Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, is to collaborate with UK based tattoo artist Dan Gold, to create a special ‘art bike’ based on the new Zero SR/S sports motorcycle.
Gold was originally commissioned to create a hand painted SR/S for the 2020 Bike Shed Show, scheduled to take place in London later this month, however the project has understandably been paused due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.
The Bike Shed Show may have been cancelled for this year, but the London based artist has now taken delivery of a new SR/S and has been using it to support his local community, making deliveries to local vulnerable people, while continuing to gather inspiration for the designs he will eventually apply to the 100% electric motorcycle’s fully-faired bodywork.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dan said: “I’ve been interested in electric vehicles for many years, especially as I commute from Hertfordshire into London most days, but like many I have been a bit nervous when it came to taking the plunge. I rode the Zero SR/S in February and was so impressed by the smoothness and the stealth of the bike. I have spent the past few days getting used to it and running errands for vulnerable members of our local community. I’ve been particularly impressed by how easy and quick it is to charge, both at home and when using public chargers. Commuting on the Zero is perfect for getting into London while avoiding public transport, although judging by the number of people who want to come up and talk to me about the bike, I’m going to have to take some care to maintain social distancing when I park up!”
Danish-born Dan is one of the world’s leading tattoo artists, with a style inspired by graffiti and street art. He gained prominence as one of the stars of the TV series London Ink and his eponymously titled studio on London’s famous Oxford Street is one of the capital’s most luxurious tattoo shops.
With both the tattoo shop and his West Hampstead art gallery, Monsters of Art, temporarily closed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Dan has been busy making face visors for local healthcare professionals and will shortly set about using the SR/S as a canvas for his art.
Commenting on the project, Umberto Uccelli, Zero Motorcycles Managing Director for EMEA, said: “We’re really excited to be working with Dan and look forward to seeing the project take shape over the coming weeks and months. Our plan was originally to unveil the bike at this month’s Bike Shed Show, and to create a show piece that fans could enjoy at various events around Europe this summer. Of course, the current situation means that this is no longer possible, but we are delighted to see Dan using the new SR/S as he helps out in his local community and to have him start work on the custom project. We are looking forward to following his experience and the project on social media and to finally see the finished bike when it is safe to do so.”
While the date and venue of the unveiling of the Zero SR/S ‘art bike’ is understandably to be confirmed, fans can follow Dan’s journey with the Zero on Instagram at @dangoldtattooclub and Twitter (@thedangold) or through Zero’s Facebook page @ZeroMotorcyclesUK
