Test Zero XB and XE: The pedigree of an electric leader
When we talk about Zero Motorcycles, we are not talking about a newcomer brand. Founded in 2006 in a garage in Santa Cruz, California, by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki, the company was born as Electricross with the dream of creating a small, light offroad motorcycle.
Since the launch of its first production model in 2010, the Zero S, the brand has established itself as the world reference in motorcycles and electric drives, fusing Silicon Valley innovation with the passion for motorcycling.
Zero’s pedigree is one of his greatest endorsements. With almost two decades of experience and millions of kilometers traveled by its users, the reliability of its products is more than proven. There are even owners clubs such as the “Zero Legends Club” in Spain, with users who have exceeded 100,000 km on their motorcycles, certifying minimal degradation of the batteries, which maintain close to 90% of their capacity. This history of quality and durability now supports the arrival of the new X Line.
With the launch of the “All Access” initiative, Zero seeks to bring its premium experience to a broader audience, with six new models planned for under €10,000. The X Line, made up of the XB and XE, is the first phase of this ambitious plan.
These motorcycles recover the original essence of the brand, focusing on a segment, that of light motorcycles, that has experienced a great boom in recent years. They are designed to be agile, fun and easy to use, both in an urban environment and, above all, off-road.
Although the XB and
Whether it is an off-road circuit like the one we tested them on today, or a controlled field area, their natural habitat is leisure. They could be a very attractive urban mobility solution as well, but their marked off-road character is undeniable.
Test Zero XB and XE, technical characteristics: Zero Technology for everyone
Starting with the heart, the Zero XB is equipped with an engine that offers a maximum power of 7.5 kW (10 HP), which places it as equivalent to a moped; and has a torque of 42 Nm.
Its maximum speed is limited to 45 km/h. Power comes from a removable 2.4 kWh battery that promises a range of about 75 km. Recharging is done using a non-integrated 800W portable charger, completing the process in approximately 3 hours.
For its part, the Zero XE increases performance to be equivalent to a 125 cc. Its engine delivers 15.5 kW (20.1 HP) of maximum power and 58 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach a speed of 85 km/h.
The battery, also removable, increases its capacity to 4.3 kWh, giving it a theoretical autonomy of 100. The charging time with its 800 W portable charger extends up to 5.5 hours.
As for the cycle part, Zero has developed these motorcycles in collaboration with a manufacturing giant like ZONSEN, which guarantees a solid foundation. Both motorcycles have fully adjustable suspensions front and rear, although with greater travel on the XE, adapted to its larger size and needs. The brakes, in both cases, are more than sufficient to successfully stop motorcycles of this weight and performance.
The XB features 19-inch wheels, a fork with 195 mm of travel and a monoshock with 176 mm. The brakes consist of a 220 mm front disc and a 203 mm rear disc.
The XE, for its part, has a 21-inch wheel at the front and 18 at the rear. With a 210 mm travel fork and 85 mm travel rear monoshock (which may not seem like much, but it is because it is mounted very vertically). The XE completes its cycle with 240 mm front and 200 mm rear disc brakes, both with dual-piston calipers.
A notable aspect of both models is their technological equipment. Both feature a modern color TFT instrument panel, which is very intuitive and easy to use. Its interface is more reminiscent of a technological gadget than the complicated menus of other motorcycles, with buttons that respond immediately.
From these pinecones the three available driving modes are managed: Eco, Standard and Sport. In addition, both feature deactivatable traction control, a function that is easily activated and deactivated with a dedicated button on the pineapple, even on the move, without having to navigate through complex menus.
All this software and programming technology is a direct inheritance of the knowledge accumulated by Zero, one of the leading companies in the electrical sector. This ease of use and the quality of the components show that, although they are entry-level models, they are still authentic Zero Motorcycles.
Zero XB and XE Test: Similarities and Differences
The XB and XE share the same philosophy: accessible, uncomplicated fun. Both offer friendly power delivery, intuitive technology with the same TFT screen and driving modes, and a capable chassis for their purpose.
They are designed to start off-roading or simply to enjoy it in a less intimidating and more playful way. They are motorcycles that invite you to play, to drift and to lift the wheel almost without wanting to.
However, the differences clearly mark the audience of each one. The XB, with its 10 HP and 45 km/h, is the ideal gateway. It is a perfect motorcycle school for those who have no experience, light and manageable to learn and gain confidence on dirt without fear.
The XE, with twice the power and a top speed of 85 km/h, is a step further. It is a motorcycle with more substance, larger and with enough drive to satisfy users with a little more experience who seek more intense sensations.
Zero XB and XE Test: Ergonomics, Weights and Dimensions
The Zero XB stands out for its extreme lightness, weighing only 63 kg in running order. This, combined with a wheelbase of 1240 mm and a seat height of 832 mm, makes it an extremely manoeuvrable and unintimidating bike. Its narrowness and low weight make moving it while standing or lifting it off the ground a piece of cake, which provides great confidence.
The Zero XE is noticeably larger and heavier, stopping the scale at 101kg. Its larger size is reflected in a wheelbase of 1,355 mm and a considerable seat height of 910 mm, making it more suitable for pilots of a certain size. Despite the increase in weight, it still feels like an agile bike, but with a poise and presence that brings it closer to a conventional enduro bike.
Zero XB and XE Test: Dynamic Behavior
On the Rocco’s Ranch circuit, the Zero XB revealed itself as a tool of pure fun. Its lightness is its great virtue. It makes it easy to correct mistakes and gives you the confidence to explore the limits without fear.
The driving modes make a notable difference, allowing a very natural progression: I started in Eco mode to get used to it, went to Standard to pick up the pace and ended up in Sport, where the power delivery is instantaneous and playful.
Despite its contained power, the acceleration is surprising and makes you smile at every corner. The one-button disconnectable traction control is ideal for starting to play drifting and losing the fear of sliding from behind.
The suspensions, although simple, do their job by absorbing the irregularities of the training circuit. It is, in short, a motorcycle that has allowed me to enjoy it like a child, even for me, who does not usually do offroading.
When I get on the Zero XE, the feeling is of being on a “real” motorcycle. She’s bigger, taller and feels more poised. The difference in power is abysmal; The 20 HP is noticeable from the first shot of the gas.
In Sport mode, the acceleration is forceful, and if you’re careless, you’ll be in trouble. The front wheel lifts up with astonishing ease, which shows how strong it is.
Dynamically, it feels more stable and capable thanks to its greater suspension travel and more robust chassis. It allows you to attack jumps and curves with more determination.
The brakes and adjustable suspensions are more than enough for the performance it offers, conveying a lot of safety at all times. She’s as fun as her little sister, but with an extra spice that demands and rewards in equal measure.
In both models, autonomy is a factor to take into account. It is a figure that varies enormously depending on use, driving mode and the weight of the rider. In my case, with a weight of 100 kg, I have noticed a significantly higher consumption than my lighter companions. This reinforces the idea that they are motorcycles for recreational and controlled use, where distance is not the main problem.
