Zero Motorcycles made a big splash at the 2012 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, announcing a host of impressive updates. We’ll have a more in-depth look for you tomorrow, for now, here are the highlights:

• A higher-voltage Z-Force power pack;
• An average power increase of 99% across the entire lineup;
• A claimed range of 137 city miles for the Zero S;
• A quick charge to 95% of battery capacity in under an hour using CHADeMO charge stations;
• iPhone and Android phone integration via Bluetooth;
• All new frames;
• New bodywork on the Zero S and Zero DS;
• The Zero MX gets upsized, while the Zero X gets replaced by:
• The new Zero FX claiming 44 hp, 70 ft-lb. of torque and a weight of just 275 pounds;

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Zero is issuing its second recall in a week, this time for insufficient waterproofing for the battery management system on certain 2012 models. The recall comes after a recall on 2011 and 2012 models for the brake light switch. The second recall, related to the battery, is a much more serious one for the electric motorcycle manufacturer.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the battery management system printed circuit board has insufficient waterproofing on its connector pins. Under wet conditions, connector pins may short circuit, potentially causing a sudden drop in power, increasing the chance of a crash.

Zero first first received reports of a problem in March 2012 from a dealer after a 2012 Zero S inadvertently stopped running. The dealer replaced the battery management system under warranty with a new unit which corrected the problem. Zero then began an investigation for the cause. Continue Reading »

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 »

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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Zero Motorcycles has signed a distribution deal with the Brazilian dealer network Grupo Izzo, bringing its electric motorcycles to first Brazil, and soon across South America.

Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing markets for motorcycles, a market Zero hopes to tap with its new distribution deal. Grupo Izzo is based mainly in Brazil with 11 locations, but has plans to expand into other South American countries.

“Zero Motorcycles has experienced exceptional growth throughout Europe, and now we are pleased to be expanding our sales and distribution channels to Brazil to continue the enhancement of Zero’s international reach,” says John Lloyd, vice president of world wide sales for Zero Motorcycles. “Our partnership with Grupo Izzo will allow us to expand Zero Motorcycles’ presence in the Southern Hemisphere while giving motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to experience our high performance electric motorcycles throughout South America.”

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