ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

The DS looks cool! The specs say the front rim is a 17" and the rear a 16". That makes sense since most SM bikes have a 17' rims all the way around I think? I can't see it hurting performance either way. When it comes down to it none of the electric bikes have enough power (like a gas bike) to utilize all the performance or non-performance of rim size so I don't see an issue here. Make them as light as possible is the main thing for extended range.

Glad to see they are taking care of the bottom end off the line speed rather than just selling them to get them out the door. - (I bought a new model car a few years ago and there were so many problems I wish they would have kept it several more months to work out bugs...nothing worse than getting something not complete) I rode one (S) in LA and an X at a demo day. Since the X had so freakin much bottom end, it almost pop me off. If they put a gearing size somewhere right in the middle that's the best of both worlds. I don't care if my "electric" bike I end up getting goes 70+ miles per hour because that's not what I'll be using it for and realistically that's not why they are made (at this time) but I do want a little pop off the line and in the back roads under 50mph. I'll take my big bike for extended highway miles.

I saw a video and noticed Zero is now offering a duel sport light kit for the MX. Looks like you can get that street legalized and have your semi hard core dirt bike with battery swap. Have your cake and eat it too. Lots of new options to think about now. ? Do any other bikes have a changable battery swap? Street?
Military? I guess that's a great thing for development, if they stand their test that will be a great push for more electric development. Zero or other. Would love to see a video of the tests they put them through. Probably a smart move to get these to the military and let them do lots of the testing under "our" governments dime!

I've test ridden both. With both bikes you have to keep in mind THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS YOUR ktm, yamaha or other. If you want the same performance as your 250 then buy a 250! But, if you want a green bike no noise, poach single track, ride legally in many areas etc. Then an electric bike is the way to go.

I like the idea of the battery swap with the Zero, that's a great option for not only additional ride time but for maintenance and future battery advances (5 years from now simply buy a better battery). I must have ridden the MX version of the Zero cause the front end had MX forks not the smaller forks, and it had a MX rim and tire. I liked the fact I had the options of switching into easy mode for my wife to ride. The Quantya did have bigger brakes which ultimatly adds to the weight and overall performance but I did not notice any better braking. I guess if they both brake the same why not go with the lighter brakes? Cheaper to replace as well. Overall I liked the Zero due to the power mode options, suspension was equal with the MX version on the Zero, the interchangeable battery and light kit to make it street legal. The light weight was a huge factor when my wife (and me in the single track) rode it.

If anyone has ever worked for a company putting out a new product to market you know the challenges. I've put out many products in varying forms, I can only imagine what a motorcycle company has to go through not to mention something as new tech as an electric bike. My guess is all the companies putting out new product have safety first as a priority, then performance, then whatever else comes up...looking forward to seeing not hearing (ha ha) these on the road!