Instant torque and power from a standstill plus smooth acceleration as you race out of turns — all without ever needing to stop at a gas station. Developed to aggressively take on urban environments and encourage the occasional detour, the Zero S electric motorcycle integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design. Built from the ground up using Zero Motorcycles' proprietary Z-Force power pack and aircraft grade alloy frame, the Zero S features an industry leading power-to-weight ratio that increases its range and maneuverability. It has a range of 43 miles using the newly adopted MIC’s prescribed “Driving Range Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles,” which is based on the EPA’s UDDS testing, and it has a homologated top speed of 67 MPH. The Zero S is designed for optimal performance off the line, in sharp turns and while navigating obstacles. Instant acceleration and lightweight design enable the Zero S to take on any city street, hill or obstacle, combining exhilaration with efficiency.
Instant acceleration and a lightweight design enable the Zero S to take on any city street, hill or obstacle. Whether accelerating onto the highway or out of the turns, the Zero S is designed for performance.
The Zero S is priced at $9,995. It is eligible for a 10% Federal tax credit, which effectively reduces the price by $1,000 to a total of $8995. Some states and provinces offer additional incentives. The motorcycle can be purchased online now and will begin shipping in the United States during mid-March. The Zero S comes with a two year limited warranty.
Zero S Model Highlights
What's New for 2011
The entirely revamped 2011 Zero S features a complete systems upgrade with an innovative quick-charge option that cuts the charging time in half. Equipped with new brakes, finely tuned suspension and a maintenance free belt drive system, Zero Motorcycles has created an eye-catching street fighter that offers a contemporary new look and an exceptional ride quality. With a sophisticated silence that speaks to its overall solid build quality, the 2011 Zero S also has a 12.5% increased capacity that quickly and quietly takes riders further. During operation the motorcycle uses new intelligent systems to relay closely monitored powertrain data through a revised dash. Nearly every component of the 2011 Zero S has seen upgrades and improvements. Among those not mentioned above are the wheels, tires, general hardware, foot pegs and integrated ignition switch and lock.
Key Zero S Key Features
Frame / Bodywork
Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight and rigid Zero S twin spar frame. One look at the frame and it speaks for itself. It is aggressive, strong and one of the main reasons that the Zero S can take on anything in an urban environment. Designed to have a low center of gravity, the Zero S is highly maneuverable and responsive. The body is completed using bold new bodywork to give it a contemporary, aggressive and naked look.
- Frame and bodywork designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles
- Extremely rigid and lightweight twin spar aircraft grade aluminum frame
- Lowered seat height for improved rider confidence and better handling via a lower center of gravity
- Designed to have a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness
- All new bodywork / graphics
?17 newly designed pieces of bodywork
?Available in red and black
?Zero’s first ever black power pack
?Revised turn signal and dash layout
?New tire hugging front fender
?New fly screen
?Trunk-pan to conceal air-induction
?More durable ABS plastics
Power Pack / Electronics
Years of development and proprietary Z-Force™ technology make the Zero S a leader in acceleration, range and longevity. Using an advanced monitoring system, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled during charge and discharge. The onboard charger integrates into this system and uses a specially developed charge profile to optimize the power pack’s recharge time. Using isolated power systems, the Zero S uses a standard 12 volt current to run the dash, lighting and other on board accessories.
- Quick-charge option available that cuts the charging time down by almost half
- Increased range and enhanced power pack capabilities
- 12.5% added capacity over 2010
- External programming and recall capabilities via diagnostics port
- Enhanced diagnostic reporting systems
- Isolated power systems and 12 volt system for running accessories
- Onboard charger that uses a specially developed charge profile
- New and more accurate motor mounted speed sensor for better precision and a cleaner front end
- New keyed ignition switch and steering lock for improved security and peace of mind
Motor / Z-Force Air Induction
A compact and powerful motor drives the Zero S. The new Z-Force Air Induction system allows the Zero S to output more power from the motor by efficiently moving air through its core.
- Z-Force Air Induction system allows for increased motor performance
- Powerful, low weight and compact motor
- Highly efficient and low maintenance permanent magnet motor design
Wheels and Brakes
The Zero S wheels are engineered to minimize unsprung weight and reduce rotating mass. Designed specifically for the Zero S, the lightweight construction includes custom hubs, spokes, and rotors. To maximize overall wheel strength the hub is configured to use straight pull spokes. The resulting wheel is lighter, stronger and more responsive.
New wheels and tires:
- Standardized wheel and tire sizes for greater aftermarket options
?F: 3.00x17 wheel, 110/70-17 tire
?R: 3.50x17 wheel, 130/70-17 tire
- Red anodized front and rear rims
- Aggressive profile street tires
- High strength/lightweight straight pull spokes
More powerful and higher performance braking system by HB Performance:
- More precise, easier to modulate and requires less effort
- Larger 310mm front rotor and thicker 4mm rear rotor
- Increased fade resistance, greater thermal mass rotors
- Steel braided lines for superior lever feel and more precise brake modulation
- Increased front master cylinder bore size for increased “leverage” and stopping power
- Greater commonality using standard-size mount patterns for increased aftermarket options
- New high performance street compound brake pads
Suspension
The suspension on the Zero S was developed by Zero to take advantage of the motorcycles’ lightweight design. Its inverted front fork is among the lightest in the industry and can be externally adjusted to dial in compression and rebound damping. A rigid double diamond rear swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping.
Carefully tuned, balanced and improved suspension system:
- Specially tuned for the street
?Tested on city streets and highways by a variety of different riders
?Suspension specialists recorded all riding results alongside riders
?Analysis of riding result used to optimize compliance by adjusting damping curves and spring rates
- Revised triple-clamps for improved bearing pre-loading and durability
- New fork and shock internals
- Aluminum stanchions for reduced weight and superior control
- Front adjustments: Compression and rebound damping
- Rear adjustments: Preload, compression and rebound damping
- Unique double diamond aircraft grade aluminum rear swingarm for reduced weight and increased torsional rigidity
?More torsionally rigid swingarm for 2011
Dash / Lights / Controls
The dash is designed by Zero to quickly and accurately provide information on speed, charge and motor temperature. In the evening the dash lights up with the flip of a switch and is accompanied by a high intensity headlight.
- More advanced system monitoring and a revised dash
?Recalibrated and exceptionally accurate charge indicator
?New and innovative State of Charge (SOC) algorithm
- More ergonomic and durable switch gear (for operation of lights, turn signals, etc.)
- New mirrors for improved visibility (wider and taller)
- Taller handlebars for increased control and better responsiveness
Gearing
Featuring a clutchless direct drive, the Zero S is geared for rapid acceleration and increased efficiency. Using a maintenance free belt system, the Zero S is able to achieve minimal frictional loss. This increases its overall range and channels power into speed. The result is a motorcycle that is quick and responsive.
- New maintenance free and virtually silent belt drive system
- Clutchless one speed that simplifies operation
- Geared for rapid acceleration and maximum efficiency
- Minimal maintenance
2011 Zero S - International Specifications
MSRP - $9,995 (10% Federal tax credit reduces price $1,000 for total of $8995)* USD
Motor
Type High Efficiency, Forced Air Cooled, DC, Axial Flux, Permanent Magnet
Top speed 67 mph (108 km/h)
Power System
Type Z-Force™ patented Li-Ion intelligent power pack
Maximum capacity 4.4 kWh
Nominal capacity 3.9 kWh
Estimated pack life (to 80%) 70,000 miles (112,000 km)
Charger type Integrated
Charge time (standard) 4 hours
Quick charge time (option) 2.3 hours (100% charged) / 2 hours (90+% charged)
Input Standard 110V or 220V
Range
Maximum 58 miles (93 km)
EPA UDDS 43 miles (70 km)
Drivetrain
Transmission Clutchless one speed
Drive system 98T / 28T, Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ belt
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front suspension travel 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Rear suspension travel 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Front brakes 2 piston hydraulic, 12.21x0.16 inch (310x4 mm) disc
Rear brakes 1 piston hydraulic, 8.66x0x.16 inch (220x4 mm) disc
Front tire 110/70-17
Rear tire 130/70-17
Front wheel 3.0x17
Rear wheel 3.5x17
Dimensions
Wheel base 55.5 inches (141 cm)
Seat height (standard) 32.8 inches (83.2 cm)
Low seat height (accessory) 30.8 inches (78.1 cm)
Rake 22.7 degrees
Trail 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Weight
Frame 19.3 pounds (8.8 kg)
Curb weight 297 pounds (135 kg)
GVWR 597 pounds (271 kg)
Carrying capacity 300 pounds (136 kg)
Economy
Typical cost to recharge $0.48