Popular Mechanics - USA (2020-09 & 2020-10)

ZERO SR/S
BEST ELECTRIC

Price: $19,

Range: 123 miles

Charge time, household
110V outlet: 8.5 hours

Charge time, Level 2/220V:
1.5 hours (zero to 75%)

Weight (dry): 434 lb.

Zero has been building electric motor-
cycles since 2006, and we’ve yet to be
unimpressed with the build or ride

quality of any of the bikes we’ve tested.

Of their current lineup, the SR/S is our

pick. Unlike the SR/F it’s based on, the

S has fairings and a windshield, which

make it more comfortable at speeds

above city riding. It’s heavy, but the

140 pound-feet of torque give it sport

bike performance. And the premium

components further justify the cost:

adjustable Showa suspension, racing-

grade J.Juan brakes, and Bosch’s ABS

and traction control. The base SR/S will

recharge from a J1772 charger in about

four hours, but Zero lets you pay extra

for faster charging and more range.

The Premium SR/S ($21,995, or $2,

more) can fill up in about half the time,

and has heated grips—which, to us, is

worth the extra cost.

ALSO CONSIDER Harley-Davidson Live-

Wire ($29,799): We like that it has

DC Fast charging (80 percent charge

in 40 minutes) and goes like hell. But

the first electric Harley’s selling point

is the Harley-grade design and build

quality, such as the bottom-mounted

motor and teardrop “tank.” CO

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ZE

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Cars &

Trucks

14 September/October 2020