2012 Zero XU Review

Intro

If you’re a motorcycle lover who is looking to also reduce the emission that come standard with a gasoline-powered vehicle, the electric engine 2012 Zero XU is the route you’re looking to take. With six years of tinkering and refining, Zero has produced yet another improved model to help you get around town in a hurry, but without damaging our Mother Earth too much.

The Zero XU’s Z-force lithium-ion battery caters more toward urban, short-sprint commuters, with a roughly 40-mile range. The battery pack is easily removed, and can be charged in your home, apartment, or office. Despite taking about three hours to fully charge, it only costs about 50 cents. Time may not be on your side, but your wallet will definitely be heavier.

The new powertrain lets the rider hit speeds of up to 65 MPH for those days when you’d like to really open up the throttle and cruise through town. And with a revised frame geometry, larger brake reservoirs, and rotors designed specifically by Zero, the bike is sure to handle just they way you hope. The 2012 Zero XU has the agility and speed to turn any suburbia into a mini-playground if you decide to get adventurous when you’re not biking back and forth to work.

New For 2012

  • Powertrain: more powerful motorcycle that goes 75 percent farther on a charge, is 25 percent faster, utilizes regenerative deceleration and offers a dramatically extended lifetime of nearly maintenance free riding.
  • Battery technology and brushless motor: estimated to last more than 3,000 full recharge cycles, or more than 100,000 miles, while requiring no motor or power pack maintenance.
  • Acceleration: rear wheel driven by a belt drive that is both maintenance free and silent, rather than a standard chain drive
  • Handling: The 2012 Zero XU has a revised frame geometry, optimized designed rotors and larger brake reservoirs motorcycle better stability and handling than ever before.

2012 Zero XU Specs

  • Model: N/A
  • Engine Type: High efficiency, axial flux permanent magnet, brushless motor with integrated forced air cooling
  • Bore and Stroke: N/A
  • Compression ratio: N/A
  • Valve Train: N/A
  • Induction: N/A
  • Ignition: N/A
  • Transmission: Clutchless one speed
  • Final Drive: 132T/25T, Poly Chain GT Carbon belt
  • Fuel Capacity: Electric engine
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 28/42-mile range. Estimated fuel economy equivalence is 539 MPG city and 359 MPG highway
  • Brakes (Front): 2 piston hydraulic, 220x4 mm disc
  • Brakes (Rear): 1 piston hydraulic, 220x4 mm disc
  • Suspension (Front): 38mm inverted forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping
  • Suspension (Rear): Direct-link shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
  • Wheelbase: 55.0 inches
  • Rake: 24.7 degrees
  • Trail: 3.4 inches
  • Seat Height: 31.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 221 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 90/90-19
  • Tires (Rear): 110/90-16

Accessories

  • 250 pounds of carrying capacity for a gross vehicle rating of 471 pounds
  • Low seat: brings the seat height down a full two inches to 29.5 inches off the ground.
  • 2X Charger: Charge the bikes engine more quickly, needing only 1.3 hours to get to a 95 percent charge and 2.0 hours to hit 100 percent charge.

Key Competitors For The 2012 Zero XU

  • 2012 Hyosung GT 250
  • 2012 SYM Classic 150