Zero Motorcycles developing fake clutch

A newly filed patent application reveals electric brand Zero Motorcycles is working on a pseudo clutch that will not only provide would-be owners with a more familiar riding experience, but which could give riders more control of their bike in a number of situations.

Designed to simulate the feel and behaviour of a conventional multi-plate clutch, the torque is regulated electronically via a ‘clutch’ lever mounted on the left-hand handlebar, just as it would be on a motorcycle fitted with a conventional multi-speed transmission.

So while the majority of electric-powered motorcycles feature a single-speed transmission with pre-programmed software that regulates the available torque when you accelerate off the line – negating the need for a clutch – there are more than a few benefits to giving riders the ability to mimic the component’s intervention.

According to the patent, a pair of sensors at the lever will speak to a controller which will then “propel the vehicle in response to the torque demand indicated”. Examples of gaining more torque through using the clutch might be during harder than normal acceleration at take-off, feathering the clutch during slower riding or when negotiating tricky terrain such as when riding off-road, or ‘popping’ the clutch while moving in order to loft the bike’s front wheel in the air.

On top of that, the patent talks about the device’s ability to “control the electric motor to regeneratively brake the vehicle in response to the negative torque demand indicated”. In other words, the rider can use the clutch to aid deceleration, too.

So as well as having some immediate control over regenerative braking, by pulling the clutch in to ‘free wheel’ just as you can on a conventional bike, this also disengages the regen effect, essentially speeding the bike up. Conversely, the rider can also release the clutch when approaching a corner to engage the regenerative braking, helping to slow the bike down faster.

It’s not the first time an electric brand has tried to emulate the processes riders are familiar with on internal-combustion motorcycles. As far back as 2013, Brammo’s Empulse R employed both a six-speed transmission and a clutch, a feature retained by Victory Motorcycles when parent company Polaris purchased the Brammo in 2015 and released the Victory Empulse TT the following year.

After a few failed attempts in the last 14 years, Zero Motorcycle has just returned to Australian showrooms, this time distributed by the experienced Peter Stevens group. The firm’s 2024 nine-bike range is currently being rolled out in eight dealerships across five Australian states.