OFF THE WIRE
Zero Motorcycles announced that its popular urban motorcycle, the Zero XU, meets the strict Motorcycle Safety Foundation criteria and is currently being used in the organization’s safety training programs. Zero becomes the first electric motorcycle manufacturer in the United States to provide consumers with a new and unique learning experience at MSF courses. The elimination of shifting, heat, exhaust, clutches and noise allows riders to focus more easily on learning.
“The Zero XU successfully completed a pilot program on two training courses in Washington state and Florida. Students and instructors alike found the motorcycle to be highly responsive and handle nicely,” said Mark Cummings, fleet manager – North America, Zero Motorcycles. “The XU allows students to enhance their skills and concentrate on the fundamentals of riding, while still experiencing the look and feel of a traditional motorcycle. Course operators also love that there is very little upkeep in terms of maintenance and, of course, no fuel to add or other fluids that can run the risk of spillage.”
The Zero XU reduces the total cost of ownership for any school by eliminating all routine powertrain maintenance and the need for refueling. The motorcycle can be plugged into any standard outlet and, if needed, can be ‘quick’ charged with an optional accessory. The Zero XU power pack is quickly swappable, can be easily removed for off-site charging and the cost of recharging is often about one penny per mile.
With a majority of training sessions being held in small closed-course areas, the absence of exhaust and noise eliminates several training concerns and opens up new training venue possibilities.
“What a fantastic training tool! The Zero XU blends a lightweight motorcycle feel and posture with an electric motor to ‘twist-n-go.’ The suspension, gearing, braking and overall performance would be very favorable as a training cycle. These bikes should prove to be an ideal bridge of motorcycling, environmentally friendly green vehicles and the social scooter scene,” said Kyle McCarty, RiderCoach, trainer/chief instructor, Motorcycle Safety Technical Specialist, Department of Licensing in Olympia, Wash.