2009 Zero X Vs. Glen Helen Raceway

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The 2009 Zero X could mark a watershed moment for electric motorcycles. Making 50lb/ft of torque and weighing just 151lbs, it’s the first to offer performance rivaling, if not exceeding, its gas-powered competitors. At $7,750, it’s also the first that will be sold in large numbers and for a price only slightly higher than that demanded by equivalent internal combustion dirt bikes. But can it really tackle a challenging motocross track and dirt trails with equal aplomb? We take it to the huge ascents and daunting, rutted descent of Glen Helen Raceway to find out.

Click below for the feature:
2009 Zero X Vs. Glen Helen Raceway

  • Poppa Wheelie

    I am glad we haven’t run out of good combustible fossil fuels quite yet.

    • http://www.treehugger.com/cars_transportation/ SilenceisBliss

      Just wait, Poppa. In 3 years time, these electric bikes will run rings around gas bikes twice their size.

      • Poppa Wheelie

        Sorry SilenceisBliss but, WHaaaAAAAAA beats whirrrr everytime.
        When you mix Gasoline and Fire you create soul, something sadly lacking with electric transportation.

        • http://www.treehugger.com/cars_transportation/ SilenceisBliss

          By the flux in emphasis, I’m going to guess you’re a 2-stroker, Poppa. In that case your formula = blown head.

          “Where’s the premix? Is the squish tolerance right? Is the jetting low for today’s humidity? What’s the altitude here? Is…”

          Wayyyyy better than a 110 plug-in, right?

    • http://www.cortexity.com/nicksblog/ Colonel Nikolai

      Hey Poppa Wheelie, the stone age didn’t end because they ran out of stones.

  • http://www.robotribe.com robotribe

    Yes. Batteries suck…today. Give it some time.

    This may not be worth the investment now as an owner, but it’s a great sign of things to come; and sooner than most think.

    • http://www.hellforleathermagazine.com Grant Ray

      Whoah there, robotribe. The only thing that sucks is pushing. Zero’s battery is 300 amps of awesomeness. The only one to blame for the pushing part is me since I wanted to keep riding and didn’t bother to listen to the beeping (i.e., reserve) and get back to base.

      I want a better battery so I can take a Zero to Death Valley for canyon runs.

  • AadmanZ`

    Nice one Wes, I agree that electric is the way forward for off road..
    Yes, we all like the barking of a four stroke single, but hey, if it means you can’t ride, what do you do?
    I think it will take away the ground under most arguments the eco freaks have over here (in crowded Holland) banning us from riding pretty much anywhere. No doubt they will find new arguments.

  • AadmanZ`

    Sorry Grant Ray, should read more careful before posting :-)

  • jacko

    hehe me and my 2 smoke are doing our best to keep it brown!