Neil Saiki, designers of Zero X from Zero Motorcycles asserted, cross-country motorcycles should have more responsibility to the environment. Coss-country motorcycles are mainly used in racing. A very loud noise comes out of this motorbikes exhaust, he said, it could threaten the future. Especially when it is combined with the effects of exhaust gas generated.
"Honestly, I really like driving with Coss-country motorcycles. This is the real reason I do it (design electric Coss-country motorcycles), "Saiki said to the Autopia. "I dream that I can make a very fast motor as well as it is comfortable to drive."
Zero X itself is now sold freely on the market. Price per unit of about USD 72 millions. The motorcycle weighs about 63 kilograms using lithium-ion batteries as a source of energy. With the power of 23 horsepower, motor racing speed can reach 91 kilometers per hour (57 mph).
"Edition for highway will be launched as soon as possible next year," said Saiki.
Saiki started to develop the Zero X for about five years ago. The idea came after he attended a ceremony held by NASA. That discussion is to analyze about the development of transportation technology. At that time, Saiki directly have confidence that the electrical energy is the answer, and motorcycles are the object of the right to develop it.
"Motorcycles are smaller and more practical than a car. Regulation will also not be a hindrance when it comes to this has launched onto the highway, "he said.
Motorcycle off-road type, according to Saiki, is most suitable to realize his idea. The reason, the distance traveled by motorcycle users are relatively not too far away. On the other hand, the electric motor is also capable of providing a large torque. "This is another advantage gained."
Instant Power is generated by Zero X, Saiki said, it would make riders more carefully. Because this motor is so quiet. "But you just pull the gas a little fast, then the front wheels would be lifted immediately," he said. "Valve is so sensitive."
This motorbike only takes about 2 seconds to reach its lowest speed, which it is about 48 miles per hour (30 mph). Meanwhile, to achieve a maximum speed of 92 kilometers per hour (57 mph), the time is needed to reach the second time. With a battery used that weight is at least 18 kilograms, this bike can go about two hours. The same range of time is required for recharging batteries using a regular socket.
It is similar to Mountain Bikes
Features of racing motorcycle or cross-mountain motorbike is equipped by hydraulic brakes and adjusable suspension is indeed very similar to mountain bike. Do not be weird? because this is not a coincidence. Because, Saiki is also the designer who designed the Santa Cruz mountain bikes, Haro and Mountain Cycles.
Saiki who possessing the title of this space engineer has worked on seven prototypes and those are 300 over the design of the components of all types. Saiki's motorbike is done at a factory near Santa Cruz. Saiki hopes to produce around 300 units by next summer. Since April this year to date, as many as 127 units of Zero X have been sold. That's not including 77 orders on the waiting list, when two of them is ordered a sudden when they saw the motorcycle was passing in front of their office.
"About 75 percent of consumers of Zero X is seasonal racing/cross-country riders," he said.
A little leak is revealed that Zero X edition of the highway have ever been sold January 2009. This motor was reportedly capable of driving up to about 100 kilometers with a maximum speed of 112 kilometers per hour. the price on the road was approximately U.S. $ 9 thousands.
