The Zero S is part of Zero’s nine model lineup for 2020 and along with its more off-road looking cousin the Zero FXS is designed for urban commuting. Aimed at first time riders looking for an entry level street motorcycle the Zero S provides a well balanced and quiet ride. And with both Eco and Sport modes the novice rider can move up in performance as their confidence grows.
Founded in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in Santa Cruz, California Zeros first production model was the Zero S in 2009. Making its production now in its twelfth year. This makes the Zero S is one of the most highly evolved electric motorcycles available today.
Style and Performance
The Zero S provides a naked bike style with minimal bodywork. Rider geometry is fairly upright with relaxed footpeg positioning and riser handlebars. This is a good posture for entry level riders and suits commuting where an aggressive stance can become tiring.
Acceleration is impressive and provides immediate torque on tap from standing still. Combined with no clutch or shifting this will allow you to easily pull away from traffic at an intersection. If filtering is allowed in your area this provides you the confidence to take front of the queue knowing you won’t be impeding drivers on the green light. Zero boasts a maximum speed of 98mph with a sustained top speed of 80 mph.
Throttle is responsive without being overly sensitive and provides excellent granular feedback. The Zero S also comes equipped with regenerative braking to help recharge the bike when braking, this provides a similar feel as engine braking in a manual vehicle. The brakes are Bosch ABS disc front and rear and provide plenty of stopping power when required.
The Zero S comes with two preset profiles, Eco and Sport. The profiles control maximum speed, torque, and regeneration levels.
Eco mode limits maximum speed to 70 mph, reduces the torque, and increases the regenerative engine braking effect. Sport mode take up the top speed to 98 miles per hour, full torque, and reduces regenerative braking. These profiles can be customised with Zero’s mobile app.
Pricing and Range
Available in three configurations the Zero S provides a range of abilities. The basic 7.2 kWh power pack with a price of US$10,995 has a range of 89 miles in city driving, 45 miles at 70 mph on the highway, and 60 miles combined.
The Zero SR has a 14.4 kWh battery pack. The SR starts at $15,495 and boosts the range to 179 miles for city driving, 90 miles on the highway, or 120 miles combined. For the maximum possible driving distance with Zero S models, you can also add the 3.3 kWh Power Tank for $2,895. The Zero SR with the Power Tank is rated for a maximum of 223 miles in the city, 112 miles on the highway, or 150 miles combined.
Take note that larger power packs don’t just drive up the price, they also increase the weight. The 7.2 kWh Zero S weighs 313 pounds. The Zero SR with the 14.4 kWh power pack weighs 408 pounds, add the 3.3 kWh Power Tank for a total of 18 kWh and the weight increases to 452 pounds. Choose carefully as configuration and Power Tank can’t be changed or added later.
Charging
Charging the Zero S using the standard 1.3 kW charger via your home outlet takes 5 hours for a full charge. They also offer an optional quick charger which reduces that down to 3 hours for a full charge. There’s also a Rapid Charge option which enables charging via Level 2 charging stations, providing a 95% charge in as little as an hour.
Specifications
Range
City – 89 miles (143 km)
Highway – 45 miles (72 km)
Motor
Peak torque – 78 ft-lb (106 Nm)
Peak power – 46 hp (34 kW) @ 4,300 rpm
Top speed – (max) 98 mph (158 km/h)
Top speed (sustained) – 80 mph (129 km/h)
Type – Z-Force® 75-5 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor
Controller – High efficiency, 550 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative deceleration
Power system
Power pack – Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity – 7.2 kWh
Nominal capacity – 6.3 kWh
Charger type – 1.3 kW, integrated
Charge time (standard) – 5.2 hours (100% charged) / 4.7 hours (95% charged)
With Charge Tank option – 1.5 hours (100% charged) / 1.0 hour (95% charged)
With one accessory charger – 3.1 hours (100% charged) / 2.6 hours (95% charged)
With max accessory chargers – 1.6 hours (100% charged) / 1.1 hours (95% charged)
Input – Standard 110 V or 220 V
Drivetrain
Transmission – Clutchless direct drive
Final drive – 90T / 18T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front suspension – Showa 41 mm inverted cartridge forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension – Showa 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front suspension travel – 6.25 in (159 mm)
Rear suspension travel – 6.35 in (161 mm)
Front brakes – Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper, 320 x 5 mm disc
Rear brakes – Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
Front tire – Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 110/70-17
Rear tire – Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 140/70-17
Front wheel – 3.00 x 17
Rear wheel – 3.50 x 17
Dimensions
Wheelbase – 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Seat height – 31.8 in (807 mm)
Rake – 24.0°
Trail – 3.2 in (80 mm)
Weight
Curb weight – 313 lb (142 kg)
Carrying capacity – 404 lb (183 kg)
Economy
Equivalent fuel economy (city) – 477 MPGe (0.49 l/100 km)
Equivalent fuel economy (highway) – 240 MPGe (0.98 l/100 km)
Typical cost to recharge – $0.81
Pricing
MSRP – $10,995
Warranty
Standard motorcycle warranty – 2 years
Power pack warranty – 5 years/unlimited miles
For more information visit the Zero – Website
