DEUS &
ZERO
Zero Motorcycles and Deus ex Machina Unveil The First Fully Customised Zero SR/S
Zero Motorcycles has always been at the forefront of electric innovation, and in a thrilling new venture, we've teamed up with the legendary custom motorcycle brand Deus ex Machina to create a bespoke Zero Motorcycles SR/S. This collaboration is not just a meeting of minds but of history and future; it marks Deus' first foray into electric motorcycles and features the final masterpiece from the esteemed custom fabricator, Michael “Woolie” Woolaway.
The Zero SR/S, launched to critical acclaim for its refined design and impressive range, became the canvas for Deus' creative expression. The result? A custom electric motorcycle that blurs the lines between classic aesthetics and futuristic performance.
In an intimate conversation, Woolie shared his insights on working with an electric motorcycle for the first time. The challenge was enticing, the SR/S's design presenting a blank slate for innovation. The trellis frame and absence of a traditional gas tank meant there were fewer constraints, igniting Woolie's imagination for what could be created.
Riding the SR/S was a revelation for Woolie, who found the electric motorcycle's silent, immediate power delivery both exhilarating and graceful. He likens the experience to a blend of shock and awe, as the absence of conventional motorcycle noises and the instant torque creates a ride that's as thrilling as it is unique.
It's so different riding an electric motorcycle than a gas-powered one. It's silent, and the power delivery is instantaneous. It just delivers pure torque right off the bottom. It's exhilarating and smooth—riding the Zero SR/S felt like a blend of shock and awe.
The custom SR/S draws inspiration from a fusion of the old and the new, blending shapes reminiscent of Woolie's upbringing with the latest in electric technology. The design process was organic, crafted by hand without preliminary sketches or computer modelling, echoing the methodologies of the '30s to '50s.
The bike's bodywork, a carbon fibre masterpiece, was engineered with precision and strength in mind, all while maintaining a lightweight profile. Woolie credits engineers from Lockheed Martin for their expertise in specifying the sophisticated material layout.
In terms of components, the custom SR/S is outfitted with world-class parts, including Showa factory spec suspension, carbon fibre wheels, and race brake components, elevating the motorcycle to a competition-ready level.
The design details are meticulous, from a custom thumb brake that replaces the foot pedal to the paint scheme that showcases the carbon fibre while drawing from vintage aesthetics.
The seat, designed by Saddlemen, features a high voltage symbol, nodding to the bike's electric nature. The windscreen, hand-blown by Zero Gravity's Glen, and the carbon work by Taylor Made Racing's Paul Taylor, are testaments to the artisanal craftsmanship that went into this build.
Woolie's innovative use of winglets, inspired by Formula One technology, not only adds a performance edge to the bike but also an element of cool that is undeniably Deus ex Machina.
Woolie offered his closing thoughts, reflecting on the uniqueness of the project. He emphasised the freedom he had to shape the motorcycle organically, taking ergonomics and aesthetics into account together. The build stands out as the first of its kind in his illustrious career.
Well, this is the first bike I've ever done like this. I usually work with aluminium and steel and chromoly and that sort of thing. So it's the first time I've ever been able to just sit down and organically shape something... I've never been able to just organically create a shape for a motorcycle like this ever. And it was a great experience and I hope everybody likes it.
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