Zero S ZF9

Imagine instant torque and power from a standstill. Imagine smooth acceleration as you throttle out of turns. Then, imagine never needing to stop at a gas station or be burdened with any scheduled powertrain maintenance. Not only is this possible… it’s available now.

Developed to aggressively take on urban environments while encouraging occasional detours to your favorite stretch of back country twisties, the Zero S integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design. The result is a high performance motorcycle with one of the lowest costs of ownership ever. Zero Motorcycles’ all-new Z-Force™ power pack and powertrain have been beefed up and now offer regenerative capability. The bottom line: the Zero S goes faster and farther than ever before.

Whether stealthily accelerating onto the highway or out of the turns, the Zero S is uniquely designed to deliver a sensation unlike any other on the road today. Are you ready?

Zero S ZF9 Key Features

What's new for 2012

The Zero S is the world’s first available mass-produced electric motorcycle capable of exceeding 100 miles on the EPA’s UDDS range test. The entirely revamped Zero S features a completely new powertrain that includes a brushless motor capable of achieving speeds of up to 88 mph, new state of the art battery cell technology, regenerative deceleration and a power pack that is designed to last the life of the motorcycle. Offering customers the ability to select the range they need, the new ZF6 and ZF9 power pack configurations give riders the ability to respectively achieve 76 miles and 114 miles according to the EPA UDDS. Highlighting the new powertrain is sleek new venting and bodywork to keep the maintenance free and air cooled system operating at moderate temperatures. Revised frame geometry, new optimized Zero designed rotors and a larger front brake master cylinder give the Zero S better handling and more stopping power than ever before.

The 2012 Zero S is visually distinct from its predecessors with new additions to the bodywork, components and graphics. Built around a black high-end aircraft grade aluminum frame, it is the first and only model to feature Zero’s newly designed and optimized cast wheels. Refining the appearance of the front end, the Zero S now features a more contemporary headlight that gives the overall motorcycle a sleek new look.

Zero S ZF9 Features and Benefits

Game Changing Z-Force™ Technology: 100+ Mi Range / 300,000+ Mi on a Power Pack

The 2012 Zero S leverages a completely new battery cell chemistry and configuration. Not only does the ZF9 power pack enable riders to go beyond 100 miles, it is also designed to last the life of the motorcycle. The result of cutting edge research and development, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled and monitored at all times to ensure maximum health. The integrated onboard charger minimizes charge time and can work in parallel with Zero's quick charge accessories to cut charge times by as much as 75%. What's this all mean? Simply put, the Zero S is the leader for production electric motorcycles in acceleration, range, recharge time and longevity.

- Available in two configurations: ZF6 (76 mi) and ZF9 (114 mi)
- State of the art new power pack configurations and cell chemistry
- Cells last 3,000 full charge-discharge cycles before hitting 80% capacity, yielding as much as 308,000 miles on the original power pack
- Up to 95% higher energy density power packs that yield significant range and performance advantages
- Elegant new low resistance and highly robust cell interconnect technology
- New battery management system with enhanced 24/7 cell monitoring and a 92% reduction in power consumption
- New, higher voltage power system that allows the motor to run cooler and with more RPMs than ever before
- Scalable quick-charge options available to cut recharge times by as much as 75%
- Isolated power systems and 12 volt system for running accessories
- Onboard charger that uses a specially developed charge profile

Brushless Motor and Regenerative Breaking: 88 mph Top Speed

A compact and powerful brushless motor provides riders with exhilarating acceleration to a top speed of 88 mph. Completely air cooled, the motor is designed to provide riders with years of fun minus the need for any regular maintenance. When slowing down, the motor works with a new brushless motor controller to recharge the power pack.

- Completely new maintenance-free, clean, forced-air cooled brushless motor
- Increased torque and broader power band for much stronger acceleration
- Regenerative braking recharges the power pack when decelerating

Frame and Bodywork: Lightweight and Stealthy

Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight and rigid Zero S twin spar frame. One look at the frame and it speaks for itself. It is aggressive, strong and one of the main reasons that the Zero S can take on anything in an urban environment. Designed to have a low center of gravity, the Zero S is highly maneuverable and responsive. The body is completed using bold new bodywork to give it a contemporary, aggressive and naked look. The frame is designed to accommodate a rider and passenger with an optional accessory.

- Frame and bodywork designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles
- Ability to accommodate a passenger with an optional accessory
- Better handling with refined frame geometry for 2012
- Extremely rigid and lightweight black twin spar aircraft grade aluminum frame
- Designed to have a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness
- Sleek new headlight and turn signals
- New scoop for ventilating the fully air cooled powertrain
- New trunk-pan and belt guard

 Wheels and Brakes: Robust and Responsive

The Zero S has completely new weight and strength optimized cast wheels for 2012. Developed specifically for the Zero S by Zero Motorcycles, the sporty new design represents Zero's first ever cast wheel. The Zero S also features more powerful brakes than ever before with a larger front master cylinder bore and new Zero designed rotors.

- Only model to feature Zero's new weight and strength optimized cast wheels
- Brakes are more precise, easier to modulate and require less effort
- Zero designed rotors for optimized performance and reduced unsprung weight
- Larger front master cylinder bore size for increased stopping power
- Steel braided lines for superior lever feel and more precise brake modulation
- High performance compound brake pads

Suspension: The Magic Ride

The suspension on the Zero S was developed by Zero to take advantage of the motorcycle's lightweight design. Its inverted front fork is among the lightest in the industry and can be externally adjusted to dial in compression and rebound damping. A rigid double diamond rear swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping. The smooth suspension combines with the silence of the powertrain to yield an exhilarating ride that needs to be experienced to be understood.

- Robust triple-clamps for improved bearing pre-loading and durability
- Specialized fork and shock internals
- Aluminum stanchions for reduced weight and superior control
- Unique double diamond aircraft grade aluminum rear swingarm for reduced weight and increased torsional rigidity
- Front adjustments: Compression and rebound damping
- Rear adjustments: Spring preload, compression and rebound damping

Dash and Controls: Focus on the Ride

The dash is designed by Zero to quickly and accurately provide information on speed, charge and motor temperature. For 2012, the Zero S allows riders to set the motorcycle's performance to either Sport or Eco.

- Sport / Eco switch to allow riders to select motorcycle performance
- New high intensity headlight
- Exceptionally accurate charge indicator
- New and innovative State of Charge (SOC) algorithm
- Ergonomic and durable switch gear (for operation of lights, turn signals, etc.)
- Keyed ignition switch and steering lock for improved security and peace of mind
- More comfortable seat to accommodate longer rides

Gearing: Maintenance Free Belt Drive

Featuring a clutchless direct drive, the Zero S is geared for rapid acceleration and increased efficiency. Using a maintenance free belt system, the Zero S is able to achieve minimal frictional losses. This increases its overall range and channels power more efficiently into speed. The result is a motorcycle that is quick and responsive.

- New maintenance free and virtually silent belt drive system
- Clutchless one speed that simplifies operation
- Geared for rapid acceleration and maximum efficiency
- Minimal maintenance