Zero X Electric Motorcycle Review
Zero X Electric Motorcycle Feature
- Features a self-cooling and highly efficient lithium ion battery Z-Force Power Pack
- Sculpted aircraft grade aluminum frame provides maximum strength and low weight
- High power-to-weight ratio offers responsive handling
- Direct drive that requires no shifting or clutch; minimal frictional power loss
- Recommended that riders be 16 years or older with an M1 license
A full-sized, high-performance electric motorcycle, the Zero X is built from the ground up using revolutionary electric motorcycle technology. Boasting 50 pounds of torque, the proprietary Z-Force drive train supplies the raw power needed to stealthily race up hills, fly over jumps, and plunge through streams. Elimination of combustion noise makes aggressive riding possible without the disruption of nature or neighbors. The Z-Force drive train and specially-engineered, aircraft-grade aluminum frame combine to form a motorcycle that is fast, light, and clean. An exceptional power-to-weight ratio and spontaneous acceleration make the Zero X stand out in the dirt.
Frame
Welded by hand by highly-skilled aluminum welders, the Zero X features double pass welds in critical areas and other techniques to ensure against failures. After welding, the entire frame is heat treated to restore the strength around the weld areas. The heat treatment process involves heating the frame in a furnace and then solution-bath quenching the hot metal. Finally, critical areas such as pivots, brake mounts, and chain-guide mounts are re-milled for absolute accuracy.
- Hydroformed top tub for increased strength and reduced weight
- Massive swingarm for increased strength and torsional rigidity (better cornering and tracking)
- Large cylindrical swingarm cross tube for increased stiffness and suspension response
- Thru-axle rear hub for exponentially increased strength and rigidity
- Entire frame is shot-peened and anodized for resistance to corrosion and abrasion
- Organic frame gusseting for increased strength and smoother body lines
Motor and Energy
The Fast Charger will fully recharge your battery in less than two hours. |
The power packs deliver 300 amps of current without overheating, offering a strong power-to-weight ratio. |
Zero's magnet electric motor delivers over 20 horsepower and requires very little maintenance. |
Zero only uses safe second-generation lithium ion cells to ensure against thermal runaway (fire). The power packs also feature an intelligent monitoring system that constantly tracks the voltage and temperature of each and every cell. Additionally, the power packs deliver 300 amps of current without overheating, offering a strong power-to-weight ratio. Zero's permanent magnet electric motor delivers over 20 horsepower and requires very little maintenance.
Drivetrain
To accommodate the Zero X's increased traction and ability to accelerate in the dirt a hardened steel 420 chain and direct drive gearing are used. The result is a stronger and more durable drivetrain that puts the power from the throttle directly into the dirt.
- Hardened steel 420 Chain
- Front and rear accompanying 420 Sprockets
- Larger rear sprocket mounting/bolt pattern for increased durability and better management of high torque acceleration
Suspension
The Zero suspension system is tough enough to handle monstrous jumps and includes custom-built, fully-adjustable hydraulic front forks. The rear suspension is a unique double diamond swingarm and adjustable coil-spring rear shock.
Handling
To take full advantage of the Zero X's spontaneous acceleration, the handling was refined based on the comments of pro riders. The result is that this electric dirt bike provides the control you need for quick handling in tight situations.
- Direct mount (to fork crown) double clam stem for increased rigidity and control
- Increased rise and reduced reach stem for better control and stability
- Wider, taller, and stronger full sized dirt bike handlebar
- Higher strength hardened race headset for longer life and smoother turning
Brakes
- 6 pot calipers front and rear
- Larger 9-inch rotor in front
- Increased reservoir size for more responsive braking under high strain
- High thermal mass rear rotor for improved heat transfer
Instrument Panel and System Upgrades
A quick look at the instrument panel tells you everything you need to know on the Zero X. All the important dials and switches are centrally located. The accompanying wiring system is also designed for increased safety and electrical system longevity. The Zero X also comes with a keyed ignition.
- Easy access to gauges and switches with "quick look" clustered instrumentation
- Light for increased awareness and safety
- Key switch with solenoid for added safety, peace of mind, security and ease of use
- Flush mounted rockers switches for speed settings (easy/sport and 30/50mph)
- Integrated battery power connector for ease of use and durability
- Integrated battery fuse for added safety in handling and adverse circumstances
Rear Wheel and Tire
The Zero X comes with a beefy wheel setup on the rear for increased traction and durability. This means quicker acceleration, faster hill climbs, and more fun.
- Tall knobbed and grippy full size rear tire measuring 17 x 3.5 inches
- Large lugged high strength rear rim 17 x 2.5 inches
- Thicker 12g spokes
- Custom oversized and reinforced hub
Speed Controller The ZERO X Speed Controller features the ability to customize both the speed and acceleration. With a flip of the switch you can limit the top speed to a motorized bicycle legal limit of 30 miles per hour. Another switch sets the acceleration from beginner-friendly "easy" mode to a wheelie poppin' "sport" mode.
Specifications:
- Engine Type: Brushed permanent magnet electric
- Torque: 50 ft-lbs (67.7 Nm)
- Peak Horsepower: 23 horsepower
- Peak Electrical Input: 17,400 watts
- Power System: Patent-pending lithium ion array
- Capacity: 2 kWh (58volts 35Ah)
- Range: 45 minutes to 2 hours or up to 40 miles (64 km)
- Recharge Time: 2 hours
- Input Standard: 110V or 220V
- Transmission: Clutchless, one speed
- Drive system: 13T / 71T, 420 Chain
- Front Suspension Travel: 7 - 8 inches (178 - 203 mm)
- Rear Suspension Travel: 9 inches (229 mm)
- Front Brakes: 6 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated
- Rear Brakes: 6 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated
- Front Tire: 20 x 3.0 inches
- Rear Tire: 17 x 3.5 inches
- Wheel Base: 54 inches (137 cm)
- Seat Height: 36 inches (91 cm)
- Head Angle: 24 degrees from vertical with 8 inch (20 cm) fork
- Frame: 18 pounds (8 kg)
- Total Weight (without Power Pack): 106 pounds (48 kg)
- Power Module: 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
- Total Weight: 151 pounds (68.5 kg)
Zero X and the Environment
The Zero X includes a Fast Charger that is automatic and will fully recharge your battery in less than 2 hours. The charger plugs into any standard 110 or 220 volt outlet. It is fully sealed, vibration-proof, and waterproof. A Zero motorcycle will produce less than one-tenth the pollution at the power plant than a gas powered motorcycle.
Zero uses a revolutionary lithium-ion technology that is non-toxic. The Zero power pack does not contain toxic metals such as cobalt, nickel, lead, or mercury. They are rated for land-fill disposal in the US, Canada, and Europe are also completely recyclable.
Zero's permanent magnet electric motor delivers over 20 horsepower and requires very little maintenance. The motor uses considerably less steel and copper of other DC motors and delivers a strong power-to-size ratio.
Age Recommendation
Zero Motorcycles recommends that riders be of legal driving age (16 years) or older and that they have an M1 license.
Important Safety Information
This is a high-performance motorcycle and should be treated with extreme caution. Proper safety gear including a helmet, riding boots, gloves, and protective clothing should be worn while riding to reduce the risk of potential injury. Full-height riding boots are strongly recommended, as the vast majority of injuries are leg and foot injuries. Never carry a passenger. This motorcycle is designed for an operator only. Prior to each use, the rider must check the tire pressure, brakes, and power pack function. Never use alcohol or drugs before operating a Zero Motorcycle. Minors without adult supervision should not use this product. Never permit a guest to ride your Zero Motorcycle without proper instruction. These are high-performance motorcycles and should be treated with extreme caution. Read all additional warnings and product instructions in this Owner’s Manual and safety labels before operating the Zero Motorcycle. Your safety depends in part on the good mechanical condition of the motorcycle. Be sure to follow the maintenance and adjustment requirements contained in this manual. Be sure you understand the importance of checking all items thoroughly before riding. Assembly Information
Assembly is estimated to take less than 30 minutes. The Zero X arrives securely packed within a specially designed motorcycle box and the power pack accompanies the Zero X in a separate box. Upon arrival you remove the motorcycle from the box, install the front and rear wheels, connect one set of wires, then slide in and connect the power pack. After that, you can insert your key, flip a switch, and you're ready to ride.
Zero Motorcycles Limited Warranty
Zero Motorcycles warrants that its motorcycles will be delivered in good working condition free of manufacturing defects. Zero Motorcycle warrants that it will repair or replace without charge any parts delivered with defects in factory materials or workmanship. In addition, Zero Motorcycle warrants that it will repair or replace, without charge, the motor, motor controller, battery, fork, rear shock or frame delivered with defects in factory materials or workmanship as long as Zero Motorcycles has been given notice of such defects within one year of delivery. Such repair and replacement is Zero Motorcycles’ sole obligation and the customer’s sole remedy under this warranty.
The duration of this limited warranty is measured from the date of the initial delivery from Zero Motorcycles. Any unexpired portion of this limited warranty may be transferred to a subsequent owner, upon the resale of the motorcycle during the warranty period. The warranty will not apply when the motorcycle has not been operated or maintained as specified in the owner’s manual, abused, misused or improperly stored, or if the motorcycle has been used for racing or competition of any kind. Alterations to the motorcycle may void this limited warranty.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high-performance electric motorcycles, the company is on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize the industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today's most advanced technology. The result is an electric motorcycle line that's fast. Since inception, Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (formerly Electricross) has been dedicated to developing the very best in electric motorcycle technology. Built for both experienced and entry-level riders, their premium motorcycle line offers blistering acceleration and speed with optional settings for the less aggressive.
