While we have had the opportunity to ride both the Zero X and the Quantya Track, our time and terrain with the electric motocross machines were relatively limited. Not so for Dirt Rider Magazine. The publication had both bikes in their possession for an extended period and thoroughly put the pair through the wringer. The fact that they returned them to their respective companies in one piece says a lot for the quality of both brands.

So which bike is better? Like so many things, it all depends on what you like in a dirt bike. The Quantya was said to have a more natural seating position with better suspension and stronger spokes and brakes while the Zero was judged to have a better battery and tires. Power delivery from the X was "delayed but consistent" while the on the Track, but the mellower delivery was thought to aid traction and, therefore, be more usable. The magazine's conclusion is the the best bike would be a combination of the two, but they give the Zero a slight edge only because the battery lasts a bit longer, giving them more, very enjoyable riding time.



[Source: Dirt Rider Magazine]

We suspected it wouldn't take long for Jay Leno to throw a leg over the new Zero S electric motorcycle, and indeed the popular late night comedian and talk show host has just posted a video review of the bike on the Jay Leno's Garage site. Zero founder and CTO Neal Saiki drops by and offers a bit of commentary on the recently-released machine, and there are a few bits of interest to dissect.

For instance, Neal says the bike's 32 horsepower is roughly equivalent to 50 horsepower in an internal combustion engine since that power is available all through the rev range. Coupled to a weight of just 225 pounds, that's an impressive power-to-weight ratio, regardless of which horsepower figure you choose to use. Saiki also says that the Zero's frame is made from aluminum that's just three-times the thickness of a soda can. Regarding the bike's top speed of 60 miles per hour, Saiki says it's possible to make the bike go much faster, but the gearing required to hit those speeds would reduce the bike's ability to wheelie on command, and that's not good.

While Jay doesn't test Neal Saiki's assertion that you could ride the Zero S from LA to New York with just $30 worth of electricity, he does hop on and take the bike for a ride. Jay definitely seems to like the Zero S, saying that he got used to the lack of shifting pretty quickly and that "this is the future" of motorcycling. Of course, it's also quiet, and Leno quips that "you could go through the bird preserve and not even bother anybody." There are a few flies in the ointment, though, such as the wimpy sound of the bike's horn. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Zero Motorcycles has just released another new electric bike for 2009, and this one's meant specifically for the track. While we found the standard-issue Zero X to be a solid performer in most situations, the demands of a motocross track are are bit too much for the stock X's front and rear suspenders. In light of this, Zero has equipped the new $8,250 Zero MX with a fresh set of 48 millimeter upside-down forks along with a beefier rear shock. Further, a new 19" front rim joins the 17" rear hoop in getting new and more aggressive knobby tires. Says company founder and CTO Neal Saiki:

After engineering electric motorcycles for urban areas and off-road trails, we recognized the need to design a motorcycle with the motocross rider in mind. Aggressive track riding requires a motorcycle with a high power-to-weight ratio and an advanced suspension system. The Zero MX delivers both without the noise of a typical gas motorcycle. This makes riding possible in areas that are usually off-limits due to noise restrictions.

If even the standard MX model isn't enough, Zero also offers a few upgrades in the form of a 10-percent more powerful permanent magnet motor and an upgraded Marzocchi inverted fork. Hit the jump to see a short video of the new 2009 Zero MX in action along with the official press release.

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Shortly after taking the 2009 Zero X electric dirtbike out for a spin, we had the opportunity to chat with company founder and Chief Technology Officer Neal Saiki, and he told us to expect a slight makeover within the next few months of the plastic bodywork that was fitted to our test bike. Apparently, that time has arrived, and the update also reportedly includes a more advanced braking system. We don't have any real details on the brake upgrade, but the new bodywork is plain to see.

While the X's new body panels are still molded from white plastic, it's now a much more attractive and coherent design. We especially like the new fenders front and rear that now match the rest of the bike in color and look far more capable of keeping the rider clear of muck thrown up from the knobbies. New front and rear side panels also feature a more streamlined appearance and seem to draw a bit of inspiration from the firm's latest Zero S electric supermoto machine.

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Now that Zero Motorcycles has shown America its new Zero S electric street bike, company founder Neil Saiki has taken his baby across the pond on a European tour. England was the first stop and London provided a great back drop for Neil to explain to the BBC and other press outlets the merits of his supermoto as an urban commuter. The team is now in Paris where we expect "les Français" will be equally as impressed.

Although the S should start shipping in America around the end of May, Europeans will have to wait a couple more weeks before they can get their mitts on one. With only 600 of the street bikes available for both markets and over 120 already sold, they might not want to wait too long before putting in their orders. It's not all about the street machine though, the off-road Zero X is also available with a wait of only a couple of days between order and delivery. Hit the jump for a clip of Neil showing the Zero S to the BBC.



[Source: Zero Motorcycles / BBC]

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles plans to launch a new zero-emission sportbike later this year, according to our friends at Hell For Leather. Company founder and CTO Neal Saiki says the new bike will be based on the underpinnings of the recently-released Zero S electric supermoto, but will feature a full fairing that will greatly enhance aerodynamics and theoretically allow for a top speed of around 80 miles per hour.

Like Zero's other electrified two-wheelers, the SS model should weigh considerably less than competitive gas-powered machines. Underneath the slippery bodywork will be the same 4 kWh battery pack and motor as the supermoto, meaning the SS will offer up 31 horsepower and 62.5 lb-ft of torque. That should be plenty to make for a highly entertaining ride. Saiki expects the upcoming SS electric sportbike to be the company's most popular model in 2010, surpassing the 600 Zero S models Zero plans to sell in 2009. We'd agree.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

In the first battle royale between the all-electric motocross bikes from Quantya and Zero Motorcycles, it appears that Swiss precision has bested American muscle. Each manufacturer sent 5 bikes to compete in a special electric event at the AMA/Maxxis MiniMoto Supercross race and when all the laps were run and the dust settled, Quantya rider Brian Roth owned the top podium position with teammate David Lodermeier in firm possession of second. Blake Mitchell, who we've seen ride the X before, saved Zero some embarrassment by grabbing third place.

No word on when the next match up between these two might happen but we hope it's soon. Besides racing in the dirt, the two manufacturers could also meet on asphalt. Zero Motorcycles has already released a supermoto bike, the "S," for the street and Quantya has a supermoto that it's been showing off in it's homeland. While both companies are winners for offering environmentaly-friendly products like these, the real winner of this competition should be the consumer if the rivalry spurs development of even better electric bikes.



[Source: MiniMotoSX via QuantyaUSA twitterfeed]

It's on now. The Quantya Track and the Zero X all-electric dirtbikes plan to meet up in Las Vegas this Friday and we're pretty sure the rendezvous has nothing to do with getting married by Elvis and everything to do with racing. The two companies are each sending five bikes to Sin City where they will do battle at the Orleans Arena during the half time show of the AMA/Maxxis MiniMoto Supercross race.

While both bikes are equipped with knobby tires and powered by DC electric motors, there are lots of differences. At first blush it might seem that the Zero X has a definitive edge; it's 30 pounds lighter, has twice the torque and 69 per cent more horsepower. However, if you've watched the Quantya-sponsored Remotions team chew up and spit out snow-covered Alps, you can appreciate that the Track should be a formidable competitor. Will the winner be born of California sunshine or have Swiss Alp heritage flowing through its wires? We can't say who will come out on top in this first-of-its-kind meeting, but in our book, they're both already winners. Press release from Zero Motorcycles after the break.



[Source: Quantya US / Zero Motorcycles]

Having a motocross bike that can carry you through the woods with a certain amount of stealth might be rather advantageous for riders who would prefer not scare off all the wildlife in the vicinity. While the Zero X from Zero Motorcycles can do this quite well, the only color available thus far has been the rather conspicuous white, but it seems they might have something coming that's a little more apropos for the hunters (or photographers) out there. Behold, the Zero X in camo! (pictured above. No really, try squinting)

While we can't yet say for sure whether popular pattern will be offered to the public, we're betting they're considering it since they have a page on their website dedicated to it and went through the trouble of making a little movie. The footage not only features the X showing off its new colors, it also illustrates its ability to climb over trees, rocks and get itself up a creek without a paddle. Hit the jump for a little bit of bow hunting, electric X stealth style.


[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

While the biggest news coming from Zero Motorcycles' California offices this week is undoubtedly the introduction of the new street-legal Zero S electric supermoto bike, we didn't forget about the 24 Hours of Electricoss that took place last weekend. According to reports, the event was a complete success, setting two new Guinness World Records in the process: Furthest distance traveled in an electric off-road motorcycle (over 500 miles) and the largest electric motorcycle race (50 riders, 10 teams).

Besides setting records, this 24 hour race shows just how capable the 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle can be. All 10 bikes that took part managed to finish the race, though there were just a few blown shocks, a bunch of worn brake pads and one fried motor. The winning team managed to circle the track an amazing 1,015 laps, averaging over 27 miles per hour along the way. Click past the break for a video from Wired, which helped field one of the teams.


[Source: Wired]