Zero FXE test: small electric motorcycle for the city
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Get off the beaten track of "classic" electrics, offering more and more fun and sensational models every day? That's a good thing, it's a feature of Zero Motorcycles. Let's move away from scooters for a week and make way for the supermotive with Zero FXE.
After big sisters Zero SR/S and SR/F, the California manufacturer is back with a new electric model that's more fun than ever. Smaller, lighter, and especially lively, the Zero Motorcycles FXE is a nice little daily surprise with its good points and little flaws. We drove more than 200 km on the steering wheel!
Zero FXE: electrified supermoto
A worthy successor to Zero FX and FXS, this new version, built on the brand's universal roots, is as urban as it is sensational. And this is primarily reflected in the typical supermotard look, whose futuristic design and sophistication, noted by Huge Design, are combined with very sophisticated matte cases.
The two red covers add some color to the whole, criss-crossed with "ZERO" and "7.2" markings, reinforced with small, very chic "Crafted in California" signs. Electric requires the Zero FXE not to clutter up hoses and other cables visible from all directions. From the side panels to the full LED lighting, instrumentation and bike parts, our FXEs are of absolutely impeccable build and build quality.
Finally, there's the fork crown, which brings a retro touch to the round headlight, the outer shell of which includes a platypus-shaped fender. This front panel, signed by Bill Webb (Huge Design), divides: some like it a lot, others don't. One thing is for sure: no one stays indifferent to FXE. For us, our electrified supermotard is a great aesthetic success.
Small electric motorcycle with a forced engine
Under the body and behind the panels of the Zero Motorcycles FXE is the ZF75-5 electric motor, available in two versions: 15 hp. for the A1 (our test model) and 21 hp. for license A2 / A.
Let's not beat around the bush: in our case, it's hard to believe that this FXE is assimilated to 125 cc. The small electric motorcycle delivers impressive responsiveness with an instantaneous available torque of 106 Nm and a light weight of 135 kg. Simply put, it is the most efficient power-to-weight ratio in this segment. In practice, this results in very crisp acceleration under all circumstances, both when starting from a standstill and after the bike is already well under way.
Two driving modes Eco and Sport are available as standard. The former adjusts torque for smoother acceleration, which is both safer in town and less greedy on the battery side. In this Economy mode, the top speed is also limited to 110 km / h. In Sport mode, the Zero FXE delivers 100% torque and power for real explosions with every crank movement. Enough to quickly reach a top speed of 139 km / h. A fully programmable user mode (top speed, maximum torque, energy recovery during deceleration and braking) is also available. We took the opportunity to maximize power AND energy recovery, one of the two being logically less privileged depending on whether we are in Sport or Eco mode.
Autonomy and recharging
This brings us to the most important aspect, the electrical obligation: autonomy. Unlike its predecessors, the Zero FXE does not use a removable battery in the interests of better aesthetic integration to keep the spirit of the supermotard as close as possible. The built-in 7,2 kWh battery provides a range of 160 km in urban and 92 km in mixed mode. Let's be clear: it's quite possible to get close to 160 km, driving strictly in the city and in economy mode, constantly around 40 km / h, without jerking the handle, while making the most of the energy recovery.
Things get more complicated as soon as we use the power at our disposal. In Sport mode (and even Eco with sequential accelerations) the range melts like snow in the sun at the slightest jolt during insertion or overtaking ... or just for fun at 70 km / h!
Admittedly, the FXE offers the pleasure of overclocking and speed. Do not wait more than 50-60 km while digging with pleasure. You will understand: under the guise of an enduro adventurer, this is an electric motorcycle created primarily for the city. But the real limitation of this Zero is its reload. In the absence of a removable battery, it is important to have an outlet nearby, a three-prong charging port (among other things, a C13 type cable or a desktop computer) that does not allow the use of external terminals. If you are in an apartment without a closed parking lot with access to the mains, don't even think about it. Moreover, a full cycle from 9 to 0% takes 100 hours. The manufacturer nevertheless assured us in the future and admitted that he is currently working on this issue.
Life on board: ergonomics and technology
Zero Motorcycles FXE, as connected and high-tech as the rest of the models, uses digital gauges to match its futuristic identity.
The dashboard displays a clean interface that provides essential information at all times: speed, total mileage, charge level and the distribution of torque / energy recuperation. You can also view the information on the left and right of the screen to choose between remaining range, engine speed, battery health, any error codes, two-kilometer trips, and average energy consumption. in Wh / km. An additional interface with multiple lines of information would be great at the same time.
We also find the classic headlight and turn signal controls on the left, and the power and drive mode on the right. Minimalism is par for the course, the Zero FXE lacks additional features like a USB plug or heated grips.
As we mentioned, the rest of the tech set happens on the mobile app side. It is very complete with all the information about the battery, charging and navigation data. Thus, the experience on board immediately gets down to business: turn on the ignition, select the mode (or not) and drive.
On the wheel: everyday comfort
While charging comfort has yet to be improved (over 200 km in Sport mode already implies several long stops at the outlet), the comfort on the steering wheel gives us everything we need for a pleasant daily commute.
In addition to quiet operation, which ensures a serene and less tiring driving experience as you already know, Zero FXE is an example of lightness. The vertical handlebar position makes the bike very manoeuvrable, not to mention the maneuverability that its light weight allows. The suspensions, initially a bit stiff for our liking, could very well be adjusted to suit our needs, which is a plus in the city center, between damaged paths, roadworks and other paved roads.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II series side tires provide traction in all conditions, both dry and wet, and come to a standstill thanks to very sharp and effective ABS braking at the front and rear. Special mention should be made of the front brake lever, which, when pressed lightly without activating the calipers, triggers braking energy recovery, which is very convenient on descents and in stopping phases.
Zero FXE: € 13 excluding bonus
Zero Motorcycles FXE sells for (excluding bonus) 13 euros. Quite a high amount, but for a high-end electric motorcycle, the performance of which in urban conditions depends on the know-how of the manufacturer.
However, it will be necessary to make a few practical concessions due to lack of memory or fast charging. Today, the FXE is the perfect, albeit expensive, add-on for urban users who already own a primary vehicle. But trust us: if you have the means and the way out, go for it!
Zero Motorcycles FXE Test Review
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