Filth dimension
Worried about scaring
the cows as you tear
through the countryside?
No need – this is much
quieter than any
petrol ride.TESTED ZERO DSR BLACK FORESTThis hardy electric steed is ready to fuel your
all-terrain dreams with punchy performance,
a real-world range... and zero emissions
QNever heard of Zero? This
Californian crew is on a mission
to become the Tesla of the
two-wheeled world with a slick,
stylish and impressively powerful
range of all-electric motorcycles.QPowered by a 14.4kWh battery
pack (developed in-house) and
a potent Z-Force electric motor,
the DSR Black Forest delivers a
hefty 69hp and 146Nm of torque.
It’s wheelspin-ready, no matter
the surface.QIgnore your rumbling stomach:
this is not a tribute to the famous
gateau. The Black Forest edition
of the DS features hardcore
panniers, a tough top box and
other protective elements that
are designed to encourage riders
to take the path less travelled.QRange is just shy of 100 miles
when ridden carefully, and a full
charge of the battery pack takes
around two hours from a 7kW
outlet. Alternatively, plug it into
any old domestic socket overnight
and the batteries will be brimming
over for your morning ride.QUnlike any regular bike powered
by an internal combustion engine,
the Zero DS boasts a wonderfully
simple lack of moving parts,
which means fewer maintenance
headaches and fiddly bits to clean.
What’s more, the company is
constantly releasing updates
to improve power and delivery.
Users can even adjust the engine
mapping via an app to achieve
a power delivery that suits their
riding style.There’s something very cool about tackling the muddy trails and venturing off into
the woods aboard an electric motorcycle, and the Zero DSR Black Forest is pretty
adept at doing so, offering exploration opportunities typically off limits to a normal,
noisy bike. However, you’ll have to pay a premium for the privilege... and there’s no
denying those petrol-powered rivals are still better at it.You’ll wheel a
whole lot better
going off-road
without pollution
Leon PoultneyBallad of EV rider
STUFF SAYS A liberating ride, even if it lacks the drama of a gas-guzzling bike ++++,
Q Great miles high
The Zero DS’s battery has
the highest power and energy
density in all of the EV kingdom,
which means this bike can keep
up with its petrol-burning rivals
in a drag race while also offering
a respectable range.Q Mr Paceman
This is no Ducati Panigale, but it’s
impressive how rapid the DS is
off the line. Mind you, this can
make things a little tricky on
slippery surfaces, where 241kg
and a super-spinny rear wheel
are hardly a recipe for stability.from £18,090 / stuff.tv/ZeroDSRMotor Z-Force Interior Permanent
Magnet, 14.4kWh battery pack
Power 69hp (52kW)
Top speed 100mph Weight 241kgTech specs