Zero X electric motorcycle on Rampart Range trails - Rode Test
Maverick and Daniel Pirrallo - Jun 26, 2009

 

After a successful career as an engineer in the aerospace industry, Neal Saiki, founder of Zero Motorcycles, decided to start his own business designing full suspension mountain bikes and motorcycles. Along the way, Saiki’s passion and deep appreciation for the environment grew. His engineering experience on high altitude aircraft gave him a first-hand look at the destruction of the ozone layer. From an engineering standpoint, it became obvious that electric vehicles could be a practical solution to environmental preservation.

The goal of Zero Motorcycles is to make electric motorcycles that are both practical and fun.  Zero Motorcycles introduced its first electric motorcycle in the summer of 2007 and began production of electric motorcycles in 2008. 

  

Cycle Matters Editors learned of Zero Motorcycles and began to plan for a test ride as soon as production vehicles were available. 

 

                               

Our editors met up with Chuck Pratt, Zero Motorcycle’s Denver representative, in Sedalia, Colorado.  We followed him to the Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area 35 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado, with two Zero X electric motorcycles loaded onto an extended mounting system (maximum weight limit of the motorcycle carrier was 400 lbs), on the rear of a Toyota Roadrunner.

 

The combined weight (212 lbs minus the battery packs at 45 lbs each) and leverage, of the two Zero X motorcycles, created no visual stress on the performance and handling of the Toyota’s aggressive ascent to the trailhead. 

 

Transporting the Zero X motorcycles in this manner demonstrated a significant difference between a combustion engine powered motorcycle (averaging 300 to 450 lbs each), and an electric powered motorcycle; i.e., reduced gross weight.  We were soon to discover that gross weight of the Zero X is a significant factor in the handling and performance of this motorcycle.

 

                               

We parked our vehicles and immediately noticed a phenomenon that played out for the next four hours. Trail riders on combustion powered motorcycles: stopped, starred, and initiated conversation about the Zero X. The fact that these were electric motorcycles was not lost on anyone. One trail rider was overheard, saying, while seated on his gas powered motorcycle; “I never thought I would say this, but I am jealous!”

 

                                

Chuck unloaded the bikes, inserted the 45 lb. Z-Force lithium ion power pack (one finger tightened screw and two electrical connections), and we were ready to roll.

 

Where is the engine noise, the smell of fuel, and the warm-up and sputtering at 8500 feet elevation? There isn’t any! Okay…giving up all of this must mean sacrificing performance?! Wrong!

 

The Zero X motorcycles were made available for this “rode test” by Chuck Pratt. Chuck can be reached at 303-888-2162. If you are from the Denver/Front Range area of Colorado and wish to set up your own demo ride, give Chuck a call.

 

The Zero X is a full sized motorcycle that looks strong, agile and dynamic. See photos.

 

The 13+ miles of trails were demanding and challenging and included: technical single track, deep ruts, woops, limbs and roots, water puddles, slick-rock, and steep drop offs. Ascents, descents, banked turns, and obstacles were in sufficient number to give even the most experienced rider and the motorcycles a workout. 

 

 

In fact, one of us crashed the Zero X, but the Zero X was ready to go once up-righted, with no sign of damage to structure or components. The rider kind of sensed that had he given the Zero X its head (experienced horsemen will understand the metaphor), the bike would have averted the crash.

 

The Zero X’s steady supply of power and responsiveness is notable and impressive. Without exception, Zero X riders can throttle into and out of banked turns, hills, and over obstacles with confidence and all the while keeping pace with other motorcycles.

 

A brief stretch of slick rock provided a test of the agility of this “mountain goat.” On a grade of 30 to 45 degrees, the Zero X brakes managed the controlled descent with out incident or concern for braking power. The 23 horsepower and 50 ft-lbs of torque made the ascent appear effortless…again with no engine noise, clutch feathering, or worry of stalling.

 

                               

The engine is a “Brushed Permanent Magnetic Electric” motor with peak electrical power of 17,400 watts. Zero X engineers have found a way of rapidly flowing more energy out of the power pack than any competitor’s motorcycles, according to Zero Motorcycles.

 

Zero X’s electric motorcycle technology dictates a finite distance and time of operation before replacing or recharging the Z-Force lithium ion power pack. The stated riding time (45 minutes to 2 hours), and range is 40 miles. This range was not an apparent issue during the 13+ miles and 4 hours of our test ride. We did, from time to time during rest stops, check the on-bike indicator to monitor battery status. 

 

Frame – Aircraft Grade Aluminum means reduced weight (18 lbs), but increased strength. Acceleration is smooth and powerful. The frame is made up of a hydroformed top tube for increased strength & reduced weight, a massive swingarm for increased strength & torsional rigidity (better cornering and tracking), a large cylindrical swingarm cross tube for increased stiffness & suspension response, a thru-axle rear hub for exponentially increased strength & rigidity, the entire frame is shot-peened and anodized for resistance to corrosion and abrasion, and organic frame gusseting for increased strength & smoother body lines.

 

                                

Drivetrain – To accommodate the Zero X’s increased traction and ability to accelerate in the dirt Zero X uses a hardened steel 420 chain and direct drive gearing. The result is a stronger and more durable drivetrain that puts the power from the throttle directly into the dirt. The bike uses a larger rear sprocket mounting/bolt pattern for increased durability and better management of high torque acceleration.

 

Steering/headset componentry – Zero X is built with direct mount (to fork crown) double clam stem for increased rigidity and control, increased rise and reduced reach stem for better control & stability, wider, taller, and stronger full sized dirt bike handlebar, and higher strength hardened race headset for longer life & smoother turning.

 

                               

Brakes – The 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle features beefier brakes all around with 6 pot calipers front and rear, larger 9” rotor in front, increased reservoir size for more responsive braking under high strain, and high thermal mass rear rotor for improved heat transfer. For our test ride, the brakes worked well. Visually, the rotors and brake pads seemed minimal, not unlike mountain bike components, and we cannot attest to the brake component durability in intense braking conditions: i.e., much downhill and in mud and water, over an extended period. The drive train contributes nothing to stopping the motorcycles momentum, but relies on the brakes for 100% of stopping power.

 

Instrument panel & controls – A quick look tells you everything you need to know on the Zero X. Important dials and switches are centrally located in the instrument panel, and the motorcycle comes with a keyed ignition. Instrumentation provides “armed” light for increased awareness & safety. A flush mounted rocker switch to change speed settings (easy/sport and 30/60mph) is provided along with integrated battery power connector and integrated battery fuse.

 

                            

Rear Wheel & Tire – The Zero X comes with a beefy tire and wheel on the rear for increased traction and durability.  A knobbed and grippy full size rear tire - 17X3.5, large lugged high strength rear rim 17 x 2.5”, thicker 12g spokes, and custom oversized and reinforced hub make up the wheel set.

 

The Zero X suspension is comfortable, especially for the less intense portions of the trail on which we rode. Front suspension travel (8 inches), and rear suspension travel (9 inches), resulted in hitting maximum when encountering large jumps, and sharp obstacles. Perhaps a little hard on the rider’s limbs but tolerable.

 

Pratt asserts that; “the newly released Zero MX has heavier duty suspension to accommodate more aggressive terrain and larger riders.” However, we did not test ride this model. 

 

The seat was long and narrow (approximately four inches in width), allowing for fore and aft movement for balance and maneuverability. 

 

The Zero X is a very light (151 lbs.), full sized electric motorcycle that is so quiet you can easily carry on a conversation while riding with your buddies. 

 

Maintenance is minimal. There is no oil, fuel, or other liquids to be concerned with.   There is no starter, no gears, and no clutch. Ongoing maintenance is limited to lubricating the chain, checking the wheel bearings, and charging the battery.  

 

With the Zero X’s smooth power band, quick acceleration and lots of torque, it is easy to get the front wheel up. 

 

The Zero X is simple to operate and the learning curve is brief because the operator’s focus is on riding versus managing assorted controls, switches and levers. The front brake is operated with the left hand and rear brake with the right. There is no foot brake.

 

Throw you leg over the Zero X, flip the on switch, roll on the throttle, and hang on!

 

The Zero X is an excellent choice for a new trail rider and such an operator may decide the Zero X is the answer to all of his or her trail riding needs. 

 

An experienced trail rider, one that has spent many hours on the pegs of a much larger and heavier motorcycle, may have some difficulty adjusting to this version of a trail bike. Clutching the fuel cell with your knees is not an option on the Zero X.

 

After riding the Zero X, a motorcycle that according to Zero Motorcycles literature costs less than $.01 per mile to operate, perhaps clutching the fuel cell is a tendency that could be unlearned.

 

Starting at $7,450.00, the Zero X may seem a little pricey. It is actually the battery technology (Li-Ion Power Pack - 14 1/4" at $2,950.00), that props up the cost.  Demand for the motorcycle remains high at 1200 motorcycles per month according to Zero Motorcycles.

                                

This motorcycle was fun, displayed sufficient power, was maneuverable and agile, and provided every indication that it could out last the best of those trail bikes provided the operator planned for recharging or replacing the battery pack which is designed to last for 1000+ charges.

 

Click here for more information on Zero X motorcycles or to set up a demo ride in other parts of the United States. 

 

Editors of Cycle Matters and Daniel Pirrallo, former Enduro competitor and current Dualsport rider, collaborated on this Rode Test of the Zero X motorcycle.

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