2011 Zero range unveiled
Californian electric motorcycle maker reveals updated models, which include new designs and a special new quick-charge featureAmerican electric bike maker Zero Motorcycles has announced its updated 2011 model line-up, which includes a number of eye-opening changes, including a 'quick-charge' feature for all models.
Zero Motorcycles only launched the DS and S models in Australia in November 2010, and the local importer says the updated models should be available in Australia from mid 2011.
The bikes will available in the US from March.
Interestingly, the Zero S, Zero DS, Zero X and Zero MX can now all be optioned with the quick-charging system, which is claimed to almost halve the recharge time.
Furthermore, the Zero X and Zero MX off-road models can now be homologated for road use in the US, which we hope will mean the same for the local market, allowing them to be road registerable in Australia too.
A brief rundown of the new 2011 Zero models is as follows:
- Every model is now 'quick-charge' capable using an optional upgrade
- Every model has been completely overhauled both technically and visually
- New brakes, suspension and wheels for every model
- A silent and maintenance free belt drive system for the Zero S and Zero DS
- Street legal versions of the Zero X and Zero MX
Zero Motorcycles' CEO Gene Banman talked up the changes made to the 2011 range, citing a boost in engineering and manufacturing that has allowed the company to push the envelope: "Our 2011 model line is composed of exceptionally high quality electric motorcycles that balance performance, range, weight, affordability and availability. We are excited to announce such major changes across the entire model line and to also be setting new industry standards in the way we report on our motorcycles' performance specifications."
The most obvious changes to the Zero range are visual, with new colour schemes and a few aesthetic tweaks to all models. The Zero S naked bike, which we reviewed in 2010, has the most dramatic changes, the minimal plastics around the front hiding the battery a lot better. It also gets a front cowl above the headlight.
The rear end of the Zero S also features shorter plastics and metallic red wheels have been added to S and DS models, as has a new low-maintenance belt drive system.
Every model in the Zero range benefits from brake and suspension upgrades, and the off-road models, X and MX, feature chain guards and mildly altered cowls. The Zero X and MX models can now also be optioned with indicators, headlights, brake lights, speedometer and sidestands to meet legal requirements to be ridden on the road.
As well as sprucing up the designs of all models in the 2011 Zero range get new colour schemes - flick the through the photos for the new models which are displayed in this order: Zero S, Zero MX, Zero DS, Zero X.
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