Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1480848
QUICKSPIN I 2023 Zero Motorcycles DSR/X P102 up when it comes to true adventure riding, especially in a place like Utah. So, for now, we'll have to take Zero's word for it regarding their range figures. We're at the point in this review where we must address the elephant in the room—the $24,495 price tag. I don't have to tell you that that's a lot of dough for a motorcycle, even if that does include a 6kW Rapid Char- ger System, heated grips, and aluminum bar ends. For comparison's sake, $24,495 is equivalent to a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, which comes with all the bells and whistles. At a claimed 544 pounds for the DSR/X, they also weigh in the same neighborhood. So, is the Zero worth this kind of money? Well, that's entirely up to you, of course. Who am I to tell you what your money is worth to you? But if silence is indeed golden and your idea of an adventure ride is limited to around 100 or so safe miles, then, okay, perhaps it is. I, however, am not entirely sold, at least not yet. Maybe when it's proven to me that the DSR/X can indeed travel up to 100-150–even 200 miles on a single charge–I'd have a much better feel for it. Even then, what about the charging process? Am I going to have to carry a bulky and heavy charging system with me wherever I go, or plan my rides around Tesla charging stations? I'd have to live with the DSR/X for a while to find out. What do you say, Zero? I'm game. Cost and range aside, however, the DSR/X is a fun motorcycle to ride; there is no denying that. And there are several things that stand out about the DSR/X, like that tremendous torque, overall smooth ride, and flat-out speed it delivers. It also quiet and handles well enough at casual speeds on the dirt. And e-motorcycles are simple to live with and, more importantly, cheap to maintain; the DSR/X should be no exception, and this might help take a big bite out of that $24, 495 price tag. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2023 ZERO DSR/X ($24,495) ENGINE TYPE Battery-powered MAXIMUM CAPACITY 17.3 kWh NORMAL CAPACITY 15.2 kWh PEAK TORQUE 166 ft-lb PEAK HORSEPOWER 100 hp TOP SPEED 112 mph CHARGE TIME 2.7 hours (110% charged) / 2.0 hours (95% charged) TRANSMISSION Clutchless, direct drive FINAL DRIVE 22 / 90, Belt drive FRONT SUSPENSION Showa 47mm Separate Function Cartridge Forks REAR SUSPENSION Showa 46mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.48 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.48 in FRONT WHEEL 3 x 19 in. REAR WHEEL 5.4 x 17 in. FRONT TIRE Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70-19 in. REAR TIRE Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60-17 in. FRONT BRAKE Dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320x5mm discs REAR BRAKE J-Juan 2x25mm piston floating caliper, 265x4.5mm disc WHEELBASE 60.0 in. RAKE 25° SEAT HEIGHT 32.6 in. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 544 lbs.