Zero DSR Boasts ‘Maximum torque, performance and range’
Electric motorcycles have gained increasing traction just over these last few months as more companies have announced their plans of action to tap into the growing industry. Harley-Davidson, Alta Motors, and Energica are just a few that comes off of the top of the head when electric motorcycles or motors come to mind.
But there’s a new one on the block - the Zero DSR.
Formerly known as Electricross, Zero Motorcycles is an American manufacturer with a line of 100% electric motorcycles that was started by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki in 2006. Its new e-motorbike boasts of its ability to take on urban roads and even dirt roads.
The Zero DSR dual-sport is big and powerful with an air-cooled 74hp electric motor and standard-sized 17-inch wheels shod in modern rubber, and not to mention its big ABS disc brakes.
Its aggressively treaded Pirelli MT-series trail-capable tires do well enough off-road but it’s obvious it works better on the road.
What it does not have, though, are gears. The DSR’s maintenance-free belt drives the rear wheel quietly. No shifting, no noise. Even its lithium-ion battery pack that ranges from 13 KwH to 16KwH is definitively more silent than a gas motor.
Three ride modes are available with just a push of a button located beside the right grip. There is the ‘Eco’ mode that is suggested for new riders or those stuck in traffic, the ‘Sport’ mode that offers speed with just a slight squeeze of the throttle, and the ‘Custom’ mode that gives you free rein on its performance parameters through the Zero mobile application.
Speaking of the Zero app, it also allows users to check the bike’s charging status via Bluetooth, check the horsepower and torque output, the top speed, and a lot more.
The DSR’s faux gas tank provides storage space for its charger, rain gear, another set of gloves, some drinks or sandwiches, a phone, but definitely not a helmet. It’s much too small for that.
As the charging duration varies by method and battery size, the general time it takes for a full charge is eight hours or more when plugged into a wall outlet. An optional quick charger system can juice things back up in less than three hours.
Overall, the DSR operates pretty much like a normal motorcycle (or a really big scooter) but with much more convenience.
For the full specs of the DSR, visit the Zero Motorcycles website.