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/1541234
P116 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 ZERO XE AND XB most entry-level gas bikes, so even experienced riders will appreciate the quality. The same applies to the disc brakes—they're powerful with excel- lent modulation. Like most electric dirt bikes, the rear brake is mounted on the left handlebar rather than a right-foot lever. This takes minimal time to adjust to, and I prefer it for finer control. It also eliminates the need to worry about a brake or shifter, letting you focus on weighting the footpegs for balance. Zero executed well on this bike. It stands as a legitimate alternative to the class-leading Ultra Bee with solid perfor - mance, quality components, well-tuned suspension, and the advantage of that 21-inch front wheel for improved stability. FINAL THOUGHTS Zero is one of the longest-running elec- tric motorcycle manufacturers and has sold more electric street motorcycles than any other manufacturer in the U.S. They've built a strong reputation for quality with U.S.-based tech support, and they back these two new models with a six-month standard warranty and a one-year warranty on the power pack for added peace of mind. Seeing Zero return to its dirt bike roots with the XB and XE is exciting. Both bikes deliver solid performance at competitive price points, and they benefit from Zero's nearly two decades of electric powertrain development. Whether you're looking for an entry-level play bike or a capable trail machine, Zero has proven they can compete with the established leaders in the electric dirt bike market. The question now is whether their dealer network and brand recognition can help them capture a meaningful market share from Surron's dominance. Based on these first rides, they certainly have the products to make it happen. CN 2026 ZERO XB / XE ($4395 / $6495) ENGINE TYPE Permanent magnet with compact constant mesh gear reduction PEAK POWER 7.5 Kilowatts (10 hp) 15.5 Kilowatts (20.1 hp) PEAK TORQUE 275 lb-ft 468 lb-ft TOP SPEED 50 mph 53 mph MAX RANGE Claimed 40 miles but Claimed 65 miles but varies varies widely based on terrain widely based on terrain BATTERY PACK 74V/32Ah Lithium CHARGING TIME 2.5 Hours (0 to 95%) 5 Hours (0 to 95%) RIDING MODES ECO, Standard, Sport, Reverse RIDER AIDS Traction Control System, Hill Hold, Adjustable Regen FRAME Forged Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION KKE Inverted fork KKE 37mm inverted fork with with adjustable compression adjustable compression and rebound and rebound REAR SUSPENSION KKE Monoshock with linkage system, adjustable preload, compression and rebound FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.7 in. 8.7 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 6.9 in. 9.8 in. FRONT WHEEL 19 in. 21 in. REAR WHEEL 19 in. 18 in. FRONT BRAKE 220mm hydraulic disc 240mm hydraulic disc REAR BRAKE 203mm hydraulic disc 220mm hydraulic disc SEAT HEIGHT 32.7 in. 35.4 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 10.6 in. 15.3 in. WEIGHT (CLAIMED, READY TO RIDE) 139 lbs. 223 lbs.