International Dealer News IDN 148 April/May 2019 | Page 25

THE AMERICAN REPORT Described as "an unprecedented combination of industry-leading power, control and connection", Santa Cruz, California based Zero Motorcycles' SR/F is said to be their most "innovative and powerful" motorcycle yet. The new streetfighter styled zero emissions motorcycle is said to be the first "fully smart" motorcycle, incorporating a "revolutionary" new operating system - Cypher III, building on the brand’s 13 years of "industry- leading motorcycle and powertrain development, setting a new standard for premium electric performance. "Effortlessly powerful, the SR/F delivers an incredible 140 ft-lbs of torque and 110 horsepower with a simple twist of a throttle. The bike is propelled forward by the class-leading performance and efficiency of Zero’s new ZF75-10 motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery. "The compact powertrain boasts innovative air-cooling that increases longevity, eliminates most routine maintenance and effortlessly launches the SR/F to top speed. A single charge delivers up to a 200-mile range with the addition of Zero’s Power Tank, which will be available fall 2019." The all-important 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 enables "unique adaptability and the fastest recharge capacity in Zero’s line-up. With all three modules installed, the SR/F can charge from 0 to 95 percent capacity in one hour." Features include a "uniquely designed" steel-trellis frame and concentric swingarm to optimise torque delivery to the rear wheel, allowing the bike to "harness the full capabilities of the new powertrain. "As much brains as brawn, the SR/F ensures the rider is in control regardless of conditions, thanks to Zero’s new Cypher III operating system and Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC)." Cypher III acts as the central hub, integrating all systems on the motorcycle to a "next-gen app and dash - everything is seamlessly connected for easy and intuitive control." The SR/F is the first electric motorcycle to integrate Bosch’s MSC system, recognised internationally for dynamic acceleration and improved stability regardless of road surface or conditions. Zero says that when combined with Cypher lII, the MSC’s "full capabilities are unleashed, resulting in best-in-class straight-line ABS and cornering brake control, traction control and drag torque control. "The SR/F’s arsenal of ride modes allows the rider to customise the bike’s performance through the intuitive next- generation app and dash interface. The SR/F navigates the road no matter the conditions with Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to 10 programmable custom modes. "The SR/F is also equipped with a dual radial front brake system, adding a level of control that makes shedding speed as effortless as building it. "The SR/F is the first "fully smart” motorcycle thanks to the Cypher III operating system. It is also the first commercially available connected motorcycle on the market. Connectivity gives the rider the ability to monitor the bike in four main areas: Bike Status and Alerts, Charging, Ride Data Sharing and System Upgrades and Updates." Bike Status and Alerts: The SR/F alerts riders regarding bike status, including interruptions in charging and tip-over or unexpected motion notifications. In addition, the “Find my Bike” function allows riders to keep tabs on the motorcycle at all times. Charging: The SR/F takes the convenience of recharging to new levels with the ability to remotely set charging parameters, including Targeted Charge Levels, notification of State of Charge (SoC), Charge Time Scheduling and Charge Tracking. These notifications allow riders to control all aspects of charging and to monitor charge status even when away from the motorcycle. Ride Data Sharing: Riders can gather, relive and share extensive data about their ride through the app. An industry first, the motorcycle records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, SoC and energy used/regenerated. Riders can replay each ride and also choose to upload additional content to record and share their full experience. Riders also have the option to keep data anonymous. System Upgrades and Updates: New updates and diagnostic capabilities allow the rider to remotely download the latest Cypher III operating system release to ensure optimal performance and provide access to feature improvements. "All the benefits of connectivity are offered free-of-charge for the first two years with the purchase of a new SR/F." With a 3 kW Rapid Charger, the Xero SR/F starts at $18,995 USD. The premium SR/F model with 6 kW Rapid Charger, fly screen, heated hand grips and aluminium bar ends is $20,995 USD. Both models are expected to begin shipping to U.S. dealers this spring. www.zeromotorcycles.com POWERSPORTS INSIDERS Arcimoto, Inc. announced that the Deliverator, a three-wheel, pure electric local delivery vehicle, is now in development at the Arcimoto manufacturing plant in Eugene, Oregon. Designed to "quickly, safely and affordably get the goods where they need to go", the Deliverator will target 100 city miles of range, 75 mph top speed and 350 lbs (160 kg) carrying capacity". Starting at $19,900, production is expected to begin in 2020. Polaris Industries has completed its acquisition of the Larson Boat Group from the Marquis-Larson Group. The move follows up on its May 2018 acquisition of Boat Holdings from the Vogel family, whose Jake Vogel now heads up Polaris' burgeoning boats division as president. Polaris rival BRP also moved to strengthen its position in the boat market last year, adding Triton's Manitou pontoon boats brand as a second acquisition to solidify its own new Marine Group's market position. Following the difficulties encountered by Alta Motors after Harley's termination of its investment and collaboration agreement, BRP is reported to have purchased select assets (IP, patents and some physical assets) of Alta parent company Faster Faster, Inc. "as part of BRP's long standing interest in new technologies and alternate energy sources for the powersports industry". K&N has been named as an Official Sponsorship Partner of the 10- round 2019 MotoAmerica Road Racing series. The MotoAmerica series features the EBC Brakes Superbike Championship as its headline class, with the series crisscrossing the country from California to New Jersey. "It's great to have K&N Filters as a sponsorship partner for the 2019 season," said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. Indian Motorcycle has opened its 8th dealership in India, at Kochi, Kerala, in the south-west of the country. BMW says it sold 13,842 motorcycles in the USA in 2018 - another record high. Sales of its 6- cylinder models are "developing very positively," including its K 1600 Bagger, which is tailored especially to the US market. Timo Resch, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing: "With 8,306 units sold and a +25% increase in sales, our 6-cylinder models are among the big winners of 2018 again. The USA especially is an important market for these models. We will continue to increase our involvement in the US in order to strengthen BMW Motorrad's position there." An additional new USA-specific model is being touted. INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - APRIL/MAY 2019 25 Zero's "fully smart" SR/F - "the world's most transformational motorcycle riding experience"