Review Zero Dsr Electric Motorcycle - First Ride

[SalvageSV]

A few weeks back, @kryten and I attended a local demo day hosted by Zero Motorcycles, the manufacturers of electric motorcycles. Of course, we recorded it all and I put together a video of the experience.

We discuss the merits of the bike itself, as well as the general pros and cons of owning and riding an electric motorcycle. We touch on topics such as performance, comfort, cost and downtime for charging.

Enjoy!

 

[Meifesto]

Damn, the lenght :O

In short, did you like the direct access of power?

I really want to try the FXS, and then buy either the FX or the FXS

 

[SalvageSV]

Damn, the lenght :O

In short, did you like the direct access of power?

I really want to try the FXS, and then buy either the FX or the FXS

Yeah, lol. There is a summary at the end.

The power delivery is awesome. It's responsive and smooth. So much torque and it's always there.

The only problems with the bike are the range, charge time and price. With the optional charge tank and a better infrastructure for charging, it would be an amazing option. For now it's not really possible to use them for more than commuting or local rides.

 

[RangerRide]

A few weeks back, @kryten and I attended a local demo day hosted by Zero Motorcycles, the manufacturers of electric motorcycles. Of course, we recorded it all and I put together a video of the experience.

We discuss the merits of the bike itself, as well as the general pros and cons of owning and riding an electric motorcycle. We touch on topics such as performance, comfort, cost and downtime for charging.

Enjoy!

ive actually ridden one of those and ended up accidentally wheeling.... the guy got mad lol

 

[Belerophon]

i heard that the torque is amazing on these bikes. is it true???

 

[Jon_okc]

I tried to do the demo ride for the Harley Project LiveWire bike (harley's electric concept) but by the time I got there it was already fully booked.. I'm looking forward to trying one someday, however the range is what concerns me..

When you let off of the throttle, is it just like being in neutral?

 

[Meifesto]

Yeah, lol. There is a summary at the end.

The power delivery is awesome. It's responsive and smooth. So much torque and it's always there.

The only problems with the bike are the range, charge time and price. With the optional charge tank and a better infrastructure for charging, it would be an amazing option. For now it's not really possible to use them for more than commuting or local rides.

True, although the range is making huge steps every year.
The 2016 DS or DSR did 250 km, which is almost enough to ride from border to border here.

By the time i have the moneys for a Zero that distance is easily increased with an other 50% i'm guessing.

 

[SalvageSV]

i heard that the torque is amazing on these bikes. is it true???

Absolutely. And it's everywhere and instantly available.

 

[SalvageSV]

I tried to do the demo ride for the Harley Project LiveWire bike (harley's electric concept) but by the time I got there it was already fully booked.. I'm looking forward to trying one someday, however the range is what concerns me..

When you let off of the throttle, is it just like being in neutral?

Not completely. The regen system creates the feel of engine braking, but it's ... different. Not as strong as my SV for sure, but it didn't feel weird. Definitely not a free coast situation.

 

[SalvageSV]

True, although the range is making huge steps every year.
The 2016 DS or DSR did 250 km, which is almost enough to ride from border to border here.

By the time i have the moneys for a Zero that distance is easily increased with an other 50% i'm guessing.

For sure. 140+ is a great distance for an electric bike. It's a constant battle of tech, range and weight for all electric vehicles. The sad thing is that the city to hwy range is a drastic jump. 140 is the city range, where coasting down provides regen for the batteries. Highway use is only about 80 miles since you're constantly using power. In some places, 80 miles barely gets you to the next large city, much less back home again.

 

[Jon_okc]

Would be interesting for someone to come out with a dual gas/electric setup like the Chevy Volt. Where it has a really small gas engine that is only used to refresh the battery when it's getting low while running for extended range..

 

[Meifesto]

For sure. 140+ is a great distance for an electric bike. It's a constant battle of tech, range and weight for all electric vehicles. The sad thing is that the city to hwy range is a drastic jump. 140 is the city range, where coasting down provides regen for the batteries. Highway use is only about 80 miles since you're constantly using power. In some places, 80 miles barely gets you to the next large city, much less back home again.

That is the difference between US and certain countries and smaller europe countries, where you can cruise for 2 and half hours and you are in the next country xD