Zero is issuing a recall on certain 2011-2012 models due to a problem with the brake light switches. The recall applies to the 2011-12 Zero DS, Zero S and Zero XU, the 2012 Zero X and the street-legal versions of the 2011 Zero MX and Zero X.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front brake lever travel is too broad, and as a result may not activate the brake light under moderate application of the front brakes.

As a result, motorists traveling behind a Zero rider may not see the brake light turn on as the rider tries to slow down, increasing the risk of a crash. Continue Reading »

The Made in the USA Foundation has named Zero Motorcycles to its 2012 Hall of Fame class, recognizing the electric motorcycle manufacturer’s commitment to American manufacturing.

Zero Motorcycles, founded in 2006 in Santa Cruz, Calif., by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki, becomes the second motorcycle manufacturer named to the Foundation’s Hall of Fame. Harley-Davidson was inducted in 2011.

First established in 2010, the Foundation’s Hall of Fame celebrates businesses that display dedication to American manufacturing. Criteria includes product quality, company’s contribution to U.S. job creation, accurate labeling and promotion of US-made products labor and environmental standards. Continue Reading »

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is adding the Zero XU to its fleet of motorcycles approved for its rider training programs. The Zero XU has already been put into service in a pair of pilot programs and will soon be available in programs across the U.S.

The XU provides some benefits for inexperienced riders.  As an electric motorcycle, riders won’t have to worry about excessive heat and with little noise, it would be easier to listen to instructors. Beginners also won’t have to worry about gear shifting or operating a clutch, allowing them to focus on other riding skills.

“The Zero XU successfully completed a pilot program on two training courses in Washington state and Florida. Students and instructors alike found the motorcycle to be highly responsive and handle nicely,” says Mark Cummings, Zero Motorcycles’ North American fleet manager.  “The XU allows students to enhance their skills and concentrate on the fundamentals of riding, while still experiencing the look and feel of a traditional motorcycle. Course operators also love that there is very little upkeep in terms of maintenance and, of course, no fuel to add or other fluids that can run the risk of spillage.” Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles reported a 240% year-over-year growth in revenue over the first quarter of 2012 with a 178% increase in unit sales.

Specific numbers were not released, only saying it recently passed the milestone of 1,500 units delivered worldwide, but actual unit sales figures and revenues are still small in comparison to larger motorcycle manufacturers, but the growth is still positive news for Zero and the overall electric motorcycle segment.

“We are now in full production and accelerated growth mode. Yet we are still a small company and therefore we understand that significant increases are relatively easier for us than for larger OEMs,” says Karl Wharton, chief operating officer of Zero Motorcycles. “However, on any scale, it’s an impressive performance, arguably making Zero Motorcycles the fastest growing and largest premium brand electric motorcycle manufacturer in the world.” Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles is launching what it calls a new “awareness program,” albeit a naturally self-serving program, titled, Ride a Zero Motorcycle – Join the Silent Revolution Demo Day.

On Saturday, May 19, Zero dealers across the U.S. will offer free demonstration rides for qualified, licensed motorcycle riders, along with providing product overviews of Zero Motorcycles’ entire lineup.

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Most people know Fabio from his work as a romance novel cover model, and as a pitchman for  Old Spice and his seminal work for I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter. What many don’t know is he’s an avid motorcyclist with a collection of bikes in the hundreds.

More recently, Fabio has become a spokesperson for Plug In America, a non-profit organization advocating electric vehicles. Fabio had a cameo in a Public Service Announcement commercial for Plug In America produced by former Baywatch actress and a founding board member of the group, Alexandra Paul. The PSA drew the attention of several mainstream media outlets, and Fabio eventually became somewhat of an ambassador for the group .

The PSAs also caught the attention of someone at Zero Motorcycles who contacted Fabio and invited him for a test ride. A day’s worth of riding made Fabio a believer and he picked up his own Zero DS. Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles recently celebrated the start of production for its 2012 model lineup, including the first electric motorcycles to claim a range over 100 miles.

The first 2012 Zero model off the line was the Zero DS dual sport, available with a 6 or 9 kWh Z-Force powerpack. The 9 kWh version claims a range of 112 miles by measure of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) testing.

Zero also claims a range of 62 km when traveling at a highway speed of 70 mph. The 6 kWh version claims a range of 76 mils by the UDDS standard, and 42 miles at highway speed. Zero also claims a top speed of 80 mph for the 2012 DS. The street-oriented 2012 Zero S offers slightly better range, claiming 114 miles for the 9 kWh pack and 76 miles for the 6 kWh version (63 miles/43 miles at 70 mph).

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The 2011-2012 International Motorcycle Shows tour hits the Big Apple this weekend with a number of debuts, Jan. 20-22 at the Jakob K. Javits Convention Center.

Headlining the show is a new 2013 Victory model being introduced by R. Lee Ermey, a.k.a. The Gunny. According to Victory, the new model will be a cruiser that reflects “the American muscle car scene”. The brand new 2013 model will be joined by two custom Victory models, a Zach Ness customized version of the new model and a custom bike produced by Klocks Werks Kustom Motorcycles in memory of one of its fallen employees, Vic Briggs.

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Click here to see photos of each of the new 2012 models.

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2012 Zero S

According to Zero, the 2012 Zero S is the world’s first available mass-produced electric motorcycle capable of exceeding 100 miles on the EPA’s UDDS range test. The entirely revamped Zero S features a completely new powertrain that includes a brushless motor capable of achieving speeds of up to 88 mph, new battery cell technology, regenerative deceleration and a power pack that is designed to last the life of the motorcycle.

Offering customers the ability to select the range they need, the new ZF6 and ZF9 power pack configurations give riders the ability to respectively achieve 76 miles and 114 miles according to the EPA UDDS. Highlighting the new powertrain is new venting and bodywork designed to keep the maintenance free and air cooled system operating at moderate temperatures. As well, Zero says revised frame geometry, new optimized Zero designed rotors and a larger front brake master cylinder give the Zero S better handling and more stopping power than ever before.

The 2012 Zero S is visually distinct from its predecessors with new additions to the bodywork, components and graphics. Built around a black high-end aircraft grade aluminum frame, it is the first and only model to feature Zero’s newly designed and optimized cast wheels. Other changes include a more contemporary headlight.

Prices start at $11,495 for the ZF6 power pack. Add $2,500 for the ZF9.

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Zero Motorcycles made its first appearance at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., displaying its TTXGP electric race bike.

The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and tuner trade shows,  with all the flash and bang befitting its setting in Vegas.

Zero used the stage to showcase its racebike. Developed by  Zero and K-Squared racing,the Zero bike competed in the TTXGP North American series’ TTX75 restricted-power class. K-Squared manager and rider, as well as Zero engineer Kenyon Kluge was on hand at SEMA to address visitors and answer questions.

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