Zero Reader Test Ride 2021: Anticipation and 10 Questions (Part 1)
Two days with Zero in the Thuringian Forest — anticipation, doubts and favourite models
This weekend it begins: two days of Zero electric motorcycles in the Thuringian Forest. I want to answer ten questions for myself — and three bikes have particularly piqued my curiosity in advance. Part 1 of the series.
This weekend, the time has finally come: I get to ride electric motorcycles from Zero for two days. During the test rides through the Thuringian Forest, I want to answer a few questions about electric mobility for myself. It will be a first for me. Although I am open-minded about electric mobility, I have doubts.
Ten questions I want answered
- How big does the difference between a petrol and an electric bike feel?
- Will I be noticed by car drivers in traffic?
- How will passers-by react when I hum past on an electric motorcycle?
- Will I be able to judge the speed correctly even without changing gears and engine noise?
- Can you also do multi-day tours on electric motorcycles?
- How is the handling of the bikes with their sometimes heavy batteries?
- How suitable are the bikes for everyday commuting to work?
- How does charging the batteries really work?
- Is there an app that I can use to plan my route and recharging stops?
- Would I spontaneously swap my Ducati Hypermotard for a Zero?
My favourite Zero models
There are three bikes I am particularly keen to try in advance:
Zero SR/F
- Power: 54–110 hp
- Top speed: 200 km/h
- Range (EU): 187 km
- Price: from 20.790 €
Zero SR/S
- Power: 54–110 hp
- Top speed: 200 km/h
- Range (EU): 186 km
- Price: from 21.540 €
Zero FXE
- Power: 21–44 hp
- Top speed: 131 km/h
- Range (EU): 106 km
- Price: from 13.650 €
What happens next?
The answers to all the questions — plus a detailed test report — will follow in the next parts of this series:
- Day 1: Introductory ride through the Thuringian Forest
- Day 2: The actual test day with rain, all modes and consumption
Conclusion
My initial impression: Zero has been considered a pioneer in electric motorcycles for years. Whether the bikes also impress in real everyday riding or whether my doubts are justified — I will find out this weekend. What other questions would you ask?
