Testing the Zero SR/S: This electric motorbike is awesome!


Electromobility has long since shed the stench of the boring eco-movement. When it comes to cars, Tesla in particular has taken on this job. But there is another company based in California whose two-wheelers have been rapidly cultivating the image of e-motorcycles in Europe since 2009: Zero Motorcycles. After the Zero DS, the Enduro Zero DSR Black Forest Edition and the naked Zero SR/F, Zero 2020 brought the Zero SR/S to the editors in chic blue. Departure!

A matter of taste: We think the bronze-colored rims harmonize well with blue.

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: Handlebars

The Zero SR/S offers a clear workplace. In the beginning you just have to pay attention to the distinction of the turn signal lever and the menu navigation (directly above).

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: LED light

The LED light has a modern signature.

Zero SR/S: Power up!

The acceleration of electric vehicles such as the Audi RS e-tron GT is only partially comparable with that of conventional combustion engines. There’s no RPM that drivers need to hit, no turbo that needs to puff up, no clutch that needs to engage. In the time it takes you to read “Zero Motorcycles SR/S,” the bike beams up to country road speed, sounding like a runaway cathedral ride. This slingshot is always tense – stationary, at 20 or 50 km/h. On paper it’s ‘only’ 110 hp maximum output, but what the 190 Nm of torque can do commands respect even from experienced motorcyclists. No wonder: conventional bikes rarely exceed 120 Nm. With a pull of the throttle you can easily get rid of an inattentive passenger. Maybe you know that stupid Tesla laugh from countless YouTube videos? Then you have an idea of ​​what’s going on under the helmet when the air-cooled AC motor starts its high-pitched S-Bahn song. At 160 km/h the vehemence decreases a bit. Eating on the freeway at the stated top speed of 200 km/h is not one of the SR/S’ main disciplines. The engine delivers ‘only’ 54 hp over the long term, which is enough for an “average top speed” of 177 km/h.
Zero SR/S: brake disc

Brake disc on this side, direct belt drive on the other side.

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.

Zero SR/S: speedometer

Despite dust and scratches: the speedometer is always easy to read and clearly shows the battery capacity, distance traveled and remaining range. At the start, only the engine temperature was not plausible.

cost and loading

Apart from the purchase (from 22,190 euros) you are very cheap with the Zero SR/S. 100 km cause 2 to 3 euros in electricity costs. Don’t be afraid of oil changes and expensive inspections. The standard version charges with up to 3 kW at the household socket; an empty battery is charged in 4.5 hours. The premium version (from 24,460 euros) charges with up to 6 kW and then takes 2.5 hours. For both models, there is a fast charging option with an additional 6 kW for a whopping 2,975 euros. In this case, however, you need a wall box or a type 2 charging station. With 9 kW, the standard model takes 1.8 hours – the premium version with 12 kW requires 1.5 hours. However, the battery is always 95 percent 30 minutes beforehand. Aside from charging faster, the premium model features heated handlebars and aluminum grip ends. Zero gives a five-year unlimited mileage warranty on the battery.
Rear of the Zero SR/S

There is no hitch for this Dutchman, not even a hitch.

equipment and app

Zero SR/S: App

The battery charge can only be read in the app during the charging process. Otherwise, adjust the speedometer display (dashboard) and the driving profiles or record tours.

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.

Zero SR/S on the road

She brings strength, love comes by itself, prudence should already be there.

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.



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