Zero DSR/X Black Forest tops refocused all-electric range

Zero has focused on accessibility in 2024, with its range of electric motorcycles aimed at suiting as many riders as possible, regardless of experience, all topped by the Zero DSR/X Black Forest.

Much of Zero’s marketing over the past few years has been focused on the idea of making electric motorcycling as accessible as possible for the greatest number of people, exemplified by the manufacturer’s annual ‘Experience Electric’ tours. For 2024, this idea has also been applied to its motorcycle range, which Zero describes as its “most accessible range of all-electric motorcycles yet.”

2024 Zero S

Kicking the 2024 roster off is the Zero S, which adheres to A1 licence regulations with its 11kW, or just under 15bhp, while producing 93lb ft of peak torque. Part of the S’s appeal at this level is its twist-and-go transmission, of course, which simplifies operation but which is also more or less unique to electric powertrains once you move from scooters to fully fledged motorcycles. 

However, at £15,300 (plus OTR charges) the price is not necessarily the most accessible among its A1-compliant competitors. 

For that price, you get a 14.kWh battery, fully adjustable Showa suspension, Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres, Zero’s Cyper III+ operating software, a top speed of 86mph, and a choice of one colour: ‘White-Silver’, which is new for 2024.

2024 Zero DS

Zero also calls on Showa and Pirelli for the 2024 DS, the brand’s entry in the ‘adventure sports’ category. Showa, of course, provides suspension at both ends, while Pirelli gives its Scorpion STR tyres. The DS also sports Bosch ABS, as well as the same 11kW (just under 15bhp) and 93lb ft as the S, and keeps the 14.4kWh battery capacity.

The 2024 Zero DS comes in one colour - ‘Quicksilver’ - and will cost £16,200.

2024 Zero DSR

The 2024 Zero DSR steps the performance up from A1-compliant to A2-compliant, meaning 47bhp from the electric motor powering the bike to a top speed of 93mph.

The DSR is built on what Zero calls its ‘FST’ platform, or ‘Full Steel Trellis’, which it shares with the more powerful, higher-spec Zero DSR/X. 

While the bike is ready for A2 riders, its motor is capable of producing 70bhp and 125lb ft. Upgrading to this power level can be done at official Zero dealerships retrospectively, as can increasing the battery capacity from 15.6kWh to 17.3kWh.

Specification also includes the Cypher III+OS, while a 6kW rapid charger that can charge from zero-to-95 per cent in 85 minutes can be added at additional cost.

Speaking of cost, the 2024 Zero DSR will come in at £17,000.

2024 Zero DSR/X Black Forest

Zero says that the DSR/X Black Forest takes its flagship adventurer “to a new level,” and to do that it has been equipped with a raft of “premium parts”.

These include spoked wheels which allow the fitment of tubeless tyres; serrated footpegs; a skid plate and frame protection guards; a touring windscreen; and what Zero calls a “premium saddle”. The DSR/X Black Forest also gets a three-piece luggage set with inner bags, as well as fog lights, a centre stand, and smoked LED indicators.

The DSR/X Black Forest also comes with a cover and owners will receive a “VIP gift box containing unique personal accessories to mark them out as the most discerning of riders, and ensuring they get the most out of every adventure.”

A limited edition version of the Zero DSR/X, the Black Forest will be available in one colour, which Zero describes as a “lustrous gloss black”, and will cost £23,450.

Zero says that all of its 2024 models will be arriving in dealers “imminently”.