2017 Zero SR

[wildwhl]

A couple of months ago I bought this on a whim. Idea is that a it is my daily commuter along with an e-bike. At that time I thought I might move to within 3 miles from work (turns out I'm only 1.3 miles away). My heart and mind can bring me to fire up an ICE and ride/drive that short of a distance knowing how bad short trips are on all the internals.

So the Zero SR has been with me, and I've played with the range anxiety, found ways to actually utilize it, and often prefer it for any of my short errands as it's just - simple. Fast enough, agile enough, good suspension and ok brakes.

I'm throwing this one here in hopes I'll update it as ownership goes on for those that may have interest in vehicles like this. It was all original, one broken peg, ~4400 miles. I pulled the tires with 2015 date codes off and spooned on some Dunlop GPR300s, and had to (of course) create a tail tidy for it. Other than that - I don't plan on any mods.

WW/R

(no real good photos on the phone - yet).

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[eyhonda]

Cool! Yeah, I'm all about electric and it has it's place. Throw up some specs and numbers for those who are nerds about it (like me). Miles per KW is a good number as well as useable KWh. Basically, they are the equivalent of MPG and tank capacity of ICEs.

Did you set up a dedicated charger line with the electric company? They will give you an EV charge rate if you do. It will be separately metered with a hard wired charger. Can you set up a charger at your work?

In fact, I was just checking out the 2nd generation Mini Cooper SE for 2024 a few minutes ago! I may reserve it when it comes available (end of 2023?). It will be on a dedicated EV platform instead of sharing with the ICE. For the price, it is less than a 2nd gen used BMW i3 Sport. And it's about double the range of the current first gen model. It is using the 2nd gen BMW EV system.

I also keep an eye out for other electric motorcycles to see if someone will finally make something. I like Damon but yet to see it in production.

[Maritime]

I daily a Bolt and love it. Been eyeing 2 wheels for next and Zeros are one of the ones I'm considering. Just waiting for prices to drop a bit and range to go up or faster charging and I'll pull the trigger.

[wildwhl]

No dedicated charger, and no need given the intended use. Costs next to nothing to charge it whether at work or at home. This particular model has 13.0KWH battery, 70 something HP, and I think 116 ft lbs torque. Claimed range is in excess of 100 miles per charge in mixed use, and I'm sure some can achieve that if you stay in ECO mode exclusively, but that's not where the fun is. I leave it in sport almost exclusively. Top speed of 105 mph or so, but gets 0-90 hella quick (claimed 0-60 is 3.0 I've read, and I believe it).

It's fun. Electric isn't *quite* there yet and I'm certainly not doing this to save the planet. The burnt rubber alone (does excellent burnouts) should prove that theory wrong for anyone wondering

Almost bought an I3 REX (think I have that right, range extended) for cheap before COVID. Wish I had at times but the gas guzzling stage 2 tuned 3.0T A6 (still getting 30+ mpg on the freeway) is just too plush, sporty, and too paid for to change things up at the moment.

WW/R
PS I'd have to look for the Miles per KW figure...just know I go about 70-85 miles before making sure I'm where I can charge, and only have level 1 charger (onboard) so it's not quick affair. I've not dropped the battery below 18%...yet.

[wildwhl]

I daily a Bolt and love it. Been eyeing 2 wheels for next and Zeros are one of the ones I'm considering. Just waiting for prices to drop a bit and range to go up or faster charging and I'll pull the trigger.

FWIW - I was patient with the seller, and paid $5k for this one.

[6]

Whats is weigh? And how is the weight distribution?

I can't bring myself to be anti e-bikes. Even though it would deff fit my vibe, I just think they are cool.

Do you find throttle modulation to be very important on it? I'd imagine with all the tq all the time it would be easy to get in trouble with on low speed corner exits.

[eyhonda]

E cars get something like 3-4 miles per KW (usable). 50kw gets about 200 miles. Say you have 12kw usable (its about 90% of full). At 85 miles, you are getting 7 miles per KW. You got it at a great price!

We leased a 1st gen i3 with the REX. Loved it. All the shortcomings were pretty addressed at later generations. If I bought one again, which I still want one, I'd get a blue 2019 Sport BEV. The REX adds 200+ lbs. Id rather have a true battery only EV. The sport has staggered wheels, slightly more powerful motor and matched controller. The unique facts that it is has a carbon chassis and rear wheel drive make it pretty cool. I thought the rear hinged rear doors were a hassle. It was quick enough to make you smile.

[wildwhl]

Whats is weigh? And how is the weight distribution?

I can't bring myself to be anti e-bikes. Even though it would deff fit my vibe, I just think they are cool.

Do you find throttle modulation to be very important on it? I'd imagine with all the tq all the time it would be easy to get in trouble with on low speed corner exits.

I forget - like 450 lbs maybe? Weight distribution seems to be pretty 50/50 though I'm doubtful that's true. Very sporty handling, even though a more upright/naked riding position. The newer models have traction control, and this one does not. Having spun the rear up multiple times now I wish it did. It is a whole lot of fun to ride. I jammed around and did errands this morning, mostly city streets, maybe 30 miles total on the highway. Makes me smile the whole time.

WW/R

[6]

I forget - like 450 lbs maybe? Weight distribution seems to be pretty 50/50 though I'm doubtful that's true. Very sporty handling, even though a more upright/naked riding position. The newer models have traction control, and this one does not. Having spun the rear up multiple times now I wish it did. It is a whole lot of fun to ride. I jammed around and did errands this morning, mostly city streets, maybe 30 miles total on the highway. Makes me smile the whole time.

WW/R

This is giong to sound stupid, but does it still feel like a motorcycle? No shifting, no sound, weird power dilivery, i could see those thigs making it feel a but scootery, or somthing.

I need to keep my eye out for one somewhere and see if i can talk the owner into letting me take a rip (sounds stupid, but ive got to ride some cool bikes just by asking)

[wildwhl]

This is giong to sound stupid, but does it still feel like a motorcycle? No shifting, no sound, weird power dilivery, i could see those thigs making it feel a but scootery, or something.

In short, yes. It is also seems a bit scooter like in traffic (this is a plus). In the canyons, for me, it allows sheer focus on right wrist, steering input, body position and braking. Sounds silly - but this bike is actually harder to ride fast in the twisties vs. others I have. Part of it is because I don't exactly trust the rear traction (140 section tire and stupid torque at times) and part is because I've less thank 1k miles on it so far - probably only like 400 miles. I'm certain we will come to terms with each other soon.

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[eyhonda]

Keep an eye our for Demo rides. I rode them at Mid Ohio a couple times with my son. It was a great experience! No worries on clutching, shifting, what gear, etc. Focused on only the throttle and braking. Possibly the Zero dealer will do demos or they just have a demo bike.

[ParcNHawk]

...And they give you a T-shirt on demo days.

[wildwhl]

If you're a thinking rider, and a practical one - this is seriously hard to beat for daily commute/errand duty. Yes, the range is severely limited when you are trying to have fun, but if you're using it for normal commute duties, I'd guess you can do 50+ miles each way (providing you charge at work/home - maybe it's more like 80+ miles with more throttle care) and never buy gas again. I'm doing my best to park the cage this year. The 2013 A6 3.0T is fully up on maintenance, detailed, and waiting to be driven only when I need groceries

Zero is a keeper, for now.

WW/R

[wildwhl]

Last weekend (well, 2 weekends ago it seems now) I took the electric moto on an aggressive ride - one of my local routes, that I know well and am comfortable on (even though the Sheriff watches closely). I ran up to Virginia City, down the truck route behind it, up the same, down the other way, up the same, down again and up again and then home. Each route run is about 5.5 miles each way. Excellent pavement, and many wonderful turns. I was hoping to get the battery close to 0%.

I failed. I rode in Sport mode most of the time (most power use). I switched to a custom mode on the way home only because I was getting a little range anxiety. Turned out I didn't need to do that. I was gone about 1.5 hours, and only had 18% on return - but for a weekend fun run it was great. Only real problem is the front brake stinks, so I have parts inbound to correct that (may have to machine a few bits). GPR300 tires are perfect for this little beast. Screen Shot 2022-08-10 at 7.53.53 PM.png

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[6]

Last weekend (well, 2 weekends ago it seems now) I took the electric moto on an aggressive ride - one of my local routes, that I know well and am comfortable on (even though the Sheriff watches closely). I ran up to Virginia City, down the truck route behind it, up the same, down the other way, up the same, down again and up again and then home. Each route run is about 5.5 miles each way. Excellent pavement, and many wonderful turns. I was hoping to get the battery close to 0%.

I failed. I rode in Sport mode most of the time (most power use). I switched to a custom mode on the way home only because I was getting a little range anxiety. Turned out I didn't need to do that. I was gone about 1.5 hours, and only had 18% on return - but for a weekend fun run it was great. Only real problem is the front brake stinks, so I have parts inbound to correct that (may have to machine a few bits). GPR300 tires are perfect for this little beast. Screen Shot 2022-08-10 at 7.53.53 PM.png

WW/R

What brakes are you putting on it? That's exciting... Is there a modding community behind them yet?

How's the suspension, they are heavyish bikes right? Did they do a decent job designing the stock suspension or can it be lumped in there with most of the other small bikes where the forks and shock come out of the factory as placeholders?