Zero DSR/X review

[Richard230]

Zero has just announced a new model. The ADV-styled DSR/X. Kind of heavy to take off road and the fully-optioned cost is likely to be around $30K if it is marketed in the U.S. The bike certainly has a lot of quality components and should be a good addition to their EV range of motorcycles, but maybe it is time to work on cutting prices a bit. Between Zero, LiveWire and Energica electric motorcycle brands, you really have to have a lot of loose change to invest in one of these new highway-capable electric motorcycles. Nice if you have the money. But is someone who is not familiar with EV technology going to buy one, especially with the state of the current economy, or will they spend a bit more to buy a new EV car from an established brand with an extensive dealership network? Time will tell. Here is a link to the review: https://thepack.news/zero-motorcycles-releases-new-electric-adventure-motorcycle-dsr-x-in-sicily/

[Richard230]

Here is a link to the Motorcycle.com review article of the new 2013 Zero DSR/X model. It is the longest and most thorough review I have read to date: https://www.motorcycle.com/features/2023-zero-dsr-x-review-first-ride.html

[EV promise]

Zero are a prolific manufacturer of electric motorcycles. They have chosen their market segment and price points based on products they can deliver. This has worked well for them I believe. Each year something has been improved and often a new model added, extra range, new instruments and styling. The company representative here in the UK does a great job of promoting the brand with test rides up and down the country plus has expanded the dealer network.

[Richard230]

Fully optioned, that new DSR/X is way out of my price range, though.    Even the base model is too much money for my taste. Add on 10% sales tax, DMV registration fees and maybe transportation costs and you are starting to look at some real money.

[EV promise]

I agree, most new electric motorcycles are aimed at a very small market segment. People with large disposable income or wishing to make a statement with new high tech. Zero SR/S was the best selling over 35kW bike in August but I wouldn't be surprised if Energica sold more but ended in the 'other' category. My Brammo ended up in the 'other' category.
 Here in the UK the biggest selling electric motorcycle are the city only bikes, Maeving RM1 and NIU NQi GTS CARGO 1-4kW. Fun and practical, avoiding congestion charges. Designed for commuting and pizza / hot food delivery. UK bike sales August and YTD attached.

[Richard230]

Thanks for the MCIA chart. That is interesting. I don't think you will ever see a chart like that published by the U.S. version of the MCIA, or any government agency here. Motorcycles in the U.S. are something that most people don't want to think about, unless they hear them, get passed by them, or they cause an accident that clogs up the roadway for a few hours while the mess is cleaned up and investigated. 

BTW, I rode my Zero up to Alice's Restaurant yesterday morning to have breakfast with some friends. I rode from Pacifica, along the coast highway to Half Moon Bay, then up (about 1800 feet) into the Santa Cruz Mountains to the restaurant. After that I rode down Highway 84 to the coast and north along the coast highway, back through HMB, to Pacifica, for a total distance of 75 miles. When I arrived home my SOC was showing that I still had 43% left in my battery pack. 

[EV promise]

I imagine that was a great ride out with fantastic scenery in hills and forests and with a good breakfast. I've no idea about the traffic you might encounter though. Also noticed you nearly ride past the Zero headquarters and factory. Perfect distance and terrain for an electric motorcycle.

[Richard230]

I imagine that was a great ride out with fantastic scenery in hills and forests and with a good breakfast. I've no idea about the traffic you might encounter though. Also noticed you nearly ride past the Zero headquarters and factory. Perfect distance and terrain for an electric motorcycle.

Nope, the Zero factory is located in Scotts Valley about 70 miles south, downwind of my home and a good 40 miles south of Alice's restaurant. I could never have made it to there and back without about 6 hours of L1 charging. On the route that I took it was 33 miles to the restaurant. When I arrived I had an SOC of 72% due to the climb. Traffic was very light most of the way, except for the few miles north of Half Moon Bay, where it was jammed up and slow this weekend due to people turning left to see pumpkins and the fact that it was beach cleanup day. At other locations along the coast highway I was traveling at 60 mph to keep up with traffic until I hit HMB.

[Richard230]

Here is a critical review of the Zero DSR/X by NewZeroland. I think he makes some good points, especially in view of the high cost of the bike: