exporting to Australia and New Zealand in 2017 with no hint of a return just yet. So, although the Californian company’s new ZR/F looks the goods, we most likely won’t be getting it here.

Zero’s SR/F comes in a standard model at $US18,990 and a premium model with a faster-charging battery and heated grips.

It has 82kW of power, 190Nm of torque and a top speed of 200km/h.

Range is said to be about 130km on the highway and up to 260km in the city. See the comprehensive “range” specifications at the end of this article.

A more robust “Power Tank” battery capable of 320km of range will be available in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Harley LiveWire has 177km of range and a 190km/h top speed.

Zero’s SR/F will also be able to update its Cypher III software via a link to a mobile phone connection just like a Tesla electric car.

A dedicated app will allow riders to track their trips, share rides, monitor battery level, find charging stations and even receive alerts if someone is trying to steal their bike.

Zero SR/F
SR/F has a fully customisable dashboard

Meanwhile, the makers of the world’s fastest electric bike, Lightning Motorcycles, will next month release a more affordable bike called Strike.

It will start at $US12,998 (about $A18,000) to challenge both the Zero SR/F and Harley LiveWire.

Zero SR/F tech specs

Range PREMIUM STANDARD
City 259km 259km
Highway, 89km/h 159km 159km
Combined 198km 198km
Highway, 113km/h 132km 132km
Combined 175km 175km
Range (based on EU standard) 157km 158km
Motor PREMIUM STANDARD
Peak torque 190Nm 190Nm
Peak power 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm
Top speed (max) 200km/h 200km/h
Top speed (sustained) 177km/h 177km/h
Continuous power 40kW (54hp) @ 5.000 rpm 40kW (54hp) @ 5000rpm
Licensing Requirement A Licence A Licence
Type Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor
Controller? High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration
Power system PREMIUM STANDARD
Power pack Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity 14.4kWh 14.4kWh
Nominal capacity 12.6kWh 12.6kWh
Charger type 6kW, integrated 3kW, integrated
Charge time (standard) 2.5 hours (100% charged) / 2 hours (95% charged) 4.5 hours (100% charged) / 4 hours (95% charged)
With 6kW Rapid Charge option 1.5 hours (100% charged) / 1 hour (95% charged) 1.8 hours (100% charged) / 1.3 hours (95% charged)
Drivetrain PREMIUM STANDARD
Transmission Clutchless direct drive Clutchless direct drive
Final drive 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes PREMIUM STANDARD
Front suspension Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front suspension travel 120mm 120mm
Rear suspension travel 140mm 140mm
Front brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs
Rear brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc
Front tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17
Rear tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17
Front wheel 3.50 x 17 3.50 x 17
Rear wheel 5.50 x 17 5.50 x 17
Dimensions PREMIUM STANDARD
Wheelbase? 1450mm 1450mm
Seat height? 787mm 787mm
Accessory, low 770mm 770mm
Accessory, tall 810mm 810mm
Rake? 24.5° 24.5°
Trail? 94mm 94mm
Weight PREMIUM STANDARD
Curb weight 226kg 220kg
Carrying capacity 228kg 234kg
Economy PREMIUM STANDARD
Equivalent fuel economy (city) 0.55 l/100km 0.55 l/100km
Equivalent fuel economy (highway) 1.08 l/100km 1.08 l/100km
Typical cost to recharge €2.96 €2.96
Warranty PREMIUM STANDARD
Standard motorcycle warranty 2 years 2 years
Power pack warranty 5 years/unlimited km 5 years/unlimited km

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Quietest police pursuit in history

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A San Francisco police officer riding an electric Zero Motorcycle recently pulled over a driver in an electric Tesla Model 3 in what must have been the quietest police pursuit of all time.

Zero posted an image of the historic moment on their Facebook page, but it may not be the last time this happens.

Police departments in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong and Canada are now using electric motorcycles and scooters from BMW, Zero Motorcycles and other companies.

The Californian-based Zero has developed a DS Police motorcycle specifically for police and security agencies.

Fresno State University Police on Zero Motorcycles pursuit
Fresno State University Police on Zero Motorcycles

They claim it is specifically useful to police because of its reliability, low maintenance, battery range and capacity, manoeuvrability, light weight chassis, economic feasibility and low environmental impact.

Zero Motorcycles global sales Vice President John Lloyd says they designed and engineered the police line-up “based on feedback directly from patrol officers regarding their needs and responsibilities”.

Stealth pursuit

But the biggest advantage for the cops is the quiet running of an electric vehicle that allows police to sneak up on criminals!

Some police departments have also found they can use them inside large shopping malls because there are no emissions.

So if they get into a Blues Brothers-style chase through a mall, bike cops can follow the criminals.

Zero in Australia

But don’t expect to be pulled up by a silent cop in Australia any time soon.

Australian police evaluated the DS Police motorcycle, but then Zero pulled the plug on our market in 2017 citing unfavourable exchange rates and taxes.

Zero DS electric motorcycle pursuit
Zero DS electric police motorcycle

Zero DS Police Motorcycle come with pursuit emergency lighting and sirens, safety components and specially designed luggage compartments to carry gear, patrol items and emergency medical equipment.

The civilian model DS can be fitted with some of the police accessories, such as Givi top box, panniers and screen. Other accessories include heated seat and grips and a power socket, although all those limit the range of the bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com