Zero Type 5

What’s this then?

It’s called the Zero Type 5. Japanese company Plot Inc. is a massive motorcycle-parts supplier, whose owner loved custom bikes. So they started making chopper frames with Zero Engineering, a small custom shop. Their mission is to “combine form with function and minimalist frills”. The firm started in 1992, building frames for customers in Las Vegas, then for the Japanese market, but now distributes throughout the world. All runs are very low volume, with every bike a little different from the next and so, unique.

What’s the hardware?

The heart of all Zero bikes is the gooseneck frame, which gives the chopper a low, dragger-style look and menacing stance. The Type 5 is a hardtail, meaning there’s no rear suspension – other than the seat springs – but another model, the Type 9, is designed for longer journeys and does have rear suspension.

Engines are from US company S&S and are based on the Harley-davidson Fatboy 1340cc twin, mated to a Prima Rivera transmission, though other engines and gearboxes can be specified.

What’s the trickest detail?

The springer forks may mimic old-style Harleys but are designed specifically to work with the gooseneck frame and benefit from modern manufacturing

methods. They also hide a modern shock body within the spring for better handling. The benefit of the gooseneck-style frame is that it doesn’t have to resort to chopper-style long forks, yet despite the lack of ground clearance, the Type 5 handles relatively well.

But details adorn every part of the Type 5 – brass footrests and rear light, vintage-style minimalist idiot lights, a tiny speedo and multiple options of tank size, exhausts and seats mean you’re unlikely to see two Zeros exactly the same.

Is there a production version?

Yes – and no. As with so many specials, Euro4 regulations need emissions-friendly engines and ABS, which for low-volume bikes is nigh-on impossible. But there are some Euro3 versions, like this one, that could be put through SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) to get on the road. Zero are currently working on a Euro4-pleasing range, due out in 2018. This bike is for sale at Krazy Horse in Bury St. Edmunds, for £17,995. See www.krazyhorse.co.uk.

“The aim is to combine form with function and minimalist frills”

The Type 5 comes with the 8.3-litre tank but there are larger and smaller options GOOSENECK FRAME The hardtail design means no suspension but it also means a solid, sturdy chassis TANK OPTIONS FATBOY ENGINE Engines are from S&S and are sized either...

Hand controls are deliberately kept minimal

Like the controls, instrumentation is also ‘minimal’ There is an optional front fender to make the feel a bit more retro

Euro3 engines mean SVA approval but Euro4 versions are coming