If the Zero came down in price, I could see it for me. It can easily do 70-75 mph while getting roughly 60-70 miles on a charge at that speed (farther if you slow it down some). That's PERFECT for my commute (roughly 45 miles round trip on the highway). Park it in the garage and plug it in overnight and I'm ready to go in the morning.No gas, no oil changes, no tune-ups, no spark plugs, no valves... But even with the tax break, there's no economic sense to me at the current price.
Knowing that I was to be in Orlando FL one afternoon with nothing scheduled, I went through the factory website
ZERO MOTORCYCLES ? The Electric Motorcycle Company - Official Site and requested a test ride at Orlando Yamaha Kawasaki. The sales staff was extremely accommodating and allowed me to ride their Zero SR demo.
Having ridden 50 plus years on the street, raced both two and four strokes with AMA, WERA and AHRMA, on the road, track and dirt, I was really impressed with the scoot. Power comes on STRONG, maybe enough to raise the front end. But, more importantly, the power is seamless, no flat spots, the throttle is linear, like the volume control with potentiometer input. It's a different sensation, no exhaust noise, gobs of torque, and respectful handling at my above leisurely riding in "demo" mode.
For me, range isn't a factor as I commute 20 to 40 miles a day, sometimes seven days a week.
However, two "cons" for me.
1. storage, my current commuter vehicle is a 2009 Aprilla Scarebeo 500 ie
and with underseat and top box storage, I can haul helmet, gym bag, groceries, even two 12 packs of brew.
2. cost, nearly $15,000 is a bit much.
