A detailed test of the Zero FX electric motorcycle highlights its instant torque and low maintenance, but notes limitations in range and off-road capability. The bike, weighing 289 pounds, delivers 46 horsepower and 78 ft-lbs of torque from its Z-Force 75-5 motor. Tester experienced real-world ranges of 40 to 60 miles during mixed street and trail rides in California.
Zero Motorcycles, founded in 2006, has refined its FX model since its 2013 debut, incorporating advancements in power, range, and technology. The latest version features a 7.2 kWh battery offering claimed ranges of 102 miles in city conditions and 65 miles at 55 mph on highways. Regenerative braking helps extend range by recovering energy during coasting or braking, adjustable via the Zero app alongside Eco, Sport, and Custom modes.
The chassis includes an aircraft-aluminum frame, 25.4-degree rake, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, 12 inches of ground clearance, and fully adjustable Showa suspension with about 9 inches of travel. Seat height measures 34.7 inches, with 240mm disc brakes front and rear, and standard Pirelli MT-90 tires. For testing, Continental TKC80 dual-sport tires were fitted to assess off-road potential. A 5-inch color TFT display shows speed, state of charge, range, and more, while Bosch ABS can be disabled. The direct-drive carbon belt requires no lubrication for 24,000 miles, and the motor needs no scheduled maintenance. The MSRP is $12,495, with a five-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty.
Charging uses a 650-watt onboard unit taking 9.7 hours from empty on a standard outlet; an accessory charger reduces this to around 4-6 hours in tests. Public charging is limited, often requiring a J1772 adapter that does not speed up the process.
On streets, the FX accelerates rapidly without clutch or gears, reaching a limited 85 mph, excelling in traffic and twisty roads but feeling less noticeable due to its quiet operation. The reviewer, 6'2" and 210 pounds, found ergonomics cramped, with the kickstand scraping in left turns.
Off-road in the Silverwood Lake area, including the 2N17X trail with 1,500 feet elevation gain, Eco mode provided smooth power like a 250cc four-stroke, aiding novices by avoiding stalls. Suspension felt plush but soft, bottoming on big hits; ABS was street-tuned and cumbersome to disable. With TKC80 tires, it handled technical sections better, though wheelspin occurred in Sport mode on loose terrain. Real-world ranges varied: 60 miles in mixed Eco riding, 40 miles with highway and full-throttle, and 46 miles in aggressive technical riding with elevation, ending with a short push after depletion.
The review concludes the FX suits commuters and casual trail riders valuing its unique electric experience, but range and charging constrain longer adventures compared to gas dual sports like the Kawasaki KLX300S or Honda CRF450RL.