Check Out the Special Ops Community's Stealthy New Motorcycle That Is Nearly Soundless

A California-based motorcycle manufacturer has announced a first for military special ops. It's a motorcycle designed only for U.S. Special Operations Forces use and it's stealthy quiet. Why? Because it's all electric.

(Image: Zero Motorcycles)

Zero Motorcycle's Zero MMX military motorcycle "allows for rapid movement over hostile terrain in near silence and [with a] minimal heat signature," the company's press release stated.

The bike's charging follows the CHAdeMO ("CHArge de MOve") standard for fast charging, which has more than 2,000 charging stations around the world and expects another 1,000 in Europe by 2014.

In addition, the motorcycle boasts an ultra-light frame and suspension system designed to absorb the shocks of rough terrain that special forces could encounter.

Here's are some more of the Zero MMX's specs:

• 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

(Image: Zero Motorcycles)

“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,” Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles, said in a statement. “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’!”

The civilian version, Zero MX, starts at 9,495.00.

Here's Motorcycle.com's video review about the MX bike in 2010:

(H/T: Wired)

--

[related]