Zero DS

The Zero DS is a dual-sport bike built on the Zero S supermoto platform. The front suspension of the DS gains 2″ of travel over the S for a total of 10”, while rear travel remains unchanged at 9”. A 50/50 street/dirt tire is fitted to the 17″ front rim and a 90/10 street/dirt tire is fitted to the 16″ rear. This is an unusual tire combination for a production dual sport but the semi-aggressive front is a welcomed change from the tires found on most dual-sports, which are more suited to street than dirt use.

At 270 lbs the DS weights about as much as a Honda CRF450X which makes it’s 60 mile range even more impressive. The added height of the front-end due to the larger tire and additional suspension travel should give the bike more relaxed handling than the S and add some high speed stability which would be welcome in the dirt.

If you prefer your dual sport a little more dirt oriented and extremely light there is always a dual sport kit available for the 156 lb Zero MX. The MX will also get you a quick swap battery pack and larger, somewhat more conventional sized 19”/17” (front/rear) wheels. However, you will be trading a 4 kWh (kilowatt hour) battery for a 2 kWh battery. In other words, you have half the energy available in the “tank” for tearing up the trails and street.

Key Zero DS Key Features

Development of the Zero DS
The Zero DS is built on the foundation of the Zero S and incorporates technology from our highly durable off-road motorcycles. The wheels are designed to be particularly lightweight and strong. In the dirt or on the street the dual sport tires maintain a tight grip and a specially engineered suspension system absorbs the bumps. The result is a dual sport motorcycle that is ready for any surface you can throw at it.

Frame / Bodywork
Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight and rigid twin spar frame. One look at the frame and it speaks for itself. It is aggressive, strong and one of the main reasons that the motorcycle can aggressively take on the street or dirt. Designed to have a low center of gravity, the Zero DS is highly maneuverable and responsive. The body is completed using bold new bodywork to give it a contemporary, aggressive and naked look.
- Frame and bodywork designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles
- Extremely rigid and lightweight twin spar aircraft grade aluminum frame
- Designed to have a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness
- All new bodywork / graphics
- 14 newly designed pieces of bodywork
- Available in white and black
- Zero’s first ever black power pack
- Revised turn signal and dash layout
- New fly screen
- Trunk-pan to conceal air-induction
- More durable ABS plastics

Power Pack / Electronics
Years of development and proprietary Z-Force™ technology make the Zero DS a leader in acceleration, range and longevity. Using an advanced monitoring system, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled during charge and discharge. The onboard charger integrates into this system and uses a specially developed charge profile to optimize the power pack’s recharge time. Using isolated power systems, the Zero DS uses a standard 12 volt current to run the dash, lighting and other on board accessories.
- Quick-charge option available that cuts the charging time down by almost half
- Increased range and enhanced power pack capabilities
- 12.5% added capacity over 2010
- External programming and recall capabilities via diagnostics port
- Enhanced diagnostic reporting systems
- Isolated power systems and 12 volt system for running accessories
- Onboard charger that uses a specially developed charge profile
- New and more accurate motor mounted speed sensor for better precision and a cleaner front end
- New keyed ignition switch and steering lock for improved security and peace of mind

Motor / Z-Force Air Induction
A compact and powerful motor drives the Zero DS. The new Z-Force Air Induction system allows the Zero DS to output more power from the motor by efficiently moving air through its core.
- Z-Force Air Induction system allows for increased motor performance
- Powerful, low weight and compact motor
- Highly efficient and low maintenance permanent magnet motor design

Wheels and Brakes
The Zero DS wheels are engineered to minimize unsprung weight and reduce rotating mass. Designed specifically for the Zero DS, the lightweight construction includes custom hubs, spokes, and rotors. To maximize overall wheel strength the hub is configured to use straight pull spokes. The resulting wheel is lighter, stronger and more responsive.

New dual sport wheels and tires:
- Standardized wheel and tire sizes for greater aftermarket options
- Front: 2.15x17 wheel; 100/80-17 tire
- Rear: 3.00x17; 110/90-16 tire
- Red anodized front and rear rims
- Aggressive profile dual sport tires
- High strength/lightweight straight pull spokes

More powerful and higher performance braking system by HB Performance:
- More precise, easier to modulate and requires less effort
- Larger 310mm front rotor and thicker 4mm rear rotor
- Increased fade resistance, greater thermal mass rotors
- Steel braided lines for superior lever feel and more precise brake modulation
- Increased front master cylinder bore size for increased “leverage” and stopping power
- Greater commonality using standard-size mount patterns for increased aftermarket options
- New high performance street compound brake pads

Suspension
The suspension on the Zero DS was developed by Zero to take advantage of the motorcycles’ lightweight design. Its inverted front fork is among the lightest in the industry and can be externally adjusted to dial in compression and rebound damping. A rigid double diamond rear swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping. The suspension is carefully tuned to absorb bumps both on and off-road.