Featuring a top speed of 80 miles per hour and a range of 112 miles in town (62 miles at a steady 70 mph), the DS ZF9 is a street-friendly dual-sport electric motorcycle.
Recharging the powerpack to full capacity takes under two-and-a-half hours with the Quick 4x charger.
The 17-inch front/16- inch rear combo isn’t serious for off-roading, and the 341-pound weight is substantial.
An aluminum frame and swingarm is matched to 38mm inverted forks and a no-link rear shock. A smaller, lower-capacity power pack is available, which reduces range, performance, weight, and price.
2012 Zero DS ZF9 Quick Stats:
ENGINE TYPE: Electric
BATTERY: Lithium-ion
CAPACITY: 9.0 kWh
TRANSMISSION: Clutchless 1-speed
SUSPENSION TRAVEL. f/r: 9.4″/7.7″
SEAT HEIGHT: 35.3 inches
WEIGHT: 341 pounds
PRICE: $13,995
For a look into the entire 2011 motorcycle lineup, check out the Ultimate MotorCycling Digital Buyer’s Guide.
Also, if you want stay up to date on the latest in motorcycle news, “Like” Ultimate MotorCycling on Facebook.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
* * * * *
Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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