Zero SR/S in practice test
The SR/S is the disguised version of the SR/F. The footpegs are slightly lower, the handlebars are slightly higher. So you sit a little more upright. At faster speeds, the fairing is said to be 13 percent more efficient than the SR/F. The SR/S sees itself as a sporty tourer. A look at the data sheet only reveals half the truth: because neither 110 hp (82 kilowatt hours/kW) nor a range of 251 km correspond entirely to practice. The hard reality, on the other hand, is the price: the fun costs at least 22,190 euros. With “Power Tank” and all charging options you approach 29,000 euros.
Zero SR/S: Easy riding
We start in the energy-saving Eco mode. You immediately notice how handy the Zero is and how easy it is to drive. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery with 14.4 kWh, the center of gravity is pleasantly low. The approximately 230 kg of the SR/S willingly lean into corners, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso III – with a width of 120 on the front axle and 180 on the rear axle – give the driver an exact image of the road. The Showa upside-down forks are stiff without demonstrating excessive harshness. There is no clutch lever, so no clutch or gearbox. The direct drive implements the commands of the gas… sorry, power handle immediately. The Z-Force engine revs up with a slight whirring sound, free of vibration. The draft is already great in Eco mode. Seating position, controllability, view of the rear-view mirror attached to the fairing: everything is just right. You don’t have to warm up the Zero, Hamburg is behind us and the driver is now up to operating temperature. time for some fun
Zero SR/S: Power up!
Zero SR/S: Range
Zero specifies a range of 251 km in urban traffic for the basic version with 14.4 kWh, while the premium edition is said to have a range of 272 km. With the Extended Range Cypher Upgrade (17.3 kWh) and the Power Tank, the capacity increases to a total of 20.9 kWh. This means that the range at 118 km/h is 182 km on the motorway and 365 km in city traffic. Optimistic values for which you have to roll around very cautiously. If you often accelerate or drive faster, you can halve it effortlessly and have fun. Zero speaks of 153 km at a constant 89 km/h and 124 km at a constant 113 km/h in the basic version. In the test, we had a range of around 140 km on fast cross-country trips without recuperation. With restrained driving and many speed restrictions below 100 km/h, we covered almost 170 km with occasional fun. If you drive sparingly, the on-board computer acknowledges a courageous grip on the gas with a range of 3 km less.
cost and loading
equipment and app
The SR/S leaves nothing to be desired. It has traction control, ABS and chic LED lighting. Only the turn signals are a bit old-fashioned. The color display is always easy to read. Arrange the display of range, consumption and temperatures on the dashboard as you wish. The data is clearly prepared. Only when the chapel is full does the digital speedometer not quite keep up with displaying the speed as quickly as it increases (see video). Various driving modes can be selected via the menu. In the app, you can also put together your own profiles in which you can specify power, torque and recuperation (energy recovery) when braking and releasing the accelerator. For us, the combination of full power and high recuperation worked best. You can also use the app to record trips and see the charge status when the motorcycle is plugged in.
Conclusion: Zero SR/S
Forget console, Netflix and internet, the Zero SR/S is one of the most effective ways to turn power into fun. Foolproof operation and outstanding drivability meet serious acceleration. With 14.4 kWh you can run an A++ fridge for 43 days – or drive 150 km with the Zero SR/S. Both are reasonable, after all, 100 km with the Zero SR/S only costs around 2 euros. Green electricity is good for the environment and, on top of that, you protect both the traffic area and the nerves of people who are troubled by noise. Only the price is unfortunately a bit off the beaten path.