DT May 2018

Zero Motorcycles
release electric
adventure tourer
Zero was imported a few years ago, but we’ve not
heard anything locally from this brand for ages…
American electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero
has just released an electric bike that it claims is
targeted at ‘the growing number of riders seeking to
tour on an electric bike.’ But is there any validity in
this claim?
According to Zero, the DSR Black Forest, which
comes with luggage as standard, has a range
of 260 km’s at city speeds or 125Km’s when on
the open highway. And if you fit the rather pricey
optional range-extending battery to it, this is
extended by around 25% to 328km in a city and
155km highway use.
While this may seem rather a short distance for
a touring bike, the Black Forest does re-charge
impressively fast with Zero claiming the battery
replenishes at up to 150km of range for every hour
the bike is plugged in – making touring on this electric
bike more possible. But this figure is if the optional
extra Charge Tank is fitted, which allows it to hook up
to level two charging points…. Which are not really
freely available in the Karoo.
“The Zero Motorcycles DSR ZF14.4 Black Forest
Edition is the first model we’ve ever developed to
meet the specific demands of Europe’s adventure
and touring riders,” said Zero Motorcycles European
Managing Director Umberto Uccelli. “Our customers
have been asking for a model like this for years.
Riding a Zero is the most connected way to move
through nature. The Zero Motorcycles DSR Black
Forest extends this to new, longer, and more fun
adventures. We invite you to experience your world
for the first time with seamless, silent and pure dual
sport propulsion.”
While its range may put some off, there is no denying
the Black Zero’s performance with its electric motor
producing a huge 107.7ft.lb of torque and it does
look pretty rugged…
Oxfords Dryphone Pro:
New from Oxford Products are these waterproof smart
phone holders. They feature a protective hard-case
design with shock absorbing silicone inner layer to keep
your phone safe and comfortable. They are touch-screen
and finger print scanner compatible. The universalmount
bracket system allows for fitting to handlebars
with diameter 22.2 to 31.8mm, and is angle adjustable.
The handle bar is protected from
scratching by plastic inserts. The
holder is attached to the bracket by
a tree-point locking system and can
be removed leaving the bracket on
the bike. Currently these holders are
available for: Samsung S6/S6 Edge
and iPhone 5/5SE; 6/7; 6+/7+ models.
For more info or where you can
buy this product, contact DMD on
011 792 7691 or visit www.dmd.
co.za RRP R665 at dealers.
Dunlops new Gummy rear tyre
Designed for all the rock hoppers
out there, Dunlop tyres have
just released the new 80/81EX
gummy. We have not tried it
just yet, but Colton Haaker won
super enduro on this rubber…
so that says a lot. The tyre is
being used by quite a few of
the local racing fraternity…
Available in 110/100-18
rear size, the AT81 EX is
made for a wide variety of
extreme conditions—not
just EnduroCross—and was
developed with the help of
Cody Webb and Destry Abbott.
The tyres are making their way
into dealerships as we speak.
Dealer enquiries HRP (011)
708-5905
10 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE MAY 2018