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| 2013 Zero S Test Drive |
The new 2013 Zero S
is changing the way we judge these electron-excited two-wheelers. The sporty Zero S
tested here and dual-purpose DS get their own particular upgrades, including
redesigned aluminum frames, many cosmetic enhancements, improved finish quality
and higher-spec components. And it’s now even handier for running errands
thanks to a zippered storage compartment in its faux fuel tank. Also new are
standard passenger accommodations, including grab handles integrated into the
tailsection.
At the heart of the S
is a new air-cooled brushless electric motor that is proprietary to Zero. The
Z-Force direct-drive motor is purported to nearly double the available
horsepower of the previous electron muncher. There’s a claimed 54 horses on tap
and a more impressive 68 ft-lb torque figure (a 62% boost), enough to motivate
the 382-lb machine to traffic-beating acceleration levels that are exciting
even for those of us who get to ride the fastest bikes in the land. For
reference, the S weighs within just a few pounds of Kawasaki’s entertaining
Ninja 300, a sportbike that transmits just 35 ponies to the rear tire and a
relatively paltry peak of 18 ft-lb of torque.
The powertrain’s “fuel”
source is also upgraded for 2013. Last year an owner had the choice of a 6.0-
or a 9.0-Kilowatt-Hour battery pack. For 2013, the standard pack is uprated to
8.5 KwH, while a new 11.4 KwH system adds $2000 to the S’s $13,995 base price
along with a 20% boost in range.The 2013 Zero S up the ante to and past
sprightly levels of acceleration, able to jump ahead of nearly any vehicle with
just a simple twist of the wrist. And for the noobs out there who’d be
interested in a easy to use motorcycle, the Zero would be a novel and
interesting introduction to two wheels. Conservative riders will really
appreciate its simple and relatively docile nature.
However, any
prospective owner will have to deal with the hurdle of a $14K base price, minus
any state and federal tax incentives that can reduce the price by thousands.
And it would be difficult not to opt for the extended leash offered by the $16K
version with the larger battery. But after vaulting over the price barrier, an
owner is looking at spending just pennies a day on fuel. Warrantee coverage
lasts two years.
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