Vienna – Last fall, I was the first blogger in the German-speaking world to test the new, fully electric supermoto Zero FXE. On the outskirts of Vienna, I was able to get a first glimpse of what the new bike is capable of. And what better time to tell you about it than the start of motorcycle season…
As you might expect, the 2 Rad Helden (two-wheel heroes) in Vienna’s 14th district are specialists for, well, two-wheeled electric vehicles. Located in the new ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club) building on Hadikgasse, they offer a wide range of electric mopeds, bikes and scooters in addition to the leading electric motorcycles from Zero Motorcycles and Energica. I was able to borrow the brand new 2022 Zero FXE ZF 7.2 for a couple of hours after a short talk with Aydin and Hanno. At that point, it had logged only 8 kilometres (5 mi)—as close to brand new as it gets.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION
With Dagmar in the back seat, I set off for Vienna’s Höhenstraße. I was immediately struck by the FXE’s exceptional manoeuvrability, which it owed in part to its agile weight of just 135 kilograms (298 lb). This made for a pleasant ride out of town, even despite the heavy rush-hour traffic. After the 30 km/h (19 mph) zone on Hüttelbergstraße, I was able to bring the Zero to life a bit for the first time. The 106 Newton meters of purely electric torque tore out beautifully, completely unhindered by the extra weight of my backseat passenger. It’s hard to believe that we were sitting on an 11kW motorcycle that can be driven with a basic A1 driver’s license from the age of 16. It can also be driven with a B driver’s license with code 111, which you can get without an exam after completing a short training course.
PURE ACCELERATION
At Schwarzenbergpark, we turned left at the traffic circle onto Exelbergstraße. Soon we reached the first hairpin bends and the FXE, with its Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires, showed how it turns without hesitation. Acceleration around corners was phenomenal and effortless, thanks to the linear power delivery of the electric motor and the absence of a gearshift. The upright seating position is comfortable, but Dagmar felt the stiff seat could be upholstered a bit more softly. The destination of the test ride was the hills of the Sophienalpe. On the way back down, the J.Juan brake system with Bosch ABS didn’t falter on the downhills and also decelerated perfectly from higher speeds before hairpin turns.
PIONEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
The Zero FXE is a newer version of the Supermoto FXS, and its most obvious change is its futuristic aesthetic. Developed by the respected San Francisco-based design firm Huge Design, the bike’s most impressive feature is its minimalism, which until now had not been Zero’s style. Both headlights and taillights are equipped with LED technology. The display of the new TFT colour dashboard is very tidy in its arrangement and therefore very clear. It blends harmoniously into the modern-looking machine.
The large “7.2” lettering on the side can be thought of as its race number. It hints at the 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the Z-Force 75-5 electric motor. The net usable battery capacity is 6.3 kWh and, according to the manufacturer, should give the FXE a range of 161 kilometres (100 mi) in the city and 106 kilometres (65 mi) combined. On the short test drive of around 50 kilometres (30 mi), the latter value proved to be quite accurate. The range is well suited for city trips, like a daily commute to work or a joyride afterwards, but not for extensive motorcycle tours.
It can be charged at a household socket with the on-board charger built into the motorcycle. The standard charging time from 0-95 percent is 9.2 hours. In the age of fast charging stations, that’s an eternity. Since the battery cannot be removed, it’s best if you have an outlet directly in the garage. Nevertheless, the charging time can be reduced to a reasonable 3.6 hours with an optional additional charger. Other chargers can even reduce the time by up to 75%.
ARMIN ELECTRIC CONCLUSION
The Zero FXE ZF 7.2 is an appropriate statement for our times. As a nearly silent and emission-free means of mobility, it fits nicely into our increasingly hectic world. It provides both experienced motorcyclists and beginners (11kw version) with an uncomplicated entry into the world of purely electrical two-wheelers. Due to its somewhat limited range, urban areas are its preferred territory.
The price for the Zero FXE in Austria currently sits at 14,180 euros (£12,670 in the UK, $12,195 in the US). This applies to both the 11kW variant with its continuous output of 11kW (15 hp) and the “open” version with 15 kW (21 hp). In their maximum output of 33 kW (44 hp) and net torque of 106 Newton meters, both varieties are identical. The same applies to their top speed of 132 km/h (82 mph). For quicker charging speeds, an optional fast charger is available for an additional 825 euros. All in all, the FXE is certainly no bargain. What it is, however, is an environmentally friendly, exciting machine with a trendy design that is second to none.
Text and photos: Armin Hoyer – arminelectric.com
Cover photo: Dagmar Berger
Translation from German to English: Ethan Shenhar
