2021 Zero FX: Trail-Shredding EV Power in a Lightweight Package
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Out of the five dual-sport motorcycles Zero has in their new 2021 lineup, the 2021 Zero FX can be found at the bottom of the performance and pricing scale, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this machine is a dud; it’s quite literally insane.
The Zero FX is much like it’s street-oriented FXS brother and contains most of the features/specifications but is born from a dirtier pedigree and is your best bet when seeking an extremely lightweight bike for trail-blazing.
When I say lightweight, I really mean it. Although this model comes in 2 separate configurations (the ZF 3.6 kWh model, and the ZF 7.2 kWh model), if you decide on taking the 3.6 kWh battery configuration just know you will be truly riding the lightning with 78 lb-ft of torque being produced by a staggeringly light 247 lb (112kg) bike. For the sake of perspective, a petrol-powered Yamaha MT-09 street bike (crowned the king of torque wheelies) produces 65 lb-ft of torque from a 414.4 lb (188 kg) motorcycle. The torque/weight ratio on the Zero FX is unparalleled and can only be experienced on an EV platform, most notably any of the American-made Zero motorcycles.
Having to switch through gears to find adequate power when out on the trails (and perhaps stuck in the mud) is burdensome, but with a direct drive motor like the Zero FX has, that problem is quickly remedied with unlimited power at any rpm. How? This bike only has one gear. Fast.
The 2021 Zero DSR/BF starts at $9295 USD / $12,363 CAD.
On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Zero FX in one place.
Motorcycle Overview
General Info
Main Specs
2021 Zero FX Specifications
Engine |
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| Peak torque |
78 ft-lb (106 Nm)
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| Peak power |
27 hp (20 kW) @ 4,300 rpm
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| Top speed (max) |
85 mph (137 km/h)
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| Type |
Z-Force® 75-5 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor
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| Controller |
High efficiency, 550 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative deceleration
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| Lubrication | ||
Drivetrain |
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| Transmission | Clutchless direct drive | |
| Clutch | ||
| Final Drive | 90T / 18T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt | |
Chassis |
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| Suspension Front |
Showa 41 mm inverted cartridge forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
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| Suspension Rear | Showa 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping | |
| Brakes Front |
Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan dual piston floating caliper, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
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| Brakes Rear |
Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
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| Tires Front | Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 90/90-21 | |
| Tires Rear | Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 120/80-18 | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | N/A | |
| Color | ||
Power system |
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| Power pack |
Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent modula
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| Charger type |
650 W, integrated
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| Charge time (standard) | 5.1 hours (100% charged) / 4.6 hours (95% charged) | |
Dimensions |
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| Wheelbase |
56.2 in (1,427 mm)
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| Overall Width | ||
| Trail |
4.1 in (104 mm)
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| Rake |
25.4°
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| Seat Height | 34.7 in (881 mm) | |
| Curb Weight |
247 lb (112 kg)
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Warranty |
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| Warranty |
2 years
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| Extension | ||
2021 Zero FX Features
Tuned in to your ride
Crossing from smooth asphalt to loose gravel fire roads? All good. Change performance profiles at the press of a button to master any terrain. The Zero FX is pre-programmed with Eco or Sport modes and performance can be fully customized using the Zero Motorcycles app where you can also see detailed ride stats.
Charge. Simply.
Wake up, ready to ride, with a “full tank” every day. No expensive charge station required. A simple 110 V household outlet satisfies all the needs of the Zero FX’s 650-watt onboard charger. Every outlet is now a “fueling” station.
Crave faster refills? Pick up an accessory Quick Charger to cut charge times by over 60%.
Your Low Maintenance Ride
Instant “full tank”
There’s no faster way to “charge” than throwing in a fresh battery. The Zero FX’s optional hot-swappable batteries allow you to go from empty to full in seconds. Easily recharge drained modules using off-board charging accessories for a never-ending ride.
Stretch your endurance
Cruise through city streets. Or, hit the dirt. Push yourself and ride until your muscles throb or your legs give out. Most Zero FX riders find they’ve hit their endurance limits long before their battery. Continual improvements to the Z-Force® powertrain have imbued the Zero FX with the highest power and energy density battery in the industry. The Zero FX produces an impressive 91 miles of “city” riding on a single charge.
2021 Zero FX Photos
2021 Zero FX Videos
Links
I recently got a chance to ride a Zero FX when a friend bought one new in Phoenix. I was so excited like a kid on Christmas. I’ve been dying to ride one for years now. Well first thing we did is top off the charge and take it camping/riding for the weekend. I brought my quad to ride along. Well the battery died after 12 miles, 10 minutes. He was riding it medium hard on fire roads. Neither of us are pros or really experts or anything though we’ve been riding a long time. I was shocked. We recharged it from the generator. That took over 5 hours and a almost 2 gallons of gas. I tried riding it next. Pretty much the same results. Meanwhile we called the zero dealer and they said you can’t ride it hard. What’s the point of that? Later we tried riding it like it’s a moped. We went a little farther. Not much. The dealer wouldn’t give us a decent deal to take it back used. He sold it for $3500 because people want to test ride and then they don’t want it. That’s an expensive lesson.
So if you want to ride a moped that gets 5 mpg this is for you, hey that’s almost as good as a city bus gets. If you want a motorcycle this isn’t what you want. Maybe someday electric motorcycles will be a thing but not yet from Zero at least.
My suggestion is take advantage of their new try before you buy rental option and know what you’re getting before you buy. Or just buy a nice economical 2-stroke (compared to a Zero) and save some cash.