The Zero DSR/X is a crossover electric motorcycle with a number of good ideas and features. However, this adventure bike does have one weakness. Ride report, specs, prices.
- Proper handling
- Top equipped
- Very high price
The US manufacturer Zero, which specializes in electrically powered motorcycles, has introduced a crossover model : The DSR/X is primarily intended for use on paved roads, but thanks to its technical design, it can also handle off-road tracks.
102 hp engine with 185 km range
The key specs sound promising: With a usable capacity of 15.1 kWh (gross: 17.3 kWh), the battery is the largest Zero has developed to date. Combined with the electric motor (75 kW/102 hp, torque 225 Nm) and the operating system, the system is good for a standard range of 185 kilometers. Charging time from zero to 95 percent is two hours at a charging station and ten hours at a household outlet.
For an additional charge, the integrated 6.6 kW charger can be supplemented with an additional 3.6 kWh battery , which is housed in a 20-liter storage compartment located directly in front of the driver.
In the test: Small weaknesses in handling
Also attractive are the weight of 247 kilograms (payload 252 kilograms) and the top speed of 180 km/h (limited). Acceleration is typically powerful for an electric bike, which isn’t surprising given the 225 Newton meters of torque. The fully adjustable Showa components have 190 millimeters of travel, and the seat height is 82 centimeters.
The shape of the aluminum handlebars isn’t a perfect fit. The grips are shaped in such a way that your wrists become tense after a while. Riding the well-balanced Zero DSR/X is easy. Zero claims a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. The center of gravity is relatively low. Turning is smooth, tracking is impeccable when leaning, and lean angle is perfectly adequate. The refinement of the incredibly powerful drivetrain is very well done. The power delivery can be perfectly controlled. High praise goes to the maneuvering aid, which is limited to 5 km/h for forward and reverse travel. It’s very easy to use and eliminates the considerable risk of an accidental error with the potentiometer. Then the DSR/X takes off like a rocket.
Top-level electronics
Electronically, the Zero DSR/X is top-of-the-line. There are five riding modes – Eco (with extremely high recuperation), Standard, Sport, Rain, and Canyon – that are easy to adjust and can even be changed while riding. The Canyon delivers a great deal of riding fun: full power and high recuperation complement each other perfectly, resulting in enjoyable dynamics without excessive fuel consumption. Braking isn’t required very often, and the triple-disc system makes a great impression. The Bosch MSC safety package, with lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS, and hill start assist, is flawlessly integrated.
Technical data Zero DSR/X
All tech info comes right from Zero’s official site so it’s accurate and trustworthy.
| Manufacturer Component’s | Specification’s |
|---|---|
| Engine/Transmission | Air-cooled brushless permanent magnet motor, maximum power 75 kW/102 hp at 3650 rpm, continuous power 36 kW/48 hp; 900 A three-phase controller with regenerative braking system. Power transmission via clutchless direct drive without gearshift; secondary drive via toothed belt. |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery, maximum power 17.3 kWh, usable power 15.1 kWh; integrated charger 6.6 kW; total charging time 11.6 hours (household socket), charging station 2.7 hours; charging time to 95 percent: 10 or 2 hours |
| chassis | Tubular steel frame; 47 mm USD fork (fully adjustable), 190 mm travel; rear: cast light alloy double-sided swing arm with central spring strut (fully adjustable), 190 mm travel; 320 mm dual disc brakes at the front, 265 mm single disc brake at the rear. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires, 120/70-19 front, 170/60-17 rear; cast aluminum wheels: 3.50 x 18; 6.00 x 16; 130/70-18; 200/55 R 16 tires. |
| Assistance systems | Cornering ABS, dynamic traction control, hill start assist, manoeuvring aid (forward and reverse), five driving modes, off-road braking mode, cruise control, connectivity |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1525 mm, seat height 828 mm, weight 247 kg, payload 252 kg |
| Price | from 23,500 euros; additional battery (3.6 kWh) 3,520 euros, additional fast charger 2,975 euros |
Conclusion: Top electric bike, high price
With its high price of over €23,000, the Zero DSR/X – like all electric vehicles – isn’t cheap. It appears to be functionally well-designed, extremely powerful, and yet easy to handle. It also impresses with its excellent ergonomics (except for the handlebars), good ride comfort, decent wind protection, and good to excellent equipment (TFT display, connectivity, riding modes, driver assistance systems, etc.). Many features (storage compartment, USB ports, small storage space under the seat) are practical, and the accessories (aluminum luggage system, body and battery protection bars, etc.) also make a good impression. The key question remains : How far can you really go with this motorcycle in practice?