As a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, I thought I would share my own experience going full electric.
I really liked the powertrain and the overall EV experience.
The time has now come to get rid of the remaining gas-powered car in our household.
I bought an electric motorcycle, namely a Zero SR 13 my 7th motorcycle since the age of 16.
This translates into 3.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Today, Zeros most powerful model, the SR/S delivers 110 hp and 190 Nm (229 kg).
The Zero SRF Motorcycle.
These values compare very favorably to those of gas-powered bikes.
The high performance Suzuki Hayabusa (1300 cc) only delivers 158 Nm (266 kg).
The German brands torquiest bike, the 6-cylinder K 1600, stands at 175 Nm.
Charging & range: Can e-motorcycles go the distance?
The Zero SR 13s reported range is 100 to 150 miles depending on riding conditions.
On the contrary, cruising on the freeway delivers the lowest range and is the most boring!
I have also experienced fewer than 100 miles when riding hard on twisty roads.
Zero offers an optional 6 kW onboard charger, enabling Level 2 charging.
In addition, energy cost for an e-motorcycle is a fraction of that of its gas equivalent.
A full charge costs me $1.50 (night rate: $0.12/kWh)!
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Yes, electric motorcycles are still more expensive upfront than their gas-powered siblings.
Zero e-motorcycles are connected
Zeros motorcycles are connected, to some extent just like my Tesla.
), monitor charging, and offer a separate, customizable instrument panel.
A burgeoning e-motorcycle ecosystem
Zero is not alone in offering e-motorcycles.
A number of startups have emerged with a purpose similar to Zeros.
They include US-basedLighting,Fuell, andVoltu Alta Motors went under not long after Harley Davidson invested in them.
In Europe, we haveEnergicaandTacitain Italy,Essencein France, andArcin the UK.
China is also in the race, withEvokeandSocco.
Nevertheless, Zero is the dominant player, in a sort of Tesla-like role.
How about the incumbents?
Harley-Davidson is probably the last one I would have expected to offer an e-motorcycle.
Yet, they and Austria-based KTM were the first and are the only ones to do so today.
Introduced in 2018, the LiveWire is not as convincing a product as its Zero equivalent.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire e-motorcycle.
BMW presented a concept in 2019, but have yet to announce a production e-bike.
I used to be petrol head the second car I bought was a Corvette.
And there is no going back!
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