Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles. The company was, California founded by Neal Saiki and Lisa in Santa Cruz, in 2006. Its products include the Zero S street bike, dual sport machine Zero DS, Zero MX motocross variant, terrain model Zero X and Zero XU Urban Cross bike.

Zero Motorcycles is energy lithium -ion battery in the drive technology on an environmentally friendly high. Unlike other electric batteries, as they are usually used by the competition, the Z-Force battery contains Zero Motorcycles no heavy metals and is completely recyclable. To further develop its electric drive technology Zero is promoted among others by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District ( MBUAPCD ) and the California Energy Commission with about 2,000,000 U.S. dollars.

The electric motors are manufactured, among others by the German company Perm Motor GmbH. The frames of the bikes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum and designed by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki.

In June 2009, the company has set up in Europe a service center and distribution center in Amsterdam. An extensive sales and service network in the core sales regions is currently under construction. This includes European countries Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.

Models

Zero Motorcycles has joined with the introduction of terrain variant Zero X in the motorcycle business in 2007. In 2009, the first street motorcycle Zero S supermoto, motocross machine Zero MX, and Zero DS, a combination of off-road and street motorcycle, added. In March 2010, the company introduced its 2010 models. The new versions of the Zero S and DS are equipped with the newly developed Z-Force ™ Air Induction System. This system makes it possible to fully exploit the power of the battery by diverting excess engine heat, which extends the battery life. Zero also introduces an accelerator technology with modified power regulation, which the driver very well, the acceleration of the motorcycle according to the manufacturer under control. In February 2011, another product line appeared. The off-road equipment Zero X and Zero MX are now available for the road. Also new is the street motorcycle Zero XU, its battery is replaceable. In November 2011, Zero Motorcycles presented its new models for the year 2012 for the first time in Europe. At the EICMA motorcycle show, the company introduced a line of products that convinces with further developments in the areas of range and top speed.

Zero S ( Street Fighter )

The road motorcycle Zero S is since the 2012 season in two different versions - with a battery capacity of 6 or 9 kWh kWh - available. Designed for city driving and occasional trips off the road motorcycle reaches a range of up to 183 kilometers. Depending on the setting and execution creates the Supermoto Top speeds of up to 142 km / h

The entire Zero S motorcycle weighs 135 (6 kWh) and 155 (9 kWh) kilograms. Of this, 10 kg on the aluminum frame. The battery is recharged in less than 4 hours. Thanks to a quick-charge option, the charging time can be shortened by about 75 percent.

The Zero S is released in Germany for traffic.

Zero DS (Dual Sport)

The dual sport machine Zero DS combines enduro and street machine. Developed on the basis of the Zero S, it relates the technology of robust terrain motorcycles in the construction of a with. The multi-purpose sports tires offer both onsite and on the road traction. The specially designed for the DS suspension dampens larger bumps. The dual sport machine 2012 is available in versions 6 and 9 kWh kWh, which allows a range of up to 180 kilometers and a top speed of up to 129 km / h.

The Zero DS is released in Germany for traffic.

Zero MX ( Motocross )

The Zero MX motocross variant was developed especially for bigger jumps in the terrain. The motocross machine comprises a modified vehicle porch and a newly developed, specially made rear shock absorbers. This allows the driver has a fully adjustable spring preload and easily customized cushioning. The Zero MX has also been equipped with a dynamic 19 " front wheel and a tire that rivals any conventional motocross tires in nothing. The 2012 version is more powerful by around 33 %, so that up to 90 minute drive in the terrain are possible.

Zero X ( terrain )

The entry-level model Zero X was designed for easy terrain. With 33% more power than previous models is possible with the 2012 Zero X has a range of 61 kilometers. The direct torque and rapid acceleration provide a lot of fun to drive.

The battery can - thanks to a quick-charge option - fully charged again in two hours.

Zero XU ( street bike )

The Zero XU is a lightweight electric motorcycle which is designed for driving in the city. Due to the low weight, low seat height and the lack of deceleration, it is suitable for riders of all experience levels. The battery is replaceable and can be recharged with a quick-charge unit from home in 2 hours. Convenient for the city is the convenient storage space.

The Battery

Models of Zero have a battery with proprietary lithium -ion battery technology. The special Z-Force battery technology has been patented in the United States. In contrast to most conventional batteries, the Z-Force Interconnect system uses a highly conductive and flexible cable network, an optimal, constant connectivity with guaranteed low resistance. The harness consists of a braided wire which is mechanically pressed into the terminal part of the battery cell. The battery is free of heavy metals and completely recyclable. The battery can be recharged in any standard 110 or 220 volt outlet. All the batteries can be charged the 2012 model at full power capacity of more than 3,000 times, before it is gradually lowered to approximately 80%.

Participation electric racing series

Zero Motorcycles took in 2010 at the first emission-free and solvent-free racing series in the world, the TTXGP, in part. Much of the concept designs of the racing machine of the company is taken from the series model Zero X. The first race of the 2010 season were the TTXGP North America Championships, from 14 - at Infineon in Sonoma, California, took place May 18. In the first part in a motorcycle race in November 2009, at Defi Electrique in France, Zero Motorcycles won the first place.