The crack of a rifle breaks the silence of the humid night. The four-strong, black-swathed team quickly mount their motorcycles and move off in the darkness toward the sound at breakneck speed. Invisible, almost silent, they quickly close the distance to the enemy. The element of surprise is on their side and justice is about to be meted out.
While this scenario might sound like something from the movies, it is now quite plausible. At least the quiet, fast motorcycling in the dark part, anyway. You see, working with the US Special Operations Forces, Zero Motorcycles has put together a machine that can provide super-stealthy mobility to soldiers in the field.
Based on its MX model, the Zero MMX has keyless operation, a military spec dash, switchable headlight and is pre-wired for infrared systems fore and aft. It's also able to ford through a meter (39.37 inches) of water and has a safety override and reserve power capabilities to help its rider get out of sticky situations. (Ok, we're not actually sure what safety override does, but it certainly sounds cool.)
Like the MX, the military model comes with battery pack swapping capability and all the power (54 horsepower, 68 lb-feet of torque) one is ever likely to need. It even retains its app-friendliness, allowing performance sculpting via Bluetooth. For more details on the bike, scroll on down for the official press release.
Zero Motorcycles Announces All-New 2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle
– U.S. Special Operations Forces Currently Using Zero MMX –
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle 2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle Controls
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (May 7, 2013) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced the arrival of its all-new 2013 Zero MMX military motorcycle (hyperlink). The MMX was developed exclusively for military use in the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and provides Special Operations riders with unique tactical advantages over traditional combustion motorcycles, as the electric powertrain allows for rapid movement over hostile terrain in near silence and minimal heat signature. Zero Motorcycles' engineering team worked under military contract to develop the motorcycle. The MMX has met the most stringent standards set forth by the U.S. military, as an undisclosed number of MMX motorcycles are currently undergoing full operational testing.
"It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product," said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. "The great news for our civilian customers is that we made the decision to incorporate into our 2013 MX, FX and XU retail motorcycles virtually all of the powertrain enhancements associated with satisfying this project's stringent military requirements. Our 2013 product is truly 'military grade'!"
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle – Key Features
Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
Modular and quick-swappable power packs
Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap
The 2013 MMX Military Motorcycles are built off the 2013 MX platform, which is incredibly tough and lightweight, and uses a finely tuned and fully adjustable suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain. Combined with state of the art Z-Force™ technology and an ultra-light frame design, the Zero MMX is agile and fast where it counts.
The 2013 Zero MMX features the all new Z-Force™ motor. With 54 hp and 68 ft-lbs of torque, the Zero MMX accelerates hard, with incredibly smooth throttle control, to allow riders to tackle bigger obstacles and corner faster. When rolling off the throttle, riders can take advantage of regenerative braking to both modulate speed and extend ride times. The performance characteristics of the Zero MMX are also adjustable via Bluetooth and a compatible smart phone mobile device when using the Zero Motorcycles mobile app.
The 2013 Zero MMX integrates the world's first truly modular power pack system and is available in two configurations: ZF2.8 (one module) and ZF5.7 (two modules). The lockable modules can be individually added or removed, regardless of state of charge, in less than a minute. Charge times can be cut down to around an hour using a scalable quick-charge accessory system or with the CHAdeMO accessory (CHAdeMO charging requires a supporting charge station). Owing a Zero has never been easier as the sealed Z-Force™ motor virtually eliminates all routine powertrain maintenance and drives the rear wheel by way of a beefier 520 chain.
CHAdeMO Charging Standard
The CHAdeMO fast charging standard is the most widely adopted DC Fast Charging standard and has over 2000 installed stations worldwide, with an additional 1000 in Europe expected before the end of 2013. According to Nissan estimates, 2000 fast chargers will be installed in the United States by the end of 2014, with at least 400 in California alone, supported by government electric vehicle infrastructure spending. Based on Pikes Research estimates, 115,000 of these chargers will be installed by 2017.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is committed to transforming the motorcycling experience by bringing to market highly innovative electric motorcycles that offer exceptional value and performance. Zero is powered by innovation, driven by passion, guided by integrity and measured by results. Through extensive research, insight and experience, Zero combines the art and science of motorcycle development to create and manufacture products that excite consumers and inspire brand loyalty. Zero is determined to be the preeminent global electric motorcycle company.
Follow Zero Motorcycles on Twitter @ZeroMC, become a fan of Zero Motorcycles on Facebook and check out what Zero is doing on YouTube at www.youtube.com/zeromotorcycles.
– U.S. Special Operations Forces Currently Using Zero MMX –
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle 2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle Controls
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (May 7, 2013) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced the arrival of its all-new 2013 Zero MMX military motorcycle (hyperlink). The MMX was developed exclusively for military use in the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and provides Special Operations riders with unique tactical advantages over traditional combustion motorcycles, as the electric powertrain allows for rapid movement over hostile terrain in near silence and minimal heat signature. Zero Motorcycles' engineering team worked under military contract to develop the motorcycle. The MMX has met the most stringent standards set forth by the U.S. military, as an undisclosed number of MMX motorcycles are currently undergoing full operational testing.
"It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product," said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. "The great news for our civilian customers is that we made the decision to incorporate into our 2013 MX, FX and XU retail motorcycles virtually all of the powertrain enhancements associated with satisfying this project's stringent military requirements. Our 2013 product is truly 'military grade'!"
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle – Key Features
Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
Modular and quick-swappable power packs
Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap
The 2013 MMX Military Motorcycles are built off the 2013 MX platform, which is incredibly tough and lightweight, and uses a finely tuned and fully adjustable suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain. Combined with state of the art Z-Force™ technology and an ultra-light frame design, the Zero MMX is agile and fast where it counts.
The 2013 Zero MMX features the all new Z-Force™ motor. With 54 hp and 68 ft-lbs of torque, the Zero MMX accelerates hard, with incredibly smooth throttle control, to allow riders to tackle bigger obstacles and corner faster. When rolling off the throttle, riders can take advantage of regenerative braking to both modulate speed and extend ride times. The performance characteristics of the Zero MMX are also adjustable via Bluetooth and a compatible smart phone mobile device when using the Zero Motorcycles mobile app.
The 2013 Zero MMX integrates the world's first truly modular power pack system and is available in two configurations: ZF2.8 (one module) and ZF5.7 (two modules). The lockable modules can be individually added or removed, regardless of state of charge, in less than a minute. Charge times can be cut down to around an hour using a scalable quick-charge accessory system or with the CHAdeMO accessory (CHAdeMO charging requires a supporting charge station). Owing a Zero has never been easier as the sealed Z-Force™ motor virtually eliminates all routine powertrain maintenance and drives the rear wheel by way of a beefier 520 chain.
CHAdeMO Charging Standard
The CHAdeMO fast charging standard is the most widely adopted DC Fast Charging standard and has over 2000 installed stations worldwide, with an additional 1000 in Europe expected before the end of 2013. According to Nissan estimates, 2000 fast chargers will be installed in the United States by the end of 2014, with at least 400 in California alone, supported by government electric vehicle infrastructure spending. Based on Pikes Research estimates, 115,000 of these chargers will be installed by 2017.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is committed to transforming the motorcycling experience by bringing to market highly innovative electric motorcycles that offer exceptional value and performance. Zero is powered by innovation, driven by passion, guided by integrity and measured by results. Through extensive research, insight and experience, Zero combines the art and science of motorcycle development to create and manufacture products that excite consumers and inspire brand loyalty. Zero is determined to be the preeminent global electric motorcycle company.
Follow Zero Motorcycles on Twitter @ZeroMC, become a fan of Zero Motorcycles on Facebook and check out what Zero is doing on YouTube at www.youtube.com/zeromotorcycles.
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