Zero adds to its 2011 lineup by one, bringing a street version of its off-road bike that features a removable battery pack and quick-charging option.
Zero Motorcycles upped its 2011 model line to five with the recent announcement of its street-legal Zero XU. The Santa Cruz-based company pitches its new rides as “the ultimate urban-crosser.” Based off Zero’s off-road X model, the XU features a lowered seat height, removable battery and optional quick-charger system.
Available on Zero’s entire 2011 line, including the updated street-legal DS and S models, the quick-charge feature claims to cut charge time in half. On the Zero XU that equates to one hour for a 90% charge of the 2kWh battery, with 1.2 hours for 100% recharge.
The Z-Force powertrain on the XU sticks with the X model, sourcing an air-cooled DC motor (the 2011 DS and S models make use of a more powerful Agni motor). The XU does use a smaller rear sprocket (61T to 71T) on it single gear chain final drive. The XU and X model’s chain drives are notable as the other street-legal Zeros swapped to belt drives for 2011.
The limiting factor of the Zero XU remains the constant Achilles heel(s) of electric units: low range (30 miles) and low top speed (51 mph). Those numbers place the XU well below the performance capabilities of its DS and S siblings. And those XU range and top speed stats are spec sheet claims, which in our experience with electric rides have proven manically optimistic. That said, the removable battery of the XU presents some intriguing new options for an electric mount.
The Z-Force lithium-ion battery packs on the Zero XU are compatible with its sibling X and MX models.
Interchangeable with the Zero X and Zero MX dirt bikes, the Z-Force lithium-ion battery pack assists riders living in dense urban areas without easy access to street-level plugs or garages. Users can disconnect the battery pack and hump it up to an apartment or office to plug into a separate charger (included in the quick-charge option purchase). Riders can also extend range with a second-battery pack, swapping depleted batteries as needed.
This fast-swap technology debuted with the Zero X, but is a first for street-legal production electric motorcycles. While the expense of an extra battery may daunt commuters (though purchase of a second battery pack is required to be eligible for Federal tax credit), it broadens the appeal for applications of the Zero as a fleet vehicle – the Zero already being tapped out by some police forces. There are even more creative options for
electric rides as urban delivery vehicles…
"the removable battery of the XU presents some intriguing new options for an electric mount"
While the XU is based off the X model, confusingly there is also a street-legal version of the Zero X. However, the XU makes more substantial changes from the X base in its rolling chassis, with alterations to suspension, tires and steering geometry.
It's not surprising that the Bay Area features prominently in Zero press photos, it's a short trek up the coast from the company's Santa Cruz headquarters and cities like San Francisco figure to be the ideal habitat for electric rides like the new XU.
The eight plus inches of suspension travel on the X are hacked down to 5.3 up front and 5.5 out back. The XU also lops 1.5 inches off the X’s seat height at 31.8, with an accessory low seat option dropping it further to 29.8 inches. Dirt bike diameter 19-inch front and 16-inch wheel sizes remain, though adorned with tires sporting a more street-friendly profile. Steering geometry is revised as well, with a 0.7-degree steeper rake (24.2 degrees) and inch-shorter wheelbase (54.3 inches). The XU also bumps up curb weight by 33 pounds, though it still tips the scales at a ridiculously low 218 pounds.
The Zero XU is priced at $7995 (identical to the MSRP of the first-generation Brammo Enertia) and comes with a two-year warranty. The XU is also available for a Federal tax credit if purchased with a second power pack (Zero notes the bike can be purchased online now to qualify for the Fed kickback, in case the rebate goes away with the current budget slashing measures). Various states offer incentives as well. Zero plans on shipping orders beginning in Mid-March.
“We’re excited to announce our fifth model for 2011. The Zero XU is ideal for those living and working in a city,” said Zero’s CEO, Gene Banman, in a company press announcement. “With no shifting, quiet operation, comfortable ergonomics and optional onboard storage, riders of all experience levels are able to focus on simply enjoying the ride. Add to that the ability to remove the power pack and the Zero XU becomes the ultimate urban crosser.”
Stay tuned for a first ride evaluation of the 2011 Zero Motorcycle line later this month.
