2024 Zero FX

In contrast to many other bikes in Zero Motorcycles’ lineup that have gotten bigger and heavier over the years, the dual sport FX has remained basically the same as when it debuted 11 years ago. The FX has the stance of an enduro bike, tall and narrow and very athletic. Its Z-Force 7-75 air-cooled interior permanent magnet brushless motor cranks out 78 lb.-ft. of torque starting right when you turn your right wrist, and the entire bike weighs 289 pounds. The FX feels light, flickable, and very responsive, and with more than 8.5 inches of suspension travel in front and nearly nine inches of travel in the rear, the Zero is the ideal urban companion when fighting against the maze of traffic and old, gnarled pavement in a commute. Zipping through snarled lineups of cars, jumping off curbs, snapping quick wheelies, and generally just being an urban hooligan are all in a day’s work for the FX.

The FX is a good off-road companion as well, once you get used to its instant torque and dial in your throttle hand accordingly. Because the torque isn’t rpm-based, there’s a big jump in power right after about one-eighth throttle opening that can catch you out and spin the rear tire more than you intended if you’re not acclimated to it. The comparatively wide drive belt is susceptible to getting debris stuck between it and the belt wheels if you start venturing into really gnarly terrain (there’s a chain conversion available as an option). The big downside is that the 7.2kWh battery doesn’t have much energy storage capacity; real-world range is about 50 miles tops, meaning your trails better be close to home or a charging stop unless you haul it into your riding area. And charging the battery takes hours unless you opt for the $640 quick-charge setup that cuts the charge time in half.

The 2024 Zero FX is available in Slate/Green or Black/Gray starting at $12,495.