Zero Engineering. A builder synonymous of vintage, old school styling bikes without any bling, and until now always featuring gooseneck rigid frames and springer front forks. For most of you, the “ZERO” chopper style is only the “Samurai” rigid frame model introduced in the US in 2002 after many years of prior success in Japan. And now, after two years of development, Zero Engineering is launching the Type 9 model featuring a Formula 1 racing inspired Multi-Link Susoension System. As a matter of fact the rear suspension system based on articulating the rear tubes of the frame has been tried with more or less success by several builders on one-off customs. Zero Eng. claims to have perfected the mechanism by mixing articulating tubes with a high-tension shock to deliver incredibly quick and smooth response to the road. Riding a bike with the rigid look appearance but as responsive as a modern rear suspension motorcycle should attract many.
The Type 9 model comes standard with an efficient, reliable S&S Evo engines from 96″ to 124″ in natural and black finishes. and is equipped with a Primo Rivera 5-Speed transmission. Every ZERO Engineering bike is built specifically for each rider. A mild custom paint job is a must and is included with each build. Pegs come in brass, aluminum, or black anodized aluminum. Prices should start at around $28,000 (to be confirmed in about 1 week). PLOT Inc. is the parent company of Zero Engineering and has established itself as a leader in the manufacture and distribution of aftermarket motorcycle parts in Japan. Info at: (702) 798.7504
Very interesting. Now, we want to know how this system endures. Was there any serious tests. How?
If the system works it’s gonna be copied very fast. But I agree that Zero should tell us what kind of testing was done in lab and on the road in the worst conditions. Failing suspension can have dramatic consequences.
I spoke with Zero in Sturgis at the AMD World Championship. The bike suspension was built by an ex-F1 Honda engineer. Here is the video… http://youtu.be/3_GvjvmEctI
Great stuff, Zero.
Jeff’s video explains nothing. Picture above explains everything. Great idea.
Great system. Since it doesn’t seem to belong to Zero, others should adopt it very soon.
very cool ,i like zero bikes .they get a little redundant but i guess thats the image and style they like the most .interesting technology
i watched the video ,they really should have had someone else do the talkingfor zero E ,the guy sounds like details are definately not his skillset.Basically he sounded like an idiot.
Video: bad interviewer, bad interviewee. It’s a shame because this multi links suspension is worth a good explanation in addition of the picture. For example, how much travel 2″ or 3″? shock used? etc.
Not that hard to figure out.. The builders on here should be able to work it out on paper pretty quick and run the numbers. It would be interesting to know how the geometry works in the swing of the pivot to keep the chain in a static position. As I can see in the pictures it looks as if the chain would go tight /loose when the wheel goes up and down. It probably does but the travel is limited to a acceptable desire and the ill effects of the chain tension is negated for the intended purpose.
Looks cool, and much respect to ZERO.. Just wondering why it took two years. Paramount Cycles had something similar 5-6 years ago. The idea is not rocket science. The engineering and testing should not have taken so long?
Im sure there is more to the story…. Looks great, hope ya sell a ton !! !
Great idea. Doesn’t detract from the over all design of the bike either. It was good to meet you guys in Sturgis.
@ Keith Stone . From my calcs, the axle rotates around a radius, whose center is somewhere behind the bike. Thus a reverse chain tightening action then a conventional swing arm.
“I don’t, its complicated”
Looks like the rear fender is fixed to the frame which means there can’t be a lot of suspension travel if the tire can still clear it. Still, for some people that small amount of give would be better than none. Very clever and well executed, looks great!
The fender pivots w/ the swingarm? Otherwise the travel is limited.
what a great bike so hard an strong this style this bike ist (OMFG)
Very cool
Confederate uses a similar design with their Hellcat Model. It is a rear Fender double shock absorbing Frame. The only problem with the single shock st up is that it is not for Riders that weigh over 250 lb. That is great for the Metric Riders with 500 -600 lb. Bikes and when you combine 2 Riders then the dampening is never quite right.
Not sure where the front of the fender mounts, but the rear of the fender is supported off of the upper suspension links. So it is at least a partially floating fender that will allow for more travel than a fixed one.