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2016–2021 · Electric Motorcycle · Buyer's Guide
Torque First, Everything Silent
The FXS Gen1 is Zero's street take on the supermoto formula: an aluminum frame, 17-inch tires and a wet weight of just 291 lb (132 kg). The air-cooled Z-Force motor makes 27 hp and drives the rear wheel through a single-speed gearbox and a belt. The torque figure is what defines this bike: 70 lb-ft (95 Nm), available from 0 rpm. You never choose a gear. ABS and ride modes come standard, and the suspension is adjustable at both ends. Smartphone connectivity is on board too. Twist and go!
On paper, the FXS is built for the city and the short loop. Its 85 mph (137 km/h) top speed lets you merge onto a freeway, but the hardware is aimed at dense traffic, tight streets and twisty back roads within reach of a plug. The 32.9 in (836 mm) seat and the low weight keep it approachable, and the near-silent drivetrain means you arrive without announcing yourself. The battery calls for disciplined daily planning, not spontaneous all-day rides. So the right rider knows their routes, has somewhere to charge, and wants instant punch rather than noise and ceremony. That's a clear brief.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 27 hp (20 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) @ 0 rpm |
| Engine | Electric |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 1-speed |
| Final drive | BeltMotorcycles With Belt Drive → |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 |
| Seat height | 32.9 in (836 mm) |
| Wet weight | 291 lb (132 kg)Motorcycles Under 300 Pounds Wet → |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Safety
This isn't my verdict. It's what owners have told me over the years in paddocks and at club nights, plus the messages riders send me after living with one. On the FXS Gen1 the pattern barely changes: high praise for how it rides, steady worry about how far it goes.
The torque comes up first in every conversation. Owners describe the pull from a standstill as immediate and habit-forming, and say it keeps short trips through town interesting. The second constant is how little the bike asks physically: light, carried low, changing direction with almost no thought. Upkeep comes up too: no oil, no clutch, a belt at the back, and a quiet that owners call a pleasure in itself.
Range leads the complaints. At a steady 70 mph owners put the useful distance near 37 miles, and say the math never quite leaves their head. A drained pack needs around 9 hours on a standard outlet, so plugging in overnight becomes routine. Some riders miss the clutch and gearbox and feel twist-and-go sits too close to a scooter. A few describe ABS that steps in early and is slow to release, taking the edge off their confidence.
ABS Hydraulic Control Unit may be misconfigured (recall 17V145000)
NHTSA campaign 17V145000: on certain 2017 FXS units the Anti-Lock Braking System Hydraulic Control Unit may store the wrong vehicle model information, which can cause the ABS to function improperly and increase crash risk. Dealers reconfigure or replace the HCU free of charge.
Battery degradation on older units
The lithium-ion battery pack gradually loses usable capacity with age and charge cycling, especially on high-mileage units or bikes that sat for long periods at full or empty charge. Owners notice shorter real-world range and less sustained power at a low state of charge.
Motor controller failures
Some units experience stuttering or complete failure under hard acceleration, often requiring expensive controller replacement.
Cracked or warped brake rotors
Brake rotors may warp or develop cracks over time, leading to pulsing or reduced braking efficiency.
DC-DC converter / 12V system failure
Loose connectors or converter faults can cause intermittent loss of lights, horn, and other 12V accessories, though the motor and dash remain functional.
Corroded or loose charging port
Some owners report corrosion or loosening of the charging port connector, leading to intermittent charging. Cleaning or tightening the connector often resolves the issue.
Incorrect model year on emissions (VECI) label (recall 17V762000)
NHTSA campaign 17V762000: on certain 2018 FXS ZF7.2 units the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label may show the wrong model year, failing 49 CFR Part 567 certification. Dealers replace the label with a corrected one free of charge.
Where this Zero FXS pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the FXS is actually built for.
A light, quiet bike with 70 lb-ft from a standstill suits city weekdays and short ridge-road loops. Plan your charge before the weekend run to the meetup and it fits you well.
Made for San Francisco Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard · Big Sur Coast Highway
Single speed, belt drive, 291 lb (132 kg): this is commuting stripped to the essentials. If you can charge at home or at work, it fits your city routine just as well.
Made for Austin · Skyline Boulevard · Denver
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