ZERO DSR (2016 - 2018) Review

Whether gentle greenlaning, commuting or upping the pace - the Zero's Showa suspension is a class act. Fully adjustable and giving a plush forgiving ride on all surfaces they really impress. A lot of folk assume electric bikes are heavy, but tipping the scales at under 200kg, the DSR is actually significantly lighter than a comparable ADV bike (like my Versys 650 at 210kg). That battery and motor are carried low giving an agile and reassuring handling. Wrapping it all in a solid alloy beam frame adds to the great ride quality. Since I only have the standard charger, I only ride for up to 120 miles - but the seat is comfy for that time and is well padded. The pillion perch is a bit narrow and thinner padded but still comfy for a couple of hours. The J.Juan brakes surprised me. Even with a single disk up front, braking power is plentiful with good feel and good bite. The rear is just as good if needing a firm press to get the best out of it. The ABS is either on or off, but it's never felt intrusive and even in torrential rain I've never accidentally set it off.

OK. Eco mode is what gets you around the place most of the time. Giving you maximum range, maximum regenerative power when off the throttle or on the brakes while limiting throttle response and top speed to 70mph. I'd equate it roughly to a Burgman 400, so it isn't going to set the world on fire. But for the trudge to work and back that is fine. Where the Zero earns the big 5 is Sport mode. There are few bikes out there that have caught me so off guard, made me grin so much or made me utter such profanities (in a good way)! As my friend said "it's like being hit in the back with a shovel. A flipping big shovel. By Anthony Joshua". Its simply addictive. Twist the throttle and hold on tight, as with a slight whine you're launched to the 110mph limit (to stop the battery overheating) a couple of seconds later. And its instant. From a standstill. From 20mph. From 40mph. From 60mph. Your right wrist is like a hyper drive switch. Yes it's all torque and that initial punch isnt quite backed up by the rush of horsepower to keep it going, but for sheer grin factor the Zero's power plant is hard to beat. Add to that a Custom mode. With an app on your phone you can link to your bike via bluetooth and change all the settings to your own preference. Want more torque? More regen? More range? More top speed? You've got it by simply sliding some bars around on your phone's screen!

Reliability wise there is very little to go awry on the Zero - there is one moving part in the motor! The belt does not need lubricating or adjusting and lasts 20k miles. And tension is checked using a free app on your phone. You twang the belt like a guitar string and the frequency tells the app if it's too loose, in spec or too tight! Servicing, such as it is pretty much comes to uploading the latest firmware via the app and basic routine checks. In my time of ownership nothing has gone wrong. Build quality is really good all around, as you would expect of a premium product. It feels made to last and to live life on the road. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the lid on the faux tank is a bit flimsy and can leak.

Yes the initial outlay is quite high. But taking into account the high build quality, cost of the battery, relatively low production volumes and the fact it is made in the USA this is to be expected! However the initial price is offset by the government EV grant (£1500 off), no road tax, little maintenance (brake pads and tyres pretty much) and costing about £1.20 to charge from flat to full - after a few years the bike has paid for itself! As an aside, cleaning is a doddle. With no oil, petrol, coolant, grease, running cool, far fewer nooks and crannies and very little bare metal - washing is a simple spray and wipe down affair. So if we factor in an hourly rate you're saving yourself money!

Standard, considering the cost, is pretty basic. Dont get me wrong, it's all solid and well made, but there are no niceties. The faux tank is large, the equal of most tank bags - it holds my phone, wallet, cable lock, throttle lock, visor cleaner, charging cable and still has room for a can of coke and some sandwiches. The lid is a bit flimsy and can leak but you cant argue with the volume! ABS. On or off. Doesnt have 20 levels of traction control. Doesnt have 20 ride modes or dynamic suspension. But I dont mind all that, it's not a bad bike for it and I'd probably fiddle for a day and then never touch them again anyway. I have the hand guards fitted, pretty good, solid and protect your mitts from the worst of the wind and rain. The Zero touring screen I have fitted is almost useless. Too small, low and close to your body to be of much use, it's better than nothing but could be much better. The Givi pannier frames are solid and fit the Trekker 33 litre panniers I have for my Versys 650, and no need to relocate the indicators. Only flaw (as with all Givi frames) is you have to keep on top of corrosion, as it sets in quickly and is difficult to get rid of once it does. (Which isnt Zero's fault) I also have the crash bars fitted. I enjoy a bit of offroad and ride all year round so it's sensible to invest in crash protection. Designed for military and police use they are certainly....robust! It feels like they stick out miles and would give you Harley levels of ground clearance, however they are actually narrower than the panniers and angled so the only way they would touch down is if you're going down shortly after them. Solid is an understatement, I feel that you could lob the bike at speed into a ditch and if the bike is written off you could still sell the bars on ebay! They also incorporate a rugged bash plate under the battery and motor to give peace of mind when you enter the Dakar Rally. The Pirelli MT60 adv tyres are the same as fitted to Ducati Scramblers. I'm pretty impressed with them so far! Hold the road well in all conditions and allow stable spirited riding, though cause a bit of vibration and noise at over 40mph. They dont disgrace themselves on gentle greenlaning either, offering plenty of traction on loose surfaces and grass.