Zero Motorcycles unveils 2017 lineup sporting more than 200 miles of range

[Shawn Knight]

Traditional automakers aren’t the only ones having to, at the very least, acknowledge the emergence of electric-based powertrains. While it may not yet be a household name, companies like Zero Motorcycles have made a compelling case for the use of electric motors in the motorcycle industry.

Zero Motorcycles, based out of Scotts Valley, California, has been designing and building electric bikes since 2006. Its just-announced 2017 lineup is no doubt its most impressive yet, offering improvements in the categories that matter most to riders.

For 2017, Zero Motorcycles is bringing six different models to market – Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS, Zero DSR, Zero FX and Zero FXS – targeting a variety of niches (street, dual sport, off-road, etc.) with pricing starting at $8,495 (before federal tax credits and state-specific rebates).

Zero Motorcycles says its Zero S and Zero SR bikes with optional Power Tank accessory are good for 202 miles of range in city driving. That dips significantly at highway speeds as you’ll get just 123 miles of range at 55 mph and 101 miles when traveling a consistent 70 mph.

You’re not going to set any land speed records on these bikes as the fastest ones top out at just 102 mph but they’ll no doubt feel zippy with up to 116 ft-lb of instant torque on select models. Full details on each model can be found over on Zero Motorcycles’ website.

It’s still early days for electric powertrains but the improvements that Zero Motorcycles has delivered with each successive year model are no doubt impressive.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/66985-zero-motorcycles-unveils-2017-lineup-sporting-more-than.html

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

They're pretty cool but they look like they lack the 'je nais se quoi' found in traditional sports and super bikes. No doubt it's the future though, we just have to get used to and accept it.

 

[yRaz]

116ft-lb of torque on a platform you can't kill yourself on, count me in!

 

[VitalyT]

Motorbike roar isn't just half the fun, it's the spirit of free riding. Electrical bicycles are just as dull and unengaging.

 

[yRaz]

Motorbike roar isn't just half the fun, it's the spirit of free riding. Electrical bicycles are just as dull and unengaging.

the e-bike idea was fine with me, but trying to make an electric sports bike in general is kind of dumb. Most of them get upwards of 100MPG+ if you aren't romping on a superbike.

 

[gusticles41]

There's limited practicality, and the article doesn't reference their charging methods/times. But there's no doubt some fun to be had on these, and the pricepoints don't seem too bad. I think this company is on the right track and I'm curious to see what they come out with in the future.

 

[Rippleman]

Motorbike roar isn't just half the fun, it's the spirit of free riding. Electrical bicycles are just as dull and unengaging.

tell that to a deaf person who loves biking, they would call you a liar. You are speaking for personal preference.

 

[Jack007]

Despite not having a roar electric bikes that have instant torque are very very marketable. imagine getting out of a jam by zipping out instantly or even avoiding some crash due to the instant torque the bike gives. thats just impressive

 

[gusticles41]

Despite not having a roar electric bikes that have instant torque are very very marketable. imagine getting out of a jam by zipping out instantly or even avoiding some crash due to the instant torque the bike gives. thats just impressive

Yeah exactly. And the rear sprockets in the pictured bikes are rather large. I'd hope whatever model has 116ft-lb of torque is geared for more than power wheelies

 

[Raoul Duke]

The annual Isle of Man TT has a race for electric motorcycles. Their performance is quite amazing and the riders say it is almost eerie how silent they are.