VIDEO: 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle: stronger, faster
For those you that like to head out into the woods to ride a dirt bike but don't want any exhaust emissions, the Zero X may the answer to your needs. Zero Motorcycles has just released details on the 2009 edition of its electric dirt bike. After selling out its run of 2008 models, the new version gets a bunch of upgrades including a beefier frame and suspension. Even with a stronger structure made of aircraft grade aluminum, the bike weighs in at just 151 lbs. The electric motor turns the back wheel with 23 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. Energy is packed into a 2 kWh lithium ion battery pack stuffed into the middle of the frame. A two-hour recharge should provide about 40 miles of range. Until the end of the year, the Zero X can be ordered for $7,450. Once the calendar flips over, the price goes up by $300.
[Source: The Auto Channel]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 3:33AM (10/31/2008)
But when can I get a street-legal version of it?
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wade 10:35AM (10/31/2008)
The PR guy said (about 5 minutes into the video) that the street version is coming early next year!!!
EVsNow 10:32AM (10/31/2008)
I signed up for their newsletter and in the comments put that I was interested in a street legal version.
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/newsletter_form.html
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MUEV 12:34PM (11/03/2008)
You can order a "light kit" (around $200) that allows the X to be registered as a street legal motorcycle. Also, if you flip the switch on the controller that limits the top speed to 30mph, the bike is classified as a motorized bicycle and can be driven on city streets without registration or a motorcycle endorsement.
We are the reps for the Rockies. Let me know if you have any more questions (muev_now @ yahoo dot com) or want to set up a test ride.
The bike is a blast!
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David 9:34PM (1/08/2009)
How much of the bike is recycle bull ? Ancer nothing! .
Do you know what happends to the old battarys .No you don't .zero emissions I'm going to eat my cat if thats true.No smoke yes thats true but toxic chemical all around to make these yes true....makeing plastic & electronics on a commercial scale it takes lots of fuel and enegy to make you gies feel green and safe.to who will buy these zero x raceing mechines.very confident These battarys are ment to be reconditioned after 500 cycleslook at you warnity will expired after only a few years. am a ''hip-a-crite." I do own a RD 350 yamaha and it has nice thick BLUE SMOKE ..Nice..yep..
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Zero X Owner 1:10PM (1/12/2009)
@ Dave and David:
As MUEV said, just toss on an after market light kit or leave it in the moped/electric bicycle/... (30 mph limit) mode for it to be street legal in most (if not all) states with no registration or special license endorsements required. I think Zero Motorcycle sells an add on converter for the correct voltage for accessories if you don't want to go with a battery included kit, like I did. My kitted Zero X is fully street legal and registered as a full motorcycle in my state.
David, your cat is barely safe from you eating it but has a worried look on its face, as compared to your blue smoker, yes a Zero Motorcycle is almost completely emissions free. I use 100% wind power thanks to a subscription plan from my regional power utility company. Dust to dust emissions (mining and making of fundamental parts and construction) of a Zero Motorcycle are minimal compared to the average vehicle in the US. Don't make the perfect be the enemy of the good.
When the power pack capacity goes down enough, many years from now, I simply order a new, improved one and replace it in about 15 seconds. Try that with your gasser, which only degrades over time. At the worst, the old power pack is non-toxic and landfill improved, although I could still easily use it as my around the neighborhood (and local park) lower range second pack or use it for low capacity storage on a grid intergrated commercial or residential solar system. We have a win-win-win-win here.
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phjones27 7:25PM (10/01/2009)
I know you have to add the light kit, but did you also have to add mirrors for you to be able to register yours in your state? If so, where did you get them from because I couldn't find any mirrors on the website. Thanks a lot.
Phil