Zero’s Most Powerful Electric Motorcycle Yet - The All-New 2020 SR/F

If all the hubbub about Harley's LiveWire hasn't convinced you yet, we'll just restate the obvious: Electric motorcycles are hot. The last year has seen a flurry of activity, with the announcement or outright release of at least six all-new models, and lots more coming down the pike for 2021. But while everyone else has been busy playing catch-up, longtime electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has quietly moved the goalposts with its new top-of-the-line SR/F, a potentially game-changing streetfighter bringing industry-leading power, control, and connectivity, and even brandishing something Zero's never been particularly adept at: an appealing design. All this comes from the brand that arguably created the category; it's been building electric motorcycles since 2006.

Some of the highlights of the new 2020 Zero SR/F:

The streetfighter-styled SR/F delivers an eye-popping 140 foot-pounds of torque and 110 hp, all dialed up by Zero’s new ZF75-10 motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery. At a claimed 485 pounds for the standard model that’s still a lot of mass to move, but those numbers hold some promise.

The compact powertrain boasts innovative air-cooling that’s designed to increase longevity, scrap most routine maintenance, and launch the SR/F to that promising (and claimed) top speed of 124 mph. Hang on.

Zero says a single charge can deliver up to a 200-mile range, but that’s only with the addition of the optional Power Tank, which you won’t be able to snag until fall of 2019. In stock configuration, the SR/F Standard and Premium models claim a 161-mile range in the city and around 99 miles on the highway. The inevitable recharge scenario is where the Standard and Premium models differ; the base model has a 3.0-kWh integrated charger while the Premium has a 6.0-kWh system. Zero’s innovative Rapid Charge System is set up to tap into the growing network of Level 2 charge stations around the country. The system provides a platform that allows for up to three independent charging modules for adaptability and the fastest recharge capacity in Zero’s lineup. With all three modules installed, the SR/F can charge from 0 to 95 percent capacity in one hour (but that’s on the Premium model with the 6.0-kWh charging system).

The SR/F uses Zero’s new Cypher III operating system, as well as Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), both huge enhancements on an electric motorcycle. The Cypher III acts as the central hub, integrating all the systems, from Bosch’s MSC to Zero’s app and dash, while the MSC system—a first on an electric motorcycle—is renowned for dynamic acceleration and improved stability in all conditions. Combined with Cypher lIl, the MSC can throw down superior straight-line ABS and cornering brake control, traction control, and drag torque control.

The SR/F’s myriad ride modes allow the rider to customize the bike’s performance through the intuitive app and dash interface. You can plug in Street, Sport, Eco, Rain, and up to 10 programmable custom modes.

Zero bestows the SR/F with some serious style—dare we say sexiness—thanks to a uniquely designed all-new steel-trellis frame and concentric swingarm. That swingarm also optimizes torque delivery to the rear wheel so the bike can better harness the full capabilities of the new powertrain.

The Cypher III OS also means the SR/F is a fully “smart” motorcycle, and the first commercially available connected motorcycle on the market. That connectivity lets the rider monitor Bike Status and Alerts, Charging, Ride Data Sharing, and System Upgrades and Updates, and more.

Riders get alerts on bike status, including interruptions in charging and tip-over or unexpected motion. The “Find my Bike” function allows riders to keep tabs on the motorcycle at all times.

The SR/F makes recharging a snap, with the ability to remotely set charging parameters, including Targeted Charge Levels, notification of State of Charge (SoC), Charge Time Scheduling, and Charge Tracking.

RELATED: Zero Motorcycles Builds New U.S. Manufacturing Facilities as it Ramps Up for Continued Growth in 2011

Ride Data Sharing: The motorcycle records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, SoC, and energy used/regenerated. Riders can replay each ride and upload additional content via the app.

New updates and diagnostic capabilities allow the rider to remotely download the latest Cypher III operating system release to ensure the best performance and future improvements.

Here’s the hook though: Connectivity is offered free of charge for the first two years with the purchase of a new SR/F. Presumably it’ll cost you after that.

An SR/F with a 3-kW Rapid Charger starts at $18,995. The premium SR/F model with 6-kW Rapid Charger, fly screen, heated handgrips, and aluminum bar ends starts at $20,995. Both models can be had in Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red colorways, and begin shipping to dealers this spring. For more info see zeromotorcycles.com.