2011 Zero MX Review

Intro

Fueled by Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary lithium ion power pack, the 2011 Zero MX delivers instant torque from right off the line. This is made possible by the power pack’s ability to efficiently dump an incredible amount of power as soon as you twist the throttle. Using an advanced monitoring system, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled during charge and discharge.

This is fun bike to ride and will keep up with any gas-powered bike on the track, however the company’s 30- to 60-minute riding range seems a bit lofty. If the Zero MX is ridden hard, it’s more likely to only get about 15 minutes of ride time. In cases like this, it behooves the rider to buy a second battery pack, just for those extra-long sessions. All it takes is unscrewing one knob, sliding out the bar the knob secures, unclipping the battery from the controller and out slips the battery.

One of the main benefits to the Zero MX is how little noise it makes. Most won’t even notice the motor is running except for the hint of a buzz. This can be especially appealing to riders who are looking to relax during their rides and would like to take in a bit more scenery. If you’re looking for a bike so you can just hang out with on your local track, this is the one you should be eyeing.

New For 2011

  • New motor integrated Z-Force Air Induction System: allows for increased motor performance during aggressive riding; enables more energy output for longer durations; powerful, low weight and compact motor.
  • Optional quick-charge that cuts recharge time down by almost half (to around an hour)
  • Simplified performance settings for more and less aggressive riding
  • More powerful and higher performance braking system by HB Performance
  • Carefully tuned, balanced and improved suspension system, specially tuned for the track. New fork and shock internals.
  • New improved wheels and tires with stouter, more durable and more robust wheels by ProWheel.

2011 Zero MX Specs

  • Model: Unavailable
  • Engine Type: High Efficiency, Forced Air Cooled, DC, Axial Flux, Permanent Magnet
  • Bore and Stroke: Unavailable
  • Compression ratio: Unavailable
  • Valve Train:
  • Induction: None
  • Ignition: Unavailable
  • Transmission: Clutchless one speed
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: None, electric motor
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: None available. Ride time ranges from 30-60 minutes on one charge
  • Brakes (Front): 2 piston hydraulic, 8.66x0.16 inch (220x4 mm) disc
  • Brakes (Rear): 1 piston hydraulic, 8.66x0.16 inch (220x4 mm) disc
  • Suspension (Front): Inverted fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin-sided swingarm
  • Wheelbase: 55.5 inches
  • Rake: 26.4 degrees
  • Trail: 3.5 inches
  • Seat Height: 34.3 inches
  • Curb Weight: 196 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 90/100 - 16
  • Tires (Rear): 70/100 - 19

Accessories

  • 250 pounds of carrying capacity for a gross vehicle rating of 446 pounds
  • Low seat: brings the seat height down a full two inches to 32.3 inches off the ground.
  • Optional quick-charge that cuts recharge time down by almost half (to around an hour)

Key Competitors For The 2011 Zero MX

  • 2011 KTM SX 150
  • 2011 Kawasaki KLX 140
  • 2011 Yamaha TT-R 230
  • 2011 Husqvarna WR 150
  • 2011 KTM XC 150