I worked out it'll take me about 3 years to "break even" on the difference between some notional equivalent petrol bike. Though I intend to keep mine for about 5.
Great review Mark. The more I see electric bikes, the more I want one. That acceleration is amazing,even on that less powered machine. Much quicker than a 250 or even some 400/500 bikes. When they get cheaper, I will grab one but which one ha ha.
Looks like a great bike although I'm surprised about there being no LED lights. I wouldn't be worried about lack of noise as long as the front light is nice and bright. I like the idea of less ball aching maintenance highlighted by a belt driven unit, no intrusive routine engine management like valve clearances etc. Things the EV industry needs to improve on before I'd buy one: Cost, Battery life, Range and reliable infrastructure. I'm sure these will be addressed in the next few years.
@@markpulling12 What sort of license requirement do you need to ride this, full car, motorbike CBT? May consider getting for short commute if you can ride this on a car licence.
As a biker of 34 years I was initially dismissive of electric bikes but in reality there’s nothing to not like about them , I may well get a test drive on one as they are the future come what may , great review as ever
Hi Mark I think you may have gotten the carrying capacity - 187 kg mixed with the wet weight - 144 kg (317 lbs) It’s a very light bike for what it is Amazing feel and quiet power 👍 Cheers BB
These bikes are the way forward, like you said if they are this good now then what are they going to be like 10 year's from now. Great 👍 video as always mark 👏 👍 👌 😀.
I think in the future yes I don't dislike them and see the fun factor but for me the time for charging is defiantly the main issue ,if say your out on an all day ride for instance say 300 round trip that could be 2or 3 hrs charging time . well done Mark : )
Mark I like the way you quoted it's wet weight without thinking that this bike is always wet! No leds on an electric bike - that's bonkers. Anyway I think it would do well if the price was more realistic and I don't agree with government grants as that means we are all paying.
Enjoyed the video, just bought a Honda NC 750 but really want to go electric (even though the NC is pretty light on fuel). Though I want to get some good "free" use from my NC after I have paid it off I will go electric in a few years being an environmental science student I suppose I should practice what I preach but cannot afford it with those prices yet though I have started enquiring into test rides because of this video, they do look great to ride (top box definately required though).
Recognised from the start...you're on my roads there B664 :) I didn't even know that bike place was there, mind you I always turn off in Medbourne towards Uppingham.
Would you be able to review either the 2021 or 2022 BMW R9T Pure I test rode it and it was amazing I wanted to get your thoughts on it if possible Thanks and goodbye for now!
i just like shifting gears. also road trip compatibility. it's not too appealing knowing i'd have to stop for 3 hours every hundred miles. as a city-restricted bike with some short ventures in the hills it sounds pretty cool though
ngl never had too much interest in motorbikes but I've been wanting to replace my car with something else for commutes and this review has got me interested in doing my CBT and learn how to ride a bike without pedals haha
Hi Mark, great videos. I had a go on the "S" yesterday but the dealer did not have a "DS" for me to try. Did you prefer one over the other? I'm 5,11 Thanks
Hi Geoff...no I found them both similar to ride s to the Ds ...I think my favourite was the fxe only because from memory it had amazing front brake and super Moto style but they are all brilliant and have incredible performance cheers mark
If you leave it switched on, are there any safety features to prevent you from accidentally launching the bike if you twist the throttle after you dismount? Maybe there’s a kickstand interlock that prevents it, or maybe there SHOULD BE a neutral setting on the bike!
Unless they increase the range or find a way to rapid charge I can't see them catching on, how could you go for a day out on one of these? you'd be constantly worried about going too far or if using the lights etc the range will decrease even further. Great review as always Mark.
lights / heated grips have no effect on range (they do but it's about 500 yards...) Mine charges in about an hour with the charge tank. I did a 240 mile trip the other weekend to North Wales, spent an hour and a half charging in total during which I had lunch and coffee etc and stretched my legs a bit. A lot less onerous than I had feared.
I've only just passed my DAS. But for me I just don't think I could like it more than petrol. It just seems souless. Bike maintenance/therapy is something I really enjoy too. But the government are going to eventually force everyone onto these. I just really hope that people who chose to stick with their older bikes won't get forced to change.
Thanks for a great review of the 21 Zero DS . I pick my DSR 21 up Tues. I wish I had some of the beautiful scenery you rode during your review . Eye poppingly unreal buildings , and fields in the U.K. . I guess all bikers have some aspect where they live that makes for good rides. Do you know the difference between the DS and the DSR ? Thanks
Could do very well on this for me save for the seat hight might give my back issue as it already has them. Any thoughts on wether or not that’s adjustable at all?
Im looking at an electric bike now, i have an electric car and love it, so i can in theory charge at home too as i have a home charger. I'm assuming it's free in London congestion charging area etc. Which is what i want one for to replace my current commuter bike.
Great review Mark,that it makes almost no sound when you ride in town , is it not dangerous that nobody hear you coming.A few years back I read something about a simulation of a exhaust.What’s your thoughts about it. Thanks Mark for testing this electric bikes..cheers
Hi Tony ...I read that Yamaha are developing a "sound box " for electric motorcycles...sound wise I don't really know if silent is any more dangerous .. most e5 bikes with standard exhausts can't really be heard at low revs over the sound from traffic and every day life anyway ....I don't think it would make that much difference ...but as bikers we do like the roar .... imagine a Ducati sound from an electric motorcycle !!! Regards mark
@@jamesbarrie2458 Here in Belgium towns, the electric cars that pass me on my bicycle are all dead silent.Why they make that people can switch this soundbox off. I find this dangerous…thanks for the reaction
I really like them, I use a xr daily and tbf it's to much of a lump daily, if money was no object I'd happily have one as a daily bike for 95 percent of my riding, once charging is more about I'd happily switch over no problems
Now tell them that at around £6k a replacement 14.4kwh Zero battery is the same price as a 40kwh zoe electric CAR battery....typical U.S rip off. I Love the bike, i'd like one but I aint no Iphone/VW camper slavehead type easily parted with their money. Get real Zero, you'd actually sell some if you wasn't so greedy. Watching the market closely and thousands being dropped off brand new bikes online shows clearly they aint selling. They should be around 8-9k WITH the charge tank IMO. What should be standard should not be a 2.5k optional extra and a new battery should be no more than a £1.5 -2k
I wouldn't call them greedy. Do you know what they cost to make?? And what their sales profits are annually?? They're probably setting the prices that high just to keep their company afloat! Think about it
I like the idea of the electric bike and think it would be OK around town. As for touring around the outbacks such as Scotland and the time it takes to charge that's just not going to happen. And then you got the cost to buy and maintain 🤔
@@caspianprince Yes, it seems that batteries are not as efficient when the temperature drops. I bet they don't tell you that at the dealers. Ride safe.
Get me powersaving LED lights on there and we can talk. Also I wonder how the battery is doing in the winter. I drive all year long and it can be minus 10 here
You look like you are having the time of your life. I just hope I have enough biking years left for these bikes to become as good as you predict they will. If Teslas are anything to go by then these bikes can only get better and better and better. A 200 mile range minimum with charging of 10-15 minutes would be a total game changer. Don't Harley make the Livewire which I am guessing is electric? An electric cruiser ......... die hard Harley owners will be spitting blood. Any chance you could review the Triumph Speedmaster?
As always, great video. At the moment , electric bikes are not for me. I love tech but not sure if the electric concept is the right direction in a bigger picture. Disappointed that a tech loaded bike doesn't have cruise and what are the halogen bulbs about? Its a supposed to be a greener mode of power and tomorrows tech yet no LEDs, using old and energy consuming halogens, bizarre. What happens to battery life if fast charging and what happens if the battery is dead after 5 years, is it feasible to replace? How do check if the battery is good (if buying used bike) at least with a internal combustion engine you see the service history etc and make an educated decision. I've emailed Zero those questions but .never had a response. Keep well mate.
I understand that the post 2019 ZF14.4 battery can do 1,000 charge cycles so unless you do 20k miles per year, the battery will last far longer than 5 years. Even then, after 1,000 cycles it’s still going to retain 80% of its charge capacity.
It means both Dave you could travel up to 100 miles then charge up then come home 100 miles or it could be a round trip but 100 miles is max on these ...better Used for short ish urban trips of upto say 50 miles then charge up overnight at your house Cheers mark
I just hold a B licence - never riden a motorbike in my life 'til now. I am considering getting one of these for my commute to work (~circa 100 mile round trip and I can charge at both ends). Please can someone confirm that I just need a CBT to ride the Zero DS? And before anyone slates me for considering purchasing a non-ICE bike, please understand that my fuel costs are currently circa £3,500 per annum. Swapping the car for this will save me about £16,500 in fuel bills over the next 5 years... so this decision is a financial one and makes sense for me.
@@markpulling12 Hello Mark, thanks for the quick response, and great vid btw. I just called a dealer in Peterborough and they confirmed a CBT is all I need for the 11kw version of the DS. I'll drop a message back here if I decide to purchase one.
You are actually the lucky one. In Germany we cancelled the last nuclear power plants recently and now buying atomic power from countries around us and telling everybody its 100% clean power :D Now they considering to control how long people should charge their cars because of power and capacity shortages. 🤦♀🐵
Even as an experienced motorcyclist one of these managed to catch me out filtering in rush hour recently, I love the idea but the lack of sound has exposed a significant issue for me.
The Energicas make enough noise to be heard whilst still being quieter than ICE bikes. I think they are THE best E-Motorbikes on the market at the mo and look gorgeous, but they're premium bikes at premium prices. Hoping they'll come down in price.
Again pardon the pun but when the other big dog bike manufacturers get in the full electric party dance the prices should come down to earth for the working class bloke but until then there's pretty much ZERO competition !!!! Did I just make this bold but truthful comment ? Damn I want one sooo bad !!!
@@markpulling12 ok thanks, its just iv seen that it gets slighty less milage compared to the S. And footage iv seen its not as quick as the S, but those people only reviewed the S or DS so couldnt give me a comparison. So you are saying its the exact same performance? Thank you for replying , im stuck between which 1 to get
@@Niggleblade1986 yes I've been told by the dealership who sells these in the UK it's near as damn it the same performance...which is incredible considering it's learner legal :) 11 kw
@@markpulling12 thats good then, im limited to the 11kw till i pass my test. So its either the S11kw or the DS11kw, but if the range and performance is the same then it shouldnt matter really, thanks again
14,195! No thanks. Bikes don't look right without an engine. But the instant torque does make these electric bikes attractive. What cc is this the equivalent of, Mark? I have to agree it would be the perfect commuter if it was a few grand less. I don't doubt I'll come round to liking them. I could imagine ripping across London on it.
@@user-sw2lv3zp6o Well you know what I mean. But as a second bike a Himalayan yes please senor! Then again am more into my chrome and charm rather than plastic n speed so😉
There ok until someone steps out in front of you because they didn’t hear you coming so don’t look properly..same as the cars.. except you don’t get hurt in a car..
Been riding for 50 years so now a pensioner on a limited budget. I can only dream of spending £14000 on a bike. So, good as they're getting, they are a bit irrelevant to me. Cheaper to run, I know, but if I can't afford the purchase price then there's no point.
Its great otherthan the cost. And its mad that its so quick , yet thats equivalent to a 125 cc which is night and day in performance. it doesn't make sense that it has that much torque yet it meets uk law .. the young people buying it will be laughing at 125 owners off the lights ..
14k? No way Jose. Whats the reason for then being so expensive. Cars are the same. Its a joke in my opinion. And the range/charging. Halve the price double the range, reduce the charging time by at least half... And the looks not a fan either. Great review though the actual handling etc looks fine! Hope things get cheaper.. P.s Guess as a commuter and petrol costs over a year evens out to be fair.
KTM, Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio are working on a swappable battery system which should allow for a lower purchase price on the bike. I'm assuming you'd be renting a battery instead.
@@DanTube2010 I wouldnt be buying one at all based off current pricing nor an eletric car. Certainly not in that style. Am all for going greener though. Maybe we can use petrol alternative, well I know they using ethanol now more..
@@MauriceTarantulas There's such thing as synthetic petrol and I think F1 will be using it. It is carbon neutral but I suspect it will be far to expensive for us mortals.
I don't understand why this is considered the equivalent of a 125 cc / 15 hp bike. It accelerates quicker than some 75-100 hp engined bikes! Maybe it is the top speed which is restricted?. Though economies of scale might bring down the price, the cost to buy is still ludicrously high. A few hundred of these won't make much difference to the power network, but if you had a couple of million of them, you still need to generate a ton of electricity via fossil fuels to supply the vastly increased electricity demand. On the noise level, actually they ARE noisy if one passes your village - it's a rather annoying high pitched whine. If you had a hundred of these passing every day it could get more irritating than a normal bike at 30 mph.
I was told the technical reason why a bike like this is rated at say 15 hp /11 kw ..it's something to do with the amount of power it can give over time , average power ?,that's why they are equivalent to much more powerful petrol bikes Sorry I can't give you the full tech reason but it's on Google somewhere :)
Love the concept of all electric. Shame it's so expensive, and none of the batteries are recyclable. Here in the UK we'e still mainly burning fossil fuels to produce the electricity to charge it too. Nowhere near as green as they make out!
Too heavy, too much range and much too expensive. I think they always miss the price/performance point with these electric bikes. They should be more like 250 class bikes; 140 kg, agile, about half the power you showed here and maybe 80 mile range. And about HALF the price. People would buy these as city commuters, delivery vehicles etc. They would sell a ton if they got it right. Instead, what they do is try to increase the range and power, which results in a heavy expensive bike... that is never going to appeal to someone that really wants range and power, they still buy a petrol bike.
Not a fan: * The silence is not a great safety feature. * The charge time is farcical. * The purchase price is restrictive. * The top speed is a bit lame... not that you ride around at 100mph... but it's nice to be able to. * The acceleration doesn't seem any better than my Tracer 9. * Fixtures and fittings look cheap... rider pegs look.like something off a kids bicycle, and non-LED lights... surely LED would reduce battery wear.
14k??? To be honest even if I had the money, I’d probably opt for a 125cc scooter which may not be as quick, but would probably be just as cheap to run, and just think about all the coke and prostitutes you could buy with the money you had left over…
I'm American and I won't buy it. Americans can't make a good chassis for cornering and the bikes are not engineered as good as Japanese bikes. I will buy electric when the Japanese bikes arrive.
If someone told me "this is the only bike you can have", I could certainly live with it.
Did 16.000km in the first 11 month with my DS. I'm so happy with this amazing bike.
Thanks that sounds great 👍
I predict that "loud is safe" will become "visible is safe",
and Akrapovic will be making after-market running lights.😊
I’d own one in a heartbeat! they look great fun.
Price is the biggest factor against putting one in the shed for me.
Thanks Peter.... exactly the same for me if it was cheaper :)
Yes same here, a military green example was parked next to my trusty er5 in the works car park last week. Would love to try one.
@@michaelcrouch5708 it is fun and addictive :)
I worked out it'll take me about 3 years to "break even" on the difference between some notional equivalent petrol bike. Though I intend to keep mine for about 5.
Great review Mark. The more I see electric bikes, the more I want one. That acceleration is amazing,even on that less powered machine. Much quicker than a 250 or even some 400/500 bikes. When they get cheaper, I will grab one but which one ha ha.
Thanks Dan ...need the Japanese to start making them :)
Cheers mark
Looks like a great bike although I'm surprised about there being no LED lights. I wouldn't be worried about lack of noise as long as the front light is nice and bright. I like the idea of less ball aching maintenance highlighted by a belt driven unit, no intrusive routine engine management like valve clearances etc.
Things the EV industry needs to improve on before I'd buy one: Cost, Battery life, Range and reliable infrastructure. I'm sure these will be addressed in the next few years.
Thanks Mike yes agree with you on range price etc
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 What sort of license requirement do you need to ride this, full car, motorbike CBT? May consider getting for short commute if you can ride this on a car licence.
Another cracking review mark.super fast bike.thanks for sharing.
Thanks James ...it really shifts !!!
As a biker of 34 years I was initially dismissive of electric bikes but in reality there’s nothing to not like about them , I may well get a test drive on one as they are the future come what may , great review as ever
Thanks adrian ...we have been riding about the same amount of years :)
Ahem price? Otherwise I agree.
@@MauriceTarantulas yeah fair one , bit pricey ATM
@@adrianrigby6184 Maybe couple years more competition. Well 9 hrs charging too long for me.
I have that exact model. Great for mountain trails. No power lost or carb complications at 10k foot elevation
once again mark, top filming pal.
Thanks again Neale :)
It depends what your needs are, that has decent range if it's accurate. It would definitely save some $$$. And they look like fun
Super little D's bike mark thanks for the review👍
Thanks Andrew it's acceleration is brilliant !!
Hi Mark
I think you may have gotten the carrying capacity - 187 kg mixed with the wet weight - 144 kg (317 lbs)
It’s a very light bike for what it is
Amazing feel and quiet power 👍
Cheers
BB
Thanks for the video.
These bikes are the way forward, like you said if they are this good now then what are they going to be like 10 year's from now. Great 👍 video as always mark 👏 👍 👌 😀.
Cheers Gary ...yes imagine when Kawasaki make one ..going by what their bikes look like now !
In 10 years there will be the first hydrogen bikes out there already :))
I think in the future yes I don't dislike them and see the fun factor but for me the time for charging is defiantly the main issue ,if say your out on an all day ride for instance say 300 round trip that could be 2or 3 hrs charging time . well done Mark : )
Thanks Malcolm I'm sure they will improve this in the future :)
Mark I like the way you quoted it's wet weight without thinking that this bike is always wet! No leds on an electric bike - that's bonkers. Anyway I think it would do well if the price was more realistic and I don't agree with government grants as that means we are all paying.
Thanks for the comment James ... hopefully the prices will come down in the future
Cheers mark
Nice review Mark :-) Is this the one you can ride on a Provisional Licence ? Or is that another one ? Price isn't that bad for what you get :-)
Yes a1 license.. the fxs is cheaper still at about £10500
Cheers mark
The torque is incredible
Enjoyed the video, just bought a Honda NC 750 but really want to go electric (even though the NC is pretty light on fuel). Though I want to get some good "free" use from my NC after I have paid it off I will go electric in a few years being an environmental science student I suppose I should practice what I preach but cannot afford it with those prices yet though I have started enquiring into test rides because of this video, they do look great to ride (top box definately required though).
Thanks Christian...I was just looking at a used fxs as it happens on ebay :)
Cheers mark
Recognised from the start...you're on my roads there B664 :) I didn't even know that bike place was there, mind you I always turn off in Medbourne towards Uppingham.
It's actually a media company that does all the marketing and promo for zero bikes ... cheers mark
Ps great roads
Would you be able to review either the 2021 or 2022 BMW R9T Pure I test rode it and it was amazing I wanted to get your thoughts on it if possible Thanks and goodbye for now!
Thanks David I'll keep a look out for an r9t
Cheers mark
i just like shifting gears. also road trip compatibility. it's not too appealing knowing i'd have to stop for 3 hours every hundred miles. as a city-restricted bike with some short ventures in the hills it sounds pretty cool though
ngl never had too much interest in motorbikes but I've been wanting to replace my car with something else for commutes and this review has got me interested in doing my CBT and learn how to ride a bike without pedals haha
Hi Mark, great videos. I had a go on the "S" yesterday but the dealer did not have a "DS" for me to try. Did you prefer one over the other? I'm 5,11 Thanks
Hi Geoff...no I found them both similar to ride s to the Ds ...I think my favourite was the fxe only because from memory it had amazing front brake and super Moto style but they are all brilliant and have incredible performance cheers mark
If you leave it switched on, are there any safety features to prevent you from accidentally launching the bike if you twist the throttle after you dismount? Maybe there’s a kickstand interlock that prevents it, or maybe there SHOULD BE a neutral setting on the bike!
Yes I think it does have a side stand cut off I remember seeing a warning light on the srs so I'm sure these are the same
Cheers mark
Nice.
Ye this is the one I want/need/must have.
Definitely great choice 😊
Unless they increase the range or find a way to rapid charge I can't see them catching on, how could you go for a day out on one of these? you'd be constantly worried about going too far or if using the lights etc the range will decrease even further. Great review as always Mark.
Thanks for the view good points
Cheers mark
lights / heated grips have no effect on range (they do but it's about 500 yards...) Mine charges in about an hour with the charge tank. I did a 240 mile trip the other weekend to North Wales, spent an hour and a half charging in total during which I had lunch and coffee etc and stretched my legs a bit. A lot less onerous than I had feared.
@@caspianprince sounds great ...getting that range with a charge/ ,lunch stop cheers mark
Very good))
I keep thinking about foot forward bikes with a (big) battery pack under the seat low down.
Yes they will probably be like that in the future :)
Cheers mark
I've only just passed my DAS. But for me I just don't think I could like it more than petrol. It just seems souless.
Bike maintenance/therapy is something I really enjoy too.
But the government are going to eventually force everyone onto these. I just really hope that people who chose to stick with their older bikes won't get forced to change.
Thanks for the comment Arran :)
Thanks for a great review of the 21 Zero DS . I pick my DSR 21 up Tues. I wish I had some of the beautiful scenery you rode during your review . Eye poppingly unreal buildings , and fields in the U.K. . I guess all bikers have some aspect where they live that makes for good rides. Do you know the difference between the DS and the DSR ? Thanks
Thanks David no sorry I don't ....they look similar to me but I'm sure if you Google the specs there will be a few differences cheers mark
Dude, you've gotta check out the Energicas! That'd be awesome!
I'd love too !!
It's ironic that a state-of-the-art electric bike uses incandescent lights instead of LEDs.
The build budget must have cut off sharply.
Definitely Dave these need a bit of an upgrade now on an oldish design. ..I think the new fxe has LEDs cheers mark
Id love one, looks like a good choice for taller riders. price is a put off though
Could do very well on this for me save for the seat hight might give my back issue as it already has them. Any thoughts on wether or not that’s adjustable at all?
Hi no I don't think the seat height is adjustable....there may be seat height options in the zero website
Cheers mark
Im looking at an electric bike now, i have an electric car and love it, so i can in theory charge at home too as i have a home charger. I'm assuming it's free in London congestion charging area etc. Which is what i want one for to replace my current commuter bike.
Thanks Andrew great choice ...have a look at the fxs and fxe too :)
Great review Mark,that it makes almost no sound when you ride in town ,
is it not dangerous that nobody hear you coming.A few years back I read
something about a simulation of a exhaust.What’s your thoughts about it.
Thanks Mark for testing this electric bikes..cheers
Hi Tony ...I read that Yamaha are developing a "sound box " for electric motorcycles...sound wise I don't really know if silent is any more dangerous .. most e5 bikes with standard exhausts can't really be heard at low revs over the sound from traffic and every day life anyway ....I don't think it would make that much difference ...but as bikers we do like the roar .... imagine a Ducati sound from an electric motorcycle !!!
Regards mark
Electric cars have to have sound on them in the eu from 2019, it's called AVAS although I think you can switch it off.
@@jamesbarrie2458 Here in Belgium towns, the electric cars that pass me on my
bicycle are all dead silent.Why they make that people can switch this soundbox off.
I find this dangerous…thanks for the reaction
@tony yes I think there are moves to make it impossible to switch the sound off
@@jamesbarrie2458 This would be a wise thing to do..
Hi Mark! What is the difference between this DS and the S? You tested all, maybe tires are for dirt az the DS and thats all?
Yes I think it's mainly the tyres and the high level mudguard maybe a few tweaks here and there but generally it's the same bike
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks for the info! So maybe I can bus the S as it is cheaper here and put better tires on it.
I really like them, I use a xr daily and tbf it's to much of a lump daily, if money was no object I'd happily have one as a daily bike for 95 percent of my riding, once charging is more about I'd happily switch over no problems
Thanks for the comment Jason ;)
Now tell them that at around £6k a replacement 14.4kwh Zero battery is the same price as a 40kwh zoe electric CAR battery....typical U.S rip off.
I Love the bike, i'd like one but I aint no Iphone/VW camper slavehead type easily parted with their money. Get real Zero, you'd actually sell some if you wasn't so greedy. Watching the market closely and thousands being dropped off brand new bikes online shows clearly they aint selling. They should be around 8-9k WITH the charge tank IMO. What should be standard should not be a 2.5k optional extra and a new battery should be no more than a £1.5 -2k
I wouldn't call them greedy. Do you know what they cost to make?? And what their sales profits are annually?? They're probably setting the prices that high just to keep their company afloat! Think about it
Do these have the 20-80% charge in 30 minutes on a public charger
I like the idea of the electric bike and think it would be OK around town. As for touring around the outbacks such as Scotland and the time it takes to charge that's just not going to happen. And then you got the cost to buy and maintain 🤔
Thanks for the comment Richard
Interesting hearing everyone's views
Regards mark
I've heard that if it gets cold, the mileage range is reduced even further ie 50 miles. They certainly have a long way to go to convince me.
I have an electric bicycle and I can confirm that the battery doesn't perform as well in cold conditions
@@jamesbarrie2458 That's interesting. Thanks for that, James.
My range dropped about 20% when the temperature got down to 3-4 degrees C (versus "normal" riding temperatures over 12 degrees or so)
@@caspianprince Yes, it seems that batteries are not as efficient when the temperature drops. I bet they don't tell you that at the dealers. Ride safe.
Wrong side of the road still scares me
Great review of a soul less Scalextric two wheeled silent accident waiting to happen.
Have you ever done a review on the aprilia rs 125 ?
No Ben sadly not ....but great bike :)
What is realistically the charge time back to full? What is the healthy percentage to fill until?
Charge time is overnight or the fast charger option to 100 ,%
Sorry I don't have the exact times should be on. their website though
Cheers mark
Pretty good price on that one. Thanks Mark........Sal : )
Cheers sal !!
Get me powersaving LED lights on there and we can talk.
Also I wonder how the battery is doing in the winter. I drive all year long and it can be minus 10 here
You look like you are having the time of your life. I just hope I have enough biking years left for these bikes to become as good as you predict they will. If Teslas are anything to go by then these bikes can only get better and better and better. A 200 mile range minimum with charging of 10-15 minutes would be a total game changer. Don't Harley make the Livewire which I am guessing is electric? An electric cruiser ......... die hard Harley owners will be spitting blood.
Any chance you could review the Triumph Speedmaster?
Thanks Alex I'll keep a look out for a speedmaster :)
Did you catch yourself adding "engine noises" while you were on your test ride?
Yes .. brrrm brrm !
As always, great video.
At the moment , electric bikes are not for me. I love tech but not sure if the electric concept is the right direction in a bigger picture.
Disappointed that a tech loaded bike doesn't have cruise and what are the halogen bulbs about? Its a supposed to be a greener mode of power and tomorrows tech yet no LEDs, using old and energy consuming halogens, bizarre.
What happens to battery life if fast charging and what happens if the battery is dead after 5 years, is it feasible to replace? How do check if the battery is good (if buying used bike) at least with a internal combustion engine you see the service history etc and make an educated decision.
I've emailed Zero those questions but .never had a response.
Keep well mate.
Thanks great questions .... definitely food for thought ....you kind of want to know battery life if you buy a second hand one cheers mark
I understand that the post 2019 ZF14.4 battery can do 1,000 charge cycles so unless you do 20k miles per year, the battery will last far longer than 5 years. Even then, after 1,000 cycles it’s still going to retain 80% of its charge capacity.
Can you get your hands on the new KTM 390 Duke?
I've been trying to get hold of a 390 duke for ages ...I'll see what comes up
Cheers mark
Does "range" mean one-way distance or out-and-back distance?
It means both Dave you could travel up to 100 miles then charge up then come home 100 miles or it could be a round trip but 100 miles is max on these ...better Used for short ish urban trips of upto say 50 miles then charge up overnight at your house
Cheers mark
Price/range and charging speed need to improve before this would be any use to me
Does anyone know if motorcycle manufacturers are facing the same 2030 date for all electric?
It's 2035 but that's not set in stone yet :)
Cheers mark
How does it have a wet weight? Is it heavier when it's charged fully??
No it's just a general saying Daniel meaning ready to go .... they only wet thing on these is brake fluid !
@@markpulling12 Still made me smile!
I just hold a B licence - never riden a motorbike in my life 'til now. I am considering getting one of these for my commute to work (~circa 100 mile round trip and I can charge at both ends). Please can someone confirm that I just need a CBT to ride the Zero DS? And before anyone slates me for considering purchasing a non-ICE bike, please understand that my fuel costs are currently circa £3,500 per annum. Swapping the car for this will save me about £16,500 in fuel bills over the next 5 years... so this decision is a financial one and makes sense for me.
Hi ross ring up English Electric motorcycle company I think they are in Ipswich :)
They will advise cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Hello Mark, thanks for the quick response, and great vid btw. I just called a dealer in Peterborough and they confirmed a CBT is all I need for the 11kw version of the DS. I'll drop a message back here if I decide to purchase one.
Are you going to review the ZERO FXE?
Yes it's next up :)
@@markpulling12 Awesome! I'm interested in getting one, so will be looking forward to the review. Thanks
About a week or so :)
I think I'd miss the heat from an engine in winter.
Haha good point Jim ..and the sound. :)
Cheers mark
can it do wheelies?
Probably if you really wack the throttle :)
Mark, what's the range again?
About 80-100 miles on these :)
@@markpulling12 Thanks
We want one in Australia. Australia is so behind when it comes to planet friendly vehicles😡
You are actually the lucky one. In Germany we cancelled the last nuclear power plants recently and now buying atomic power from countries around us and telling everybody its 100% clean power :D Now they considering to control how long people should charge their cars because of power and capacity shortages. 🤦♀🐵
Even as an experienced motorcyclist one of these managed to catch me out filtering in rush hour recently, I love the idea but the lack of sound has exposed a significant issue for me.
Good point nick . :)
The Energicas make enough noise to be heard whilst still being quieter than ICE bikes. I think they are THE best E-Motorbikes on the market at the mo and look gorgeous, but they're premium bikes at premium prices. Hoping they'll come down in price.
Again pardon the pun but when the other big dog bike manufacturers get in the full electric party dance the prices should come down to earth for the working class bloke but until then there's pretty much ZERO competition !!!! Did I just make this bold but truthful comment ? Damn I want one sooo bad !!!
Haha thanks Jeffrey ☺️
How does this compare to the s 11kw?
It's the same bike and 11 kw is virtual the same performance
Cheers mark
Is it similar in terms of speed and range on the road?
@@markpulling12 ok thanks, its just iv seen that it gets slighty less milage compared to the S. And footage iv seen its not as quick as the S, but those people only reviewed the S or DS so couldnt give me a comparison. So you are saying its the exact same performance? Thank you for replying
, im stuck between which 1 to get
@@Niggleblade1986 yes I've been told by the dealership who sells these in the UK it's near as damn it the same performance...which is incredible considering it's learner legal :) 11 kw
@@markpulling12 thats good then, im limited to the 11kw till i pass my test. So its either the S11kw or the DS11kw, but if the range and performance is the same then it shouldnt matter really, thanks again
14,195! No thanks. Bikes don't look right without an engine. But the instant torque does make these electric bikes attractive. What cc is this the equivalent of, Mark? I have to agree it would be the perfect commuter if it was a few grand less. I don't doubt I'll come round to liking them. I could imagine ripping across London on it.
Hi nik ...at a guess id say 750 cc torque ...im sure the price will come down once the "big four " start producing
cheers mark
For me would have to be a lot cheaper. Id buy three himalayans for that...
@@MauriceTarantulas I wouldn't want one of them!
@@user-sw2lv3zp6o Well you know what I mean. But as a second bike a Himalayan yes please senor! Then again am more into my chrome and charm rather than plastic n speed so😉
This bike is classed as A1 same as a 125cc, but it is much quicker!
There ok until someone steps out in front of you because they didn’t hear you coming so don’t look properly..same as the cars.. except you don’t get hurt in a car..
Yes Stevie ...the lack of sound is an issue cheers mark
Price needs to come down for me. Perhaps zontes will pull a rabbit out of the hat
I thought these were 46hp
Been riding for 50 years so now a pensioner on a limited budget. I can only dream of spending £14000 on a bike. So, good as they're getting, they are a bit irrelevant to me. Cheaper to run, I know, but if I can't afford the purchase price then there's no point.
Its great otherthan the cost. And its mad that its so quick , yet thats equivalent to a 125 cc which is night and day in performance. it doesn't make sense that it has that much torque yet it meets uk law .. the young people buying it will be laughing at 125 owners off the lights ..
Thanks Jim ...yes it's performance is stunning for a learner legal
Best regards mark
They've got to bring the price down a lot. Way too much money.
Agree, fun fact in US its only around $11K lol which is decent, but not like 17K EUR in Germany thou
14k? No way Jose. Whats the reason for then being so expensive. Cars are the same.
Its a joke in my opinion. And the range/charging. Halve the price double the range, reduce the charging time by at least half...
And the looks not a fan either. Great review though the actual handling etc looks fine! Hope things get cheaper..
P.s Guess as a commuter and petrol costs over a year evens out to be fair.
Thanks for the view
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Perhaps am being a bit harsh they are impressive.
KTM, Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio are working on a swappable battery system which should allow for a lower purchase price on the bike. I'm assuming you'd be renting a battery instead.
@@DanTube2010 I wouldnt be buying one at all based off current pricing nor an eletric car.
Certainly not in that style. Am all for going greener though. Maybe we can use petrol alternative, well I know they using ethanol now more..
@@MauriceTarantulas There's such thing as synthetic petrol and I think F1 will be using it. It is carbon neutral but I suspect it will be far to expensive for us mortals.
It can't have engine noise if it doesn't have engine :D
Actually believe it or not ...they do make a cool whirring noise :)
Cheers mark
I don't understand why this is considered the equivalent of a 125 cc / 15 hp bike. It accelerates quicker than some 75-100 hp engined bikes! Maybe it is the top speed which is restricted?. Though economies of scale might bring down the price, the cost to buy is still ludicrously high. A few hundred of these won't make much difference to the power network, but if you had a couple of million of them, you still need to generate a ton of electricity via fossil fuels to supply the vastly increased electricity demand. On the noise level, actually they ARE noisy if one passes your village - it's a rather annoying high pitched whine. If you had a hundred of these passing every day it could get more irritating than a normal bike at 30 mph.
I was told the technical reason why a bike like this is rated at say 15 hp /11 kw ..it's something to do with the amount of power it can give over time , average power ?,that's why they are equivalent to much more powerful petrol bikes
Sorry I can't give you the full tech reason but it's on Google somewhere :)
Love the concept of all electric. Shame it's so expensive, and none of the batteries are recyclable. Here in the UK we'e still mainly burning fossil fuels to produce the electricity to charge it too. Nowhere near as green as they make out!
Thanks for the comment Duncan ... I think the uk needs way more sustainable energy sources for this electric thing to work
Too heavy, too much range and much too expensive.
I think they always miss the price/performance point with these electric bikes. They should be more like 250 class bikes; 140 kg, agile, about half the power you showed here and maybe 80 mile range. And about HALF the price. People would buy these as city commuters, delivery vehicles etc. They would sell a ton if they got it right.
Instead, what they do is try to increase the range and power, which results in a heavy expensive bike... that is never going to appeal to someone that really wants range and power, they still buy a petrol bike.
Give the 2022 Kollter ES1-S PRO a look.
£14k - 86 mph 😂 80-mile range. Proof-positive that humans can be trained like seals.
Not a fan:
* The silence is not a great safety feature.
* The charge time is farcical.
* The purchase price is restrictive.
* The top speed is a bit lame... not that you ride around at 100mph... but it's nice to be able to.
* The acceleration doesn't seem any better than my Tracer 9.
* Fixtures and fittings look cheap... rider pegs look.like something off a kids bicycle, and non-LED lights... surely LED would reduce battery wear.
All fair points many thanks :)
14k??? To be honest even if I had the money, I’d probably opt for a 125cc scooter which may not be as quick, but would probably be just as cheap to run, and just think about all the coke and prostitutes you could buy with the money you had left over…
Thanks for the feedback ... especially about the left over money lol !! :) Cheers mark
I'm American and I won't buy it. Americans can't make a good chassis for cornering and the bikes are not engineered as good as Japanese bikes. I will buy electric when the Japanese bikes arrive.
Thanks yes those are my thoughts too .... looking forward to when the Japanese big 4 make these :)
Terrible engine sound. It's like riding a Soviet trolleybus.