Electric Thrills

[seftonm]

The Zero S is the first full-size, highway-speed electric motorcycle to hit Canadian roads.

Philippe Devos - The Globe and Mail – May 23, 2009

One motorcycle that I'd love to have in my garage. --Ed.

For all the futuristic technology under the seat, this emission-free electric-powered motorcycle rides like an old-school, single-cylinder two-stroker, with an untamed throttle and more than enough torque to leave your butt on the pavement.

All that's missing is paint-shaker vibrations, and the rapid-fire brap-brap-brap from the exhaust. Instead, it has all the rumble of a moderately paced sewing machine.

This is the Zero S, the first full-size, highway-speed electric motorcycle to hit Canadian roads.

The Zero S is also the second model from California-based Zero Motorcycles, which has been selling an off-road electric model since 2007.

In the race to produce zero-emission electric vehicles, power-to-weight advantages have put motorcycles years ahead of cars. At least three small companies are already selling highway-speed electric two-wheelers and more are promised for next year. Major motorcycle manufacturer KTM of Austria is hyping a competition-ready off-roader in showrooms next year (no word yet on Canadian availability), and Honda, Yamaha and BMW have all been talking about going electric in the near future.

The future, however, is here with the Zero S.

Despite targeting the urban/suburban commuter, Zero has rejected the carry-all maxi-scooter design of its competitor, Vectrix, and instead made a supermoto-style motorcycle, fitting sport-bike rims and rubber to an off-road-style chassis.

"Our goal from the beginning was to engineer a high-performance electric urban street motorcycle,"... [Read More]

[Earthling]

For very low speed, very tight turns, I'll often feather the clutch for finer control. I wonder how low speed, tight turns would work on an electric bike, without a clutch.

Harry

[seftonm]

Interesting, I haven't tried that before. Are you feathering the clutch because you're going too slow and could stall if you left it engaged, or does doing that give you better speed control than "feathering" the throttle?

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by seftonm

Interesting, I haven't tried that before. Are you feathering the clutch because you're going too slow and could stall if you left it engaged, or does doing that give you better speed control than "feathering" the throttle?

I'm talking about a very tight, very slow speed turn, like doing a U-turn. You use it all, clutch, throttle, even some rear brake to control the bike. I just wonder how that would work on an electric bike. I suppose you can still use the rear brake to help out.

Harry