Zero XU is a lightweight electric motorcycle introduced in 2011 by Zero Motorcycles in Scotts Valley, CA. The XU uses the Zero X dirtbike frame, road tires and a lower suspension for street riding.
Contents
Model History
The 2011 XU has spoked wheels (19" front / 16" rear) and road tires. A bay for a single removable battery module allows for quick swaps or charging away from parking. The XU uses a brushed DC motor and chain drive. The onboard 1 kW charger allows 90+% charging in 2 hours, and an optional quick charge accessory drops the charge time to 1 hour.
In 2012 the XU switched to belt drive and to a single-rotor brushless AC motor, reducing bike maintenance. Battery capacity increased by 50%, and both range and top speed improved. The onboard 1 kW charger allows 95% charging in 3.4 hours, and an optional quick charge accessory allows 95% charging in 1.7 hours.
In 2013 the XU switched to the more powerful 75-5 motor developed by Zero Motorcycles. A second removable battery bay was added, and the XU is now sold as the ZF2.8 and ZF5.7 models with 1 or 2 battery modules installed. When a single battery module is installed, a lockable storage container can be held in the empty bay. The 2013 XU is now capable of highway operation with a maximum speed of 77 mph (124 km/h). The onboard charger is reduced in power to 650W (95% charge in 3.7, 7.4 hours for ZF2.8 and ZF5.7 respectively), but an optional CHAdeMO inlet provides a 1 hour 95% charge for both models.
The XU was discontinued after the 2013 model year.
Specifications
All specifications are manufacturer claimed.