New technology meets old school design.
I might be partial but I don’t think Zero Motorcycles
needs any help in the styling department. The SR/F electric sportbike
introduced at the beginning of 2019 serves as proof that the Californian
company knows how to make a bike look good. This doesn’t mean that
there aren’t creative spirits out there who want to take things a step
further and give life to their own vision.
For Italian firm E-Racer Motorcycle, that vision blends
high-tech and old school. The custom shop added two new designs to its
2020 lineup, one of which is based on the Zero SR/F, dubbed The Edge. Cue all the U2 references.
The
Edge builds on what the SR/F already has to offer and enhances it.
E-Racer replaced the headlight with a small light pod and two LED strips
framing it and slightly altered the “tank” design with armor
paint-coated panels on each side. The handlebar has also been switched
for a superbike component with clip ons. One of the most striking
changes is the tan, diamond-stitched leather saddle which is absolutely
gorgeous and gives the bike a proper retro look.
An
AirTender air dampening system has been added to the rear shock to add
to the riding comfort. The team also added its Audio-Forceback (E-RAF)
which is an audio system that produces high and low-frequency sound
waves that 1) warn pedestrians of the presence of the electric motorcycle and 2) provide feedback to the rider.
The
subsonic speakers create a vibration similar to that of an engine
revving. This creates a more “familiar” experience for the rider
(something I found unsettling riding on the Zero—the lack of sound and
engine feedback). As for the performance numbers, they are the same as
the standard Zero at 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.
The
customization costs $6,600 (€6,000) in addition to the cost of the
bike. The shop also offers a customization kit for the Zero FXS in case
you wish to make your dirtbike even more… Rugged. Here’s one way to give your Zero a look that stands out from the crowd if you feel the need to turn more heads.
