ScottRNelson
Adventure and Dual Sport
I had the opportunity to test ride a Zero DS electric motorcycle today. This is the "dual sport" version, although they had one other one that looked more like what I consider a dual sport - taller, narrower, a 21" front tire and more suspension. The one I rode could go on regular dirt roads if you want, but I wouldn't take one on a single-track trail where my XR650L would still work.
The first difference I noticed when riding the bike is that both my left hand and left foot wanted to be doing something, but there is no clutch lever and no shifter. The power comes on very light from a stop, but anywhere between about 30 and 70 mph it accelerated quite well. Definitely more power than the Kawasaki Versys 650 twin that I had ridden a bit earlier.
It feels a bit weird stopped at a red light, because it feels the same as being on a regular motorcycle with the engine off. At the first few lights I was wondering if it would go again when the light turned green, but it did just fine.
Engine braking could be compared to that of a two-stroke street bike - not much available. I would have to adjust to it for riding on twisty roads, since I usually like to downshift a gear or two entering corners to get a bit more feel in the turn. (I don't understand why it feels better to downshift for corners, but I know that I like it better that way.)
The loop for the test ride was about 8 miles and I was on the fifth or sixth ride of the day. They had no way to recharge them where they were doing demo rides. The guy from Zero said they can go three or four miles when they hit "empty" and I knew I was right at the half-way point when mine showed zero bars on the "fuel gauge". I switched it from "sport" to "eco" mode and hoped I wouldn't have to push the thing back. I made it back just fine.
If your round trip commute is under 50 miles, a Zero would be a good choice. I could see an electric bike in my future, someday when the price comes down a bit more. You could get one in California for under $13K after rebates and stuff the government does to encourage us to buy electric vehicles.
The first difference I noticed when riding the bike is that both my left hand and left foot wanted to be doing something, but there is no clutch lever and no shifter. The power comes on very light from a stop, but anywhere between about 30 and 70 mph it accelerated quite well. Definitely more power than the Kawasaki Versys 650 twin that I had ridden a bit earlier.
It feels a bit weird stopped at a red light, because it feels the same as being on a regular motorcycle with the engine off. At the first few lights I was wondering if it would go again when the light turned green, but it did just fine.
Engine braking could be compared to that of a two-stroke street bike - not much available. I would have to adjust to it for riding on twisty roads, since I usually like to downshift a gear or two entering corners to get a bit more feel in the turn. (I don't understand why it feels better to downshift for corners, but I know that I like it better that way.)
The loop for the test ride was about 8 miles and I was on the fifth or sixth ride of the day. They had no way to recharge them where they were doing demo rides. The guy from Zero said they can go three or four miles when they hit "empty" and I knew I was right at the half-way point when mine showed zero bars on the "fuel gauge". I switched it from "sport" to "eco" mode and hoped I wouldn't have to push the thing back. I made it back just fine.
If your round trip commute is under 50 miles, a Zero would be a good choice. I could see an electric bike in my future, someday when the price comes down a bit more. You could get one in California for under $13K after rebates and stuff the government does to encourage us to buy electric vehicles.
