Cool-Motorcycles reviews Zero MX

Once you’re in the air, it’s all about the landing.
The Zero MX takes revolutionary electric motorcycle technology to the track. Incredibly tough and lightweight, the Zero MX uses newly developed suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain and give you an edge. Combined with the state-of-the-art Z-Force™ technology and ultra-light frame design, the Zero MX is agile and fast where it counts.

By developing a custom suspension system that have made the Zero MX highly responsive while maintaining an industry leading power-to-weight ratio. During aggressive riding the advanced suspension system and alloy wheels take the hits while smoothly maintaining control. Intensity combines with silence to open up a new world of riding possibilities.

The Z-Force™ lithium ion power pack and handmade aircraft grade aluminum frame combine to form a motorcycle that is the fastest, lightest, cleanest, and most fun.

FEATURES

Frame – Sculpted Aircraft Grade Aluminum Means Lighter, Stronger, and Faster

At the core of the Zero MX lies the ultimate dirt bike frame that have been engineered from the ground up and hand crafted using aircraft grade aluminum. The resulting combination of lower weight and higher strength means more responsiveness. In the turns and off the line this translates into greater acceleration. To make the frame even more durable each one is shot-peened and anodized.

• Hydroformed top tub for increased strength & reduced weight
• Massive swingarm for increased strength & torsional rigidity (better cornering and tracking)
• Large cylindrical swingarm cross tube for increased stiffness & suspension response
• Thru-axle rear hub for exponentially increased strength & rigidity
• Entire frame is shot-peened and anodized for resistance to corrosion and abrasion
• Organic frame gusseting for increased strength & smoother body lines
• New number plate that also doubles as part of the electrical system

Motor and Energy– High Torque and Acceleration

Fueled by Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary lithium ion power pack, the Zero MX delivers more torque than any other motorcycle in its class. This is made possible by the power pack’s ability efficiently dump an incredibly high amount of power as soon as you punch the throttle.

Think of it this way, fuel systems are to gas motorcycles what electrical systems are to electrical motorcycles. Where others use a small carburetor and fuel pump, the Zero use a highly tuned fuel injection system. The Zero found a way of rapidly flowing more energy out of the power pack than any of its competitors. This means more acceleration and more fun.

Drivetrain – Larger Chain and Sprockets for Increased Durability & Longer Life

To accommodate the Zero MX’s increased traction and ability to accelerate in the dirt the Zero use a hardened steel 420 chain and direct drive gearing. The result is a stronger and more durable drivetrain that puts the power from the throttle directly into the dirt.

* Hardened steel 420 Chain
* Front & rear accompanying 420 Sprockets
* Larger rear sprocket mounting/bolt pattern for increased durability and better management of high torque acceleration

Handling – Faster Turns and Bigger Berms

The Zero want you to be able to take full advantage of the rapid acceleration the Zero MX has to offer. To do this the Zero has taken its riders’ handling wish list and built in the features. The result, this electric dirt bike gives you the control you need to for the acceleration you want.

* Direct mount (to fork crown) double clam stem for increased rigidity and control
* Increased rise and reduced reach stem for better control & stability
* Wider, taller, and stronger full sized dirt bike handlebar
* Higher strength hardened race headset for longer life & smoother turning

Brakes – Stopping on a Dime in the Dirt

Because you’ll be going faster and harder on the the electric dirt bike the Zero added a few things to help slow you down. The 2009 Zero MX electric motorcycle features beefier brakes all around.

* 4 pot calipers front and rear
* Larger 9” rotor in front and rear
* Increased reservoir size for more responsive braking under high strain

Instrument Panel & System Upgrades – Quick Look & Easy Access

A quick look tells you everything you need to know on the Zero MX. The Zero Has taken all the important dials and switches and centrally located them in a new instrument panel. Accompanying this, is a newer wiring system for increased safety and electrical system longevity. With a bike this desirable, you’ll also be excited to know that this motorcycle comes with a keyed ignition.

* Easy access to gauges and switches – ‘quick look’ clustered instrumentation
* “Armed” light for increased awareness & safety
* Key switch with solenoid for added safety, peace of mind, security and ease of use
* New flush mounted rockers switches for speed settings (easy/sport and 30/60mph)
* Integrated battery power connector for ease of use and durability
* Integrated battery fuse for added safety in handling and adverse circumstances

Wheels and Tires – Hook Up on Technical Tracks

The Zero MX custom alloy wheels are designed to reduce unsprung weight while not comprising on strength. During acceleration instant torque is efficiently channeled into the dirt through a beefy rear tire and directed using an equally aggressive front.

• Tall knobbed and grippy full size rear tire – 17X3.5
• Large lugged high strength rear rim 17 x 2.5”
• Thicker 32h 12g spokes
• Custom oversized & reinforced hub
• 1.6×19 front wheel
• Aggressive front tire 19×3.0

Suspension – Designed for the Track
The Zero MX uses newly developed suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain and accommodate larger riders. Taking advantage of the motorcycle’s low weight, the inverted front fork is one of the beefiest, lightest and most responsive in the industry. Riders can quickly dial it in using the externally adjustable compression and rebound damping. On the rear, our rigid double diamond swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a newly developed custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping.

• Zero designed lightweight front end
• Inverted front fork to reduce unsprung weight (48 mm fork leg)
• Fully adjustable rebound and compression damping on the front
• Custom rear shock with adjustable spring preload and damping
• Unique double diamond aircraft grade aluminum rear swingarm for reduced weight and increased torsional rigidity

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor
Type : Brushed permanent magnet electric
Torque : 50 ft-lbs (67.7 Nm)
Peak horsepower : 23 horsepower
Peak electrical input : 17,400 watts

Power System
Type : Patent-pending lithium ion array
Capacity : 2 kWh (58volts @ 35Ah)
Range : Up to 2 hours or 40 miles (64 km)*
Recharge time : Less than 2 hours
Input : Standard 110V or 220V

Drive Train
Transmission : Clutchless one speed
Drive system : 13T / 71T, 420 Chain

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front Suspension Travel : 7 – 8 inches (178 – 203 mm)
Rear Suspension Travel : 9 inches (229 mm)
Front Brakes : 4 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated
Rear Brakes : 4 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated
Front Tire : 19 x 3.0 inches
Rear Tire : 17 x 3.5 inches

Dimensions
Wheel base : 54 inches (137 cm)
Seat height : 36 inches (91 cm)
Head angle : 24 degrees from vertical with 8 inch (20 cm) fork

Weight
Frame : 18 pounds (8 kg)
Total weight without Power Pack : 111 pounds (50.34 kg)
Power Pack : 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
Total weight : 156 pounds (70.75 kg)

Economy
Typical cost to recharge : Less than $.01 per mile or kilometer

Cool-Motorcycles reviews Zero MX