Back in 2021 Zero Motorcycles and Deus Ex Machina led by master custom bike builder, Michael ‘Woolie’ Woolaway unveiled the first full custom Zero SR/S. The collaboration is a scintillating window into the customisation possibilities of electric motorcycles, challenging perceptions.
Zero SR/S Custom
Vision
Woolie approached the custom Zero motorcycle project with a liberated mindset. Free from the constraints of the fuel tank, the Zero SR/S was a blank canvas, primed for creative expression.
Motivated by the imagery of his youth, the maestro’s design initially took on an entirely classic shape. However, it reverted to a more neo-retro, café racer silhouette as his thoughts on the project evolved.
The custom Zero SR/S was crafted entirely by hand, without sketches or computer modelling— just foam and plastic with measuring, shaping and transfer tools – which Woolie saw as reminiscent of craftsmanship from the ’40s and ’50s.
Parts & Collaboration
The Zero custom build features high-performance components throughout: Showa factory specification World Superbike forks and shocks, race-spec brakes, carbon fibre Dymag wheels and race components from Spain.
Woolie added Formula One-inspired winglets to the body kit for pure aesthetics. Yet, the result is a serious-looking race machine and of course more downforce.
The motor’s not too bad either with the capability of producing 114 hp and a top speed of 124 mph according to Zero.
The single-mould carbon fibre bodywork was complicated to fabricate, requiring expert input from Lockheed Martin engineers. They provided guidance on the material layout for strength. Despite the robust nature, the top section weighs a lightweight 7 pounds (3.18kg).
This build uniquely features a custom thumb brake on the left clip-on, replacing the foot pedal.
Artisanal Details and Design Motifs
Exceptional attention to detail extends to every aspect of the build. The custom hand-blown windscreen, by Zero Gravity, seamlessly integrated into the fairing, solidifies the racer theme. And equally, the precision carbon work by Paul Taylor of Taylor Made Racing further enhances the performance credentials.
The vintage-inspired paint scheme works incredibly well to showcase the Zero’s augmented form. It’s complemented by neat touches like a red lightning bolt on the racer seat and a (rare vintage) yellow clenched fist surrounded by lightning bolts on the carbon-finished ‘fuel tank’.
Both embellishments are symbols of high voltage, emphasising the electric nature of the bike and reinforcing the design motif — a fusion of old and new.
Exhilarating Ride Experience
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.”
– Michael “Woolie” Woolaway
For Woolie, riding an electric motorcycle was a revelation. The silent yet instantaneous torque of the Zero SR/S delivered a compelling riding experience.
Redefining Motorcycle Customisation
This build demonstrates the customisation potential that electric motorcycles offer. With total creative freedom, Woolie crafted a machine that pushes design boundaries and delivers a riding experience as thrilling as its gas-powered counterparts.
He reflected, “This is the first bike I’ve ever done like this. Usually, I work with aluminium, steel, and chromoly, but here, I could organically shape something completely new. It was a great experience, and I hope everybody likes it.”
Merging vintage aesthetics with modern electric technology, the Deus Zero SR/S custom redefines what’s possible. Free from the rigidity of the ICE motorcycle format it offers traditional custom bike builders the opportunity to realise their wildest custom dreams, albeit without sound.
Source: Zero Motorcycles
