Anyone familiar with these? http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ I'm not big on the save the planet aspect, but if it can be done reasonably I am all for it. For me, any product has to deliver the goods first. I'm not going to buy on the green aspect alone. That being said, these motorcycles seem to deliver on both aspects. They are energy efficient as well as, what appears to be, a good performer. 150 mile realistic range, short charging time, 110 volt charging capability, top speeds over 100 mph, and low maintenance make this sound like a winner. Still a little pricey, and of course all this info is from their website. Reality may be entirely different, but it has peaked my interest. It would definitely make a good commuter bike.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 05-26-2014).]

I remember seeing them first here https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum6/HTML/093876.html

I would pass on one. The only one I would wan't is the Zero SR + Power Tank for the range.
The 171 range is still not enough for me. I would have the thing on the charger every night and it would even cut a few of my trips short.

That and with a 20K price tag.... I could buy a BMW HP4, Panigale 1199, KTM RC8, any of the big Japanese bikes.

I have read about them and talked to them at a trade show earlier this year and I am impressed. I think the time for electric bikes has finally arrived.

The sub-200 mile range would be a deal breaker.

quote Originally posted by williegoat: I have read about them and talked to them at a trade show earlier this year and I am impressed. I think the time for electric bikes has finally arrived.

I agree. the bike is by no means perfect, but I do think it shows there is a future in an electric bike. The big deal breaker for me is cost not the range. I think its #1 purpose is it's a commuter bike, not a high thrills excitement vehicle. If you drive more than 150 miles a day, then of course this bike is not for you. I drive 35 miles each way to and from work. That's 70 miles a day, and as a commuter, this would work. It plugs in to 110, so I don't see it as a negative that I would have to charge it every night. I'm not buying one, but I do see electric bikes as a having a promising future.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 05-28-2014).]

Zero motorcycles? In my yard now.

The motor is powerful/efficient enough and the battery is big enough to match the ranges they give, but yeah...20k is a lot of money. A motor & controller would be worth about $2500, the big battery pack $5k or $6k. The rest is motorcycle and profit.

There's a 2011 Zero DS for sale locally for $5000 that really has my interest. I'm also curious if anybody has any first hand experience.

quote Originally posted by Zac88GT: There's a 2011 Zero DS for sale locally for $5000 that really has my interest. I'm also curious if anybody has any first hand experience.

Motor
Type High Efficiency, Forced Air Cooled, DC, Axial Flux, Permanent Magnet
Top speed 67 mph (108 km/h)
Power System
Type Z-Force™ Patented Li-Ion Intelligent Power Pack
Maximum capacity 4.4 kWh
Nominal capacity 3.9 kWh
Estimated pack life (to 80%) 70,000 miles (112,000 km)
Charger type Integrated
Charge time (standard) 4 hours
Quick charge time (option) 2.3 hours (100% charged) / 2 hours (90+% charged)
Input Standard 110V or 220V
Range
Maximum 58 miles (93 km)
EPA UDDS 43 miles (70 km)
Drivetrain
Transmission Clutchless one speed
Drive system 98T / 28T, Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ belt
Drive system (accessory) 51T / 13T, 420 chain
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front suspension travel 9.4 inches (240 mm)
Rear suspension travel 7.7 inches (196 mm)
Front brakes 2 piston hydraulic, 12.21x0.16 inch (310x4 mm) disc
Rear brakes 1 piston hydraulic, 8.66x0.16 inch (220x4 mm) disc
Front tire 100/80-17
Rear tire 110/90-16
Front wheel 2.15x17
Rear wheel 3.00x16
Dimensions
Wheel base 56.3 inches (143 cm)
Seat height (standard) 35.8 inches (90.8 cm)
Low seat height (accessory) 33.8 inches (85.7 cm)
Rake 24.9 degrees
Trail 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Weight
Frame 19.3 pounds (8.8 kg)
Curb weight 297 pounds (135 kg)
GVWR 597 pounds (271 kg)
Carrying capacity 300 pounds (136 kg)
Economy
Typical cost to recharge $0.48
Fuel economy 370 MPGe


EPA rated with a 43mi range with a 4hr charge time, 2hr with a quick charger. Top speed 67mph.
$5,000 buys a lot of bike.