Test ride Zero FX 7.2 (2021): Electric enduro on test

Four days with the electric enduro Zero FX 7.2: MotoGymkhana, off-road riding, battery and range — my test ride with the fun machine without gears and clutch.

The grin beneath my helmet gets bigger at every red light. I patiently wait for green and then carefully twist the “throttle”. Before the cars’ start-stop systems start their engines, I have already crossed the junction on the Zero FX and the cars are getting smaller in the rear-view mirror. Yes, I am convinced by electric mobility — and was particularly looking forward to this test ride.

MotoGymkhana

Although Philipp is the more experienced MotoGymkhana rider compared with me, I could have overtaken him on the inside at any time on his BMW R 1200 R. The Zero FX offers several advantages for cone riding: at 131 kg, it is more than a hundred kilos lighter than Philipp’s BMW. Without needing to use the clutch or change gear, the electric drive rides and accelerates smoothly and without jerking. The 106 Nm of torque provide incredible power and acceleration from the very first revolution.

Off-road

Enduro bikes offer a special kind of freedom. Nearly silent enduros are even tolerated where their rattling relatives are not permitted. This allowed me to get very close to a flock of sheep during a cross-country ride on the Zero FX. Neither the shepherd nor his dog Chico had a problem with the bike. But be careful: the enormous torque and wet grass are not a good combination. Because there is no electronic traction control, you should handle the “throttle” very sensitively.

Battery, charging time and range

Practical: the Zero FX can be charged from a simple 220-volt socket. A suitable cable (with a C13 plug) is included and can be stored on the rear swingarm. The charging socket is located at the front of the motorcycle — where the radiator would otherwise be.

Of course, the 220-volt socket is not a fast-charging station. Fully charging the battery therefore takes 7 to 8 hours. Cost per charge: around 1.48 euros. Topping up on the road during the tour is therefore not possible. However, the FX is suitable for daily rides to work or a lap of your local route.

Rule of thumb for range: for every per cent of battery charge, the Zero FX manages around one kilometre in ECO mode. In Sport mode or on the motorway, it may sometimes be only 60 kilometres — but that is not what the bike is designed for anyway. The little Zero is really fun in the city, off-road or when riding cones. In these disciplines, the battery is also sufficient for significantly more than 100 kilometres.

Test conditions

The motorcycle was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer for one weekend (from 27.8. to 30.8.2021). Over the four days, I rode 183 km and charged the battery three times in my garage. The bike was fully insured through Zero for the entire period.

Conclusion

I have not had this much fun with a motorcycle in a long time as I did with the Zero FX. Whether in the city, off-road or in a car park riding cones — it is a pure fun machine and puts a smile beneath everyone’s helmet. The 44 PS with 106 Nm catapult riders forwards and regularly lift the front wheel. Be careful: on wet or loose surfaces, the rear wheel quickly breaks away — traction control could provide greater safety here. Anyone who adjusts to the range of around 100 kilometres adapts their destinations and still has fun. Admittedly, the purchase cost of 13,150 euros is very high. But convinced electric bikers will weigh up the lower maintenance costs and the steadily rising price of petrol.