2012 Zero S

[Rincewind]

Zero continues to improve and impress.  The new design on the Zero S has gotten my attention.  Is this the E-Streetifghter to have for 2012, or will the Brammo Empulse be able to out-fight it, if/when it makes it to market?

Boasting 6kWh & 9kWh battery packs, the 2012 Zeros have nearly double the available energy on board, with the styling and performance aspects of the bikes have been improved upon as well. Zero claims that the street-focused Zero S can hit up to 114 miles on that 9kWh pack (and also does a top speed of 88 mph on its new motor), making it more practical for the urban commuter. For 2012, all of Zero’s street models feature new brushless motors, and include regenerative braking, which charges the motorcycle’s batteries during deceleration.

source link

[tankhead]

It looks like Abe (from Buell) has made some nice additions for lighter weight since his employment there at zero.  Belt drive and it looks like the wheels are from the same manufacturer as the XB wheels.
http://plugbike.com/2010/02/26/former-buell-employee-abe-askenazi-joins-zero-motorcycles/

[Rincewind]

I was not aware that Zero had employed the former Buell head of engineering.  Smart move!  It looks like the rear belt pulley has been enlarged significantly.  Last year's S model was more Supermoto-flavored, where now it is much more of a Streetfighter.  

I have been thinking about an E-Commuter and while I like the Brammo Empulse, there doesn't appear to be any nearby Brammo dealers.  In fact their site only lists a handful of "stores" across the US.  I guess they are relying on internet orders?  Meanwhile, it looks like Zero has the beginnings of a dealer network.  There is one only about 45-minutes from me, so if I get the itch I can go check them out.    

[Kraz]

Nicely done vid!

I rode a Zero at the '11 Laguna Seca Moto GP and was unimpressed, but with improvements, I could see having one as a commuter.

[alarue]

Haven't seen one in person, but I like where they're going with it. Still not enough range for me to commute on, but I think they'll be there in a couple of years.