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Zero introduces bold new SR/F Electric Streetfighter

By General Posts

Zero launched a new SR/F streetfighter in Amsterdam, which claims to deliver an attractive blend of “industry-leading power, control and connection.”

It is a tangible improvement in range capability and recharging time, along with new styling that brings its electric powertrain with sharp and conventional – naked streetfighter looks.

The Californian brand leaps forward making electric motorcycles look and perform in a way more appealing to both new and largely electric-phobic existing bikers.

Vice President of Product Development, Brian Wismann, said: “The bike was inspired and influenced by the same things that inspire designers that are working on internal combustion bikes. “I don’t want anybody to think that this was meant to look like an electric Ducati, or Triumph – it’s not a derivative design, but having an understanding of where this cultural reference for having beautiful machines comes from and then integrating some of those design elements into the SR/F are pertinent in describing why it looks as good as it does.”

New Zero SR/F specs

  • 200-mile range potential
  • One-hour charge to 95%
  • Makes 110bhp / 140lbft
  • Two models available in May
  • Weight is 226kg

Zero’s new SR/F has the power and charm to attract regular street racers. The torque makes this a serious streetfighter.

The model uses Zero’s new ZF75-10 motor, coupled to a ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery. The powertrain uses air-cooling to improve longevity. It eliminates many routine maintenance jobs. A single charge is claimed to have the potential to deliver a 200-mile maximum range when ridden at town speeds, using Zero’s Power Tank, which arrives in Autumn 2019.

The innovative Rapid Charge System works on the large and growing network of Level 2 charge stations and provides a platform that allows for up to three independent charging modules. This means the SR/F can boast the fastest recharge capacity in Zero’s existing line up. It gives a maximum charging performance of empty to 95% charged in just one hour.

SR/F’s Cypher III operating system knits Zero’s next-gen app and dash to the well-proven Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system, ensuring the rider isn’t caught out by an over-eager right wrist or brake lever action. Zero SR/F has ABS and a host of electronic safety kit to ensure rider safety on the mean streets it is meant to race on.

The attractive dash can connect to a new app controlled by the rider. Rider modes on offer comprise Street, Sport, Eco, and Rain, and there are up to 10 programmable custom modes available.

Brembo’s electronic braking AI acts on JJuan calipers front and rear. The frame is a steel-trellis with concentric swingarm that’s claimed to help transfer the torque to the tarmac with the most mechanical grip possible. Both the battery and motor act as stressed members as well.

The new connected app also allows the rider to monitor their SR/F for: Bike Status & Alerts, Charging data, Ride Data Sharing, System Upgrades and Updates.

The first system of its kind on a production motorcycle, the status checker means owners can see information on charging interruptions, get unexpected motion notifications, and use the ‘Find my Bike’ function to see if their bike is where it should be.

The data captured on rides includes bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, charge and energy used/regenerated.

All the data is private unless the rider chooses to share it. The full suite of app functions are free at purchase, and for two years thereafter. Riders can opt out altogether if they so desire.

The two models will come in Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red colourways, and are expected to be ready to plug in from May 2019.

Yamaha announce MSRP for Ténéré

By General Posts

The Ténéré 700 could be the most important new adventure bike of 2019. It isn’t as advanced, powerful, sexy or sophisticated as the many Japanese super bikes, but it is capable more accessible to the masses. It is desirable and affordable.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 has a launch date for the online ordering system. The first bikes will be delivered to customers in Europe on July 2019 at a special introductory price of €9,299 / £8399 – the normal price will be £8699. The online only price will be available between March 27 and July 31, when the ordering system closes.

No information about an early ordering system has been given for the U.S.A. at this time. Due to differing government regulatory standards and factory production line schedules, the Tenere 700 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships a year later in the second half of 2020. Europe receives three color options, so far, but Ceramic Ice will be the only color available for the U.S.A. market.

The T7 concept bikes and two years of Ténéré 700 waiting might suggested it started as an MT-07 ‘soft-roader’.

The power in the package comes from the MT-07’s CP2 689cc parallel-twin, wrapped in an all-new chassis, and rolling on proper off-road rim sizes (21-in. front, 18-in. rear). The engine guarantees off-road success with dedicated fuel maps for its new dual-purpose life which means a broad spread of torque, and plenty of power for the road. There’s also gearbox tweaks to suit the new purpose.

Yamaha claims that the combination of good fuel economy and a 16-litre tank capacity will give a real-world 215-mile+ range between fuel stops.

The all-new frame is a tubular steel double cradle, designed just for the Ténéré offers flexibility and finds traction in the rough stuff.

Quad-LED headlamps nestling behind the tall screen presents a new aesthetic face protecting the new all-LCD dash tower  that shows speed, rpm, fuel level and range, trips and more. Above this sits a very useful bar for bolting all your navigational needs.

There’s a 43mm inverted fork up front which offers complete damping adjustment and 210mm of travel. The rear has a remote preload-adjustable link-type monoshock providing 200mm of travel for its aluminium swingarm. Brembo brakes with 282mm discs up front, and a 245mm one at the rear is equipped with switchable ABS  that can be disabled for off-roading adventures.

• High-torque 689cc four-stroke CP2 parallel twin-cylinder engine

• 72.4 HP (54 kW) @ 9000 rpm

• Adjustable 43mm upside down coil-spring forks with long-travel (210mm)

• Remotely adjustable link-type rear suspension with 200mm of travel

• Compact rally-style cockpit with tapered handlebars

• 452 lbs (205 kg) wet weight

• 21-inch/18-inch lightweight spoked wheels with adventure tires

• Average 358+km (217 mile) fuel range

• Switchable ABS option

• 880mm seat height

Yamaha will release a wide range of Genuine Accessories for the Tenere 700. The line-up will include luggage options and several other items to enable riders to travel further in comfort and convenience. Yamaha will also offer several Rally-oriented items to further sharpen the bike’s off-road capability.