Inner Loop Hero
As you may already know, V1 MOTO has recently picked up the Zero Motorcycles brand. You may have even read some of the recent (amazing) blogs I've written about Zero - like 5 Things You Didn't Know About Zero, or American - The Zero Motorcycle Story. But what good is it if I haven't even ridden one yet? So I decided to phone up Carlos to pitch him the idea of test riding one for a few days so I could write about my experience.
Picking up the bike was simple. Luis got it prepped, went through some details with me and I was on my way in minutes.
Before we get started, I feel that I should disclose a few things about myself. Although I haven't been paid by Zero, I am paid by V1 MOTO to do their marketing, including writing this blog. However, these are my own words and I would have had the same takeaways even if I wasn't being paid by V1 MOTO. Every word you're about to read I genuinely believe and honestly feel. So without further ado, let's get into it.
3 Reasons Why the Zero FXE is the Inner Loop Hero
1. It's Fun
First and foremost, it's fun. I mean, why even ride a motorcycle if it wasn't? That's the point, right? To be on two wheels and feel the wind, and all the other cliches you've heard about riding a motorcycle. They're all true, and riding the Zero FXE is no exception. I'll tell you what else is fun, the massive amount of torque this thing has. The acceleration is bonkers and will definitely put a thrill in your heart and a grin on your face - every time.
This bike makes parking space availability irrelevant.
2. It's Easy
For me, having owned several motorcycles the fun part is a given. So the second reason may actually be the most prudent. You know how when something is difficult, no matter what it is you eventually start to avoid it? This isn't that.
Easy to Ride
The FXE is easy to ride because there is no clutch or gears to fool with. You're always in the right gear with loads of torque on tap. I didn't have to give a thought to finding neutral at stop lights, or shake my right hand after it got tired from repeatedly pulling the clutch in. I forgot about all of that, got on, and just rode carefree.
Easy to Get Around Town
I'm not a big guy with tons of muscles, so for me, I really appreciated that It's super light, small, and it's easy to maneuver. Those qualities also made it easy for me to cut through traffic and get to the front at red lights. Traffic shmaffic. It's also incredibly easy to park because more times than not, you don't even need a parking place. Case in point: I ran an errand to Richard's Wine and Spirits in Upper Kirby to get some cigars and I just parked on the walkway right by the door. Same at Whole Foods Montrose.
Easy to Maintain
After you've ridden it a few days, all you have to do is plug it in to charge like you would your smartphone. It comes with the 3-pronged power cord and plugs into any socket with a ground - there's a place in the swingarm to store the cord when not in use. The plug port is conveniently located in front of the right fairing.
Easily plug it in after you've used it a few days, just like your smart phone.
3. It's Cool
If I'm gonna ride it, it's gotta look cool. It's gotta be cool. I'm sorry, but a scooter just isn't going to cut it. Having a degree in Communication Arts, design really matters to me and in my (expert) opinion, this thing looks really clean. I was coming up the driveway today and my neighbor was coming home at the same time on his bicycle - so we talked for a minute on our quadplex's driveway. "What is that?", he asked me. So I told him that it was electric, made by Zero, that it was light, easy, etc. - the first thing he said was "Man, I love this. The clean angular lines, the simplicity of design, the colorway... this is so cool!" I was like, exactly!
Final Thoughts
I live close to downtown, so for me the Zero FXE ideal bike to run around on inside the loop. I really enjoyed meeting up with friends for dinner, parking where I wanted to, and running errands on it, but sadly I have to return it tomorrow. How much are these again? ;)
Schedule a Zero test ride today