2016 · Electric Motorcycle · Buyer's Guide
DS (Gen3)
Silent Torque, Street-Ready
The Machine's Character
The DS Gen3 is Zero's electric dual-sport, built around the Z-Force motor and a 13.0 kWh battery that together put out 54 hp and a flat 68 lb-ft the instant you roll on. There's one gear, no clutch, and an air-cooled drivetrain with almost nothing to service. An aluminum twin-spar frame keeps the weight down, while long-travel Showa suspension gives it the clearance to leave pavement. ABS and ride modes come standard. In its class it's the rare machine that commutes in silence through the week and still handles a fire road on the weekend.
Twist the throttle and it simply goes: one gear, no clutch, nothing to shift or slip. The upright seating and 98 mph top speed make it a real road bike, not a novelty. Real-world range lands near 100 miles of mixed riding, enough for most commutes and weekend loops. Push highway speeds or ride hard on dirt and that number falls quickly, so it suits riders whose days stay inside a predictable radius. Low maintenance means it ages well mechanically, though the electronics carry a few quirks worth knowing. Plan your charging and it earns its place in the garage.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment
| Power | 54 hp (40 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 68 lb-ft (92 Nm) |
| Engine | Electric |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 1-speed |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.2 in (1427 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.2 in (843 mm) |
| Top speed | 98 mph (158 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Front Suspension Standard
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Connectivity
- Smartphone Connectivity Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
Known issues
-
Battery state-of-charge inaccuracy
The battery management system can lose calibration, showing incorrect charge level and potentially stranding riders without warning.
-
Onboard charger failure
The internal charger can prematurely fail, preventing the bike from accepting a charge. Replacement under warranty is required.
-
Contactor not releasing after charge
After charging, the main contactor sometimes sticks, preventing the bike from starting until the key is cycled several times.
Alternatives to the Zero DS
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Zero DS. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
