Zero Motorcycles launched their new Zero SR for 2022 with the same steel trellis frame as its premium models SR/F and SR/S. The latest 2022 model is full of improvements and presents the American brand’s latest generation of Z-Force lithium-ion batteries and the new Cypher III+ operating system including the Cypher Store with optional updates on-demand.

The 2022 Zero SR comes as standard with the updated ZF 75-10 motor tuned to deliver 166 Nm of torque, peak power of 74 hp (55 kW), and a top speed of 167 km/h. The ZF 14.4+ kWh power pack can be expanded via the Cypher Store to 17.3 kWh. When equipped with the additional Power Tank accessory, the SR’s total battery capacity can be increased to 20.9 kWh, delivering up to 365 km of city range and 182 km at 113 km/h on the highway. The plus signs always refer to the unlockable upgrade software options.

On the road

Our test model SR 2022 comes in dark Graphite colour and was updated with the Quickstrike Package. This package includes anodised lever guards and bar ends, front and rear smoked LED turn indicators, carbon fiber front and rear fenders, rear stand spools, black aluminum fly screen and custom mirrors (More accessories for the SR can be found here in the digital catalogue >). In combination with the gold colour of the ZF 75-10 motor, this motorbike gets a very stylish and distinguished look.

I prefer the high seat and lower positioned footpegs but that’s a personal issue (I can’t hold my leg for a long time in an angular riding position). But I am convinced that tall people would also appreciate these (optional) Rider kits for a better and easy riding position.

OK. Key? Start & go. It’s that easy. On the left side of the steering wheel you can use the button to enter the menu and choose your ride mode, you can scroll through different specifications and adjust them to your personal needs. With a 3 seconds push, you acknowledge your choice. You can also easily change the riding modus while driving. The Cypher OS automatically confirms your choice after a few seconds. Each theme has a different colour presented in a clear interface dashboard (almost like in an infographic).

In ECO-modus you’ll have the most regeneration brake and this allows you to slow down (and recharge!) very rapidly with an easy “throttle” twist in a reverse way. If you are not so familiar with this, trust me, you will easily adapt to this system. This is a very safe way to drive, you are not distracted and you control everything with your right hand. And of course you can brake with the excellent brakes of J.Juan, a Spanish company owned by Brembo. Always handy in Sport mode when it goes a little bit faster … The amount of instant torque is phenomenal and surprises me every time (in a good way of course). I even start liking traffic lights when they’re red.

Cypher Store

The opportunity to update a motorbike on-demand is completely new in the electric motorcycle industry. (The gaming world is familiar with DLC (Downloadable Content) and Tesla introduced it with their models to unlock software upgrades). Your motorcycle can grow and evolve along with you and your budget. Although, there are voices that say it’s a frustration to ride a motorcycle when you can’t use the full capacity, knowing it’s all already available … Marketing stunt or a thoughtful vision? Unlocking (paid) hidden features can be exciting and gives the bike a new character each time to explore. But that’s a choice you have to make for yourself.

Cypher III+ comes standard on the 2022 SR and grants owners of this motorcycle access to an on-demand marketplace of feature upgrades through the Zero Motorcycles mobile app or online at www.zeromotorcycles.com/cypherstore Options available include Faster Charging, Extended Range, Speed & Performance Boost, Park Mode, Heated Grips and navigation via the display (On-Dash Navigation). All of these improvements can be added effortlessly to the 2022 SR (as well as to the SR/F and SR/S).

Charging

The SR can be recharged using a public EV charging network or at home, or any other place equipped with a standard wall socket. Just beware that the fans are making some little noise … You also have the possibility (in option) to add the 6 kW Rapid Charge Module and when combined with the 0.3 kW Cypher Store upgrade, this brings the total available charging capacity to 9.3 kW. You can charge (95%) the SR in just over 1.3 hrs instead of 4 hrs (The Cypher upgrades for the SR are coming soon).

The 2022 SR will only be available in the Graphite colour from 19,720 EUR. The following options are available:

• Power Tank: + 4.119,00 EUR
• Rapid Charger 6 kW: + 3.630,00 EUR
• EU wall socket adapter: + 530,00 EUR
• EVSE Cable: + 303,00 EUR