Letko is now a Kansas City dealer for
Zero Motorcycles.
Zero has a promotion running right now: Demo ride a Zero in Sep or Oct, and be entered to win a 2011 Zero motorcycle. Now get this--it's not just ONE motorcycle, it's one PER dealer. I demo'd the Zero DS today so I'm in the drawing. Guess how many folks are in the drawing so far? About 7. That's good odds, folks!
Now why am I telling you this?! I mean why would I want you to demo ride one and decrease my odds of winning?! The truth is, as much as I'd love to win a Zero, I'm very, very interested in seeing electric vehicles become the norm for everyday commuters. I think they make sense, and I think they have potential to make the world a better place. (I'm hugging a tree right now, actually.)
Today, I test rode the
Zero DS.
My overall impression is I LOVE IT! Is it going to replace my BMW F800? Absolutely not. Is it a great Dualsport motorcycle? Well, no--the ergonomics and suspension are not what I'd want for forest roads and such, although I would not hesitate to take it down gravel roads. Did I love riding it? YES! Would I commute on it? YES! No gears, no clutch, absolutely silent when not moving. When moving, all you hear is the wind and the gentle whine of the electric motor. It pulls hard enough when you pull the throttle--my gas powered bikes pull harder--but it's plenty for what I'd use this machine for. I reached speeds of 75, and it was smooth. I'm told it will go 90 if you want.
Of course the batteries just don't last long enough to make most folks happy....but it will do over 100 mile range. I think even if you drive it inefficiently, it will do around 70--which should be enough for many folks to commute and joyride around town. If you can charge at work, even better. It uses a standard 110 outlet. (The 2011 model you'd win has a smaller battery pack and thus less range I believe.)
It's so easy and fun to ride! I love the lack of engine noise and vibration...and exhaust fumes. I went for a cruise down a winding residential road. Folks were out walking and such----and I had zero guilt about disturbing their peace!
So go demo ride one and let us know what you think! You might even win one! (Drawing is Oct 31.)
