Skip to main content

Behold the World’s Most Adventure-Ready Electric Motorcycle

Fossil fuels are literally dead, and our use of them is dying. The future of just about everything that relies on gasoline, oil, and the like will one day soon evolve to renewable energy. Zero Motorcycles is leading the charge (pun intended) in the two-wheeler industry. Its 2020 catalog brings to life one of the most epic electric bikes we’ve ever seen.

Zero Motorcycles’ latest DS and DSR models are among the best, most exciting electric bikes on the market. The big get for 2020, however, is its flagship DSR Black Forest Edition motorcycle. The company proudly calls this off-road-ready beast “the most capable adventure-ready electric motorcycle on the planet.” According to the numbers, it delivers. The top-of-the-line ride boasts 70 horsepower and an eye-popping 116 lb-ft of torque — more raw torque than any fuel-powered production superbike on the market. What’s more, it’s all available from a standing start with no fumes, shifting, or vibration. Not surprisingly, the bike tops out at more than 100 miles per hour.

Range is, of course, an issue for electric motorcycles. The base model Zero DS comes standard with a ZF7.2 battery good for a combined 53 miles between highway and city. Upgrading to the Zero DS Black Forest more than doubles that range, while the optional Power Tank adds 30-40 miles for a max range of more than 140 miles combined. It charges easily overnight from any standard household electrical outlet. Adding the Charge Tank option gives any DS model compatibility with Level 2 charging stations with charging that is six times faster. Depending on the battery setup, that can mean a full recharge in about an hour with an average recharge cost of just $2.

Zero Motorcycles also adds serious next-gen smartphone integration with a dedicated app. With a few digital toggles, riders can tweak almost every aspect of their bike, including customizing the top speed, torque, and max regenerative braking. The flagship Black Forest model even includes integrated luggage, a touring seat and windscreen, dual-sport drop bars, and off-road features like LED auxiliary lights and a headlight protector.

The entry-level Zero DS stickers for $11,000, while a fully kitted-out Zero DSR Black Forest with every option runs north of $25,000. With some states — we’re tipping our cap to you, Massachusetts and California — offering electric vehicle tax incentives of as much as $900, that seems like a pretty sweet deal.

If the DSR Black Forest still isn’t adventurous enough for you, check out The Speeder, the world’s first flying motorcycle capable of speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lineup is here: Everything you need to know
Harley-Davidson launches six updated cruisers, three new models, and four CVOs
Harley-Davidson 2025 1250 Pan America Special and CVO Pan America.

Following an earlier announcement of 2025 Harley-Davidson carryover touring models, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer recently unveiled the rest of the lineup. The additional bikes include six refreshed cruisers, three four Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models, and three brand new bikes, the Sportster S, Pan America 1250 ST, and the Street Glide Ultra.
2025 Harley-Davidson cruisers

The 2025 Harley-Davidson cruisers have Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrains, a Harley-Davidson Softail chassis with a mono-shock rear suspension, and new tech, including selectable ride modes and rider assistance systems.

Read more
Indian Motorcycle launches new SportChief and PowerPlus models for 2025
Indian launched eight 2025 Indian Chiefs and ten 2025 PowerPlus models
2025 Indian Pursuit Dark Horse.

Indian Motorcycle introduced two lines of new and refreshed models for 2025. The Indian Chief family now includes the Sport Chief performance cruiser variant. Indian announced new models, new tech, and a rich assembly of accessories for riders to personalize their bikes.

IMC also announced an expanded PowerPlus family that includes Chieftain and Roadmaster models with fork-mounted fairings and unique rider-assist technologies. Indian also launched Chieftain and Roadmaster models with a new, enhanced PowerPlus 112 engine that first powered the Indian Motorcyle factory race team and helped the team win the 2024 King of the Baggers championship.

Read more
Livewire launches the 2025 LiveWire S2 Alpinista electric motorcycle
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista accelerates to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds
2025 LiveWire S2 Alpinista electric motorcycle parked roadside, right profile view, with saddlebags.

LiveWire launched the S2 Alpinista, its third electric motorcycle on the S2 platform. The new e-motorcycle is now available at dealers and is positioned as LiveWire's sport standard bike.
Why another LiveWire S2 model?

The S2 Alpinista is the third LiveWire electric motorcycle variant built on the S2 platform. This model's 17-inch wheels and tires distinguish it from the Se Del Mar, which has 19-inch wheels and tires, is LiveWire's street tracker model. The S2 Mulholland has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and a six-inch handlebar riser, which allows riders on the cruiser model to ride with a more upright posture.

Read more