Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO]
Zero DS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Those of you who savored the sweet supermoto styling of the Zero S street bike and wished there was something similar designed to handle that psycho shortcut you've long dreamed of taking, your machine has arrived. Zero Motorcycles introduces the all-electric Zero DS. With its tougher tires and more aggressive suspension, the dual sport is ready to tear up both street and trail and – with that big round headlight up front – look good doing it. While it lacks a bit of the top end (55 mph) and range (50 miles) of its street sibling, it makes up for it with more grunt and greater riding possibilities. It charges its 4 kWh battery in the same sub-4-hour time as the S.
The price tag on this latest addition to the Zero range is $9,950 but they are quick to point out that the recently-passed 10 percent federal tax credit takes $1,000 off the price to start. On top of that, and nicely illustrated here, individual states have their own incentive programs in place or on the way. What's next for the Scotts Valley California company? Well, they have promised a super speed motorcycle with a full fairing sometime this year but we'll worry about that after we get our grubby little hands on this monster. Hit the jump for the official press release along with a video showing how the new DS gets things done.
Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS
[Source: Zero Motorcycles]
PRESS RELEASE:
ZERO MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHES THE WORLD'S MOST VERSATILE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
- The Zero DS is Designed to Handle Any Surface, Dirt or Street -
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (July 29, 2009) – Zero Motorcycles today introduced the Zero DS, a fully electric dual sport motorcycle that can be ridden anywhere from the city street, to a gravel road, to a dirt trail. Zero has equipped their latest model with aggressive suspension, rugged wheels and dual sport tires to efficiently move riders over any surface. The Zero DS is a high performance motorcycle that is powered by Zero Motorcycles' industry leading Z-Force drivetrain.
"This is designed for motorcyclists who want the freedom to ride wherever they want" said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "The Zero DS is the world's most versatile electric motorcycle. You can cut across a dirt trail on your way into work or ride the tarmac to your favorite trail-head."
Unlike the competition, the Zero DS is designed from the ground up to be an electric motorcycle. Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight twin spar frame. Each component on the motorcycle is engineered to minimize weight and the power pack is designed for maximum energy density. The resulting motorcycle is quicker, has greater range and is more agile. Those interested in using the Zero DS for daily driving or short excursions can order it with custom panniers that are factory installed.
Environmentally conscious consumers will be pleased to know that the Zero DS is not only a zero emissions vehicle, but is completely non-toxic and almost 100% recyclable. In addition to the motorcycle's extraordinary energy efficiency, the power pack consists of lithium ion cells that are clean enough to be landfill approved. This unique combination performance and low overall environmental impact sets a new high standard in the industry.
The Zero DS is available for purchase exclusively through the Zero Motorcycles' website and is priced at $9,950. For more information on the Zero DS visit: www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-ds
Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high performance electric motorcycles, they are on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize their industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today's most advanced technology. The result is an electric motorcycle line that's insanely fast and environmentally friendly.
Zero Motorcycles first entered the motorcycle industry in 2006 with the all-electric Drift. In 2008 they launched the Zero X which exceeded all expectations by selling out before the year end. Its success blazed the path for the long awaited launch of the Zero S Supermoto motorcycle in April. Earlier this summer, Zero Motorcycles announced another addition to its electric motorcycle product lineup with the Zero MX which is made specifically for track riding and motocross.
You can find out more about the Zero DS motorcycle and general information on Zero Motorcycles' website, http://www.zeromotorcycles.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jpm 5:46PM (7/29/2009)
What's the difference between that and the street version besides tires?
And one more thing, the height of the handle bars and seat are just like a dirt bike on the street version, along with the front fender. How about giving it the styling and proportions of an actual street bike? Until that changes, along with a price drop, I will not shell out the money.
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GoodCheer 6:11PM (7/29/2009)
I think what they're doing is very smart. They have put a great deal of engineering effort, design work, and tooling costs into their first model. They should wring out every last penny in sales from that investment, and that includes making versions for every stripe of dirt-bike-style rider.
I say this as a street rider who has never gotten comfortable on those SuperMoto-type seats, so I realize I'm shooting myself in the foot (as far as getting the Zero of ~my~ dreams). Building a crotch-rocket will require a whole new investment of effort and money, engineering, design and tooling. They've said it's coming, and I believe them. You and I just have to sit tight for another year (or find another vendor).
jpm 6:26PM (7/29/2009)
Yes you're right, they deserve a lot of credit for creating a motorcycle from the ground up.
I don't see why it would take a ton of effort to make it look more like a proper street bike... would raising the bars and lowering the seat require changes to the frame? ... doubtful
Mark Kiernan 6:25PM (7/29/2009)
A very good price for a very good bike, it is comparable to a BMW.
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Mike 8:26PM (7/29/2009)
FOr this price you can get a bmw xcountry, xchallenge, or f800gs all of which get really good fuel economy and are tops for quality. I really like the idea of electric motorcycles but they have to be able to pull their own weight more than 50miles.... i could hardly drive across Edmonton and back on a 50 mile range let alone off road trails and such. They need to get a whackload more range or lower the price. The 2009 sherpa stylying is ugly too
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Spence 10:42PM (7/29/2009)
Oh good god, I want one. For tooling around Santa Fe, this thing would be the tops. It's totally out of my price range for now though. So one of you playboys buy this bike, and when you get tired of it in six months, I'll take it off your hands at a used bike price!
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