The Electric Motorcyce Zero DS Hits the Street or the Dirt Near You



Zero DS Electric Motorcycle in Action

Zero DS Electric Motorcycle in Action

The Zero DS combines innovation with passion to deliver the world’s most versatile electric motorcycle. Designed to be agile in the dirt and quick on the street, the Zero DS represents a new kind of freedom.

Bypass the ordinary. Blast down a gravel road or a dusty trail. When you’re ready, silently pass from the sublime to the civilized as you arrive at your destination. The Zero DS is tough when you demand it and distinguished when required. Its edgy, yet sophisticated, appearance is highlighted by an eye catching twin spar frame that is both rigid and lightweight.

Powered by the most advanced drive train in the industry, the Zero DS is a fully electric motorcycle that can handle any surface you can throw at it. Navigating obstacles and maintaining control is accomplished using a specially developed suspension system and a rugged wheel set. During technical maneuvers an optimized direct drive gear system delivers astonishing responsiveness with the twist of your wrist.

Frame / Bodywork

Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight and rigid twin spar frame. One look at the frame and it speaks for itself. It is aggressive, strong and one of the main reasons that the motorcycle can aggressively take on the street or dirt. Designed to have a low center of gravity, the Zero DS is highly maneuverable and responsive. The body is completed using custom injected molded plastics to give it aerodynamics and aggressive supermoto styling.

  • Frame and bodywork designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles
  • Extremely rigid and lightweight twin spar aircraft grade aluminum frame
  • Custom injected molded plastics for aggressive styling and aerodynamics
  • Designed to have a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness
Power Pack / Electronics

Zero DS Electric Motorcycle

Zero DS Electric Motorcycle

Years of development and proprietary Z-Force™ technology make the Zero DS a leader in acceleration, range and longevity. Using an advanced monitoring system, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled during charge and discharge. The onboard charger integrates into this system and uses a specially developed charge profile to optimize the power pack’s recharge time. Using isolated power systems the Zero DS uses a standard 12 volt current to run the dash, lighting and other on board accessories.

  • Proprietary Z-Force™ power pack for increased acceleration and range
  • Redundant safety features to accommodate extreme conditions
  • Isolated power systems and 12 volt system for running accessories
  • Onboard charger that uses a specially developed charge profile
  • Keyed ignition tied to a solenoid switch for a safe and instant power up
Wheels and Brakes

The Zero DS wheels are engineered to minimize unsprung weight and reduce rotating mass. Designed specifically for the Zero DS, the lightweight construction includes custom hubs, spokes, and rotors. To maximize overall wheel strength the hub is configured to use straight pull spokes. The resulting wheel is lighter, stronger and more responsive.

  • Specially developed high performance wheel set
  • Aggressive profile dual sport tires
  • Custom designed hubs for reduced weight and maximum wheel strength
  • High strength/lightweight straight pull spokes
  • ‘Shark tooth’ brake rotors for increased heat dissipation
  • Full float calipers
  • Custom foot actuated rear and hand actuated front brake
Suspension

The suspension on the Zero DS was developed by Zero to take advantage of the motorcycles’ lightweight design. Its inverted front fork is among the lightest in the industry and can be externally adjusted to dial in compression and rebound damping. A rigid double diamond rear swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping. The suspension is carefully tuned to absorb bumps both on and off-road.

  • Inverted front fork to reduce unsprung weight
  • Fully adjustable rebound and compression damping on the front
  • Custom rear shock with adjustable spring preload and damping
  • Unique double diamond aircraft grade aluminum rear swingarm for reduced weight and increased torsional rigidity
Dash / Lights:

The dash is designed by Zero to quickly and accurately provide information on speed, charge and motor temperature. In the evening the dash lights up with the flip of a switch and is accompanied by a high intensity headlight.

  • Digital and analog speed display
  • Motor temperature sensor
Gearing

A clutchless one speed, the Zero DS is geared for rapid acceleration and increased efficiency. Using a direct chain drive and hardened alloy sprockets the Zero D S is able to achieve minimal frictional loss. This increases the overall range and channels power into speed. The result is a motorcycle that is quick and responsive on any surface.

  • Clutchless one speed
  • Geared for rapid acceleration and maximum efficiency

Zero DS Specifications

Motor
TypeBrushed permanent magnet electric
Top Speed55mph (90 kph)
Power System
TypePatent-pending lithium ion array
Capacity4 kWh (58volts @ 70Ah)
RangeUp to 50 miles (80 km)*
Recharge timeLess than 4 hours
InputStandard 110V or 220V
Drive Train
TransmissionClutchless one speed
Drive system17T / 61T, 420 Chain
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front Suspension Travel10 inches (254 mm)
Rear Suspension Travel9 inches (229 mm)
Front Brakes2 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated
Rear Brakes1 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Foot Actuated
Front Tire3.25-17
Rear Tire110/90-16
Front Wheel17 x 2.15
Rear Wheel16 x 3.0
Dimensions
Wheel base56.75 inches (142.9 cm)
Seat height35.5 inches (90.2 cm)
Head angle26 degrees from vertical with 10 inch fork
Trail3.26 inches (82.8 mm)
Steering Angle+35 Degrees, -35 Degrees
Weight
Frame29 pounds (13.2 kg)
Power Pack80 pounds (36.3 kg)
Total weight270 pounds (122.5 kg)
Economy
Typical cost to rechargeLess than $.01 per mile or kilometer

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