Zero Motorcycles has given the FX for model year 2022 a minor update. The silent Enduro, with which you can drive on paths where every petrol-fired Enduro will shoot you like hunted game, has, among other things, received a 5″ TFT color display. And a new cool color scheme.
After the FXperience last year, we are completely convinced of the added value of an electric drive for an Enduro or Offroad. Where you already see angry looks at you with a ‘normal’ Enduro on a forest path (if it stops there, people often go a step further to express their displeasure), nobody really cares if you do exactly the same with an electric powered bicycle.
In fact, more than once we got a thumbs up from bystanders, because we weren’t a nuisance to anyone. In addition, the electric drive makes the off-road experience really child’s play, so that even our inexperienced and inexperienced chef in that area went very well. Never that you are too low in revs, throttle is go and in addition, it does not matter if an electric motor is running at 200 rpm or 5,000 rpm. The torque is constant across the board.
How big is that couple? The brush-log Z-Force 75-5 motor with passive air cooling and air-cooled Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) generates a torque of 106 Nm, which is quite a lot for a bike that weighs only 131 kilos ready to ride. With a continuous output of 15 kW (21 hp) at 4300 rpm, the engine is suitable for drivers with the A2 motorcycle license. Maximum engine power is 33 kW (44 hp) at 4,500 rpm.
The intelligently integrated Z-Force Li-ion battery pack has a maximum energy capacity of 7.2 kWh. This translates into a nominal capacity of 6.3 kWh. This value differs from the maximum energy capacity because the calculation is based on an average voltage. This results in a more realistic representation compared to the maximum value, which rarely occurs.
With an integrated 650 W charger, the standard charging time from 0 to 95% is 9.7 hours. That charging time can be drastically shortened when optional external auxiliary chargers are enabled. Such chargers – available for the price of €835 per charger – each draw up to 1,200 W. With one auxiliary charger, the charging time is reduced by up to 95% to 3.6 hours. With the maximum number of four auxiliary chargers, the charging time to 95% is only 1.3 hours.
The charging time from 95% to 100% always takes thirty minutes, regardless of the charging method. In this way, the system optimizes the health, lifespan and capacity of the battery. Riders easily charge the Zero FX battery wherever they want using a compact and stowable charging cable. The cable fits easily into any 220 V household socket.
The Zero FX feels its best on adventurous, spirited outings off the tarmac. Thanks to its Z-Force 7.2 battery pack, the motorcycle has a maximum range of 146 km in so-called urban traffic. At an average speed of 89 km/h, the range is 90 km. At an average of 113 km/h, the range is 63 km.
The FX’s frame is made of aircraft aluminum and closely related to previous Zero motocross models. The wheelbase is 1,438 mm with a seat height of 881 mm. Headset angle is 25.4° and trail is 104 mm. The Showa 41mm upside-down fork is fully adjustable, as is the 40mm Showa rear monoshock.
Suspension is tuned specifically for the Zero FX, so it’s tough enough to withstand erratic trails and rock-strewn terrain. With 218mm of travel in the front and 227mm in the rear, the ride remains comfortable.
Up front, a J.Juan twin-piston caliper engages a 240mm diameter single disc brake. The brake lever is adjustable for optimal ergonomics. At the rear, a J.Juan single-piston caliper provides stopping power via the 240mm diameter disc. The Bosch ABS can of course be switched off.
The large front wheel has a diameter of 21 inches and thus conquers any terrain without any problems, thanks in part to the Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 AT 90/90-21 front tyre. At the rear, the Zero FX is equipped with an 18-inch wheel, fitted with a Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 120/80-18.
In terms of design, Zero has kept the FX’s signature front end unchanged. A sleekly designed fly screen integrates seamlessly above the twin-projector headlamps. New for 2022 is the 5” TFT display. The minimalistic designed dashboard gives you all the information you need at a glance, including speed, battery status, power output, selected driving mode and estimated charging time. You can adjust the displayed information via the control buttons at the bottom left and right.
With the simple push of a button, the Zero FX’s performance profile changes for maximum control on any surface. The two standard driving modes are Eco and Sport. Driving mode Eco offers maximum battery performance. This mode provides a maximum dose of regenerative braking, which recharges the battery when the rider bulges and brakes. The maximum speed is limited and the power and torque delivery are also more limited. Riding Mode Sport maximizes Zero FX’s performance with minimum regenerative braking and maximum power and torque output.
In addition to Sport and Eco, the Zero FX also features a unique User driving mode. In that riding mode, the rider can set maximum speed, torque and regenerative braking to their own preference. The parameters can be set using the Zero Motorcycles smartphone app. For 2022, the Zero FX will appear in one new signature colorway, ‘Dune’.
The Zero FX with 7.2 kWh battery pack is available from €13,630 in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Delivery time is unknown.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.