2020 Zero SR/F | First Look Review

Zero Motorcycles has released its first new model since 2016, the 2020 SR/F, and with its streetfighter look and steel trellis frame it’s blurring the styling lines between gas and electric motorcycles.

The SR/F, powered by a new ZF75-10 IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery, delivers a claimed 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. Go ahead and read that again. Yes, that’s more torque than any of today’s top-of-the-line 1,000cc superbikes, and it beats Zero’s own personal best of 116 lb-ft and 70 horsepower, as seen on the 2019 DSR we reviewed last November.

With twist-and-go operation and no transmission, Zero’s controller quickly doles out power in a smooth, linear fashion all the way up to the peak, with response, power and regen (battery regeneration and “engine braking” function) regulated via Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to ten additional custom riding modes. The SR/F is also the first electric motorcycle to be integrated with a Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system, which works with the SR/F’s Cypher III operating system to optimize cornering ABS, traction control and drag torque control.

Read our Best Bikes for Smaller Riders (and Budgets) list here!

Zero says the SR/F is the first fully “smart” motorcycle thanks to the Cypher III system, which now offers comprehensive rider connectivity. SR/F owners can monitor the bike in four ways:

• Bike Status and Alerts – This includes tip-overs or unexpected motion notifications, plus interruptions in charging. In addition, the “Find my Bike” function allows the rider to keep tabs on the SR/F at all times.
• Charging – The rider can remotely set charging parameters, including targeted charge levels, charge time scheduling, charge tracking and more.
• Ride Data Sharing – The SR/F records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, charge level and energy used/regenerated, and riders can replay and share the experience via the app. Riders also have the option to keep this data anonymous.
• System Upgrades and Notifications – Riders can remotely download Cypher III OS updates to stay up to date and ensure optimal performance.

Battery life and charging time are two of the most important concerns in this early stage of electric motorcycle development, and as the newest Zero product the SR/F seems to be showing steady improvement. Despite the massive increases in power and torque, claimed range from the standard battery (without the optional Power Tank installed) is 161 miles (city), 82 miles (highway, 70 mph) and 109 miles (combined). This is roughly equivalent to the less-powerful DSR we tested in November.

Harley just announced pricing and details on its LiveWire electric motorcycle. Read more about it here!

The SR/F, like all Zero electric motorcycles, can be plugged into a standard 110V wall outlet to charge the battery, but it’s the first to come standard with a Level 2 Rapid Charger. So while you could plug it into a wall, using a Level 2 station will net serious reductions in charge time.

The standard SR/F, which retails for $18,995, comes with a 3.0 kW Rapid Charger that Zero says will charge to 95 percent in 4 hours, and to 100 percent in 4.5 hours. The premium SR/F, which also comes with heated grips, a fly screen and aluminum bar ends, is equipped with a 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that charges to 95 percent in 2 hours, and to 100 percent in 2.5 hours. It retails for $20,995. Both models can also be upgraded with another 6.0 kW Rapid Charger that drops charge time (to 95 percent) to as little as one hour.

Both SR/F models are available in two colors, Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red, and will be available in dealers this spring.

For more information, visit zeromotorcycles.com.

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