Electric sportbike coming soon from Zero

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles plans to launch a new zero-emission sportbike later this year, according to our friends at Hell For Leather. Company founder and CTO Neal Saiki says the new bike will be based on the underpinnings of the recently-released Zero S electric supermoto, but will feature a full fairing that will greatly enhance aerodynamics and theoretically allow for a top speed of around 80 miles per hour.

Like Zero's other electrified two-wheelers, the SS model should weigh considerably less than competitive gas-powered machines. Underneath the slippery bodywork will be the same 4 kWh battery pack and motor as the supermoto, meaning the SS will offer up 31 horsepower and 62.5 lb-ft of torque. That should be plenty to make for a highly entertaining ride. Saiki expects the upcoming SS electric sportbike to be the company's most popular model in 2010, surpassing the 600 Zero S models Zero plans to sell in 2009. We'd agree.

[Source: Hell For Leather]