Zero Motorcycles has followed the launch of its 2013 consumer range with special versions of its Dual Sport and Street models designed for law enforcement and security patrols. The 2013 Police/Security models feature a powerful new motor, front protection bars with a built-in siren system, and a four-way emergency flasher system.
Last year, Zero's specially-modified DS Police Motorcycle joined the ranks of a number of U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Monterey PD and Scotts Valley PD, as well as various (unnamed) corporate security patrols. Models were also shipped to London's Metropolitan Police over the pond for thorough field-testing and review. For 2013, the company's Zero S has been recruited to the line-up, too.
Available in black or white color options, both Police/Security models sport the company's new Z-Force sealed air-cooled brushless motor with either a ZF8.5 or ZF11.4 power pack, and higher-voltage power system.
The new motorcycles offer a reported 93 percent increase in power over their 2012 counterparts, are capable of generating 62 percent more torque and offer 10 percent greater range. According to Zero, the latter translates to 121 miles (194 km) of city riding per charge, or 74 miles (119 km) at highway speeds for the DS model, and 132 miles (212 km) for city or 83 miles (133 km) highway for the S motorcycle. The motor also feeds also electricity back to the power pack when the motorcycle slows down. How hard you twist the throttle has a huge impact on range in our experience, so we wouldn't expect to see these figures holding-up in a high-speed chase.
For improved off-road handling, the DS has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tires, while the S model takes 17-inch tires front and rear. The 2013 bodywork has been given a fresh new look, there's onboard storage and mobile device integration via Bluetooth. In addition to offering a customized dash providing real-time bike data while riding, the Zero app for iOS and Android offers detailed performance information such as time remaining until next charge, average watts per mile and total charge.
Both models have red, blue and amber LEDs front and rear, an emergency lighting harness, a programmable Whelen siren system with PA and microphone, front battery/frame protection bars and Nissin brakes.
Optional extras include side mounted rear top-load 21 liter hard cases with mounts, three different sized rear top boxes, aluminum hand guards with spoilers, a telescoping pole light with blue LED and a siren upgrade with plug-in PS microphone. A new optional CHAdeMO charging accessory can get the bikes up to 95 percent charge capacity at a charging station in less than an hour.
The video below shows Sergeant David Ball of the Scotts Valley Police Department highlighting some of the benefits of using a Zero electric motorcycle for patrols.
Source: Zero
