I don’t know if you are interested, but I always wanted an Aerocycle, made by Dutch vehicle designer Allert Jacobs in 2009. Popular Science featured him in an article in 2012. Motorcycles have terrible aerodynamics compared to cars, the fiberglass shell surrounding the bike reduces the drag to low levels, he doubled the range of his Honda Innova 125i, to a whopping 214mpg up from standard 114mpg. That could make electric motorcycles have terrific range.
Keep up the good job giving great reviews. I have ADHD so I get impatient quick when people trip over their words and say a lot without saying what's important. I can listen to you easily.
Now that's a proper review. As an owner of an SRF I'm always on the lookout for things people overlook test riding. But you nailed it 👌 I still prefer my Energica though 🤫
This bike is fun and fast. I owned one, I sold it because the range in the real World was 60 miles on a full charge at 70 miles. If you want it for short commute to work and back you will like it. Don’t buy it to take trips because it just don’t have the range if driven on the freeway. This is my experience with this bike. Mine was a 2020 SRS.
I have my SRS now for three months and I can agree about the range. My office is 95 kilometer single trip. In summer I can do it , even with wind in front, with riding 110km an hour. I’m very afraid for winter. Somebody knows reduction of range with 5 degrees Celsius?
I owned a 2014 SR with extra range tank and hated it. Range was never what was advertised, the battery stopped charging past 88% after the dealer botched a firmware update, and with that decreased range I could barely make it to the dealer and back home. The motor overheated on the highway when you had to maintain 80 mph to keep up with traffic. My short trip back from the dealer where the range reported 112 miles remaining on country roads lead me to stop and beg for a plug at a gas station just after 35 miles of 55 mph riding. The belt made strange noises in the rain, and I could not get rid of it fast enough. I want to love electric motorcycles, but for me the tech is not ready. It feels like Tesla, made only for the SoCal lifestyle. Weather, high speeds, and 25+ mile commutes and 40+ miles trips to the dealer make this a non-starter. The limited aftermarket and insane prices on parts and accessories only available second hand or at a Zero dealer also make this even a higher cost option used or new. I’m back on an ICE 2020 Super Tenere and could not be happier. I’d like to see just ONE negative review mirroring my experience that talks about the reality of owning this beyond just the high price drawback.
Those aren't problems with electric bikes as a concept, just the sort of issues that plague early adopters. They have to start somewhere though. I'd like to think that nearly 10 years later they improved some things.
Nice review. I think "It's not a cheap experience but it's better." sums it up well. I hope that some big companies (Yamaha, Honda, etc) get in the game soon and drive the cost down. For me, I might consider this bike at around $12-13k. In the meantime I'll just buy a dual motor beast ebike for under $3k.
Living in south Florida, I can never understand how riders tolerate the heat and humidity, especially if they are in full leathers. While it is not the same experience, I love the enjoyment I get out of my e-bike, and for actual driving, a convertible is the more comfortable option for me. Having said all that, I really want an electric motorcycle. I can only imaging how much fun the instant torque is on one.
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years; sure wish I had the time and money to buy and use an eBike. Fantasy aside, if it was reasonable I’d certainly rent one for a day, or a week . . . or a season. Unfortunately, that too appears to be a fantasy.
The CSC City Slicker is a pretty good cheap option to test the waters. It’s limited in speed and range, hence the City Slicker name… it’s mostly meant for shorter rides and lower speeds, but zipping around at 45mph in full electric is still plenty fun and affordable enough to get started and see if investing in electric is what you want. Electric motorcycles have a different feel and weight balance, they ride a bit different and are much heavier than any comparable bike it’s size and class… but I think the benefits are worth it! I rode a city slicker but don’t own one, but I’m heavily considering it since I just moved to a city with a much better fit for the bike. Lost of small roads and 35mph zones..
I just wish the major motorcycle manufacturers like Suzuki and Yamaha makes electric versions of theirs flagship models... Like an electric V-Strom or an electric MT-10.
I'm a lover of sport bikes think this is the most important product of Zero but unfortunately after all the bad customer service that they have shown with several people (like Newzeroland, Nozaki Miller and Zero fun), I think they have screwed their own reputation big time. I would prefer an Energica always over a Zero...
11-20-2021 - - - I'm 76 years old and have never owned a motorcycle. I've been thinking about a Zero for some time now.. Are there any reviews with "sound" so I can know what riding one of these actually sounds like? I'm not up to spending $20K on a bike but the $9K sounds more reasonable. Also, there are no dealerships in the Lansing, MI. area so don't know where to go to see one of these without a "day trip" to some place far away. Any suggestions?
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years; sure wish I had the time and money to buy and use an eBike. Fantasy aside, if it was reasonable I’d certainly rent one for a day, or a week . . . or a season. Unfortunately, that too appears to be a fantasy.
i can only think of one flaw with an E-bike, Motorcyles are loud so they can be seen due to their smaller size and less safe rider experience. These things are dead quiet, you would never hear it coming or know it was there.
You are correct, they are also physically smaller and I had many a near-miss when I owned a Zero-SR. The other issue is they have skinny tires and during heavy rain they will squirrel all over the world. I made another comment above that these are suited for California where you rarely go over 50 mph due to traffic and twisty roads and will barely deal with weather.
I don’t know if you are interested, but I always wanted an Aerocycle, made by Dutch vehicle designer Allert Jacobs in 2009. Popular Science featured him in an article in 2012.
Motorcycles have terrible aerodynamics compared to cars, the fiberglass shell surrounding the bike reduces the drag to low levels, he doubled the range of his Honda Innova 125i, to a whopping 214mpg up from standard 114mpg. That could make electric motorcycles have terrific range.
Keep up the good job giving great reviews. I have ADHD so I get impatient quick when people trip over their words and say a lot without saying what's important. I can listen to you easily.
Now that's a proper review. As an owner of an SRF I'm always on the lookout for things people overlook test riding. But you nailed it 👌 I still prefer my Energica though 🤫
I'm looking to buy an electric motorcycle to replace my Shadow 800. Why do you like the Energica more if I might ask? Thanks.
This bike is fun and fast. I owned one, I sold it because the range in the real
World was 60 miles on a full charge at 70 miles. If you want it for short commute to work and back you will like it. Don’t buy it to take trips because it just don’t have the range if driven on the freeway. This is my experience with this bike. Mine was a 2020 SRS.
I have my SRS now for three months and I can agree about the range. My office is 95 kilometer single trip. In summer I can do it , even with wind in front, with riding 110km an hour. I’m very afraid for winter. Somebody knows reduction of range with 5 degrees Celsius?
On the homepage they say the 2024 model has a 171 miles in city environment, so an upgrade I guess
I owned a 2014 SR with extra range tank and hated it. Range was never what was advertised, the battery stopped charging past 88% after the dealer botched a firmware update, and with that decreased range I could barely make it to the dealer and back home. The motor overheated on the highway when you had to maintain 80 mph to keep up with traffic. My short trip back from the dealer where the range reported 112 miles remaining on country roads lead me to stop and beg for a plug at a gas station just after 35 miles of 55 mph riding. The belt made strange noises in the rain, and I could not get rid of it fast enough. I want to love electric motorcycles, but for me the tech is not ready. It feels like Tesla, made only for the SoCal lifestyle. Weather, high speeds, and 25+ mile commutes and 40+ miles trips to the dealer make this a non-starter. The limited aftermarket and insane prices on parts and accessories only available second hand or at a Zero dealer also make this even a higher cost option used or new. I’m back on an ICE 2020 Super Tenere and could not be happier. I’d like to see just ONE negative review mirroring my experience that talks about the reality of owning this beyond just the high price drawback.
Nope, you just got unlucky.
Those aren't problems with electric bikes as a concept, just the sort of issues that plague early adopters. They have to start somewhere though. I'd like to think that nearly 10 years later they improved some things.
I have this exact one, I am infatuated with it! Best purchase I’ve ever done
Great video!
We need more of these Electric Motorcycle reviews! 🤞🤞
Nice review. I think "It's not a cheap experience but it's better." sums it up well.
I hope that some big companies (Yamaha, Honda, etc) get in the game soon and drive the cost down. For me, I might consider this bike at around $12-13k. In the meantime I'll just buy a dual motor beast ebike for under $3k.
Love em dual motor beasts!
Living in south Florida, I can never understand how riders tolerate the heat and humidity, especially if they are in full leathers. While it is not the same experience, I love the enjoyment I get out of my e-bike, and for actual driving, a convertible is the more comfortable option for me.
Having said all that, I really want an electric motorcycle. I can only imaging how much fun the instant torque is on one.
Does the motorcycle have a speed limiter so you don't go fast enough to run out of juice fast?
Must visit Vegas sometime...
These are the early days, just wait until all the usual suspects start making electric motorcycles. Exciting, and cheaper, days are coming.
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years; sure wish I had the time and money to buy and use an eBike. Fantasy aside, if it was reasonable I’d certainly rent one for a day, or a week . . . or a season. Unfortunately, that too appears to be a fantasy.
The CSC City Slicker is a pretty good cheap option to test the waters.
It’s limited in speed and range, hence the City Slicker name… it’s mostly meant for shorter rides and lower speeds, but zipping around at 45mph in full electric is still plenty fun and affordable enough to get started and see if investing in electric is what you want. Electric motorcycles have a different feel and weight balance, they ride a bit different and are much heavier than any comparable bike it’s size and class… but I think the benefits are worth it!
I rode a city slicker but don’t own one, but I’m heavily considering it since I just moved to a city with a much better fit for the bike. Lost of small roads and 35mph zones..
I have a 2020 evoke urban classic here in Socal if you guys would like to review it
Would love to! I haven't had a chance to try an Evoke yet, unfortunately
Fairings on a bike that cannot do a small roadtrip decently... 😭
What are you talking about? 20K ain't much for this level of EV Bike. People buy Teslas for 65K a pop like hotcakes. Why not pay 20K for this?
Any brand new 1000cc bike will cost $2-3k less, will go 180mph, plus all day riding.
I just wish the major motorcycle manufacturers like Suzuki and Yamaha makes electric versions of theirs flagship models... Like an electric V-Strom or an electric MT-10.
I'm a lover of sport bikes think this is the most important product of Zero but unfortunately after all the bad customer service that they have shown with several people (like Newzeroland, Nozaki Miller and Zero fun), I think they have screwed their own reputation big time. I would prefer an Energica always over a Zero...
11-20-2021 - - - I'm 76 years old and have never owned a motorcycle. I've been thinking about a Zero for some time now.. Are there any reviews with "sound" so I can know what riding one of these actually sounds like? I'm not up to spending $20K on a bike but the $9K sounds more reasonable. Also, there are no dealerships in the Lansing, MI. area so don't know where to go to see one of these without a "day trip" to some place far away. Any suggestions?
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years; sure wish I had the time and money to buy and use an eBike. Fantasy aside, if it was reasonable I’d certainly rent one for a day, or a week . . . or a season. Unfortunately, that too appears to be a fantasy.
Vegas motel bed 😂
Nice! I did a short test ride of the SRF. It was good but now I really want to ride the SRS!
Why is there a urine sample cup attached to the handlebars?
The experience is second to none? Not Livewire, not Energica?
Do you have to shift on this bike. I dont have function of my ankle to shift a regular bike.
No you dont
No DC charging = no longer rides
Great review man, I totally agree on the peaceful ride experience.
Riding an electric motorcycle now days and it really is something different
Looks like hyw 9 great road
Me too
I totally agree with you
But will it wheelie?
i can only think of one flaw with an E-bike, Motorcyles are loud so they can be seen due to their smaller size and less safe rider experience. These things are dead quiet, you would never hear it coming or know it was there.
You are correct, they are also physically smaller and I had many a near-miss when I owned a Zero-SR. The other issue is they have skinny tires and during heavy rain they will squirrel all over the world. I made another comment above that these are suited for California where you rarely go over 50 mph due to traffic and twisty roads and will barely deal with weather.
Come on at the low in $20,000 at the high in 24,000 that's crazy for that by the Harley-Davidson
ειναι κακασχημο
I stopped watching when you said the price.