Cool-Motorcycles reviews Zero X

The Zero X electric motorcycle is a full sized high performance machine. Built from the ground up using the ultimate electric motorcycle technology and boasting 50 ft-lbs of torque, this stealthy motorcycle will send you racing up hills, flying over jumps, and splashing through streams. Best part is, you can do it all without disturbing nature or your neighbors.

The 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle is faster, stronger, and more durable in the most demanding terrain.  The Zero X electric motorcycle is upgraded elements of the drivetrain, frame, suspension and more. Inside and out it’s a better motorcycle. That’s great… but the part that really exciting is how much more fun you’ll have getting to the places you couldn’t go before.

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 X lies the ultimate dirt bike frame that is 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.

In engineering it’s about the little things. Building off of the already successful 2008, this year’s improvements add significant strength and rigidity. This is your frame if you’re looking to jump higher and land harder.

• 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 X 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, using a highly tuned fuel injection system. The Zero found a way of rapidly flowing more energy out of our 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 X’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

In Order to be able to take full advantage of the rapid acceleration the Zero X has to offer. 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  Zero’s electric dirt bike the Zero X has been added a few things to help slow you down. The 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle features beefier brakes all around.

* 6 pot calipers front and rear
* Larger 9” rotor in front
* Increased reservoir size for more responsive braking under high strain
* High thermal mass rear rotor for improved heat transfer

Instrument Panel & System Upgrades – Quick Look & Easy Access

A quick look tells you everything you need to know on the Zero X. The Zero X 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

Rear Wheel & Tire – Hook Up on Technical Trails

The Zero X comes with a beefy tire and wheel on the rear for increased traction and durability. This means quicker acceleration, faster hill climbs, and more fun.

* Tall knobbed and grippy full size rear tire – 17X3.5
* Large lugged high strength rear rim 17 x 2.5”
* Thicker 12g spokes
* Custom oversized & reinforced hub

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 : 20 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 : 106 pounds (48 kg)
• Power Pack : 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
• Total weight : 151 pounds (68.5 kg)

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

Cool-Motorcycles reviews Zero X