New Zero SR/F proves it’s time to take electric road bikes seriously
Why the new Zero SR/F offers the most compelling case for electric bikes so far
Back in April, MCN secured an exclusive ride on a preproduction version of Zero’s new electric streetfighter, the SR/F. While our test showed it to be a huge leap forward over previous Zeros, the firmware wasn’t finalised. As a result, we finished our one-day ride with unanswered questions over recharge time and battery life. Now we’ve spent several days with the finished article how good is it, and does it justify its near-£20k price?
Quiet riot
The biggest improvement over previous Zeros is the larger, more powerful electric motor – rated at 110bhp and a whopping 140ftlb. However, those impressive figures don’t translate directly into reallife speed as there’s no gearbox. The twist-and-go direct-drive means low-speed acceleration is muted, while top speed is capped at about 120mph – but in-between, from 4080mph, it’s extremely impressive. In Sport mode the SR/F pulls with the kind of force you’d experience on a MT-09 – fast enough that you’re grateful it has traction control. And with its Showa suspension, Pirelli tyres, trellis frame and reasonable 226kg weight, it handles as well as plenty of petrol roadsters.
The waiting game
But get too greedy with that addictive thrust and you’ll be looking for somewhere to recharge in as little as 50 miles. Ride more modestly, on a mix of town and country roads, and it’ll manage around 75 miles. Stick inside the city limits and it lasts over 100 miles – but that does kinda defeat the point of having the SR/F’s performance. Recharging time depends on how you plug it in. Use a regular three-pin plug and it takes four hours for a 95% charge. But find a three-phase power source, like some public charging stations, and this ‘Premium’ version’s more powerful onboard charger can cut that to two.
How much?
The ‘Standard’ version is £18,045; this ‘Premium’ model (with fly screen, heated grips and powerful charger) is £20,045. Both are eligible for a £1500 government grant, cutting those to £16,545 and £18,545. However, the threepin charging cable is a £445 extra, bringing the price back up to £16,990 or £18,990. That’s a huge investment, but offset slightly over time by the rock-bottom running costs. A full charge is around £1.50 to £2, giving the equivalent costper-mile of a 300mpg petrol bike. Servicing is cheap, too, as there are no fluids or filters to replace and no valve clearances to check.