When an electric bike becomes "budget" is when you ride it. I have had my 2017 DSR for about 5,000 miles now. The cost to operate according to the app is just under 1 penny a mile. What can you ride 100 miles for $1? No oil changes, no spark plugs, no fluids. Love my bike. Been riding since 1976 - Hondas, Kaws, and BMWs. My Zero is the best yet. Smooth as silk.
@@squirrelnutboy I design EV batteries for my job. That's really not how it works. Firstly, most EV's will "pad" the available range. Meaning the fuel gauge will only show the range within the 20% - 80% charge capacity of the pack. Over time as it degrades, it expands that range to, lets say, 10% - 90%. This effectively eliminates the degradation that you see as a user. Anyways, lithium ion cells are only getting better. You can already easily get thousands of cycles with minimal degradation on an EV because they don't stress the cells very much compared to devices like cell phones and vapes.
if the sound is the problem, you spent at least 15 years making "vroom vroom" noises before you got a licence. you spent your whole life preparing for this moment.
@@Clearanceman2 cars doesn’t hear you anyway with your exhaust that points behind your motorcycle. And besides with new cars sound systems are better and not to mentions seals your logic is flawed
Have a zero SR. The instant torq is no joke. You have to be very carefull not to give a full twist if you are turning (especially out of a parking lot)...
To me I didn’t mind that lack of TC, it was just a surprise they didn’t include it. But every bike has it’s own characteristics that you learn to ride with and I guess that’s part of the joy of biking - when you get it right
@@Tom_Hadler Well the monster torq is only in sport mode. If you run eco mode, it's like riding a very peppy scooter. Which is how I ride it in town...
Fantastic machine and beautiful. Got my DSR, with extra battery and charger on the way as well. Having the bike filled a void for me I didn't know was their. I am hooked on riding. Couldn't be happier.
I'm on year 2 with an FXS. I hardly ever ride my gas bikes any more and will be selling them on Craigslist this summer so I can purchase a longer range ebike in addition to the FXS. The zero has been great, no maintenance, fun wheelies, instant power delivery to blast in front of traffic after every stop in the city. I'd say the only negative is nearly every time I park, I have to take time to explain what it is because people always stop to ask "is that electric?" Did I mention fun wheelies? I do wish it had a clutch and maybe 2-3 gears.
@@kingkazuma2568 Looking back, I made this comment 3 years ago now. Since then, I moved across the country but I still have the Zero FXS and still ride it frequently. I ended up keeping 1 gas bike though. The issue is that gas can get you farther on long trips. The electric is mostly just good around town and for short commutes. Commuting less than 50 miles or rolling around town? Go electric. Lots of highway driving? Go gas.
@@icclg5768 but battery tech has stalled out! I'll stick too engines thank you. If I want quite I'll get a goldwing especially if I'm going to empty the bank account for it.
Till then.. just retrofit a conversion on a light bike. 3-4 main parts plus the bike. - 80hp brushless - lithium cell pack you can build yourself or buy a generic one if your wallet is inclined to do so - variable volt controller with a spring return on the throttle with two different amperage inputs for your eco and sport mode. I hear you and I'm with you. My thoughts buy yourself a desktop CNC for 1 grand and start building 😁
Two years later and nope they are not cheaper. At the rate zero is selling them I suspect a price hike. However used ones are starting to make appearances.
If you need to get someone's attention, use the horn. Quiet is nice. You do not bother the neighbors and you can sense your environment more. Noise causes fatigue and pisses off people. The Zero is fantastic.
An electric motorbike makes huge sense to me for MOST (not all) riders. I would love an electric motorbike styled on Yamaha FJR, Triumph Trophy (1999), Honda Duval type bikes.
That was splendid. Thanks for posting. A 100 to possibly 200 mile range could be do-able in the city. For me, with that range and I could go about 2 weeks with out a charging.
I can't wait to try one. I ride a 650 Versys turned into a naked bike, and I'd miss the sound, but.. when prices come down a bit, I would LOVE to be on one of these for my daily commute to work. Much prefer to take the battery inside for charging, but.. the thought of "magic carpet" motorcycling doesn't scare me. It's still a bike, and still fun to ride. I've read that riding silently though the woods makes up for a lot of the "it not making the BRAAAP sound" :)
In some German cities there is a electric scooter “car-sharing”. These things ride super smooth and have a nice acceleration as well, I like them very much. (Electric Schwalbe) I drive a Honda CB500F ‘16.
I can’t wait to test ride one. I won’t miss noise, pollution, maintenance and gears because I already ride a 125cc scooter which has some of those qualities but the zero would be even more fun.
I like them as near silent as possible. You often can't hear quite noisy vehicles until there on top of you. The noise issue is overplayed. I'm harassed by traffic noise where I live and it would be a delight to have that cut down.
He's right about some wanting retro designs. I think if they start offering UJM based designs more people would be interested. I miss my old 1979 Honda CB750k. Make a bike that gives me the same seating position and I may just buy it.
Nice review. I hate these modern digital dashboards, I love good old analogue dials, they are clear and easy to read. Used to love the smell of 2 stroke on my clothes, guess those days are gone!
Yes and the digital dash on this bike isn't a particularly good one either. I see no reason why analogue clocks couldn't be used on electric bikes to show speed, battery etc.
@Rata 4U come on now, the range is 200 miles in the city. It is around 280km, so first revise your math, second i do understand the range can be a problem, but i personnaly wouldnt even ride 200km in a day. Its not a road trip bike...
I have found loud pipes save lives. I would believe this bike was far more prone to accidental collision with a car than say, a Harley. After almost getting run into a couple of times on my motorcycle I went to headers with very little muffler and had no problems after that.
I really like the idea of electric bikes - especially when their prices go down. The only thing I'm concerned about is the sound. Having a motor bike other cars can hear you and know you're there; with this not so much. I like the speaker idea at 10:11 if it's implemented well.
I couldn't agree more. I'm waiting until they hit the 10 grand USD mark ...AND can go 230 miles per charge.....at 60mph constantly and consistently. Until then..nope.
So my Buell Blast was $2500, with warranty used. Gets about 150-175 miles to a tank and cost around $3.75 to fill up . If you got lots of cash to wast, fine but for $16,000+ Ill go buy a Sportster and extra gear and still have a bike I can resell later on.
I think that when battery technology reaches the point where it gives great mileage and super fast charging which I'm sure will happen, that's when people will begin to think about choosing electric bikes, especially if the sound of a bike can be built into it...
Yeah I guess the charging is more limiting on road trips. I like the idea of interchangeable batteries so that you can just pick up a fresh one at a service station
Really don’t get the issue with no noise. I switched from cigarettes to vaping 4 years ago. I don’t vape tobacco flavoured juices because why do you need to? A new technology means new options and outlook. I don’t need to rip out fat clouds of tobacco flavoured steam any more than this electric bike needs to throw out decibels of internal combustion sound. Come to think of it, my iPhone doesn’t need to crack out a faux camera shutter noise every time I take a picture. Embracing a new technology means letting go of preconceptions like that. I love this bike. Great video man.
The electronics that send the power to the electric motor can be set up to a maximum amount of acceleration. It's basically traction control but it can't adjust for different grip levels. So run the eco mode in the wet. Or be very mindfull of your throttle input.
If I had to state just one thing about the character of bikes I liked above all else, I would have to say it is engine torque. Because of that electric bikes would be great.
When the bike is in full regen it also act like engine breaking which makes it handle like a petrol bike. Zero is so cheap to run the money youu save can be used to buy a petrol bike for longer journeys. Back in 2018 the charge network was very limited but it had improved a lot since then
I'd be very interested in something like this, what puts me off is the really low range at highway speeds and the insanely long charge times (6hrs+) - and we wont mention the price. Appreciate it's early days for electric bikes, so hopefully they'll improve.
For many people that kind of range is already enough, and there are speed chargers as was mentioned, but yes, they have been and will continue to improve.
@@matthewsmith1612 Yeah it totally works for people who roll < 100m (including me) It's just a PITA over simply riding a push bike, this isn't a solution yet, I'm eager to see if they can take Tesla tech and turn that into bike tech Incentive? I have an open credit card for the first company who pulls off a 200 mile range with a < 1 hr recharge. God damn gas, we found the perfect fuel then proceeded to kill ourselves with it. We're asking humanity to take a pay cut at the moment, and that just wont fly. Renewables need a homerun, ...as an engineer, let's make it happen
Moved from a decently quiet Pan European (lotsa umpf, not much noise) to a goldwing (more umpf, less noise). If there's a goldwing in the works that runs on batteries.. yeah. Want one.
I have small electric scooter with 1200w engine and 3,8kwh battery (custom battery with over 140km of range). I drive it for almnosst 3 years now and made 11000km. I'll NEVER switch back to gasoline scooter or motorcycle, I only think about some bigger scooter, maybe with 6kw or 10kw engine... 11k km with absolutelely no maintenance, no issues whatsoever. OK, i had to inflate tire once. Electric vehicles are not only very comfortable to drive, also very comfortable to just own it - just charge it and go
100mi of range at highway speed will kind of confine it to being a commuter bike, so it's a good option if you want a fast alternative to a scooter, but not if you want to take the bike out on a holiday once in a while.
I've always enjoyed my Kawasaki Concourse and 1200cc Voyager being on the more silent side until you crank it and you get that nice Kawi rumble but the next generation of bikers will really embrace this new way of riding. Ride On !!
200 miles in London is like 1000 miles in the countryside 😂 These bikes are going to change the game. I've been after a Zero motorcycle for some time now, just they're a little bit expensive at the moment. Also the Mayor needs to sort out this rapid charge point crisis first.
"200 miles in london is like 1000 in the countryside." Umm, more like 150 miles in the countryside. Such is the efficiency of these machines at slow speeds, instant torque and regen for stop start riding, that aerodynamic drag is the real concern so you actually get a better mileage in city riding. I ride the Zero FX daily. I can't recommend it highly enough: the most fun I've had in decades. There is no going back. Though when I do have to ride one of my ICE bikes now and then it feels agricultural.
@@lighthousesaunders7242 Yeah, highway or country roads would be a lot less range. Immagine cruising at 60mph/100kmh, would probably be empty in an hour.
Looks fun, would be nice for city folks. With a decent solar charging station at home it would be pretty cheap transportation. Most power here is coal based, so electric cars/bikes are basically burning coal.
Scowler Scowler if your planning on going past the Range that is intended the the bike just isn’t for you. These bikes are used mostly for commute/errands/mess around on. I was commenting on the coal usage, which like I said is negligible and sort of out of our control. If we move to other sources of electricity then it wouldn’t be an issue. They are in all area less harmful to the environment and if people don’t plan on no longer reproducing any time soon then we should probably start supporting them. But if it’s not for you it’s not for you, they are useful to many other people in the world
Even burning coal to charge your EV is better for the enviorment than using gasoline. Because the gasoline has to be pumped out of the ground and then refined, which uses a lot more fossile fuels and coal energy than you do when charging the bike
Here in the US the starting price is $16,500 with longer range batteries adding $2300 or $2900. There are many bikes that I'd rather have for much less cash.
I have a school mate that rides 1 daily. perfect (although overpriced) for daily school/work/backroads. NOT for long rides (which we do only a dozen or so times a year if your lucky)
I have an electric "sport" bike. It's only meant for city use, with a top speed of 65 kmh...40mph. I love it. Not a penny spent on it in over two years, except the obvious.....5 dollars a month added to my electricity bill.
You know what would be even better? A version where you could instantly refuel it with some sort of portable power source nearly instantaneously instead of 3hrs, oh wait...
Bet riding thats a change from the usual Motorcycle, i always hear how the torque and acceleration on these new electric bikes are insane, i think the most freakish thing is that the only noise you hear is wind noise aha which must be really odd. Top stuff as always 👌
Thanks mate. Yeah I'm going to visit Zero's UK importer in July to try some of their other bikes including the SR/F which is meant to be quicker than this. The torque was indeed crazy, so the SR/F should be unreal
Will it be like Tesla and once the small warranty is over you can't receive service? What will replacement parts cost? 16k for technology that'll break and cost more to repair.
Why do you need a bike with that much capacity and speed? You will never use it to its maximum ability. Electric with instant torque will be more fun on public roads.
It stands to reason that if you add a gearbox to an electric motor you can extend the Range quite significantly because less torque is required on Lower gears
Haha I’ve been wondering about these... I have a NIU electric Scooter in Beijing as my transport I have an s1000r and a street twin here in the U.K. I find the electric bike just as much fun 😂 thanks for the upload man 👌🏻 got to ask you though.... who makes your jacket? Is it armoured?
Man in 15-20 years there's going to be a whole new category of motocross. They're going to have to put wings what parachutes on them. No joke I'm not exaggerating what that kind of acceleration then you'll only be held back by what the human body can endure and if you can find a way to soften the landing then it'll be like a real life video game. Man I got to start working now I want to be in good enough shape to do that.
Eerie feeling to have all that torque without any sound. The lack of gearshift lever messes me up the most, especially while slowing down. Had to actually shout at peds a few times in the city so they don't step right before me onto the street... 🤣
I love the idea of electric bikes, I have done since I first saw tron when I was young I think, and especially since I first saw the mugan at the TT. I'd buy a harley livewire tomorrow (if I had any money, which I don't ) as I think they look incredible!
Agree that the livewire has nailed the looks. Pretty much the best looking electric bike out there to my eye. But the price is just ridiculous! And the specs aren’t all that great
I have electric cars, but will probably never let go of the petrol on a bike. Its all about feel, sound, vibrations and even smell. Its a fun sensory overload tool. Electric bikes will feel sterile, and in a car, thats what you want in a daily commuter. On the weekend twisties with friends, no thank you, 2-stroke single will be my next;)
It needs some sort of sound to alert others of its approach, especially if used off-road, as unsuspecting walkers could end up in some serious collisions.
If it has two wheels, it's allowed on the highway and you can crash it, it's a motorbike to me. For the rest it's just about habituation (and calculation, not to forget). I mean, you can still have your preferences, but I think you can pretty much compare it with steam locs and electric trains. And yeah, there 's still people who claim the first has more 'emotion'. But those electric bashers just don't get it: riding has ALWAYS been about comfort and emotion. If it wasn't, we 'd be still riding on leaking simmering English one and two cilinders. So the only important question is: what mix of comfort and emotion is right for you? And as I said, I think both aspects are prone to habituation. So, if some one says: I'll never ride electric, i hate electric", all he really says is "I'm less open to new experiences and have no imagination".
Fab review and it looked like you was having great fun. But the bike is a bit marmite I guess, not necessarily for the fun factor of it but as you say regarding the build quality and price the bike may still need to do a bit more evolving.
'Zero' are no longer in Australia. They closed shop a few years ago. I heard they were selling for about $16,000 AUD (WOW, WOW, WOW!!!) NOT cheap. No wonder people don't but them. It's just not worth it. (unless you have the $ to throw around) - Goodbye Zero.
Terry Vincent the long term savings in petrol (factory claims 169km of range for 1.61$ of electricity)and maintenance costs (no oil changes, less brake pads) will make the Zero cost the same or even less depending for how long you own it.
@@badchefi Thank you, interesting 'point'. Do you mean it will cost a $1.61 to Fully charge it from near flat/empty battery, or $1.61 for each hour for a 8 hour charge?? But one can not justify paying approx. $18,000 (?) for such a 'commuter bike'. And resale?? Battery degradation over time?? Replacement of battery pack in 6/7/8/9 years time??
I like them, but when the time of completely replacing petrol bikes comes, I'll miss that engine noise. I'll probably get one in like 10-20 years when charging stations are more widely available and they improve charge times. This is the future anyway, so you can either hate or embrace it lol
Also if people think that once everyone is forced the electric way, that its going to be cheaper to run. I think there mistaken. I bet they will cost the same to run as petrol cars or bikes because the government will never let billions of ££s in fuel tax just disappear with the forced exit of petrol /diesel vehicles. I bet it will eventually cost £50 for a charge to keep the greedy government in pocket.
The reason they are so expensive right now is because of the batteries. give it 5 to 10 years and the cost of the batteries will go down dramatically making electric vehicles way cheaper. The batteries have already gotten way cheaper than they were 10 years ago.
@@lewishamos9402 The issue is gonna be the availability of the raw materials for the batteries. The Cobalt and Lithium is limited mostly in production and location. According to one article the price of Lithium has increased 270% since 2010. They need to find better resource harvesting/production or a completely different battery technology.
I drove a Tesla and when I took my foot off the "gas pedal" it would slow down like a manual transmission does but much, much harder. Do these bikes do that as well?
That depends on a mode. They give you 3 modes: eco, sport and custom. Eco has 50% power and 50% regen. braking on closed throttle, sport has full power and no regen. and you can set up custom however you like. They rarely explain how the regen. is activated on electric bikes, if it's mentioned at all. I've watched reviews of Zero bikes for a couple of years until somebody mentioned how do you actually activate regen.
@@GrimFaceHunter The %age regen claims are misleading though. The Zero has far less regen than the Energica and the BMW, even when tweaked to give an indicated 100%, because in reality, it's nowhere near 100%!
I think that is the percentage of how much they set up the maximum regen. for a bike to have. There is a limitation to how much bike's battery can take. So if the battery can be charged at 20KW, you might want to limit regen. to 18KW maximum, possibly even lower to avoid heating and shortening life cycle of the battery. Those other bikes may also have super capacitor banks for stronger and more efficient regen. braking. Super capacitors have much better discharge and recharge rates than batteries, but have much lower energy density.
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When an electric bike becomes "budget" is when you ride it. I have had my 2017 DSR for about 5,000 miles now. The cost to operate according to the app is just under 1 penny a mile. What can you ride 100 miles for $1? No oil changes, no spark plugs, no fluids. Love my bike. Been riding since 1976 - Hondas, Kaws, and BMWs. My Zero is the best yet. Smooth as silk.
@@squirrelnutboy I design EV batteries for my job. That's really not how it works. Firstly, most EV's will "pad" the available range. Meaning the fuel gauge will only show the range within the 20% - 80% charge capacity of the pack. Over time as it degrades, it expands that range to, lets say, 10% - 90%. This effectively eliminates the degradation that you see as a user.
Anyways, lithium ion cells are only getting better. You can already easily get thousands of cycles with minimal degradation on an EV because they don't stress the cells very much compared to devices like cell phones and vapes.
@@squirrelnutboy If you are so scared, then don't buy one.
@@squirrelnutboy get a new battery?
@@ethansquires2880 lol, expensive, but yes you could do that.
Damn. I appreciate this comment, I can’t wait to get one :))
if the sound is the problem, you spent at least 15 years making "vroom vroom" noises before you got a licence. you spent your whole life preparing for this moment.
It's also a great way to get killed
I have never been more inspired in my life by a single comment
@@Clearanceman2 cars doesn’t hear you anyway with your exhaust that points behind your motorcycle. And besides with new cars sound systems are better and not to mentions seals your logic is flawed
@@Clearanceman2 if your depending on the noise of your bike to save you your already dead
Have a zero SR. The instant torq is no joke. You have to be very carefull not to give a full twist if you are turning (especially out of a parking lot)...
To me I didn’t mind that lack of TC, it was just a surprise they didn’t include it. But every bike has it’s own characteristics that you learn to ride with and I guess that’s part of the joy of biking - when you get it right
bikebudha01 Why isn't it detuned a bit? Would probably increase it's range too
@@Tom_Hadler Well the monster torq is only in sport mode. If you run eco mode, it's like riding a very peppy scooter. Which is how I ride it in town...
Old bikes didnt have TC and everyone was fine. Just be careful and its all good
There should be a clutch... To stop motor power to wheel ... It will be a savior... Or can be used as secondary brake as reverse charging ...
Fantastic machine and beautiful. Got my DSR, with extra battery and charger on the way as well. Having the bike filled a void for me I didn't know was their. I am hooked on riding. Couldn't be happier.
I'm on year 2 with an FXS. I hardly ever ride my gas bikes any more and will be selling them on Craigslist this summer so I can purchase a longer range ebike in addition to the FXS. The zero has been great, no maintenance, fun wheelies, instant power delivery to blast in front of traffic after every stop in the city. I'd say the only negative is nearly every time I park, I have to take time to explain what it is because people always stop to ask "is that electric?" Did I mention fun wheelies? I do wish it had a clutch and maybe 2-3 gears.
Riding a wheelie on an electric is effortless
Whats the point of gears on an electric vehicle?
Would you suggest a electric ? Over a gass powered bike.like an r7 or something ?
@@kingkazuma2568 Looking back, I made this comment 3 years ago now. Since then, I moved across the country but I still have the Zero FXS and still ride it frequently. I ended up keeping 1 gas bike though. The issue is that gas can get you farther on long trips. The electric is mostly just good around town and for short commutes. Commuting less than 50 miles or rolling around town? Go electric. Lots of highway driving? Go gas.
I can't wait for the tech to advance and prices to come down, give me double the range of this under 12k and you have a sale.
Battery tech would have to advance for that to happen.
@@icclg5768 but battery tech has stalled out! I'll stick too engines thank you. If I want quite I'll get a goldwing especially if I'm going to empty the bank account for it.
Buy an old sportbike and convert it :D
Batdorf - 2020 most Likley.
This is a city bike not a tourer. 150 miles gets you anywhere you need to go.
The Eco Mode idea was genius for the rain. It was a pleasure to watch this content. So eager to buy an electric motorcycle I will soon have it.
Thanks for the vid and thanks for keeping an open mind. Not many do.
UK bro...
I cant wait to own an electric bike but like a lot people I'll have to wait til the price drops. Patience brothers
You could get an RV for these prices. Which is ironic, because a Zero FX would be right at home on the back of one.
Till then.. just retrofit a conversion on a light bike. 3-4 main parts plus the bike.
- 80hp brushless
- lithium cell pack you can build yourself or buy a generic one if your wallet is inclined to do so
- variable volt controller with a spring return on the throttle with two different amperage inputs for your eco and sport mode.
I hear you and I'm with you. My thoughts buy yourself a desktop CNC for 1 grand and start building 😁
sur ron dude
Two years later and nope they are not cheaper. At the rate zero is selling them I suspect a price hike. However used ones are starting to make appearances.
Making your old bike/car last is usually more environmentally friendly than buying any new one.
Glad to see zero is still around haven't heard anything for a couple yrs
Traction control would seem to be an absolute must for instant power like that, looks like a lot of fun though.
Wonder why it isn’t included... seems like it would be easier with an electric bike. And it has the wheel speed sensors for ABS... hmmmm
I was thinking the same. Any bike that spins out so easily in the wet really needs it.
Battery life would suffer it also drives like its got sensorless motors
@@kylelaughinghouse1893 Ahh yes, so it seems they are compromising on safety just to produce a better range figure!
is there a traction control option?
If you need to get someone's attention, use the horn. Quiet is nice. You do not bother the neighbors and you can sense your environment more. Noise causes fatigue and pisses off people. The Zero is fantastic.
An electric motorbike makes huge sense to me for MOST (not all) riders. I would love an electric motorbike styled on Yamaha FJR, Triumph Trophy (1999), Honda Duval type bikes.
That was splendid. Thanks for posting. A 100 to possibly 200 mile range could be do-able in the city. For me, with that range and I could go about 2 weeks with out a charging.
My pleasure! Cheers UB
100-120 miles of city or gentle trail use is realistic. 200 mile range is pie in the sky, unless you fit the power tank and drive it like a moped.
Thanks for posting this. I drove a Tesla recently but I'm real interested in an electric motorcycle.
I can't wait to try one. I ride a 650 Versys turned into a naked bike, and I'd miss the sound, but.. when prices come down a bit, I would LOVE to be on one of these for my daily commute to work. Much prefer to take the battery inside for charging, but.. the thought of "magic carpet" motorcycling doesn't scare me. It's still a bike, and still fun to ride. I've read that riding silently though the woods makes up for a lot of the "it not making the BRAAAP sound" :)
Tbh I like the whizzy spaceship sound!
In some German cities there is a electric scooter “car-sharing”. These things ride super smooth and have a nice acceleration as well, I like them very much. (Electric Schwalbe)
I drive a Honda CB500F ‘16.
I can’t wait to test ride one. I won’t miss noise, pollution, maintenance and gears because I already ride a 125cc scooter which has some of those qualities but the zero would be even more fun.
Great video. I don't care about egoists Pro or negative electric, from this video it proves we will have good bikes in the future petrol or electric
Thanks mate! Yeah I agree - don’t care too much how it’s powered. I just want to ride fun bikes
I miss riding my suzuki drz400sm. The Zero bike looks extremely fun as well.
150 N-m of torque is AWESOME 👏
My Fireblade only had 103 N-m..... and that was great to drive...
Yep it’s a bit of a beast
Ride
I like them as near silent as possible. You often can't hear quite noisy vehicles until there on top of you. The noise issue is overplayed. I'm harassed by traffic noise where I live and it would be a delight to have that cut down.
He's right about some wanting retro designs. I think if they start offering UJM based designs more people would be interested. I miss my old 1979 Honda CB750k. Make a bike that gives me the same seating position and I may just buy it.
that way a very great bike. they last for ever
Nice review. I hate these modern digital dashboards, I love good old analogue dials, they are clear and easy to read. Used to love the smell of 2 stroke on my clothes, guess those days are gone!
Yes and the digital dash on this bike isn't a particularly good one either. I see no reason why analogue clocks couldn't be used on electric bikes to show speed, battery etc.
MSRP starting at: $16,495.00
I like traditional bikes but this looks like a lot of fun to try, wouldnt mind owning one
"It's objectively better in every way, but I like hearing really loud fart noises, so no"
@Rata 4U
A Hyosung 250 will go three times that when ridden properly. Electric is nice, until you end up stranded.
@Rata 4U come on now, the range is 200 miles in the city. It is around 280km, so first revise your math, second i do understand the range can be a problem, but i personnaly wouldnt even ride 200km in a day. Its not a road trip bike...
Do you remember the card in the wheel of your bike trick as a kid? TADA!! LOL
Rata 4U are you saying that this bike cannot be charged during the day? Electricity is everywhere and fast charging stations are plentiful.
@@lemongavine absolutely
I have found loud pipes save lives. I would believe this bike was far more prone to accidental collision with a car than say, a Harley. After almost getting run into a couple of times on my motorcycle I went to headers with very little muffler and had no problems after that.
Yeah, if I were to get an e bike I would definitely install an after market sound system
I really like the idea of electric bikes - especially when their prices go down. The only thing I'm concerned about is the sound. Having a motor bike other cars can hear you and know you're there; with this not so much. I like the speaker idea at 10:11 if it's implemented well.
If you can hear the motorcycle then you're too close.
It’s nice to hear music with electric bike. I like jazz and classical but sometimes rap !
Ditto!
Great for around congested cities, if the price were on a par with say a CB500 Honda then I reckon they'd sell like hot cakes.
I couldn't agree more. I'm waiting until they hit the 10 grand USD mark ...AND can go 230 miles per charge.....at 60mph constantly and consistently. Until then..nope.
without a global distributorship it's a pipe dream.
They'd sell a lot of panegali v4 if they cost the same as a cb500 too...
@@gasdive
I would have 2, a red and a yellow one🥴
@@motoryzen but why not 999 999 999 999 miles per charge? You have to small demand.
So my Buell Blast was $2500, with warranty used. Gets about 150-175 miles to a tank and cost around $3.75 to fill up . If you got lots of cash to wast, fine but for $16,000+ Ill go buy a Sportster and extra gear and still have a bike I can resell later on.
5:20
When ur crush walks pass mid sentence
Nut
I think that when battery technology reaches the point where it gives great mileage and super fast charging which I'm sure will happen, that's when people will begin to think about choosing electric bikes, especially if the sound of a bike can be built into it...
Yeah I guess the charging is more limiting on road trips. I like the idea of interchangeable batteries so that you can just pick up a fresh one at a service station
9:30 😏 I'm sure he **ahem** ... *"post-edited"* overtaking that red van ! 😁 Returning frame @ 9:38
Really don’t get the issue with no noise.
I switched from cigarettes to vaping 4 years ago. I don’t vape tobacco flavoured juices because why do you need to? A new technology means new options and outlook. I don’t need to rip out fat clouds of tobacco flavoured steam any more than this electric bike needs to throw out decibels of internal combustion sound.
Come to think of it, my iPhone doesn’t need to crack out a faux camera shutter noise every time I take a picture.
Embracing a new technology means letting go of preconceptions like that. I love this bike.
Great video man.
Alex Davis man up, give up.
I kind of like the sound of the electric motor whine when he's on the throttle.
Spaceship!
Reminds me of a supercharger. ;)
The guy that makes electric engines sound like tie fighters will be rich.
The electronics that send the power to the electric motor can be set up to a maximum amount of acceleration. It's basically traction control but it can't adjust for different grip levels. So run the eco mode in the wet. Or be very mindfull of your throttle input.
If I had to state just one thing about the character of bikes I liked above all else, I would have to say it is engine torque. Because of that electric bikes would be great.
We love seeing Electric Bike reviews. Here a boom moto we are stoked to be apart of the Electric Motorcycle revolution.
I think I'll wait for the model with the flux capacitor.
But it only goes 88 Mph......
But it needs 1.21 gigawats to run i hear. LONG charge time
@@martijnvv8031 Roads... where we're going who needs roads...
When the bike is in full regen it also act like engine breaking which makes it handle like a petrol bike. Zero is so cheap to run the money youu save can be used to buy a petrol bike for longer journeys. Back in 2018 the charge network was very limited but it had improved a lot since then
I'd be very interested in something like this, what puts me off is the really low range at highway speeds and the insanely long charge times (6hrs+) - and we wont mention the price.
Appreciate it's early days for electric bikes, so hopefully they'll improve.
For many people that kind of range is already enough, and there are speed chargers as was mentioned, but yes, they have been and will continue to improve.
@@matthewsmith1612 Yeah it totally works for people who roll < 100m (including me)
It's just a PITA over simply riding a push bike, this isn't a solution yet,
I'm eager to see if they can take Tesla tech and turn that into bike tech
Incentive? I have an open credit card for the first company who pulls off a 200 mile range with a < 1 hr recharge.
God damn gas, we found the perfect fuel then proceeded to kill ourselves with it. We're asking humanity to take a pay cut at the moment, and that just wont fly.
Renewables need a homerun,
...as an engineer, let's make it happen
Moved from a decently quiet Pan European (lotsa umpf, not much noise) to a goldwing (more umpf, less noise). If there's a goldwing in the works that runs on batteries.. yeah. Want one.
Yeah this had plenty of umpf too!
@@motobob Umpf rulez
I have small electric scooter with 1200w engine and 3,8kwh battery (custom battery with over 140km of range). I drive it for almnosst 3 years now and made 11000km. I'll NEVER switch back to gasoline scooter or motorcycle, I only think about some bigger scooter, maybe with 6kw or 10kw engine... 11k km with absolutelely no maintenance, no issues whatsoever. OK, i had to inflate tire once. Electric vehicles are not only very comfortable to drive, also very comfortable to just own it - just charge it and go
100mi of range at highway speed will kind of confine it to being a commuter bike, so it's a good option if you want a fast alternative to a scooter, but not if you want to take the bike out on a holiday once in a while.
Agree. Need one of these for commuting, and a petrol beast for the weekend
Sadly, it won't actually do 100 miles at highway speed....I speak from experience!
I’m ready to go full electric bike and car no boats or aircraft!
I've always enjoyed my Kawasaki Concourse and 1200cc Voyager being on the more silent side until you crank it and you get that nice Kawi rumble but the next generation of bikers will really embrace this new way of riding. Ride On !!
already been on the ground...bar end missing on throttle side
I'm sorry, but I love the sound of a bike engine with a gp can, that's the whole buzz and enjoyment of riding one
200 miles in London is like 1000 miles in the countryside 😂 These bikes are going to change the game. I've been after a Zero motorcycle for some time now, just they're a little bit expensive at the moment. Also the Mayor needs to sort out this rapid charge point crisis first.
Yeah too expensive for me too. But I’m sure they’ll be on a par with petrol bikes in a few years
@@motobob Definitely
London's mayor is a insensitive moron
"200 miles in london is like 1000 in the countryside." Umm, more like 150 miles in the countryside. Such is the efficiency of these machines at slow speeds, instant torque and regen for stop start riding, that aerodynamic drag is the real concern so you actually get a better mileage in city riding.
I ride the Zero FX daily. I can't recommend it highly enough: the most fun I've had in decades. There is no going back. Though when I do have to ride one of my ICE bikes now and then it feels agricultural.
@@lighthousesaunders7242 Yeah, highway or country roads would be a lot less range. Immagine cruising at 60mph/100kmh, would probably be empty in an hour.
Why use the rear break on the right foot? Since you don't have a clutch you may as well use the left handel bar as the rear break. No?
Good question - I'll ask if I ever get chance. I guess it's just convention...
Early Zeroes had left hand rear brakes. That's actually my preference. Not difficult to change though.
Looks fun, would be nice for city folks. With a decent solar charging station at home it would be pretty cheap transportation. Most power here is coal based, so electric cars/bikes are basically burning coal.
The irony is hilarious.
IT DOESN'T USE MUCH ELECTRICITY TO CHARGE THESE THINGS. THE COST TO CHARGE IS NEGLIGIBLE AT BEST
@@M1XEDBAG
But it takes too long to top-off compared to a gas bike what you save in money, you pay in time.
Scowler Scowler if your planning on going past the Range that is intended the the bike just isn’t for you. These bikes are used mostly for commute/errands/mess around on. I was commenting on the coal usage, which like I said is negligible and sort of out of our control. If we move to other sources of electricity then it wouldn’t be an issue. They are in all area less harmful to the environment and if people don’t plan on no longer reproducing any time soon then we should probably start supporting them. But if it’s not for you it’s not for you, they are useful to many other people in the world
Even burning coal to charge your EV is better for the enviorment than using gasoline. Because the gasoline has to be pumped out of the ground and then refined, which uses a lot more fossile fuels and coal energy than you do when charging the bike
Here in the US the starting price is $16,500 with longer range batteries adding $2300 or $2900. There are many bikes that I'd rather have for much less cash.
Nice review. Open minded. They're only gonna get better with time and interest.
Saw my first Zero in Filey yesterday.. brilliant bike.so much nicer than the old piston bikes that roared past.
100 miles at hwy speed. Ride for 1h 15m and charge for 3 hrs.
Petrol = 130milles stop/fill 5mins rinse/repeat. 3hrs? No thanks.
I have a school mate that rides 1 daily. perfect (although overpriced) for daily school/work/backroads. NOT for long rides (which we do only a dozen or so times a year if your lucky)
@@bobedwards8896 I'll stick with my 1997 1200 bandit.
@@mickeyripper6976 my honda 400 /4 200 miles range
$17k
Fuck that
So cool, no noise.
Lol... Headphones on. Your exist music freaked me the hell out. Sounded like someone came into my empty house behind me. 😋
I have an electric "sport" bike. It's only meant for city use, with a top speed of 65 kmh...40mph. I love it. Not a penny spent on it in over two years, except the obvious.....5 dollars a month added to my electricity bill.
what a fantastic commuter machine better than a car for sure
You know what would be even better? A version where you could instantly refuel it with some sort of portable power source nearly instantaneously instead of 3hrs, oh wait...
FX is off road, FXS is FX with street tires, DS is "dual sport", S is "street"...
Amazed no traction control !!
Just put it in eco mode.
Bet riding thats a change from the usual Motorcycle, i always hear how the torque and acceleration on these new electric bikes are insane, i think the most freakish thing is that the only noise you hear is wind noise aha which must be really odd. Top stuff as always 👌
Thanks mate. Yeah I'm going to visit Zero's UK importer in July to try some of their other bikes including the SR/F which is meant to be quicker than this. The torque was indeed crazy, so the SR/F should be unreal
Solves the hot exhaust problem, no fun,if,you've ever been burnt by one.
I hv Been burnt by one 😂
If you want noise, stick a playing card in the spokes. I would love to have a bike that quiet, or better yet, even quieter
Will it be like Tesla and once the small warranty is over you can't receive service? What will replacement parts cost? 16k for technology that'll break and cost more to repair.
I have a T120, a good all-rounder, so it’s hard for me to justify another bike. But a maybe an electric is a good second bike to have.
My thoughts exactly! Once the price comes down I’d love to have one of each
It hit me today. I will have to go electric...I've got a ZRX 1200r. Aw man.
Why do you need a bike with that much capacity and speed? You will never use it to its maximum ability. Electric with instant torque will be more fun on public roads.
kpcart lol wanna bet?
It stands to reason that if you add a gearbox to an electric motor you can extend the Range quite significantly because less torque is required on Lower gears
I know that sounds logical, but it's not actually true with an electric motor!
Haha I’ve been wondering about these... I have a NIU electric Scooter in Beijing as my transport I have an s1000r and a street twin here in the U.K. I find the electric bike just as much fun 😂 thanks for the upload man 👌🏻 got to ask you though.... who makes your jacket? Is it armoured?
They’re good fun for sure! A different bike for different purpose I guess. The jacket is a revit stealth. It has armour yeah!
Man in 15-20 years there's going to be a whole new category of motocross. They're going to have to put wings what parachutes on them. No joke I'm not exaggerating what that kind of acceleration then you'll only be held back by what the human body can endure and if you can find a way to soften the landing then it'll be like a real life video game. Man I got to start working now I want to be in good enough shape to do that.
Eerie feeling to have all that torque without any sound. The lack of gearshift lever messes me up the most, especially while slowing down.
Had to actually shout at peds a few times in the city so they don't step right before me onto the street... 🤣
Yeah the lack of engine braking is weird but I believe you can configure it
I love the idea of electric bikes, I have done since I first saw tron when I was young I think, and especially since I first saw the mugan at the TT. I'd buy a harley livewire tomorrow (if I had any money, which I don't ) as I think they look incredible!
Agree that the livewire has nailed the looks. Pretty much the best looking electric bike out there to my eye. But the price is just ridiculous! And the specs aren’t all that great
3:44 warranted a couple hands on the bars I think.
yeah that bit and again at 4:31 I got a bit nervous!
I have electric cars, but will probably never let go of the petrol on a bike. Its all about feel, sound, vibrations and even smell. Its a fun sensory overload tool. Electric bikes will feel sterile, and in a car, thats what you want in a daily commuter. On the weekend twisties with friends, no thank you, 2-stroke single will be my next;)
You'll change your mind when you've actually RIDDEN a Zero, or an Energica, or a BMW C evolution (as I have).
I'd love to see gangs of bikers who love making noise riding these lol
The noise will be added in the year 2020 in EU.
Every silent hybrid or ev will have to install a speaker.
For pedestrians.
Great review. Love the bike. Changed my mind on electric motorcycle 👍
It needs some sort of sound to alert others of its approach, especially if used off-road, as unsuspecting walkers could end up in some serious collisions.
Yes it is called a horn
Thor Stambaugh who wants to go around beeping their horns all day?
Looks clean, accept for the numberplate holder...
Yep a tail tidy would be necessary I think
Would like to see a 0 - 60 for reference to what it does
Quicker than a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor (4.5sec 0-60mph)
Less quick than a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance (3.2sec 0-60mph)
If it has two wheels, it's allowed on the highway and you can crash it, it's a motorbike to me. For the rest it's just about habituation (and calculation, not to forget). I mean, you can still have your preferences, but I think you can pretty much compare it with steam locs and electric trains. And yeah, there 's still people who claim the first has more 'emotion'. But those electric bashers just don't get it: riding has ALWAYS been about comfort and emotion. If it wasn't, we 'd be still riding on leaking simmering English one and two cilinders. So the only important question is: what mix of comfort and emotion is right for you? And as I said, I think both aspects are prone to habituation. So, if some one says: I'll never ride electric, i hate electric", all he really says is "I'm less open to new experiences and have no imagination".
👍👍👍
Wait an electric bike without DRLs and LEDs
Maybe not all electric stuff are Tesla
I think these bikes are the future but since gas bikes are rapidly decreasing I prefer the sensation of shifting and engine
You went past brands hatch race track!! I live like 5 miles from there...
It’s a common test ride route for me cos it’s the first bunch of roads with decent corners after you come off the A2
I wish the big 4 manufacturers would get involved. This would surely bring the price down.
Should have traction control
No clutch and transmission? It’s big issue for electric motorcycle
Looks a lot of fun to ride.
Fab review and it looked like you was having great fun. But the bike is a bit marmite I guess, not necessarily for the fun factor of it but as you say regarding the build quality and price the bike may still need to do a bit more evolving.
Thank Garry. Hopefully more choice and competition in the market over the next few years will help
Thank Garry. Hopefully more choice and competition in the market over the next few years will help
'Zero' are no longer in Australia. They closed shop a few years ago.
I heard they were selling for about $16,000 AUD (WOW, WOW, WOW!!!) NOT cheap.
No wonder people don't but them. It's just not worth it. (unless you have the $ to throw around)
- Goodbye Zero.
CORRECTION. In Australia they were selling for between $18,000 and $20,5000.
Sorry, my error.
-Goodbye Zero!!!
@@tpv59 They're still in business .
@@PoPpsychle
Thank you. I stand corrected.
WHERE are they based, What city, under what name Please?
Thank you.
Terry Vincent the long term savings in petrol (factory claims 169km of range for 1.61$ of electricity)and maintenance costs (no oil changes, less brake pads) will make the Zero cost the same or even less depending for how long you own it.
@@badchefi
Thank you, interesting 'point'. Do you mean it will cost a $1.61 to Fully charge it from near flat/empty battery, or $1.61 for each hour for a 8 hour charge??
But one can not justify paying approx. $18,000 (?) for such a 'commuter bike'.
And resale?? Battery degradation over time?? Replacement of battery pack in 6/7/8/9 years time??
I like them, but when the time of completely replacing petrol bikes comes, I'll miss that engine noise. I'll probably get one in like 10-20 years when charging stations are more widely available and they improve charge times. This is the future anyway, so you can either hate or embrace it lol
Still not enough range, like you say, OK for the city commuters but no good for us rural folk, 200 mile range at 60mph would be OK though
It's great for commuting in LA
Big market for extension cords ahead!!!!
Maybe solar cells on the back of the Belstaff jacket?
See you in the New Dakar!!!
you can buy this bike for 16K or buy a brand new BMW S1000RR. Electric bikes are never going to catch on if they're always so expensive
Also if people think that once everyone is forced the electric way, that its going to be cheaper to run. I think there mistaken.
I bet they will cost the same to run as petrol cars or bikes because the government will never let billions of ££s in fuel tax just disappear with the forced exit of petrol /diesel vehicles.
I bet it will eventually cost £50 for a charge to keep the greedy government in pocket.
The reason they are so expensive right now is because of the batteries. give it 5 to 10 years and the cost of the batteries will go down dramatically making electric vehicles way cheaper. The batteries have already gotten way cheaper than they were 10 years ago.
@@lewishamos9402 The issue is gonna be the availability of the raw materials for the batteries. The Cobalt and Lithium is limited mostly in production and location. According to one article the price of Lithium has increased 270% since 2010. They need to find better resource harvesting/production or a completely different battery technology.
@@lewishamos9402 also these bikes are hand built in batches in California so that drives costs up massively compared to a BMW factory in Europe or so
I drove a Tesla and when I took my foot off the "gas pedal" it would slow down like a manual transmission does but much, much harder. Do these bikes do that as well?
That depends on a mode. They give you 3 modes: eco, sport and custom. Eco has 50% power and 50% regen. braking on closed throttle, sport has full power and no regen. and you can set up custom however you like.
They rarely explain how the regen. is activated on electric bikes, if it's mentioned at all.
I've watched reviews of Zero bikes for a couple of years until somebody mentioned how do you actually activate regen.
@@GrimFaceHunter The %age regen claims are misleading though. The Zero has far less regen than the Energica and the BMW, even when tweaked to give an indicated 100%, because in reality, it's nowhere near 100%!
I think that is the percentage of how much they set up the maximum regen. for a bike to have.
There is a limitation to how much bike's battery can take.
So if the battery can be charged at 20KW, you might want to limit regen. to 18KW maximum, possibly even lower to avoid heating and shortening life cycle of the battery.
Those other bikes may also have super capacitor banks for stronger and more efficient regen. braking. Super capacitors have much better discharge and recharge rates than batteries, but have much lower energy density.
In future consumption of electricity will higer like never before.
we have the sun
Couldn’t test ride the other bike as somebody had ridden it already on that day, says it all really.
Liking Your videos very much! And using metric system is sooo good! :D Keep up tgw!
Thanks EF! Appreciate it a tonne 😉