Zero Conquers the Black Hills BDR-X
Embracing Electric Adventure
Imagine embarking on a journey where the only sounds are the crunch of gravel beneath tyres and the wind whispering past your helmet. That's the unparalleled experience of navigating a Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR) on an electric motorcycle. It's not just a ride; it's an exhilarating, beautiful, and near-silent full sensory experience.
Zero Motorcycles teamed up with the BDR crew to take on the latest addition to their roster of epic rides—the BDR-X Black Hills in South Dakota. Aboard two Zero DSR/X motorcycles kitted out with luggage and knobbier tyres, Jenny Linquist from Zero and Bryce Stevens from BDR embarked on a 355-mile adventure with an eclectic group of riders through the heart of the American West. This was Zero's first attempt at putting the newly launched DSR/X to the test on a long-distance dual sport journey.
The route presented a tapestry of terrain, from rugged two-track to rocky ascents and stretches of pristine pavement winding through towns echoing with history. With BDR's new addition of electric vehicle charging stations added to their interactive maps, finding a place to plug in the bikes was a breeze. Between Level 2 EV charging stations in towns where we stopped to grab a bite, or wall outlets at hotels in the evening, there wasn't a day on the trip where the two Zero riders came close to running out of battery.
"To be honest, I'm surprised and delighted to find as many Level 2 EV charging options as we have along this route. I wouldn't necessarily call South Dakota an EV-forward state, but it's been exciting to talk with hotel owners here. They're eager to add EV charging as an amenity at their establishments, knowing it will boost tourism in these gorgeous towns throughout the Black Hills and contribute to their growing economy."
The four-day journey took us past some of the nation's most iconic landmarks. We marvelled at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, navigated the twists and turns of Needles Highway, and cruised along Spearfish Canyon, with each mile unveiling awe-inspiring vistas. The lookout from CementRidge Tower offered a panorama that stretched the definition of 'breathtaking', while the Custer Wildlife Loop brought us face-to-face with the area's natural inhabitants.
Jenny's first multi-day off-road trip on a 500+ lb adventure bike, alongside Bryce who could have easily been on his 100th, highlighted the DSR/X's ability to cater effortlessly to both novice and expert riders. It was impressive to see how the bike provided ease of use and a powerful thrill alike. The only challenge the group encountered throughout the experience was a flat tyre.
"This thing [the DSR/X] has more horsepower and torque than you could even imagine. But it's the type of power, the way it's delivered and how smooth it is, that I think will shock people."
For those ready to chart this course themselves, the tracks for the BDR-X Black Hills are now available on the BDR website and a video recap for our journey can be found below. This route is best done in late May through early October, as lingering patches of snow and ice can be found in the spring, and temperatures start to drop in the autumn. The route is plotted with identifiable Level 2 charging points for your Zero motorcycle, easily accessed through BDR's interactive maps. This integration ensures that riders can plan their journey with the assurance of power, wherever the trail leads.
Zero Motorcycles is thrilled to have this opportunity to ride the Black Hills with BDR, but more so, we're excited to pave the way for electric adventurers everywhere. It's a testament to the possibilities that unfold when innovative engineering meets the wild spirit of exploration.
HUGE MOTO SR-X
