Zero Motorcycles pushes the EV bike envelope even further with a fresh take on its naked-sport SR/F model. New drivetrain components and updated ride-control electronics push a clean, muscular build with industry-leading speed, power, and recharge rates. Top-shelf hang-on gear completes the package.

2022 Zero SR/F Performance and Capability

The Zero SR/F produces 110 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Zero drives the SR/F with its new ZF75-10 motor, and powers it with up to 17.3 kWh for maximum range per charge.

That's right sports fans, the electric drive delivers the goods with a Zero SR/F top speed of 124 mph max, 110 mph sustained top end and blistering acceleration that can shame much of the sportbike population at large like a boss.

A traditional throttle grip works with a 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller to control speed with twist-and-go operation. The final drive is a direct type.

The juice makes it to the rear wheel via a tough and quiet, belt-and-pulley arrangement. It's also low maintenance, which is always convenient.

As for the updated ride-control electronics, the coverage is nearly complete. The Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, when paired with the Cypher III+ system, delivers ABS, drag torque, and traction control, all in the corner-sensitive variety. You can perform sweeping personality changes through the five preset Ride Modes, or mix and match your own profiles for absolute control over the higher electronics.

Miles-per-charge and charging times vary widely depending on use and software level, as well as which optional battery and/or charger accessories you decide upon. The range varies between 93 and 187 miles, depending on how you ride. Recharge times likewise vary with just over an hour for a full charge with a 6 kW Rapid Charger, or as long as 11.6 hours with the onboard charger.

Design

While I wouldn't necessarily say Zero tries to camouflage the nature of the SR/F since the drivetrain area quickly gives away the game. For the most part, the rest of the build is very smoker-bike-ish in its shapes and components.

As usual, the front fender comes heavily cut down for minimal weight and drag. The uprights serve as spoilers for the lower fork legs.

The headlight housing has a cyclops lens but carries duplex beam emitters for high- and low-beam operation. It also has an LED DRL bar around the perimeter for effective, two-way visibility, day and night.

A vestigial flyscreen tops off the front end, though the only thing it protects is the instrument screen around back. A single, digital color screen handles both the mundane metrics and the higher electronics. Through the Cypher III operation system, it networks with your phone so you can monitor it remotely and tweak your power and recharge variables from the comfort of your couch at home.

The fuel tank hump is a lie, but it looks like the genuine article to leave the SR/F with a smoker-bike-like flyline picked up by the stock, two-up saddle. It has a generous storage compartment hiding in the faux fuel tank.

Flip-out footpegs and a beefy J.C. handle complete the pillion gear. A clean rear end carries the taillight, but the rest of the gear in the rear is down on the swingarm-mount hugger with a second fender near the pivot to complete the coverage.

Underneath the bike is a curious structure that pulls cooling air from the incoming wind. It directs air up and around the cooling fins of the drive motor to aid in cooling.

Chassis

Tubular-steel members make up the Trellis-type frame on the SR/F. The boomerang swingarm is an engineered item that's built for lightweight strength.

The steering head establishes a 24.5-degree rake angle with 3.7 inches of trail. This gives the SR/F some very aggressive cornering capabilities.

Showa supplies the suspension with a set of 43 mm BP-SFF stems up front, and a 40 mm, coil-over monoshock out back. Both ends boast the full trifecta of tweaks with adjustable spring preload and variable damping control in both directions.

Suspension travel measures 4.72 inches (120 mm) ahead of 5.51 inches (140 mm). This should be plenty for the roughest urban jungle or county road as well as sufficient for hard cornering actions.

A set of 17-inch cast wheels round out the rolling chassis. They come shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III treads in a 120/70 and 180/55 on the front and rear, respectively.

J-Juan anchors take care of business with dual, 320 mm discs and four-bore calipers to slow the front wheel and provide the bulk of the stopping power, ahead of a 240 mm disc and single-pot binder. The ABS feature is actually a Bosch Advanced MSC unit that delivers corner-sensitive interventions based on the calculated traction for extra safety.

2022 Zero SR/F Price and Availability

The 2022 Zero SR/F costs $23,795. Between the extra power storage and recharging equipment, the factory leaves you with no shortage of opportunities to inflate that figure. The single colorway for this year is black over black.

Competitors

H-D finally did something with its LiveWire initiative and spun it off into its own entity. At a glance, it makes for a peach of a competitor.

LiveWire ONE

The LiveWire ONE carries itself in much the same manner. It's a naked sportbike with no superfluous weight on board.

The flyline is more or less like a gas-powered model. The clean rear end and hugger coverage out back is likewise similar to leave the LiveWire looking like a brother from another mother.

LiveWire also sports top-shelf suspension and brake goodies along with ride control and ride safety features complete with cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, and drag-torque control. This also is a wash against the Zero.

The SR/F gains ground in the power department with its 110 ponies and 140 pounds o' grunt against the LiveWire's 100/84, but don't let it fool you. The LiveWire has a claimed 0-to-60 time of 3 seconds flat, so it's no dog even if it can't quite match the Zero's output.

LiveWire fetches $22,799 . That's close enough to the base SR/F with some money on the table.

He Said

“Don't get me wrong, Zero puts together a good product. Fit and finish are there, even if the limited colorway selection leaves a little to be desired, and the power is definitely there.”

“However, the marque has a reputation for being what you might call “optimistic” about its range and charge times. Actual use is probably close, but don't take the figures as gospel.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Zero stays at the forefront of EV development.. The SR/F is as aggressive as anything else in the lineup. It's the more aggressive brother of the SR/S and it was one with some race modifications that tackled the Pike's Peak Challenge in 2019. If you want a commuter, you might look at the SR/S. If you want a commuter that's more fun, you want the SR/F.”

FAQ

Q: How much does a Ducati Superleggera V4 cost?

When announced, the Ducati Superleggera V4 cost in excess of $100,000

Q: How much horsepower does a Ducati Superleggera V4 produce?

In ‘standard’ trim, the engine produces a claimed 221 horsepower. With the race ECU and exhaust fitted, it produces 231 horsepower.

Q: How many Ducati Superleggera V4 will be made?

500 were built and all sold out in a few hours.

Q: How fast is the Ducati Superleggera V4?

Very fast! No independent figures are available but expect 200mph to be dispatched with ease.