Electric Motorcycles

LiveWire One vs Zero SR/F: Which Electric Motorcycle is Better?

LiveWire One vs Zero SR/F: Which Electric Motorcycle is Better?

1. LiveWire One

LiveWire One
Photo Credit: @livewire.com

The LiveWire One was the first all-electric production motorcycle that made waves in the motorcycling community. Developed by Harley Davidson to be a high-performance vehicle best suited for experienced riders, the LiveWire One offers an exhilarating ride with power and style.


The LiveWire One has incredible features, a classic style, better-charging hardware, and advanced software.


This electric motorcycle is powered by a high-voltage lithium-ion Revelation battery and can travel at least 146 miles on a full battery, depending on the riding mode and terrain. The LiveWire One has a top speed of 110 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds.


Instead of being fitted with gears or a clutch, the LiveWire One has Showa and BFRC rear shocks to improve handling and ensure a smoother drive. Though made by Harley Davidson, there is no visible logo.


With zero emissions and no engine noise, the LiveWire One offers a better riding experience in cities and other urban areas, able to ride in areas where traditional motorcycles cannot due to volume regulations.

1.1 Specifications

Motor Revelation Motor
Horsepower 100 HP / 75 KW
Electric Motor Torque 84 FT-LB
Battery 15.4 kWh (13 miles per hour for Level 1, 2)
Ranges
  • City: 146 miles
  • Combined: 95 miles
  • Highway: 70 miles
Charger DCFC (DC Fast Charging)
Charging Time
  • 0-80% in 40 minutes
  • 0-100% in 60 minutes
Front suspension Showa SFF-BP
Rear Shocks Showa BFRC
Seat Height Laden 30″
Lean Angle 45°
Curb Weight 562 lbs
Wheels Black, Split 5-Spoke cast aluminum
Brakes Brembo Monobloc Brakes
Screen 4.3” Color Display Touchscreen
Connectivity Bluetooth, Harley Davidson App
Colors
  • Liquid Black
  • Horizon White
  • Nebula Red

2. Zero SR/F

Zero SR/F
Photo Credit: @zeromotorcycles

The Zero SR/F electric motorcycle is the latest innovation in electric modes of transportation. Featuring a sleek and lightweight design, the Zero SR/F provides optimal performance while reducing harmful impact on the environment. With an efficient and powerful motor, this bike is ready to take you on an exhilarating ride.


The Zero SR/F has advanced technology and does not come with a clutch; this helps make it better suited to navigate rough terrain. You can switch between power modes or take advantage of the customizable individual cell monitoring system to adjust power output and battery usage.


The onboard computer tracks battery life, speed, range, and other features in real time via the Cypher lll app. Capable of reaching a top speed of 124 mph and a range of 187 miles on a full battery, the Zero SR/F is a perfect fit for long-distance rides or short commutes.

2.1 Specifications

Motor ZF75-10 motor
Horsepower 100 HP
Torque 140 ft-lbs
Battery 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery
Range
  • City: 55 mph (89 km/h)
  • Combined: 70 mph (113 km/h)
  • Highway: 70 miles
Charger Type 6,6 kW integrated
Charging Time
  • Standard:
2.7 hours for 110% charging 2.0 hours for 95% charging
  • With 6kW Rapid Charger:
1.6 hours for 110% charging 1.0 hours for 95% charging
Top Speed
  • Max
124 mph (200 km/h)
  • Sustained
110 mph (177 km/h)
Front Suspension Showa 43 mm
Rear Suspension Showa 40 mm
Seat Height Laden 31.0”
Operating System CYPHER III+
Curb Weight 227 KG
Wheels
  • Front 3.50 x 17
  • Rear 5.50 x 17
Front Brakes Bosch Advanced MSC four-piston calipers
Rear Brakes Bosch Advanced MSC J-Juan single piston
Screen 4.3” Color Display Touchscreen
Connectivity Bluetooth
Colors
  • Liquid Black
  • Horizon White
  • Nebula Red
Warranty 5 years/unlimited miles

3. LiveWire One Vs Zero SR/F - Features

3.1 Performance

The LiveWire One is an urban-style electric motorcycle with a range of 146 miles on a full battery charge and can reach a top speed of 95 mph. On the other hand, the Zero SR/F features an advanced powertrain that offers better speed and acceleration, able to reach a top speed of 124 mph. It can also travel a range of 100 miles on a full battery.


Both motorcycles have excellent power output and speed, but the LiveWire One has a higher range even with a low battery. According to Cycle World, the LiveWire One has better performance than the Zero SR/F as it provides maximum mileage coverage even with a low battery.

3.2 Power & Charging Capacity

The LiveWire One has a more powerful battery with a capacity of 15.4kWh which allows you to travel at least 150 miles before needing to recharge. It has different charging modes for your ease. The DC Fast Charging ensures that the battery recharges quickly using any public charger. You only need a standard J1772 charging connector and have to wait 60 minutes to return to 100%.


Other options for charging are level one and level two charging. The LiveWire One is designed with a charge cord to plug into a standard 110v wall outlet. It only takes 11 hours to return to 100%.


The Zero SR/F has a 17.3 kWh battery and can travel 187 miles on a full battery. The Zero SR/F’s battery takes more than two hours to recharge back to 110%. If you need another way to recharge the battery, you can use a 6kW rapid charger for 110% in less than two hours.

3.3 Safety Features

The LiveWire One and the Zero SR/F electric motorcycles have various safety features to improve stability and maneuverability. Here is a table comparing the safety features of both electric motorcycles:


LiveWire One Zero SR/F
Traction Control
Helps keep the wheels from losing traction, particularly on wet or slippery terrain.
Traction Control
Helps keep the wheels from losing traction when riding on wet roads.
Cornering ABS
Slows or stops the motorcycle based on the lean angle, ensuring better stability and control when cornering.
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
Keeps the wheels from locking up and losing traction when braking suddenly, helping you maintain stability and control.
Drag-Torque Slip Control
Adjusts the motorcycle's torque based on the rear wheel to maintain stability and control when accelerating.
Quick-Shift System
Helps the rider make smooth and rapid gear changes without using the clutch, improving performance and control.

3.4 Riding Modes

TheLiveWire One and Zero Sr/F come with different ride modes that fulfill various purposes.


LiveWire One Zero SR/F
Rain
Reduces acceleration and speed, ensuring better stability when riding on wet or slippery roads.
Rain
Improves traction control and torque vectoring for smoother cornering and better stability when braking and accelerating on wet or slippery roads.
Range
Prioritizes energy efficiency and increases range by reducing acceleration and speed.
Eco
Ensures better efficiency and range, focusing on increasing the range the motorcycle can travel on a full battery. It reduces the bike's power output and adjusts the regenerative braking system to maximize energy recovery.
Road
Balances acceleration, speed, and stability.
Street
Balances performance and efficiency. Provides a moderate power output level and adjusts the motorcycle's systems to ensure smooth and comfortable daily commutes.
Sport
Provides maximum acceleration and speed while improving cornering performance.
Sport
Provides better performance and acceleration. Increases power output and adjusts the suspension and other systems to provide a more sporty and agile ride.
Custom
Gives you the freedom to modify your motorcycle’s riding mode settings to improve the performance of the LiveWire One.
Custom
Lets you create a custom riding profile by adjusting various features, including power output, suspensions, and braking.

3.5 Connectivity & Screen Display

The LiveWire One and Zero SR/F have Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your phone to the system. You can access music, navigation, and phone calls while keeping your hands on the handlebars.


The LiveWire One has access to the Harley Davidson App, a smartphone app that provides access to various features, such as ride tracking, diagnostics, and security alerts. Meanwhile, the Zero SR/F has the Cypher lll app, which receives wireless software updates and gives you access to new features.


The LiveWire One and the Zero SR/F have full-color touchscreens located below the handlebars, providing information about the speed, battery, and riding mode while allowing you to access features like navigation and music. You can also customize the layout and brightness of the touchscreens.

3.6 Cost Comparison

The LiveWire One tends to be more expensive than the Zero SR F. The LiveWire One has a base price of $29,799, while the Zero SR/F has a base price of $28,199.80.

4. Takeaways

The LiveWire One and the Zero SR/F are high-performance electric motorcycles with advanced features and technology. However, there are several key differences between these two models.


The LiveWire One has a longer range and slightly faster acceleration, while the Zero SR/F has a higher top speed and more advanced safety features. Even though they have similar styles, touchscreens, riding modes, and wireless connectivity, the LiveWire One is cheaper than the Zero SR/F by $5000. The LiveWire One can also recharge its battery much faster than the Zero SR/F.


Overall, the LiveWire One and the Zero SR/F are highly advanced and appealing electric motorcycles with plenty of features that suit the needs of different riders. Ultimately, the choice between which of these two motorcycles is better depends on your needs and preferences.

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