Zero Motorcycles has added a fifth model to its 2011 lineup. Billed as an urban-crosser, the new Zero XU is a street-legal machine based on the diminutive off-road X model. Essentially a Zero X with road tires and different body work, the XU features a lower seat height (just 80.8 cm, 3.8 cm shorter than the X) and, unlike the other Zero models, a removable battery that can be charged anywhere if you also purchase Zero’s new optional quick charger. Available on all 2011 Zero bikes, the quick charger claims to cut charge time in half. For the XU that translates into a complete recharge time of 1.2 hours. With a curb weight of just 99 kg, the XU is extremely light and manoeuvrable, but its compact size also means less battery capacity than its DS and S road oriented siblings and that means that the XU only claims a maximum range of 48 km and a top speed of 82 km/h. Still, the fact that you can remove the XU’s battery means you can also immediately swap it out for another already charged power pack without having to wait.
Canadian pricing is the same as in the US; the XU is $7,995, two thousand dollars less than the S.
Check out Zero’s video of the XU in action below.
