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[Erasmo]

So I've been looking around for a Zero 2014 or maybe 2015 if the price is right, and I noticed that there are some 2015 DS models for sale for about the same price of a 2014 S.

I primarily want the S because it has a slightly better range but the 2015 models have some nice upgrades like the better suspension and ABS. Seeing that core components of the bike are the same, I'm guessing that you can up the range of the DS a bit by replacing the tires with road tires and replacing the front fender with a hugger style like on a S.

Any thoughts on this?

[Ndm]

Actually, I am going the other direction, turning my s into a ds, I just bought the ds wheels and fender from ryburn, I don't think I'll have a chance to test range differences because , Canada=winter, I would definitely go 2015 , I rode one at the dealer and it addresses all the shortcomings of the earlier bikes

[Lipo423]

I have intensively tested the 2015 DS, and although I went for the 2014 SR…it is a great bike…as you pointed out, there are a lot of improvements in comparing with the 2014 models (including rear brakes), a little more range.

The range difference it is a combination of tires as well as aerodynamics, as the DS is a taller bike, and your riding position is less efficient or "racing"

[Justin Andrews]

as the DS is a taller bike,

This, your cross section is the biggest killer of range there is on your bike.

[Erasmo]

Actually, I am going the other direction, turning my s into a ds, I just bought the ds wheels and fender from ryburn, I don't think I'll have a chance to test range differences because , Canada=winter, I would definitely go 2015 , I rode one at the dealer and it addresses all the shortcomings of the earlier bikes

This way you can have a S in the summer and a DS in the winter!

I have intensively tested the 2015 DS, and although I went for the 2014 SR…it is a great bike…as you pointed out, there are a lot of improvements in comparing with the 2014 models (including rear brakes), a little more range.

The range difference it is a combination of tires as well as aerodynamics, as the DS is a taller bike, and your riding position is less efficient or "racing"

The enlarged cross section is something I have to live with, and to be honest since my commute is very long a more upright position is actually quite welcome.

Road tires do make a big difference but if you look at the front fenders the DS one also seems to be quite the wind catcher. If you replace that with a S fender and maybe later one that sort of looks like one from a K1 you could make some difference on the motorway.
If you compare both bikes with power tank on the motorway range according to the site the difference is only 9km so that might even out with only proper tires already.

[benswing]

Yes, street tires will bring the range closer to a Zero S.  I would go for the 2015.  The upgrades make a big difference.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mrwilsn]

I think the shock height on the DS might be different due to the off road nature of the DS and the larger front wheel size.  If you change the front the bike is going to lean forward a little....I'm not sure if there are some adjustments you can make to the shock to offset the difference....the change could also make the bike handle differently....it may not be a big issue but its something to think about....has anyone actually done it?

[Richard230]

I would go with the 2015 DS. Not only is the suspension better, the bike has ABS and (being a year newer) will always have a higher trade-in value than the previous year, assuming the same mileage and mechanical condition.

[Erasmo]

So far the DS has the best cards, if I have to charge twice now and then(cold weather, heavy wind) to reach work until the tires are worn, so be it.

[Burton]

I would go with the 2015 DS. Not only is the suspension better, the bike has ABS and (being a year newer) will always have a higher trade-in value than the previous year, assuming the same mileage and mechanical condition.

Go with the 2015 ... if you don't like the height of the front end you can drop the triple tree down about an inch on the fork tubes. This is what was done with my bike. You can also bottom out the rear suspension at the highest setting.