2013 Zero S.

                                                 
                                          2013 Zero S

The S and DS models get a new aluminum frame this year that makes both feel more substantial when you sling a leg over them—especially the S, which previously felt rather diminutive, a bit like a Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Now, with its 55.6 inch wheelbase and 31.3 in. seat height, the Zero S feels comparable to midsize bikes like the, Triumph Street Triple or Ducati 696 Monster.

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry today announced its 2013 model line which features an average power increase of 99 percent and the world’s longest-range production electric motorcycle.

The 2013 Zero S is 93% more powerful, generates 62% more torque and yields 20% greater city range. Using a new optional accessory the Zero S can be charged to 95% at CHAdeMO charging stations in an hour or less. Able to travel 137 mi (city) or 85 mi (highway) on a single charge, the Zero S is now the longest range production electric motorcycle in history. It is also Zero Motorcycles fastest with speeds of up to 95 mph. Featuring Zero Motorcycles’ completely new Z-Force motor and high-voltage power system, the Zero S delivers instant acceleration that is both impressive and incredibly smooth. The sophisticatedly simple, zero-shifting, zero-clutching direct drive powertrain operates with such high efficiency that it requires no mechanical cooling systems whatsoever.

At more sensible speeds handling is impeccable with the Zero S demonstrating good manners and excellent control characteristics. Thanks to its low center of gravity—the battery pack is where the engine would normally be on a motorcycle—it enters and exits corners with grace and isn’t difficult to lean over.

Torque is measured in pound feet or for the rest of the world Newton-meters and the Zero SR puts down 106 lb-ft 56 percent more than its standard S counterpart, and a figure that brings it in line with some of the biggest, brashest, and beefiest bikes in the world. But unlike those bruisers and cruisers, the SR tips the scales at a relatively svelte 400 pounds. High grunt and low mass let you hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.

One of the more interesting and forward-looking pieces of technology on the Zero is vehicle fine-tuning via smartphone. The Zero communicates with an iPhone or Android mobile device via a Bluetooth link and a specialized Zero Motorcycles app. Once paired with the bike, the smartphone can be used to monitor the precise state of charge and real time power usage while riding. You can dial up more or less regen or alter any one of a number of other performance parameters. There’s even an optional mount you can buy to clip your phone to the handlebars.

All this good stuff doesn’t come cheap, however. This is an electric motorcycle we’re talking about, after all. The base price for the Zero S has been reduced by $1,000 to $12,995, with the range-topping SR coming in at $16,995. Add in the power tank accessory, and you’re looking at another $2,495 for the additional juice.