Zero X
Zero X
ROUNDUP
QUICKRIDE
Ride off-road in silence
OFF-ROAD RIDING, especially in California, where the Cycle World editorial offices are located, is heavily regulated. Concerns stem from pollution (emissions and noise) to wildfire hazards from exhaust systems that are not equipped with spark arrestors. A nearly silent-running, emissions-free motorcycle that produces little residual heat, such as the all-electric Zero X, potentially minimizes these issues.
We first sampled the Zero X on an abbreviated version of Glen Helen Raceway's motocross track in San Bernardino, California. The first thing that we noticed is how responsive the X is to initial throttle opening; it's as instantaneous as an in dustrial power drill, perhaps too much so. It torques away from corners, chucking roost in its wake while providing enough drive to clear a 25foot table-top jump.
Re-entry wasn't as grace ful as takeoff. The moun tam-bike-derived White Brothers fork bottomed on landings, resulting in a loud cachanng' On the rest of the bumpy track, the Zero's lightly damped 8 inches of front and 9 inches of rear suspension travel provided adequate control. Dual-disc brakes are also mountain bike-sourced, with hydraulic four-piston calipers (the rear is actuated by a left-hand le ver located on the handlebar where a clutch lever would normally reside) providing decent stopping power.
The brushed, permanentmagnet Z-Force electric mo tor is rated at 23 horsepower. More importantly, it provides a claimed 50 foot-pounds of torque. Power comes from a single 45-pound lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via any 110or 220-volt outlet in less than two hours. A fully charged battery will provide 45 minutes of full-boogie riding, according to Zero. We actually found that the run-time claim is slightly conservative, but we don't recommend wandering too far from a spare, pre charged battery ($2950!). Otherwise, you'll be pushing the 151-pound machine back to your pickup.
Throttle response that was well-suited to wide-open track riding was too sensitive, on
tight off-road trails. With virtu ally no resistance at the hand grip, combined with instant power delivery, the throttle required smooth inputs.
Many of the Zero X's shortcomings-primarily attributed to its mountainbike-oriented componentsmay have been addressed on the company's three other more costly offerings. These include the Zero MX ($8250) and Zero DS (dual sport) and Zero S (supermo to); the latter two retail for $9950. All three machines have stouter forks, while the DS and S also feature more-powerftil, motorcycle-
like braking systems (with traditional, foot-operated rear-brake pedals). An added bonus is that the S and DS are street-legal and eligible for a 10 percent federal tax credit in addition to further credits offered by some indi vidual states.
At $7450, the X is Zero's least-expensive model. According to company officials, the X qualifies for year-round, green sticker status in California. Regulations in other states vary. Depending where you live, this light-duty dirtbike may be right for you. -Mark Cernicky
It torques away from crners, chucking roost in its wake while providing enough drive to clear a 25-foot tabletop jump."
