Zero Motorcycles has dropped cover on the all-new 2023 DSR/X ― a bike the company is boldly calling “the world’s most capable electric Adventure Motorcycle.” And while the name may give the impression that it is just another version of Zero’s already-existing DSR model, the DSR/X has nothing in common with the old platform.

In fact, the DSR/X is virtually an all-new motorcycle from the ground up. It takes some style elements from its SR/F and SR/S siblings but practically everything else, including the motor, battery, wheels, suspension, frame and electronics have been overhauled.

“Our owners and advocates have been asking for a full-sized ADV bike from Zero for years,” said Abe Azkenazi, Zero Motorcycles CTO. “We invested over 100,000 engineering hours into designing a motorcycle that lives up to both our customers’ expectations and Zero’s mission to redefine the riding experience.” 

One of the results of that effort is an entirely new Z-Force 75-10 motor that produces 100 horsepower and a staggering 166 foot-pounds of torque. Range comes from Zero’s 17.3 kWh Power Pack that offers a claimed 180 miles in the city and 85 miles on the highway, while range goes up to 200 miles off-road.

For even more range, Zero’s DSR/X can also replace a portion of its onboard storage for a Power Tank that increases battery capacity to nearly 21 kWh, pushing the city range as high as 220 miles. There’s also the option of a Rapid Charge Module to allow the use of high-speed charging stations. With a rapid charge, the battery takes one hour to reach 95 percent capacity.

The DSR/X has a unique trellis frame design and component architecture to allow for increased ground clearance over its predecessor. In addition, Showa suspension offers adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound damping, plus 7.5 inches of travel front and rear. The new bike also comes with 19”/17” cast wheels standard, which can be replaced with optional wire-spoked hoops.

Controlled by a new Cypher III+ operating system, Zero states that the DSR/X is the first electric motorcycle ever to integrate the full suite of Bosch Motorcycle Stability Controls with Off-road capabilities. Optimized specifically for the responsiveness of the Zero electric powertrain, this technology delivers stability and traction on a range of surfaces. 

The Bosch Offroad system includes linked braking for improved brake modulation and Bosch Vehicle Hill Hold Control which provides confidence and steadiness even on the steepest slopes. It also features Park Mode, a slow speed reverse and crawl function useful for maneuvering in tight or steep spaces. 

The 2023 DSR/X also comes equipped with the fastest Level 1 and Level 2 charge capabilities in the market thanks to the on-board 6.6 kW Rapid Charge system. The motorcycle works in concert with the Zero Motorcycles mobile app and our Cellular Connectivity Module (CCM) to allow owners to control a nearly limitless amount of ride characteristics from speed to torque as well as battery performance and regen functions. When away from the motorcycle, the app can notify users about charging status, help them find their bike or alert them to tip-over events from anywhere in the world.   

Partnership with Backcountry Discovery Routes

To increase awareness of and access to critical charging infrastructure for adventure riding, Zero is partnering with Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the North American leader in adventure mapping, off-highway route creation, and adventure motorcycle advocacy. This partnership highlights the growing infrastructure of public EV charge stations along proven ADV routes and builds a foundation for future infrastructure planning by identifying open service points along new routes currently under development. The most immediate benefits of this partnership will include a library of attainable, achievable, and available routes to follow on electric motorcycles from coast to coast. 

Pricing and Availability

The DSR/X is available in either sage green or white pearl and is arriving at Zero dealerships worldwide right now. As the company’s new flagship model, pricing starts at $24,495 USD — $6,500 more than the old DSR. For more information on the new model and how to schedule a test ride go to zeromotorcycles.com. 

2023 Zero DSR/X Specs