Test: Zero DS
The founder, a retired scientist and millionaire who has also been involved in some NASA projects, is an environmentally aware "freak" who, not only for profit, but also hunted for a motorcycle that does not pollute the environment while riding. California, where Zero Motorcycles is from, has become the cradle of the modern electric motorcycle. But electricity hasn't entered the motorcycle world more decisively yet, so the ones you fill up at home or at a gas station rather than at a gas station are a real rarity. Therefore, skepticism from other motorcyclists is not uncommon. But opinions are changing rapidly. There is also an important fact here that we cannot ignore: Zero DS has generated a wave of interest. Wherever we stopped, people watched with interest the motorcycle, which looks rather ordinary, and not the work of a mad scientist. But when they realize that the Zero also accelerates a lot when you tighten the throttle, they are thrilled. Yes, this is it! This is what awaits all of us, dear friends motorcyclists. And you know what !? This is really good. The experience with both small city scooters not exceeding 45 kilometers per hour and the big BMW touring scooter is really a real refreshment to get behind the wheel of a motorcycle that offers a different driving experience, the real ones we are accustomed to avid motorcyclists of the old schools. . The seating position is exactly the same as on a 600 or 700 cubic foot touring enduro motorcycle, which is sort of the petrol equivalent of this Zer. The long seat offers enough comfort for the average European adult and his passenger, and the footpegs are not too high so the driving position is very neutral and not fatiguing even on slightly longer journeys. The length of the trip also depends on where you are going to travel. The highway and gas to the end, which also means a 130 kilometers per hour limit, will quickly drain the battery. Zero DS has a top speed of 158 kilometers per hour in the sport program and 129 kilometers per hour in the standard one. Count on a realistic 80-90 kilometers, and then you'll need to plug the Zero up for at least three hours (if you're thinking of additional chargers) or a good eight hours (with standard charging). Fortunately, motorcyclists love bends and beautiful and varied country roads more than highways. Here it manifests itself in all its splendor. He is very comfortable with cornering and we laughed every time we added gas at the corner exit. Ah, when even gasoline-powered motorcycles could be serviced with the kind of torque and acceleration that you feel in your stomach. Even battery consumption is no longer such a problem with this kind of driving. The real flight range is up to 120 kilometers. The pleasure will be even greater if you drive it from the asphalt on dusty gravel roads. By its design, this is an off-road motorcycle, so it is not afraid of sand under the wheels. Sadly, the suspension isn't enough for a sportier ride, but on the other hand, the Zero also offers an extreme off-road bike with smooth lines and light weight for dynamically tackling more challenging terrain shod with uneven terrain.
For the 2016 season, Zero Motorcycles announced the arrival of an updated version that will have shorter charging times, a half kilowatt-hour more powerful battery (up to 95 percent fast charge in two hours, while charging at home will remain the same.) And will accelerate faster. and longer with a single charge. They also have an optional battery pack that extends the official range on a single charge to 187 kilometers on the combined cycle (for the 2016 model year).
Considering what this hip has to offer, it is a very versatile and useful motorcycle in everyday life both in the city and beyond. When we take into account the near-zero maintenance costs, calculating euros per kilometer also becomes very interesting.
Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič, Petr Kavčič
Basic data
Sales: Metron, Institute of Automotive Diagnostics and Service
Test model cost: € 11.100 plus VAT €
Technical information
engine: permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power: (kW / km) 40/54
Torque: (Nm) 92
Energy transfer: direct drive, timing belt
Fuel tank: Li-ion battery, 12,5 kWh
maximum speed: (km / h) 158
acceleration 0-100 km / h: (s) 5,7
energy consumption: (ECE, kW / 100 km) 8,6
dose: (ECE, km) 145Wheelbase: (mm) 1.427
We praise and reproach
driving pleasure
solid range
torque and acceleration
utility
environmentally friendly technology
battery charging time
get to the highway
price (unfortunately, not low, even taking into account the subsidy)
