MCN : Zero reveal 2022 SR model plus lighter batteries and increased range

[weeksy]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new ... 2-zero-sr/



American electric bike specialists Zero have announced three updates to their line-up for 2022, revealing a new SR naked model, plus more efficient batteries, and the ability to purchase upgrades through your mobile phone.

Starting with the latest SR, the £15,790 (Government grant included) plug-in roadster shares the same look, ZF 75-10 motor and chassis components as the £19,490 SR/F naked however produces a more modest peak power of 74bhp, plus 122lb.ft of torque.

Down from 140lb.ft and 90bhp on the F, the new model is said to be rechargeable using public charging stations, thanks to its onboard 'Type 2' connector, with those wanting the ability to plug it into a wall socket needing to pay a little extra for an adapter.

Although a new model is exciting, range anxiety remains a big stumbling block for many used to petrol power. Zero are looking to change that though - promising up to 227 miles of city riding on a single charge on next year’s SR, SR/F and fully-faired SR/S.

Dropping to 113 miles at 70mph, all three bikes will come equipped with updated lithium-ion batteries, with the SR using the firm’s 14.4+kWh unit and the F receiving a new 15.6+kWh option. The SR/S can be equipped with either design.

Increasing capacity by up to 20%, shedding around 2.7kgs and no larger than the old 14.4kWh battery, both new systems can be further upgraded to a maximum of 17.3kWh. An optional Power Tank arriving in the first quarter of 2022 then boosts this to 20.9kWh of energy – allowing for claimed range figures of up to 227 miles mentioned above.

But how are the batteries upgraded to greater capacity? This is all done in Zero’s new 'Cypher Store' – a mobile app upgrade system that allows you to also purchase faster charging, extended range, speed and performance boosts, heated grips, satellite navigation and more.

Use of the store will also allow you to upgrade the performance of your SR to match the SR/F.

[Count Steer]

Got to laugh at the sales model. It's like buying a 4 bedroom house then having to pay extra to open 3 of the bedrooms and to turn the central heating on.

[Cousin Jack]

Makes sense, if all you want to do is posture in LA and wave your green credentials.

As a practical motorcycle it is pants.

[Scootabout]

Here's something I posted elsewhere a couple of days ago:

I bunch of us from one of my riding groups had the chance to test some electric motorcycles at Spark Motos on Saturday. There were a number of models on offer from Zero, Cake, Pursang, Energica. They ranged from a superbike, the Energica Eva Ribelle, down to the Cake OR, which looks like something from a Playmobil set and, according to my son, who tried it, rides like one.

Most people wanted to try the bigger bikes: the Energica and the larger Zeros. That's once they'd got over the rather exaggerated description from the company owner of the awesome power and how the slightest twist of the throttle will propel you through the nearest wall if you're not careful. Most came back impressed by the performance, but saying they didn't really like the lack of noise other than an electronic whine.

I had a go on the Zero FXE 7.2. I took it out for ten minutes mainly on dual carriageway with a couple of roundabouts, so not a full test ride, but I was very impressed. The acceleration was very strong, I was easily keeping up with traffic on the 50mph dual carriageway, and I was going to overtake then remembered I'd be paying any fines. It's very light at 133kg, handles well and has very good suspension. The throttle is silky smooth, and comes on - like all electric bikes - from zero rpm. I'd have been tempted to get the credit card out there and then, were it not for the two big disadvantages of all these bikes: purchase price, and range. The Zero costs £10,800, and has a range of 40-100 miles, depending on where/how you ride it. OK, you're only paying tuppence a mile for the 'fuel', so after a few years you'll break even if you ride it a lot. But will you ride it a lot with that range?

I test rode an electric bike back in 2006, a Vectrix maxi scoot. It was pretty good - very good, in fact. But the issues then were cost and range. It seems little has changed in 15 years. No doubt manufacturers will get there eventually, but I think they've been focusing on the wrong thing: performance, as opposed to range (and cost - although that will come with volume). I'll stick with ICE for a bit longer, I think.

[The Spin Doctor]

Got to laugh at the sales model. It's like buying a 4 bedroom house then having to pay extra to open 3 of the bedrooms and to turn the central heating on.

That was the point I was making on Elevenses on Sunday.

SO easy on modern bikes thought.