Motorcycle Sport & Leisure

Zero SR/F GAME CHANGER

Streetlegal powered two-wheelers essentially come in just two kinds: those which use a spark to light the fire that eventually propels them forward, and the growing number which employ electricity. Until now, there’s never been the basis to make a direct comparison between these two contrasting types of product in terms of dynamics – i.e. performance, handling, practicality, or just plain fun. But that’s now changed with the arrival of the all-new American-made Zero SR/F Standard and Premium.

After spending one-and-a-half days riding the SR/F for around 170 miles on the demanding roads of Northern California, and growing first to respect it, then to love riding it, I have to admit it: folks – this a game changer. Why so? Well, setting aside range anxiety and recharging time, until now there’s been too many inherent compromises in E-bike design to make them genuine rivals to more conventional motorcycles. Running on skinny tyres to increase range via reduced drag, or downsizing on brakes to lower weight – stuff like that. And then there’s been the aesthetically-challenged styling – unless you really wanted to make your own contribution to saving the planet, there’s been no real incentive to buy electric. Until now.

OUT WITH THE OLD

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