Since Zero Motorcycles removed their Black Forest DSR out of the 2022 range, there has been some wild rumours on forums and social media about a new possible Zero adventure bike. In the meantime, we had already discovered that the new name DSR/X was already registered in August 2020. And in May 2021, the vehicle identification number was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Was Zero just going to pimp the existing Black Forest DSR? Or would they develop a new model? It was the latter: the power and range of the ‘old’ BF no longer met the current standard.
“The DSR/X is a motorcycle that has European motorcycle culture in its DNA,” says Umberto Uccelli VP & MD Zero Motorcycles EMEA. “It is a dual sport bike that addresses the demands of the rider in Europe’s most important motorcycle segment.”
THE PACK “Electric Motorcycle News” was invited by Zero Motorcycles in Sicily to discover one of the most powerful and advanced electric motorcycles through its paces today. With the Etna in the background and in a warm Italian style, we were welcomed by a proud international Zero team.
Zero currently has the world’s largest range of electric motorcycles available. “Our owners and advocates have been asking for a full-sized ADV bike from Zero for years,” said Abe Azkenazi, Zero Motorcycles CTO. “We invested over 100,000 engineering hours into designing a motorcycle that lived up to our customers’ expectations and Zero’s mission to redefine the riding experience.”
And we experienced that new definition during the test drives. On the curvy roads in Sicily, the electric ‘beast’ was allowed to be let loose … I resolutely chose the Canyon ride mode: this driving setting is almost identical to the Sport version but has more regenerative braking power (I like to play with that …). Also, the smooth front brakes from Spanish manufacturer J.Juan (a division of Brembo) never let you down. I was able to experience that myself on the unknown route … With the various electronic support (more on this later), you enjoy an enormous stability which results in nice (fast) turns with the DSR/X. With the all-new Z-Force 75-10X engine producing 225 Nm of torque (100 PS peak power), the DSR/X gives you a lot of driving pleasure on the road. The DSR/X also immediately felt very familiar thanks to an upright sitting position and the wide handlebars. The adjustable windshield (with large rotary knobs) was a nice and handy detail.
But with an adventure bike you also occasionally leave the asphalted paths and I was very curious how the 247 kg Dual Sport bike would behave in the Sicilian forests. By the way, Zero Motorcycles had received the exceptional permission to map out an off-road ride in the enormous natural park around Etna. In a combined landscape of black lava rock and green pine trees I was treated to a ‘spicy’ off-road ride (the motor trial experience from my youth came in handy).
The Zero DSR/X received a specially developed “OFFROAD” driving mode for this. Hillsides with loose stones, roads with sand and/or strewn with dry pine needles: this Zero had no trouble at all despite the standard (non-off-road) mounted tires. This was big fun and for a moment I felt like a world traveler (it’s all in the mind) heading for unknown places … With its completely redesigned frame and geometry for greater ground clearance and an adjustable front fork with almost 21 cm of travel, the DSR/X rode easily towards Etna.
“Zero Motorcycles’ very first product was an off-road motorcycle. Our roots are set firmly in the offroad space,” said Sam Paschel, Zero Motorcycles CEO. “By combining cutting-edge powersports EV technology with the heart of traditional motorcycle craftsmanship, the DSR/X builds on that legacy by transforming the ADV riding experience.”
Electronic support
Source: press release Zero Motorcycles | The new DSR/X is controlled by the world’s most advanced operating system Cypher III+, and is the first electric motorcycle ever to benefit from the full suite of Bosch Motorcycle Stability Controls with offroad capabilities. Optimised specifically for the unique speed and responsiveness of a Zero electric powertrain, this technology delivers stability and traction on any surface.
The Bosch offroad system includes linked braking for improved brake modulation and Vehicle Hold, which provides confidence and steadiness even on the steepest slopes. The DSR/X is also equipped with a set of features only available to Zero Motorcycles and built on the 16 years and 165 million miles of experience at the core of the Cypher III+ operating system. Notable among them is Park Mode, a slow speed reverse and crawl function useful for maneuvering in tight or steep spaces.
The motorcycle comes equipped with the fastest Level One and Level Two charge capabilities in the market thanks to charging from the on-board 6.6 kW charging system. The DSR/X can also trade a portion of its onboard storage compartments for either a Power Tank to increase the battery capacity to nearly 21 kWh or a Rapid Charge Module that will drop the minimum charge time to approximately one hour.
Finally, the DSR/X is also compatible with the Zero Motorcycles mobile app. This allows owners to control a nearly limitless amount of ride characteristics from speed to torque, and even battery regeneration functions. The DSR/X is equipped with a Cellular Connectivity Module (CCM) that can send notifications to app users about anything from charging information, tip-over events, or other useful status updates.
Accessoires
The DSR/X can be equipped with a whole set of additional parts and accessories that allow the rider to take on any travel trip. Adventure minded optional accessories include saddle bags, skid plate, windscreens, covers, top and side cases. There is also the option of mounting wire spoke wheels and replacing the belt with a chain.
Delivery and price (Benelux)
The DSR/X is available in sage green and white pearl and will be available at the Benelux dealers in September. The price in Belgium/the Netherlands is € 26,995 and € 26,105 in Luxembourg. The brand new DSR/X can also be leased in the Netherlands from € 398/month (excluding VAT based on 60 months and 4,000 km/year).
More information and international prices:
Specifications (Download PDF)
Pictures/videos: © Zero Motorcycles
