Zero Motorcycles claims fourth and fifth spot at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Zero's outing at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's 100th anniversay was spoiled by minor crash and kept them from a podium spot

Zero Motorcycles, famous for making electric motorcycles, scored the fourth and fifth spots at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26, 2016. Pairing up with Hollywood Electrics, their top dealer, Zero raced two FXS motorcycles helmed by Mark Miller and Marcel Irnie. Mark Miller came in at fourth place among electric motorcycles with a time of 11 minutes 28.448 seconds. Irnie, on the other hand, came in at fifth spot with a time of 11 minutes 31.326 seconds. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a 12.42-mile race and what made Zero's effort commendable is that its motorcycles beat a number of race specials and traditional fuel-powered motorcycles, not to forget the Tesla Model S as well (the only production electric car at the event).

Incidentally, Mark Miller faced a crash and lost 10 seconds before he could get back in the race, costing him a spot on the podium. The Zero FXS rode by Miller and Irnie were race-prepped with exclusive performance parts by Hollywood Electrics. The bikes put down an incredible 95Nm (approx) torque while weighing less than 140 kg. What helped the bikes' cause was the fact that they could deliver consistent output regardless of the altitude, something an internal combustion engine bike would have to adjust itself to.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event began way back in 1916. The 2016 edition marks the 100th anniversary of the event and 94th running of the "Race to the Clouds". It also happens to be the second oldest motorsports race in the US. The race begins at 9,390 feet and ends at the 14,115-foot summit, with 156 turns in between.

Source - Motorcycle.com