POWERFUL VERSATILITY.

2018 Zero DS Review on Total Motorcycle:

The Zero DS is available with performance, range and charging options to fit your daily adventures. Each build is compatible with the Charge Tank or Power Tank accessories. Add a Charge Tank to recharge in 1-2 hours (based on battery size). Need maximum range? The Power Tank adds about 40 miles of range in the city or 20 miles on the highway.

Athletic. Resourceful. Ready for anything. Tackle whatever gets in your way—from pothole-ridden boulevards to rock-strewn backwoods. The Zero DS’s commanding stance, long-travel suspension and rugged dirt-ready tires give it go-anywhere capability, while its elevated view makes it easy to navigate busy city streets. Experience your world for the first time with seamless, silent and pure dual sport propulsion.

2018 Zero DS ZF7.2

Lightweight, nimble.

The ZF7.2’s Z-Force® compact battery frees space for a convenient lockable storage compartment, cutting weight by 96 pounds and enhancing handling.

Range (mi): 82 city / 39 highway

Color: Sequoia Green Matte

2018 Zero DS ZF13.0

Longer range.

Nearly double your range by upgrading to the ZF13.0. Add a Power Tank accessory to go even farther.

Range (mi): 147 city / 70 highway

Color: Sequoia Green Matte

2018 Zero DS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Torque Beast

The Zero DS delivers silent stump-pulling torque, churning up to an outrageous 116 ft-lb—more than any fuel-burning production liter bike. Twist the throttle. With this stealth force hurling you forward, you’ll easily leave gas bikes behind.

No shifting, vibration or fumes. The industry leading Z-Force® powertrain effortlessly drives your adventure as your motorcycle seems to silently disappear beneath you.

Always Dialed

Crossing from smooth asphalt to loose gravel fire roads? All good. Change performance profiles at the press of a button to master any terrain. The Zero DS is pre-programmed with Eco or Sport modes and performance can be fully customized using the Zero Motorcycles app where you can also see detailed ride stats.

Charge 6x faster

Grab lunch. Have a coffee. Recharge. Live your life while adding up to 94 miles of range for every hour you’re plugged in. The Charge Tank accessory is compatible with Level 2 charge stations and delivers roughly 6x faster charging than when compared to a standard wall outlet. Depending on the battery, a typical recharge can now take as little as an hour.

Charging.

Meet household outlet.

No special equipment required: your standard household outlets can be used as fueling stations for a fraction of the cost of gasoline. Plug in at night and start the day with a full tank.

Pull the plug on maintenance

Blast down a fire road. Get dirty. Live in the moment. At the end of your adventure the Zero DS only asks that you plug in. No need to replace clogged filters or dirty oil. The Z-Force® powertrain eliminates the fossil burner mess, trading oil, spark plugs, clutches and filters for a motor with a single moving part. The Zero DS’s ripping acceleration is delivered through carbon fiber belt that directly connects the motor to the rear wheel. Chain maintenance is a thing of the past.

Zero’s Z-Force® powertrains are constantly advancing with code updates that deliver performance improvements. These updates are delivered through the Zero App, which download directly from your mobile device to your bike.

Long Range Battery Tech

The Zero DS carries the highest power and energy density battery in the EV industry. With over ten years of rigorous off-road experience, the Z-Force® battery confidently delivers you to your destination.

Select the battery size that works for you. Ride up to 188 miles city / 89 miles highway with an 18 kWh battery by adding a Power Tank accessory to the ZF14.4. Or, shed weight and gain storage space with the ZF7.2.

Battery

Zero Motorcycles’ Z-Force® battery is the most power and energy dense in the EV industry. The Zero DS battery is available in three sizes: ZF7.2, ZF13.0, ZF14.4 (Zero DSR only). Add a Power Tank accessory to expand battery capacity by 3.6 kWh.

Every Zero battery is backed by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Motor

The impressive Z-Force® motor produces smooth power and up to 116 ft-lb with a design so efficient it only requires passive air-cooling. Roll on the throttle for massive acceleration. Roll off the throttle to progressively channel energy back into the battery.

No heavy, complicated or expensive liquid cooling. No fuss. No routine maintenance. This is the industry’s most efficient, powerful, and compact brushless motor.

Chassis

Featuring a twin-spar aircraft-grade aluminum chassis, the Zero DS’s frame offers superior torsional rigidity.

Suspension

Custom-tuned for Zero by Showa, the Zero DS suspension offers 7 inches of plush travel that enables you to tackle virtually any terrain thrown your way. The entire suspension system can be fully and easily adjusted to glide over any city street or rip down your favorite fire road.

Dash

Minimalist. Modern. Efficient. The Zero DS dash projects the specs you need— speed, state of charge, power output, selected riding profile, projected recharge time—in a cool blue LCD display. Sync with your smartphone to add a secondary customizable dash or view detailed ride stats.

Onboard Charger

No additional charging equipment required. The standard 1.3 kW onboard charger plugs into any household outlet. It can be operated in conjunction with off-board Quick Chargers and/or the Charge Tank accessories to accelerate charge times.

Tank

The standard Zero DS “tank” is equipped with spacious lockable storage—perfect for stowing personal items like cell phones, wallets, or gloves. Interested in faster charging or greater range? Swap the standard tank for a Charge Tank accessory for 6x faster charging or a Power Tank that adds an additional 3.6 kWh of battery.

Brakes

The Bosch anti-lock brake system (ABS) delivers confident braking. Tested for just about any situation you can imagine, the system optimizes deceleration when you hit your brakes hard. Braking is actuated via levers that can be adjusted for improved ergonomics. ABS can be switched on or off by the rider.

Direct Drive

Strip away clutches, gears, shifting, chains and all their weighty complexities. Seamlessly rocket to speeds in excess of 95 mph with pure efficiency as energy quietly transforms into propulsion. The Zero DS is direct drive. Its state-of-the-art motor connects directly to the rear wheel using a carbon fiber belt.

Wheels and Tires

Shred confidently on anything from twisting tarmac to loose fire roads, the Zero DS’s Pirelli MT-60 tires provide superior traction, excellent durability and road feel. The tires are mounted to durable cast alloy wheels and a hollow front axle shaves unsprung weight to improve handling.

2018 Zero DS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

New for 2018

Zero Motorcycles designs and builds the most technologically advanced electric motorcycles on the planet at its California headquarters. Zero continues to lead the industry in electric motorcycle innovation with its 2018 model line by delivering up to 6x faster charging and 10% more range with the ZF7.2 and ZF14.4 power packs.

Here’s a rundown of what’s new.

Charge 6x faster at up to 166 km/h*

2018 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle:

The Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS, and Zero DSR can now charge up to 6x faster than when using standard, Level 1, 110 V outlets. This breakthrough comes your way courtesy of a game changing 6 kW Charge Tank accessory. The technology makes it possible to power up a Zero S or Zero DS ZF7.2 in about one hour, or larger batteries in about two hours using Level 2 charge stations. The result is up to 166 kilometers of riding range for each hour of charging time (based on city range).

Go 10% Farther with a Range of up to 359 km*

2018 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle: Power Pack

Travel to even more distant locales on your Zero with the ZF7.2 and ZF14.4 power packs, all thanks to new chemistry. That’s right – improved battery chemistry delivers higher capacity to the already ingenious and compact Z-Force® power pack. It’s the highest power and energy density battery in today’s transportation industry and for its size takes you farther than any other electric vehicle on the planet.

Zero Motorcycles App

Updates Made Easy

Zero continuously improves firmware to deliver maximum powertrain performance and enhance the ownership experience. Now owners can easily realize the benefits of these advancements by updating their firmware via the latest Zero Motorcycles mobile app.

Android app on Google Play

Increased Acceleration and Off-the-Line Performance

All motorcycles with the compact and lighter weight ZF7.2 power pack offer 11% more rear wheel torque to slingshot ahead of cars and fellow motorcyclists. New gearing and a higher maximum motor rpm deliver the improved performance without any reductions in top speed.

In addition, Zero fine tuned the powertrains of the ZF13.0 Zero S and Zero DS to deliver up to 30% more power and torque to amp up acceleration at highway speeds.

Updated, Modern Color Palette

All models save the FXS are getting bold and sophisticated new colors and graphics. From the bling wheels of the Zero DSR to the Silicon Silver Metallic of the Zero S, the updated color palette offers something for every taste.

Advantages

Electric motorcycles offer distinct advantages that conventional gas-powered bikes simply can’t match. Thanks to the unique characteristics of battery-powered propulsion, Zero motorcycles offer an especially intoxicating riding experience. Massive torque delivers a gratifying rush of acceleration, while the absence of noise, heat and vibration heightens the sensation of speed and smoothness. The ride experience is seamless and thrilling, connecting you to your surroundings in a way you didn’t know was possible.

Owning a Zero is easier than you might think. With no oil to change, no fluids to leak, and no routine maintenance needed; service items like valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, and installing new filters simply become a thing of the past. The battery is designed to last the life of the bike, leaving you with more time and energy to do what you love: ride.

Electric motorcycles are also surprisingly economical, with a total cost of ownership that’s far lower than equivalent internal combustion models. Considering the reduced maintenance and electricity costs of about a penny per mile, the advantages of a Zero multiply the more you ride.

Technology

Zero Motorcycles was founded under the guiding principle of “sophisticated simplicity,” an ideal where the sole purpose of technology is to serve the rider.

At the heart of every Zero is the efficient Z-Force® powertrain, which eliminates the need for the heavy and complex components found in conventional motorcycles. The Z-Force® motor contains only one moving part, is sealed and air-cooled, and requires no routine maintenance. Despite its compact proportions, the motor produces up to 116 ft-lb of torque, more than you’ll find in any 1,000cc gas-burning sport bike. The Z-Force® battery achieves the highest power and energy density in the EV industry and is backed by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Zero’s seamless technology extends beyond the motorcycle and into the single object that has become the hub of our modern lives: the smartphone. Zero’s free mobile app is available for iOS or Android and uses a Bluetooth connection to the bike to enable customizable performance parameters. Riders can determine max torque, top speed and levels of regenerative braking to suit their preference. The app also enables the motorcycle’s firmware to be updated remotely, saving time-consuming trips to the dealer.

Environment

Zero motorcycles produce no tailpipe emissions, create virtually no noise pollution, and require none of the consumables like fuel, oil, or coolant used by internal combustion engines. Unlike gas bikes that require about four times more energy, the Z-Force® motor is over 90% efficient. Valuable energy is used to move the motorcycle, rather than being lost as wasted heat.

Electric motorcycles also have the capacity to be powered entirely by renewable resources. As the energy grid becomes greener, so does a Zero. Over 40 studies have concluded that usage of plug-in electric vehicles would reduce carbon emissions in 49 US states, including those that are most heavily dependent on coal.

Range

Zero offers the longest riding range of any production electric motorcycle in the world, and each of Zero’s six motorcycle models exceeds the needs of the average US motorist, who travels about 37 miles per day.

Each bike’s range is determined by battery capacity, speed and riding habits. With the optional Power Tank accessory, the Zero SR is capable of over 220 miles in the city and 110 miles on the highway. Zero FX and Zero FXS models feature an optional modular power pack system that allows batteries to be swapped in under a minute.

Check the “Specs” section of any motorcycle page for detailed information on the estimated range figures for each model.

Charging

Charging a Zero is simple and convenient. No complex or expensive equipment or charge station installation required. Every Zero comes equipped with a built-in charger that turns any household 110/220V outlet into a “fueling station,” and the connection takes just a few seconds to plug and unplug. Depending on battery capacity, charging can take from a couple of hours to overnight.

For 6x fast charging at home or on the go, the 6 kW Charge Tank accessory is compatible with increasingly common J1772 charging stations, and trims charge times to as little as 1-2 hours. The Charge Tank and onboard charger can be operated together to deliver 7.3 kW of charging that provides up to 103 miles of riding per hour. Zero also offers a scalable “Quick Charge” system for rapid charging at home or office.

Check the “Specs” section of any motorcycle page for estimated charging times based on model and method.

Government Incentives

The US Federal Government, as well as many state jurisdictions, offers incentives on electric motorcycles and charging accessories. Rebates and/or tax credits can save thousands of dollars on the purchase price.

Charge simply.  No station needed.

Charging that fits your lifestyle

Charging a Zero is simple. Charging requires no additional equipment or installations. Bring your Zero home, plug it into your nearest outlet. Done.

Looking for fast charging options? Charge 6x faster using the Charge Tank option at Level 2 stations. Or, plug a Quick Charger accessory into a second outlet to cut home charge times by over 60% without installing a charge station.

Start every day with a full “Tank”

Ditch the gas station. Plug in at night and wake up every morning with a full “tank.” Per hour of charging, a Zero takes you farther than just about any EV in the world. The result, most owners use a standard outlet to “fuel” their daily rides.

Charge 6x Faster

Add 30 miles of range while grabbing coffee. For fast charging on the go, Zero offers a 6kW Charge Tank option on 2018 Zero S and Zero DS models. It increases charging speeds by about six times as compared to using a standard outlet, allowing recharges in as little as an hour depending on battery size (0-95%).

The Charge Tank uses the popular J1772 EV standard. It is compatible with the rapidly expanding network of Level 2 (220 V) public and home charging stations. In one hour the Charge Tank delivers up to 84 miles of city range. Max out your charge speed. Plug in the standard charger in parallel to hit 103 mph of charging.

Scalable Quick Chargers

For home or office use, Zero’s scalable “Quick Charger” system can more than double charging speeds (dramatically reducing charging times). The system uses stand-alone (off-board) 1kW chargers that work in conjunction with the motorcycle’s standard (on-board) charger.

Note: each charger typically needs to be plugged into a separate circuit.

An Incredibly Efficient System

Ownership Advantage

Exhilarating performance. Carefree ownership.

There are some clear advantages to going electric: no need to visit the gas station, no oil, no exhaust, etc. In addition, there are a host of benefits experienced by Zero owners on a regular basis that are not as obvious. Behind the design of each cutting edge model is a philosophy of elegant simplicity that keeps the weight of the motorcycle low, virtually eliminates all routine powertrain maintenance and yields stealthy acceleration. The result is an incredibly exhilarating ride and an ownership experience that appreciates mile after mile.

Zero Motorcycle ownership – savings over time

A LONG TERM PERSPECTIVE

As a premium brand, Zero designs each motorcycle with the sort of quality and integrity that inspires an exceptional riding experience. Beyond that, the upfront cost of a Zero is not what it appears to be when compared against its traditional internal combustion counterparts. Each mile ridden on a Zero is considerably less expensive, making it considerably more enjoyable, due to the elimination of routine powertrain maintenance and no gas expenses. As it turns out, when compared to other premium brands, a Zero starts saving the owner money on gas and maintenance from day one. In fact, over the life of their motorcycle many Zero owners actually save more than they would have if they had purchased a comparable internal combustion model.

ZERO ROUTINE POWERTRAIN MAINTENANCE

All Zero motorcycles feature a direct drive, maintenance-free powertrain. As an incredibly efficient system, direct drive channels power directly from the motor to the rear wheel via a strong and silent, constant tension belt. Not only does direct drive minimize friction loss by eliminating clutches and gears, but it also helps eliminate the need for routine powertrain maintenance and reduces the weight of the motorcycle.

Sophisticated. Yet Simple.

Z-Force® Motor

Instant Torque. Impressive Power. Incredible Efficiency.

The Z-Force® motor was developed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles to be optimized for efficiency, power and size. With nearly the same weight and volume as competitive brushless motors used in similar applications, the revolutionary Z-Force® motor produces up to 130% more power and 150% more torque. The Z-Force® motor features an interior permanent magnet (IPM) design that significantly improves performance during hard riding and allows higher sustained top speeds. Even more impressive, the compact brushless motor requires no liquid or forced-air cooling and requires no routine maintenance.

When combined with a Z-Force® battery, the remarkably compact and light motor delivers amazing horsepower and breathtaking acceleration. Providing a unique ride quality, the motor produces 100% torque from a standstill for instantaneous throttle response and incredible off-the-line performance.

While sophisticated, the Z-Force® motor is designed to make the ownership experience simple and exhilarating. All extra parts, maintenance concerns and weight have been eliminated to help riders focus on the best part of owning a motorcycle – the ride.

Zero Motorcycles Z-Force Motor

Power Tank

Install Any Time. Go Farther.

The Z-Force® Power Tank adds an additional 3.6 kWh of battery storage capacity to any 2014 or later Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS or Zero DSR model*. An optional accessory, the Power Tank can be added at any time during or after the motorcycle is purchased. For example, if you purchase a Zero SR ZF14.4, you could upgrade your motorcycle to 18 kWh of battery capacity if additional range is needed. With that much energy, you can travel up to 223 miles in the city or 112 miles on the highway.

The Power Tank comes complete with a Z-Force® battery module, necessary hardware and additional bodywork. It is recommended that you take your motorcycle to an authorized Zero Motorcycles dealer for installation. Once installed, the new bodywork includes a completely new tank section of the motorcycle. The Power Tank occupies the area where the integrated tank bag would normally sit.

*Please note that the Power Tank is not compatible with motorcycles equipped with the Charge Tank.

Zero Motorcycles App

Get your ride dialed.

–Bluetooth enabled connectivity for both iPhone and Android mobile devices

–Adjustable motorcycle performance to enable sportier or more economical riding

–Customizable display reports precise state of charge and real-time power usage while riding

–Owners of 2017-2018 models can use the Zero Motorcycles app to update their motorcycle’s firmware, saving time, money and service trips.

Z-Force® Battery

More Energy. Less Space.

Z-Force® battery technology has been revolutionizing the electric motorcycle industry since 2007 when the first Zeros started rolling out of the Santa Cruz factory. The goal: pack more energy into less space. Using state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell chemistry and advanced battery management systems, each motorcycle is able to travel farther, faster and last longer. A typical Zero S or Zero DS can travel over 200,000 miles with the batteries retaining 80% of their original maximum capacity.

In addition to longevity, the Z-Force® battery technology requires no active cooling or routine maintenance. The result is a complete electric motorcycle line that offers an exhilarating ride while saving on gas and virtually eliminating all routine powertrain maintenance.

Zero Motorcycles Z-Force Power Pack

100% Modular

Swap in. Swap out.

Zero Motorcycles is the first electric motorcycle manufacturer to feature available hot-swappable modules. This optional system allows the Zero FX and Zero FXS to be ridden using either one or two Z-Force® modules. A module can be added or removed in less than a minute. Charging can be done via the motorcycle’s standard on-board charger or by using optional off-board charging accessories.

Fully Recyclable

Zero Motorcycles uses the best practices in the EV industry to make sure all of our lithium-ion batteries are recycled. Each one uses a chemistry that allows us to take advantage of continuously improving battery-recycling programs.

Zero batteries are fully air cooled and designed to handle a diverse range of conditions. Our latest generation of Z-Force® battery technology uses new and more precise cell monitoring to ensure greater range, more power and better acceleration off the line.

2018 Zero DS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10,995 to $13,995 USD

2018 Zero DS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $14,395 to $18,295 CDN

2018 Zero DS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £10690 to 13,690 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).