Maximum Torque with an A1 License - Zero S 2024

The Zero S, freshly launched in 2024, epitomizes Zero Motorcycles' long-standing pioneering spirit in the field of electric mobility. Since its founding in 2006, the company has evolved from a small garage project in California to one of the leading manufacturers of electric motorcycles.

The Zero S was first introduced in 2009 as a model designed for road traffic – an electric bike that had a reputation for being as fast as it was environmentally friendly. Since then, Zero has continuously developed the S, and the 2024 version marks the next big step: more powerful, more modern, and with a design that almost screams, "I am a combustion engine bike!!" The latter statement is, of course, a bit provocative – but it was well-received during testing. The bike feels very premium in its materials and surprises with a very refined look. An important step to attract potential customers from the combustion engine sector.

Let's get to the hard facts, because what would a test report be without some crisp technical details? The Zero S 11 kW may be the "small" variant, but anyone who thinks it holds back in any way is sorely mistaken. With its 11 kW (15 hp), it may seem rather harmless on paper, but with the instantly available torque of 109 Nm, it leaves many petrol engines in the dust at the traffic lights. No shifting, no clutching – just twist the throttle and off you go.

However, the top speed is capped at 120 km/h, which is more than sufficient for city traffic and leisurely country roads. If you constantly want to go full throttle on the highway, you might want to look for a more powerful version. The ZF14.4+ battery provides a range of up to 359 kilometers in the city – ideal for daily commuting or longer rides without constantly having to look for the next charging station. On the highway, the range drops to about 180 kilometers, but even that is more than enough for an extended weekend trip.

When it comes to charging, the Zero makes it easy: just plug it into a regular household outlet and the battery is fully charged in 4 to 8 hours. With the optional Rapid Charger, you can significantly reduce this time – handy if you're in a hurry.

At around 190 kg, the Zero S is a rather heavy bike, especially compared to alternatives in the 35 kW range. However, the low center of gravity due to the battery significantly improves the weight distribution.

The suspension is from Showa and the electronics are from Bosch. The choice of these reputable companies in terms of quality is always welcome.

From the very first moment I sat on the Zero S 11 kW, I was pleasantly surprised to find the familiar ignition key – yes, a classic one, just like on combustion engine motorcycles. No futuristic gimmick system, just insert the key, turn it, and the ignition is on. This immediately gave me a sense of familiarity. In a world where everything is becoming "smarter" and more complicated, this return to something tried and true was truly refreshing.

The display also caught my eye right away. It is simple and calm, nothing blinks, nothing distracts – exactly what you need. Just clear information without unnecessary fuss. Zero has really focused on the essentials here, and I like that.

As soon as I started riding, it became clear: this motorcycle can be driven incredibly smoothly and controlled. After just a few meters, it was evident that you feel comfortable and safe on the Zero S right away. Especially when starting off, you have fine control, which is a huge plus, particularly for beginners or city riders who often deal with stop-and-go traffic.

The seat of the Zero S is also a real highlight in terms of comfort. It offers pleasant padding that doesn't become uncomfortable even on longer rides. What particularly struck me was the bike's ergonomics. Although the Zero S conveys the typical naked bike feeling, as known from conventional bikes in this class, it still feels somewhat more touring-oriented. You sit surprisingly upright, which not only ensures a relaxed posture but also significantly improves comfort on long journeys. This upright seating position is a clear advantage if you plan to cover many kilometers without unnecessarily straining your back or wrists.

In short: The Zero S offers a comfortable blend of sporty naked bike position and touring-friendly ergonomics, making it an ideal companion for both city rides and longer tours.

When I took the first corners on the country roads with the Zero S 11 kW, I quickly noticed that the riding feel was initially a bit unusual. It almost feels as if the bike wants to lean into the corner by itself. I suspect this is due to the low center of gravity of the battery – a trait also found in some petrol bikes.

Anyone who has ridden a BMW F850 GS might be familiar with this characteristic: You get the feeling that the bike is steering for you. It's similar with the Zero S, which can be a bit surprising at first. It was almost as if the bike was steering through the corners for me without much input. This confused me in the first few minutes.

But after a while – let's say after about half an hour – I got used to it. The feeling that the bike "steers itself" quickly disappears once you get accustomed to the dynamic behavior. Initially, it may be different from what you know from many other bikes, but the adjustment happens quickly, and soon cornering feels smooth and intuitive.

Once you get the hang of the Zero S 11 kW, cornering becomes really fun. The Zero S comes with three different riding modes: If you want to go sporty, especially on twisty roads, the Canyon mode is ideal. In this mode, the regeneration – that is, the recovery of energy when you let off the throttle – is the strongest. This means you have a very strong engine brake as soon as you release the throttle. Especially on routes with lots of climbs and descents, this mode is perfect. You not only brake gently before each corner but also regain electricity at the same time. This ensures very dynamic and efficient riding performance.

In addition to Canyon mode, the Zero S naturally offers other modes tailored to different riding styles and conditions, such as an Eco mode for maximum range and a Sport mode when you want to go full throttle.

Especially in long, flowing corners, the Zero S shows that even an 11 kW bike can offer plenty of riding pleasure. Thanks to the immediately available torque of over 100 Nm, the bike accelerates directly and powerfully out of every corner. The electronic drive ensures that the power is always available exactly when you need it – no delay, no shifting, just throttle and go. This makes every cornering ride a real experience, and even with "only" 11 kW, it brings a lot of joy.

One negative aspect I noticed about the brakes on the Zero S 11 kW is the performance of the rear brake. During my test, it didn't really impress me. The feedback was quite weak, and I had to apply a lot of force to achieve noticeable braking. This is not only unusual but can also become dangerous, especially for riders who heavily rely on the rear brake. In moments of panic, this could become a problem since the braking power is simply not sufficient.

The Zero S is equipped with a braking system from J-Juan. At the front, it has a 320 mm disc with 4-piston radial calipers, while the rear features a 240 mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper. The rear brake, in particular, shows weaknesses. If you try to decelerate using only the rear brake, you can quickly get the feeling that the braking performance is inadequate. Therefore, you definitely need to strongly support with the front brake to come to a safe stop.

On the one hand, it's cool that Zero has installed a cruise control on their electric motorcycle, which works well and is somewhat intuitive. Unfortunately, there is no way to adjust the speed via buttons.

It is a known issue with some motorcycles, especially when the brakes are not perfectly matched to the weight or dynamic load distribution, which is additionally noticeable on the Zero S with its low center of gravity due to the battery. An overhaul of the brakes would be desirable here to ensure safer and more consistent braking performance.

The Zero S 11 kW is not only convincing in terms of performance and riding pleasure, but also well thought out in many details. A cool example is the battery, which is not only functional but also visually appealing. At first glance, one might think the Zero S is just a regular naked bike. But as soon as you discover the battery in the design, it quickly becomes clear that special attention has been paid to the aesthetics. It not only blends harmoniously into the overall look but also gives the bike a futuristic touch without being obtrusive.

Another highlight is the so-called "tank space" – where a conventional combustion engine motorcycle would have its fuel tank, the Zero S has a clever storage compartment. The compartment is large enough to store useful items like motorcycle gloves, drinks, or snacks. Especially on longer tours, such as over Alpine passes, this is a real advantage if you don't want to carry a backpack. While a helmet won't fit inside, the storage space is sufficient for the essentials – whether it's energy drinks or a sandwich for a break.

Another smart feature is the belt drive instead of a chain. This brings two advantages: First, it reduces maintenance costs since there's no need for regular lubrication or chain tensioning. Second, riding becomes simply more carefree – less maintenance means more time on the road. A perfect feature for riders who want to focus on the essentials: riding pleasure.

The Zero S 11 kW is an incredibly exciting bike, especially for those looking for something special and not too concerned about the budget. Sure, for many young motorcycle enthusiasts looking to get their first fast bike, the price might be a hurdle. But for those who can afford the luxury of a high-quality electric machine, the Zero S is an excellent option. What makes the Zero S so special is the strong spirit of a classic bike that remains fully intact despite the electric drive. Even with "only" 11 kW of power, riding it is a lot of fun. Thanks to the enormous torque – probably the highest in this license category – you always have enough power to ride confidently. And the best part: You can switch directly from a car license to a motorcycle license and take a seat on a Zero S.

In summary: The Zero S 11 kW offers you the opportunity to ride the most powerful bike in this category without sacrificing comfort and style. A bike for everyone looking for a modern, sustainable alternative but doesn't want to miss out on the spirit of motorcycling.