Zero Motorcycles expands range

The electric bike revolution is starting hit top gear (the only gear?) as electric motorbike maker Zero Motorcycles has released its full line-up of models, four bikes in total.

The range spans dirt, street and dualsport genres and the company is confident of finding new customers who want zero emission motorcycles that are still fun to ride.

The Bikesales Network was one of the first to test the Zero X and we're hoping to get our hands on the new models, which include the second dirt model, the Zero MX, and the dualsport Zero DS and street-tuned Zero S.

All models are powered by large lithium ion "arrays" or batteries as normal people call them, and the DS and S street models have 4 kWh batteries for a range of up of 80 kilometres, while the X and MX dirt models get 2 kWh batteries with a 64km range.

Recharging for the bikes takes around four hours for all models and Zero reckons that the bikes cost less than $.01 kilometer to run.

As the photos show, the new models have a much higher quality finish than the prototypes we've seen in the past, and there's nice frame and swingarm work going on there as well.

One of the major drawcards of the new 2010 models is Z-Force Air Induction System. According to Zero Motorcycles, the new induction system "allows Zero [motorcycles] to produce more horsepower from lighter and more compact motors by increasing the airflow through the heart of the motor."

Performance for the new models is expected to be very good, with the instantaneousness of electric power meaning the bikes have massive torque from a theoretical zero revolutions per minute.

The American-based company explains that its first production motorcycle, the Zero X "accelerates from 0-30 in under 2 seconds. It delivers over 50 ft/lbs [68Nm] of torque and similar performance to a 250cc gas powered off-road motorcycle.

"Zero Motorcycles continues to blaze the path for electric motorcycle technology," says Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "Our engineering team has revamped, redesigned and tested four models that have considerable improvements for 2010. The result is more power on the street, a new look and an unparalleled riding experience.

"Demand in 2009 pushed us to aggressively expand our presence across the United States and around the world. The enhancements to this year's models will resonate with both serious riders and casual motorcycle enthusiasts on a global level," stated Banman.

There are also rumours of an electric sportsbike currently undergoing testing on several race tracks in the USA, which would give the company a more complete range of 'green' motorcycles.

The 2010 model Zero MX is priced $10,500 in Australia before dealer and delivery charges and the Zero DS and Zero S models are due to arrive here in mid-2010.

Check out the Australian Zero Motorcycles website for details on local distribution and for more details on the full range of electrical motorcycles, check out the American Zero Motorcycles website.