From Zero to hero: Riding the blazingly quick, electric Zero Motorcycles

The first time Zero Motorcycles stopped by our headquarters four years ago, we were intrigued by the promise of electric motorcycles, but our team felt they needed more work. Fast forward a few years, and the new line from Zero comes across as mature and well thought out.

Staff riding enthusiasts sampled several motorcycles, including the entry-level XU, Zero S street fighter, Zero DS dual sport, and Zero FX stealth fighter.

As Consumer Reports engineer Marc McEntee put it, "The new models are not evolutionary, but revolutionary. They are real motorcycles with electric motors. They accelerate, brake, and feel like the real thing." Indeed, this impression was shared by the several staffers who rode the bikes.

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In the time since we last met, Zero gathered motorcycle industry veterans to develop three fresh product lines with increased range and performance. About the only thing that looked familiar on their second visit was the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van carrying the bikes.

The new lineup has all the virtues of those early bikes, but with beefed up components, a powerful new motor, and the appearance of "real" motorcycles. They're still new-rider friendly, with relatively light weight and shiftless electric drive. Being virtually maintenance free remains a real attraction.

Our riders universally commented on the ease of use. With no need to shift, there are fewer controls to operate than with a traditional motorcycle. Simply twist the throttle and go. In "Eco" mode, regenerative braking causes rapid deceleration when the throttle is eased, described by one editor as "touchy," allowing the brakes to capture kinetic energy to replenish the battery. We wish the bikes had antilock brakes, especially as they have unique appeal to less-experienced riders. A company official explained that antilock systems were simply cost prohibitive at the current sales volume of about 1,500 units a year. However, due to coming overseas regulations, Zero plans to have ABS by 2016. (See our guide to the 2013 motorcycles and scooters with ABS.)

The electric powertrain gives the bikes unique appeal. Senior Associate Editor Eric Evarts noted that the Zeroes are "really easy to ride, with effortless and silent acceleration."

Senior Auto Test Engineer Gabe Shenhar said, "I thought I might miss the tingle and sound of a real motorcycle, but the lack of vibration throughout your body is a breath of fresh air."

Range varies significantly by model, battery set-up, and of course, how you ride. With just one battery, the $7,995 XU has a claimed urban range of 38 miles. Add a second battery and the range extends to 76 miles city. On the highway at 55 mph, Zero claims a 48 mile range. At 70 mph, that drops to 35 miles. This small bike, with a feather-like 260-lb. curb weight, has the unique benefit of removable batteries; this can be a boon for city dwellers that may want to tote a battery into an apartment to recharge. Depending on the bike and battery pack, Zero touts that the lithium-ion batteries are engineered to last 87,000 to over 300,000 miles--further than many motorcycle owners may ride in a lifetime.