Updated Zero FX Enters its Ninth Year of Production in 2022
Zero Motorcycles Benelux | The Zero FX is one of the brand’s longest-running models and will enter its ninth year of production in 2022. The adventurous dual-sport machine goes back to our roots in the wilderness. Ready to dominate forest trails and shortcuts and equally ready for an explosive take-off at the traffic lights.
Thanks to its powerful Z-Force drivetrain, long suspension travel and versatility on any terrain, the FX dominates on and off the tarmac. For 2022, Zero will replace the cool LCD display with a minimalist 5” TFT color display. Furthermore, the updated Zero FX now also appears in a single new colourway ‘Dune’. The 2022 Zero FX comes with the ZF 7.2 battery pack for a price starting at €13,630. The price is identical in Belgium and The Netherlands.
ENGINE, BATTERY AND RANGE
The Z-Force 75-5 motor with passive air cooling powers the Zero FX. The brushless motor with air-cooled Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) generates an explosive net torque of 106 Nm. With a continuous output of 15 kW (21 hp) at 4300 rpm, the engine is suitable for drivers with the A2 motorcycle license. Maximum engine power is 33 kW (44 hp) at 4,500 rpm. The electrical power transforms into pure motive power. A carbon fiber belt drives the rear wheel.
The FX motor controller is a high efficiency, 550 amp, three-phase controller, without carbon brushes and with regenerative braking energy. This engine controller fulfills a similar role in an electric motorcycle as the injection system of a fuel engine. The controller meters the electrical power from the battery to the engine depending on the input from the propulsion lever and the driving mode.
The integrated Z-Force Li-ion battery pack has a maximum energy capacity of 7.2 kWh. This translates into a nominal capacity of 6.3 kWh. This value differs from the maximum energy capacity because the calculation is based on an average voltage. This results in a more realistic representation compared to the maximum value, which rarely occurs.
With an integrated 650 W charger, the standard charging time from 0 to 95% is 9.7 hours. That charging time can be drastically shortened when optional external auxiliary chargers are enabled. Such chargers – available for the price of €835 per charger – each draw up to 1,200 W. With one auxiliary charger, the charging time is reduced by up to 95% to 3.6 hours. With the maximum number of four auxiliary chargers, the charging time to 95% is only 1.3 hours. The charging time from 95% to 100% always takes thirty minutes, regardless of the charging method. In this way, the system optimizes the health, lifespan and capacity of the battery.
Riders easily charge the Zero FX battery wherever they want using a compact charging cable. The cable fits easily into any 220 V household socket. The Zero FX feels its best on adventurous, spirited outings off the tarmac. Thanks to its Z-Force 7.2 battery pack, the motorcycle has a maximum range of 146 km in so-called urban traffic. At an average speed of 89 km/h, the range is 90 km. At an average of 113 km/h, the range is 63 km.
CHASSIS
The Zero FX’s rugged frame is constructed from aircraft aluminum and closely related to previous Zero motocross models. Zero has perfected this frame to perfection in recent years. The strength-to-weight ratio thus optimally matches the incredible acceleration of the Z-Force drivetrain. The wheelbase is 1,438 mm with a seat height of 881 mm. Headset angle is 25.4° and trail is 104 mm.
The Showa 41mm upside-down forks feature adjustable preload and compression and rebound damping. At the rear is a 40mm Showa monoshock with adjustable preload and compression and rebound damping. Suspension is tuned specifically for the Zero FX, so it’s tough enough to withstand erratic trails and rock-strewn terrain. With 218mm of travel in the front and 227mm in the rear, the ride remains comfortable.
Up front, a J.Juan twin-piston caliper engages a 240mm diameter single disc brake. The brake lever is adjustable for optimal ergonomics. At the rear, a J.Juan single-piston caliper provides stopping power via the 240mm diameter disc. Bosch ABS ensures reliable, metered braking power and the shortest braking distance under hard braking. The ABS can be switched off.
The large front wheel has a diameter of 21 inches and thus conquers any terrain without any problems, thanks in part to the Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 AT 90/90-21 front tyre. At the rear, the Zero FX is equipped with an 18-inch wheel, fitted with a Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 120/80-18.
STYLING AND EQUIPMENT
The Zero FX’s signature front end remains unchanged. A sleekly designed fly screen integrates seamlessly above the twin-projector headlamps. The sharp styling emphasizes that the Zero FX is ready for any battle.
New for 2022 is the 5” TFT display. The minimalistic designed dashboard gives you all the information you need at a glance, including speed, battery status, power output, selected driving mode and estimated charging time. You can adjust the displayed information via the control buttons at the bottom left and right.
With the simple push of a button, the Zero FX’s performance profile changes for maximum control on any surface. The two standard driving modes are Eco and Sport. Driving mode Eco offers maximum battery performance. This mode provides a maximum dose of regenerative braking, which recharges the battery when the rider bulges and brakes. The maximum speed is limited and the power and torque delivery are also more limited. Riding Mode Sport maximizes Zero FX’s performance with minimum regenerative braking and maximum power and torque output.
In addition to Sport and Eco, the Zero FX also features a unique User driving mode. In that riding mode, the rider can set maximum speed, torque and regenerative braking to their own preference. The parameters can be set using the Zero Motorcycles smartphone app. For MY22, the Zero FX appears in one new signature colorway, ‘Dune’.
ACCESSORIES
Numerous accessories make the Zero FX extra suitable for the big adventure or the rough, sporty offroad work. The Zero top box from Givi and soft saddlebags further expand the luggage options. Black handguards, crash bars, aggressive footpegs and a chain kit (replacing the carbon fiber strap) add rugged styling and set the Zero FX ready for any adventure.
