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2015 Zero SR, an 102 MPH Electric Bike

Showcasing the 2015 SR model, Zero Motorcycles describes it as offering ”more power, higher top speed and greater acceleration”. Knowing that Zero performed a set of serious upgrades to its bikes, we can tell that the 2015 models are indeed better than anything else the manufacturer delivered so far. The 2015 Zero SR shares many of the new Zero S’ feats we presented yesterday, as these two machines are based on the same platform. However, the SR adds to the overall performance (and final price tag), providing riders in search of a sportier machine with a more intense experience.
2015 Zero SR 28 photos
Photo: Zero Motorcycles
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The 2015 SR is equipped with a 660 amp controller which delivers 25% more power and 56% more torque, and this means we’re in for 67 hp and 106 lb-ft (144 Nm) of instantaneously-available torque. The new model year SR can now reach 102 mph (164 km/h) and comes with a sustainable top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h) which is in line with what you and I get to ride our bikes at in normal (legal) highway conditions. The direct drive high-temperature magnet motor is still passively air-cooled and benefits from the aid of regenerative deceleration.

Unlike the 2015 Zero S, the SR is available only in the ZF12.5 and ZF12.5+Power Tank versions, which means a range of 151 and 185 miles in the city (243 – 297 km). 0 to 60 mph needs less than 4 seconds, and this makes “urban holeshots” one of the bike’s specialties.

Showa suspensions meet Bosch ABS

The new SR also adds Bosch ABS for enhanced safety under heavy braking in less than ideal conditions, high-performance Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires for the 17” cast wheels, and full Showa suspensions. The front wheel is equipped with a 320mm rotor squeezed by a J-Juan 2-piston asymmetric caliper, while the rear has a 240mm rotor with a single-pot J-Juan caliper, both controlled by the 9th generation Bosch ABS unit.

A 41mm upside-down Showa fork now equips the front end of the 2015 Zero SR and it sports adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping, just like its rear-end 40mm-piston Showa monoshock.

Funny recharge costs

The 2015 Zero SR comes with exceptionally economical running costs. With a 554 mpg (0.51 l/100 km) mileage in the city and 282 (1 l/100 km) in highway mode, the two versions can be fully recharged at a ridiculously low cost. Recharging the 12.5 kWh battery sets you back with $1.4, while the extended battery model will draw $1.72 from your budget. Using standard chargers you’ll be at 100% within 8.6 hours (usual battery) and 10.5 hours for the bigger pack. Extra fast chargers can reduce this time to about 25% of the mentioned figures.

Now, top-notch electric motorcycles are still premium items, so they come at a price. The 12.5 kWh 2015 Zero SR will be available for $17,345, while the Power Tank version is $19, 840. Both bikes come with batteries which last between 339k and 415k miles (546,000 – 668,000 km). In Germany you can get the new SR for €17,490, and the rest of the European prices are around this mark.

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