The 2019 Zero DSR electric dual-sport gets more power and torque, increased range and useful features like a windscreen, grippy tank panels, hand guards and a 12V socket. (Photos by Aaron Brimhall)
Sometimes, I can be such a sucker. Apparently, the good folks at Zero Motorcycles know this and jumped on my weakness. While unveiling the 2019 DSR dual-sport electric motorcycle in Santa Cruz, California, the Zero reps set the hook and reeled me in. Following the tech presentation they explained, ??and after the street portion of the ride we?ll ride off-road at a private ranch that we?ll have all to ourselves?dirt roads, unimproved roads, water crossings, a beach-riding photo op and some single-track too.?
Riding an electric dual-sport on a private ranch with wooded trails and beach access" Sign me up! What""" In my younger years I spent lots of time riding motorcycles around this very same area, decades ago before much of the land became fenced and gated. So I had a good idea about the mix of redwoods, bay laurel trees, ferns and banana slugs we?d see. Sold! I was all in and ready to roll.
Weighing a claimed 416 pounds, the Zero DSR carries its weight low since the “tank” is an empty storage compartment and the enormous battery occupies the space where an internal combustion engine would normally be.
Regarding electric vehicles, some cite concerns about limited range and hassles with recharging battery packs. That?s legit to a point, but the Zero...