Guys, thanks for all of your replies to my first Noob question a few days ago. I have made some progress.
I now have a 2017 Zero SR with 500 dealer miles on it sold as a demo- it has the chargetank so that is nice.
Make very sure that the bike gets both a full commissioning / controller timing done and firmware upgrade at 600mi. Watch the process, insist that you see the work performed, don't take the dealer's word for it that the work is being done. The drive tire (rear) will need to be suspended off the ground for commissioning and there will be a point graph on the dealer's computer screen as they engage the throttle to try to get a consistent grouping of sensor data (the calibration procedure is a bit like a video game). Insist that the dealer note what the timing number was both before and after the procedure. I'm very vocal about this because I've encountered a few dealerships and many "authorized" technicians who don't even know how to do this important procedure, and would tell the customer about performing the procedure when they have only upgraded the firmware.
What is the current best solution to add another J-plug- Diginow under the bike? Or in a top case? or Elcon charger in a top case?
Tell me what is working best for you?
Spend some time with the bike as it is and get used to riding it. The 2017 charge tank is already pretty good on its own, not exceptionally great, but still good enough. You can participate in most group rides using only that and no extra chargers are needed. I've seen a few interesting mounting locations for extra charging inlets and am testing some bracket designs, but the most friendly to other EV drivers who may need to unplug or plug your bike is the chargetank top location. Since my own aftermarket charging rig is out of service I've still found it useful to leave the onboard charger wired up to a J1772 inlet; I carry a connectorized J1772 pigtail which plugs into NEMA 5-15 ("Edison" normal household plug for USA) or 220Vac twistlock or NEMA 15-50 depending on what power source I can find. If/When I get the fast charging back into service I may mount a Tesla style inlet for the bike as a secondary and carry the J1772-into-Tesla compact inline adapter; some modifications should be made to allow the Tesla style inlet to positively lock the plug and prevent a random passerby from taking the inline adapter.
Also are there any external battery solutions in a side case or top case since my tank is now full with the chargetank?
No this has been done only by advanced modifications; And it is much more cost effective to become better aerodynamic for cheap and great range increases.
I was thinking of potentially raising my handlebars to get to more of an upright seating position like a DSR (but of course maintain lower center of gravity with the SR and the more performant tires). Has anyone cone this or considered it? If so what handlebar risers did you use?
Yes, suggest 2-in Rox Speed FX handlebar risers; Note that I have charge tank cowl and bracket installed, that when inserted a J1772 plug is very close to the handlebar with the risers installed and when trying to remove the cowl for advanced maintenance I have to first loosen the bolts on the risers to flip the handlebar out of the way. For normal charging it is a tight fit for full handlebar lock to one side.
finally i have been reading the unofficial manual but what are the four or five must have modifications- Hand guards, Heated grips, More ergonomic windshield (which one) and any others?
Some kind of guard for the handlebars yes because the brake lever is easy to damage in a right hand tip-over, and the handlebar ends are likely to scuff or deform otherwise.
Heated grips I like the Koso Apollo but they're not a factory fit you have to spend some time carefully modifying them.
Windshield I would suggest that the Zero Touring OEM accessory screen is the minimum and I wish I had actually gotten a Cal Sci because I like how it looked and functioned on B.Rice's bike.
Do not waste your time with a top case any less than 47L the smaller cases are garbage; But yes the top rack accessory kit for the passenger grab bars is necessary and then you can go with i.e. Monokey universal adapter plate and 47L type or 55L Maxia style top cases.
I don't know about side cases I don't have them on my bike but I really like the fit and build of the Happy Trails side case mounting kit for Zero bikes as I've seen it on several Zero bikes.
You may want to consider a Corbin seat? I've done 22,000mi+ of riding with the stock Zero seat and it is awful for touring but I don't really mind it for daily commuting or half-day trips.
Author
Topic: Took the plunge with a 2017 Zero SR!!- Noob Question part 2 :) (Read 555 times)