Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles announces 2013 line up

Zero Motorcycles announces 2013 line up
The 2013 Zero FX "Stealth Fighter" replaces the Zero X in Zero Motorcycles' 2013 lineup
The 2013 Zero FX "Stealth Fighter" replaces the Zero X in Zero Motorcycles' 2013 lineup
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The 2013 Zero S "Streetfighter" from Zero Motorcycles
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The 2013 Zero S "Streetfighter" from Zero Motorcycles
The 2013 Zero DS "Dual Sport" from Zero Motorcycles
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The 2013 Zero DS "Dual Sport" from Zero Motorcycles
The 2013 Zero FX "Stealth Fighter" replaces the Zero X in Zero Motorcycles' 2013 lineup
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The 2013 Zero FX "Stealth Fighter" replaces the Zero X in Zero Motorcycles' 2013 lineup
The 2013 Zero XU "Urban Crossover" from Zero Motorcycles
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The 2013 Zero XU "Urban Crossover" from Zero Motorcycles
The 2013 Zero MX "Motocross" from Zero Motorcycles
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The 2013 Zero MX "Motocross" from Zero Motorcycles
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With more of 2012 behind than in front of us, Zero Motorcycles has provided a look at what to expect of its model line up in 2013. Along with the traditional annual increase in performance, Zero has ditched the Zero X, which makes way for a new FX “Stealth Fighter” model. Current models also receive some cosmetic changes, while a new optional CHAdeMO charging accessory will charge all models up to 95 percent of battery capacity in under an hour.

The five-strong 2013 lineup includes the Zero S “Streetfighter,” Zero DS “Dual Sport,” Zero FX “Stealth Fighter,” Zero XU “Urban Crosser,” and Zero MX “Motocross.” All models will pack a new Z-Force motor that Zero claims delivers up to 125 percent more power than its predecessor. The Zero MX, XU and FX offer the choice of 2.8 kWh or 5.7 kWh battery packs, while the Zero S and DS come with either 8.5 kWh or 11.4 kWh packs. Zero also provides a smartphone app for iOS and Android devices with which owners can customize the performance of their bike.

The range is designed to provide an option for all users, with the Zero S packing the 11.4 kWh battery pack offering the greatest range – up to 137 miles (220 km) in the city, 70 miles (113 km) highway and 93 miles (150 km) combined – significantly bettering the 2012 model's 114 miles city (183 km), 63 miles (101 km) highway and 78 miles (125 km) combined range.

Meanwhile the new FX, with its 95 Nm (70 ft-lb) of torque, boasts the fastest acceleration of any Zero motorcycle to date. And like the 2012 model, the 2013 XU features a removable battery pack.

The new models are due to arrive in dealerships during January and February with prices ranging from US$7,995 for the Zero XU with a 2.8 kWh battery pack up to $15,995 for the Zero S and Zero DS models with 11.4 kWh battery packs.

Source: Zero Motorcycles

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7 comments
7 comments
Scion
So close yet so far for me. My longest regular ride is about 160-170km, mostly highway. Until I can get a motorcycle that does say 200km in mostly highway conditions I can't dump the ICE. But very nearly. I look forward to 2014 maybe.
Gargamoth
If I had the license for one, I'd love to own the street fighter, cool looking bike. how far can it go on one charge?
Mzungu_Mkubwa
I'm still waiting for styling/packaging that sells, here, folks. Do they have anyone doing any market research down there at Zero? Have they taken any time to look at sales reports for the various motorcycle categories in the States or other major markets? When are they gonna break out of the SuperMoto mold? Where's the cool modern-retro cafe bike that the hipsters crave? Where's the badass chopper knockoff that the biker gang wannabes lust for? Oh, and what about stepping it up a notch and working up a recumbent tilting reverse-trike design with some high-tech flair? Just sayin'... there are other selling points here than just eco-green, guys!
Jim Bowman
No doubt these bikes fit my riding profile if not my price range and other than the prohibative cost I love the designs. 95mph and 120 miles is more of both than I need add to that 1 hour charge times. My advice is figure how to lower the price and you will start seeing these on the road.
innet57
Given that I'm 55 and my regular rides are 4 - 500km and often overnight camping in the bush without a power source, then 4 - 500km home I doubt that I'll ever be riding an electric bike.
You can use long range tanks and carry extra fuel on your rear carry rack, but how do you carry extra batteries and then go through the hassle of fitting them. I appreciate the technology, but it's never going to meet my needs unless I live to over 80 and I have some doubts that I'll still be riding at that point.
Pretty much a useless invention for me.
Heather Bowman
This isn't a bike for long range exploring they are for practical commuting or local rides up to 100 miles or more if you have a charging station and eat stop together. I love the looks myself and the only down side is the price as 95mph is fast enough for most riders and probably a good idea for the others. I would be willing to pay a premium but not double or even triple.
RJonson
Gargamoth you mentioned the bike does not have the range you wish (at least 200km). But on their website they mention the longest range they can achieve is 137 miles which translates to 220km.