For the past three years, Zero Motorcycles been adding greater range and more power to its motorcycles. This year it decided to upgrade other important parts of the bikes, while continuing to extend range as well.
Racing a looming deadline that all motorcycles sold in Europe must have ABS by 2016, Zero met the standard one year early.
Its previous suspension system, meanwhile, was the main area that many reviewers agreed was underwhelming. Early reviews of the new Showa suspension fitted to 2015 models gives it high marks.
Some of the most important changes came behind the scenes and under the fairings.
With no major overhaul to the motor, Zero worked on perfecting its production processes and simplified some of the installation procedures to save time at dealers.
While that kind of change isn't as sexy as squeezing out a few more horsepower, it is a crucial step to improved quality.
Zero also has more than doubled its revenues since last year, demonstrating that offering a varied range of motorcycles for different riders is paying dividends.
And staying with the same frame allows many of the upgrades fitted to last year's models to be swapped into the new bikes. For example, if you have a 2014 Zero S or SR with a power tank and want to use that power tank on a 2015 Zero SR, you can easily have it swapped out.
On the software side, the Zero Motorcycles app allows the rider to customize the power and regenerative braking settings, as well as providing information state of charge, speed and energy use.
The standard charging system is a 1.3kW onboard charger that will completely recharge the bike in 6 to 8 hours, depending on battery size. Many users will never need a full charge, unless they have a particularly long riding day.
Zero plans to ship the first 2015 bikes to U.S. dealerships in December; they will be available in Europe in the early spring of 2015.
Highlights
More range - Zero improved the energy density of their battery packs, which means a 10% increase in range for the Zero SR, S, and DS. This adds approximately 10 miles of range to each model.
New suspension - Zero worked with Showa Corporation to design a high quality suspension that is fully adjustable, including fully adjustable spring preload, compression, and rebound for both front and rear suspension. Showa is known for being the OEM suspension supplier for Honda motorcycles.
Anti-Lock Brakes - Advanced Bosch ABS is now standard on every model. Any company that wants to sell motorcycles in Europe in 2016 must have Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) installed on their bikes. Zero wisely got a year's head start on this by putting ABS on all of their motorcycles in 2015.
Tires - The SR gets track ready Pirelli Diablo Rossa II tires for extra grip in fast corners. The S gets upgraded significantly with Pirelli Sport Demon tires. The DS is fitted with Pirelli MT-60 endure tires for both street and off-road riding.
Price - With this many upgrades we would expect the price to take a significant jump, but the cost of the motorcycles has barely moved. Thanks to some behind-the-scenes work to improve their manufacturing processes, the prices have only increased by $300-$350 for each model.
2015 Zero SR - After receiving a variety of accolades last year, the SR continues to lead the pack. The SR was designed to be a true race bike and this year it gets the suspension and tires to match its raw power. The Showa suspension gives this ride the feeling it deserves and the rider can adjust it for the track or street riding.
The SR is now equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rossa II tires, the same tires as a Ducati Monster. With a pair of these treads riders are now ready to rip through corners at the track.
The additional battery density lifts the battery pack of the SR from 11.4kWh to 12.5kWh, and with the power tank it goes from 14.2kWh to 15.3kWh. This gives the SR a range of 151 miles or 185 miles with the power tank.
The power output is the same as last year at 106ft-lbs of torque and 67hp, giving it a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds. The bike maintained its weight at 408lbs and increased the carrying capacity by 10 lbs to 367lbs.
New mirrors, grips, seat cast alloy wheels and a new throttle round out the improvements, giving riders a more comfortable and stylish ride. Also the color red is deeper and noticeably different from last year's color.
Zero SR 12.5 price: $17,345
2015 Zero S - The Zero S maintains the solid power train and performance it had last year, but gets an additional boost in range. The seat is redesigned for added comfort and the more comfortable grips, new mirrors and new throttle will make riding a more enjoyable experience.
Tires have been upgraded for better traction with Pirelli Sport Demon tires. The upgraded Showa suspension smoothes out the ride and the ABS give the rider greater safety and control when stopping, especially in slippery conditions.
With 68ft-lbs of torque and 54hp, this is a bike that gives the bike strong performance and control both in the city land in highway use.
The larger 12.5kWh battery paired with the power tank holds 15.3kWh of energy, good for 185 miles in the city, 115 miles at 55mph or 94 miles at 70 mph.
Zero S 9.4 price: $13.345
2015 Zero DS - The dual sport bike uses the same frame and also is upgraded with fully adjustable Showa suspension and Pirelli MT-60 Enduro tires. The ABS can be turned off when taking the bike off road for more predictable braking.
The range of the DS has always been slightly less than the SR and S, but it also gets a 10% improvement up to 170 miles in the city.
Zero DS 9.4 price: $13,345
2015 Zero FX - The highly praised Zero FX has been a favorite of bikers who want a lightweight bike to take the a Moto GP track or off road.
Weighing only 240lbs, the motor generates 70ft-lbs of torque making this bike a lot of fun. New suspension and the ability to switch the ABS off make this bike even more attractive.
The wheels are outfitted with Pirelli Scorpion MT-9 tires, suitable for both on or off-road adventures.
The swappable batteries continue to have the same amount of charge and the FX is offered with a 2.8kWh battery or 2 batteries that give you 5.7kWh of charge good for 70 miles of riding in the city. Of course, the FX will also get new mirrors, grips and throttle.
Zero FX 2.8 price: $9,845
2015 Zero Police & Security Vehicles - Police and campus security departments can now choose to outfit a Zero S, DS or FX as a security vehicle. The FX offering as a security vehicle is brand new this year.
The bikes have the same features as the publicly offered vehicles, and can be outfitted with police lights, siren, rear racks, and headlight/tail light cut switches.
omestic and worldwide police forces have been adopting electric motorcycles in part because they are easier to maintain, and also because their quiet operation provides many benefits.
2015 Zero MMX, Military Motorcycle - Zero continues to offer an electric motorcycle designed for military uses with swappable batteries. The lightweight bike can be outfitted with military switchgear such as keyless ignition, headlight safety override, reserve and infrared front & rear lights. They can also be outfitted with more aggressive foot pegs, onboard or off board chargers, and the ability to operate while submerged in 1m of water.
