The Zero SR/S is one electric ride that will definitely give you goosebumps at first sight. Many call the SR a follow-up to the SR/F launched in 2019, but I would like to call it an upgrade and a different breed to the SR/F. I’m sure that by the end of this article, you will have a different pseudonym for this powerful electric bike and find my nicknaming justifiable.
This isn’t the first time testing a Zero electric bike. I’ve been more than lucky to ride some around the blocks, including the SR/F, which by the way maximizes fun. But the company’s flagship SR/S is quite different. While the proposed 2022 SR/S model is not yet available in the market (will be available later this year), I will help you to get familiar with the 2020 flagship model in this review.
Who Makes Zero SR Motorcycles?
Before we dive into the features of the SR/S motorcycle, let’s give you an idea of who makes this line of powerful bikes. Zero Motorcycle Inc., formerly known as Electricross, is a privately-owned automotive company that manufactures the powerful SR models. The company was founded by a former NASA engineer Neal Saiki in 2006.
Formerly headquartered in Santa Cruz California, the company has relocated to Scotts Valley California, where it makes a line of electric motorcycles, from the Street Racing ones (SR) to Dual-Sport racing motorcycles (DS) to supermoto (FXS), etc.
Features of the Zero SR/S
Under the shadows of the redwood on the lonely Californian road was the perfect place to test this ride. The quietness of the environment could make the tiptoes to be heard. The SR/S tried its best to maintain the status quo with its minimal vibration. It cast this eerie feeling, as I tested it along the lonely California coast.
Seating
The dead quietness isn’t the only remarkable thing about this bike. It’s super comfy. Perhaps, this is where it betters the SR/F. CTO of Zero Motorcycle Inc. Abe Askenazi once compared the SR/S to a private jet and the SR/F to a fighter jet. In that contest, he was comparing their comfort, in which he asserted that the SR/S was better.
In my opinion, Ashkenazi is right. Zero focused more on the bike’s ergonomics than any other product that they have released down the years. The seating of SR/S is more laidback and comfortable. It comes with a new subframe attached to the chassis that extends farther than what I observed in the SR/F and has a wider seat that can accommodate the rider and the passenger. The pillion seat is even enlarged to provide more comfort to the passenger.
The SR/S is a better choice compared to the tight seating in the SR/F for longer rides. Plus, the handlebars behind the fairing are higher and wider, while the foot pegs are lower. The brake pedal has been moved to maximize comfort. That translates to a better relaxing posture and comfortable ride.
Design
Zero didn’t only focus on the ergonomics alone though. The company also made some adjustments to the profile to drive home the point that it can make beautifully-designed bikes as well and not just powerful motorcycles. To many, the new profile is the focal point of the SR/S. The SR/S is fully faired, and that makes it look aesthetically beautiful and super clean. The fairing features a 3mm thick ABS and comprises a glass-filled and non glass-filled nylon for increased robustness.
Although some people may dislike the fairing, I love the overall design and the fact that its shape will improve aerodynamics. The company claims that the fairing will improve SR/S range by 13%. The headlight arrangement is also on point, as it sat embedded below the mirror-like glass. This is another perceptible difference between it and the bare SR/F.
It’s important that I discuss the weight of the motorcycle too. Typically, the bike weighs 505 lb, which in my opinion is heavy. When riding, the bike doesn’t feel too heavy, unless during maneuvering.
Power and Range
Zero motorcycles are known for their efficiency and power. The SR line is no different. The bikes in this line share the same motor, battery, and practically everything that impacts their efficiencies. Still, there are still some differences, which Abe Askenazi admitted to.
During the motorcycle presentation, the CTO revealed they wanted the bike to be conveyed as a flying machine. One might say that the CTO was exaggerating a little, considering that the SR/S is still identical to the SR/F in terms of power and control, but with minimal noise and vibration.
The SR/S features the ZF14.4 kWh battery pack with an air-cooled ZF75-10 motor, 110 HP, and a torque of 140-pound-feet. There’s also a motor controller tucked beneath the belly with air scoops to provide some sort of cooling mechanisms to the components. This is designed to prevent overheating.
When fully charged, the vehicle could get you past 160 miles. This bike comes with a base 3 kW onboarding charger, which is great for long rides. Any Level 2 charging station can get your bike charged around 40%% in less than two hours.
Interestingly, you can upgrade the onboard charging to get a higher charge at a shorter time. If you think it is unnecessary, then you should stick to Level 1 charging. The uninteresting part of this bike is that it comes with no DC Fast Charging.
Speaking of range, the SR/S has four preset riding modes – Sport, Street, Rain, and Eco tailored to meet your driving needs. Each riding mode impacts the traction control, throttle settings, braking, etc. For instance, Sport mode offers the most aggressive throttle response, while Eco relaxes the throttle response and increases the drag torque. Riders can adjust the performance parameters effortlessly.
The bike features the popular J.Juan calipers to improve stopping power and an adjustable Showa suspension to keep the machine in line.
Price
Not only is the Zero SR/S heavy, but it’s also expensive. With a cost of $19,995 before incentives for the 3 kW base model and $21,995 for the 6kW premium model, the SR/S is more expensive than the SR/F. Now that you know the price, you may want to save some money on upgrades.
The cost isn’t surprising given that the SR/S is a flagship model. With more power, range, and comfort translates to more money. So, you shouldn’t expect it to be any less affordable. Below is a table of the basic points you need to know about Zero SR/S.
| Starting Price | $19,995 (base model), $21,995 (premium model) |
| Range (miles) | 162 miles |
| Vehicle Class | SR |
| Zero to 60 MPH | 99 miles |
| Horsepower | 110 hp |
| Battery | Air-cooled 14.4 kWh, nominal 12.6 kWh |
| Drive (FWD, RWD, AWD) | RWD |
| Weight | 505 lb |
| Basic Warranty | Nil |
| Battery Warranty | Nil |
Zero SR/S 2022 Model: What To Expect
The American company revealed that it will launch the upgraded Zero SR/S model in the first quarter of 2022. Judging by the leaked specs, the bike is tailored for racers and those who desire more range. With companies like Ducati indicating interest to venture into the electric motorcycle niche, it was up to Zero to come up with something to strengthen its presence and dominance in the bike world.
The most distinct feature in the upcoming Zero SR is the addition of a new battery pack that promises an extended cypher range of a whooping 227 miles.Technically, the battery’s standard is 14.4 kWh, but the Cypher Extended Range unlocks an additional 2.9 kWh. This is much bigger compared to the SR/S or the SR/F that boast of 160 miles. It’s clear that Zero upped their game on this one.
Beyond the range and the battery, the upcoming model features a turn-by-turn navigation, regenerative brakes, ABS, rear-wheel torque, 5-inch TFT display running on Cypher III+ OS. There’s so much to expect from the upcoming model.
The 2022 SR is the base model. The 2022 SR/S and SR/F will be released shortly after the Zero SR. According to Zero, the Zero SR will cost roughly $17,995, still cheaper than its competitors. The SR/S and SR/F will likely cost way more. Meanwhile, you can focus on getting the fully faired 2020 SR/S.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of DC Fast Charging and the unchanged range and power, the Zero SR/S still looks amazing in all aspects. The design, aerodynamics, and above all, the riding quality are impressive, and makes you want to think of acquiring the bike the moment you finish reading this post.
The new fairing profile makes the SR/S more of a sporting ride than the regular, which feels amazing. With the combination of better aerodynamics and range, you can drive across the highway speedily.