I think the reviewer (Wes Siler) was negatively biased, and I said so by posting this comment on Wired.com:
Wes' negative bias has crept into his writing.
I have one of these bikes - a 2012 ZF9 - so I may also be a bit biased. I've ridden my bike not for two weeks, but for four months and 2,200 miles. You made some significant mistakes in your reporting - we should fix this.
First of all my tires still look brand new - Zero put "Road Winner" tires on the ZF9 - a $130 tire made in Japan.
Secondly, 60 miles per charge sounds like freeway-only riding. Most people do a combination of city/freeway riding and will get more range. I have achieved over 80 miles per charge riding at 45 MPH.
Third, the charge time you mentioned applies to situations when the batteries are completely dead. Who drives their car until it runs out of gas before going to the gas station? Most people will plug-in when the batteries are still partially charged - and - you don't have to have a 100% charge to start riding, just as you can put a few bucks worth of gas in your car to get you where you're going and fill-up later. The quick charger charges the bike up at a rate of 2 'bars' (11 is 'full') every 45 minutes. If you plug in and taking a 90 minute lunch break (for example) you have charged over 30%.
Fourth, your comments about calculating round-trip mileage vs. one-way are silly and condescending. You really think no one thought of this before? How does this differ from any other vehicle?
Fifth, you are wrong about the outlets. I have been riding electric motorcycles for four years and have never had a problem finding an outlet - and I don't live in L.A. For example, I checked into a hotel last night - asked the desk clerk if I could charge up for a couple of hours and he happily showed me where I could plug-in. My wife and I rode 25 miles to a restaurant, found a public charging station two blocks from the restaurant, charged while having dinner, and rode back to the hotel where I plugged-in once again.
Sixth, your comment about employers "condoning such behavior" is, again, silly, with the insinuation that "such behavior" is undesireable. Many companies want to portray a "green" image and will be happy to accommodate employees that want or need to charge at work (mine does).
This bike is a huge leap in EV evolution. You won't likely ride it across country, I'll give you that, but as a "second" vehicle it will end up providing 90% of your transportation needs while your "first" vehicle sits in the garage collecting spider webs and dust.