ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: lolachampcar on December 18, 2014, 06:27:41 PM
-
I just got my 2015 SR and absolutely love it. The change in suspension makes the bike feel rock sold with that sense of quality that you get from a great bike. The brakes have very good feel (still bedding so no power info yet). The move to a -6 controller is wonderful as well although others have already commented on this.
Overall, the upgrade for me was well worth it and the bike represents a nice step forward for Zero.
Nicely done Zero.
-
tell us more
witch bike do you have before?
did you trie the 2014?
the difference?
do you have some picture?
the range is better that the 2014?
the breaks? front and back?
thanks for your feel back
François
-
Great to hear this! I agree completely. I think the 2015 SR is a bike that is so well refined in every rea that it will become a daily rider over any other car or bike in the garage. And doing so and saving gas will help just financially justify getting it versus something else. Where are you located lolachampcar?
-
Congratulations!
Questions:
- Have you tried the 2014 SR? I think the rear brake is bit weak. Is the rear break on the SR 2015 any better?
- Is the storage compartment the same as the 2014?
-
Congratulations on the new bike! As to the question about the rear brake, I test-rode the '14 SR before I got my '15 and I found the rear brake to be the same on both - weak but adequate. However the front brake does most of the work anyway and with ABS I'm not worried.
-
witch bike do you have before? I just sold my 2013 11.4 DS
did you trie the 2014? No, I was not interested in another bike with FastAce suspension components which is why I did not consider the 2014.
the difference? The suspension is so much better. The bike now has a proper quality feel to it.
do you have some picture? No pics but it is the standard Red RS
the range is better that the 2014? No idea but it is significantly better than my 2013 11.4 DS. I would guess 20% better range but I have yet to collect any data.
the breaks? front and back? Brakes on my DS were crap. I could find front pads that would stop better but then they would squeal. The new bike still has a weakish rear but not as bad as the 2013. The front feels much better and the master is a much better match for the caliper giving a softer lever but much better control.
-
Wow that's great news, I feel a bit jealous, I'm just a bit disappointed that price is not dropping. Now the bike cost a lot more in Canada
-
My 8K mile $8K 11.4 DS was a good deal :)
-
lolachampcar, where do you live? What dealership did you get your bike from?
-
From the sale thread for the 2013: http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4161.msg26168#msg26168 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4161.msg26168#msg26168)
In West Palm Beach
-
This is only MY opinion.........
THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO EVER BUY A ZERO. HOLLYWOOD ELECTRICS ROCKS HARLAN IS FANTASTIC
Ok, I did it. I think that is the first time I have ever "yelled" on a forum but I simply can not speak highly enough about the quality treatment I have received from HE and Harlan in particular. He has always done exactly what he said he would do exactly when he said he would do it. He is a EE so I can talk nerd with him all day long. Combine that with Chris for support and a set of IXXAT tools and you have everything you need to properly support the bike.
Sorry for the yelling..... This is just one thing I am passionate about.
-
This is only MY opinion.........
THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO EVER BUY A ZERO. HOLLYWOOD ELECTRICS ROCKS HARLAN IS FANTASTIC
Ok, I did it. I think that is the first time I have ever "yelled" on a forum but I simply can not speak highly enough about the quality treatment I have received from HE and Harlan in particular. He has always done exactly what he said he would do exactly when he said he would do it. He is a EE so I can talk nerd with him all day long. Combine that with Chris for support and a set of IXXAT tools and you have everything you need to properly support the bike.
Sorry for the yelling..... This is just one thing I am passionate about.
That is the key to Harlan's success. He is an EE; knows the technology and knows what he is doing. How many other EE's own and operate a motorcycle dealership? Do I even have to ask?
-
Rock on. I'm getting my 2015 SR next week!
-
This is only MY opinion.........
THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO EVER BUY A ZERO. HOLLYWOOD ELECTRICS ROCKS HARLAN IS FANTASTIC
Ok, I did it. I think that is the first time I have ever "yelled" on a forum but I simply can not speak highly enough about the quality treatment I have received from HE and Harlan in particular.
That is the key to Harlan's success. He is an EE; knows the technology and knows what he is doing. How many other EE's own and operate a motorcycle dealership? Do I even have to ask?
I think this is a good starting point for a new thread. There are some well-intentioned motorcycle shops out there that want to sell electric motorcycles, but don't have an EE on hand. What is really necessary to successfully sell and support Zeros?
***Please don't respond to this question here, I will start a thread under General Discussion for this topic.*** Let's reserve this thread for gushing about the amazing 2015 Zero SR!
-
jheth,
I really hope you are as blown away happy as I am with my bike. Please post your thoughts when it arrives.
-
lolachampcar,
Thank YOU! We wouldn't be successful without the support of customers like yourself. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying your new bike. We feel very fortunate to have such a passionate group of electric motorcycle enthusiasts in the Hollywood Electrics family as it continues to grow!
-
Hi @lola, I see you on the TMC forum all the time but thought I'd post here as it is more a propos. I'm thinking of getting a 2015 Zero SR. My other vehicle is a P85. I'd be switching from a late model ZX-10R. Will I get a similar feeling of being able to make the bike do whatever I want? I find the ZX to be light and nimble while having an insane amount of power... I think you are coming from a bimmer literbike right?
-
The 2011+ ZX has 73 lb-ft of torque while the Zero SR has 106. So, in the exception of rev. the ZX on 1st gear, the Zero SR should give you more sensations and you have all the torque instantly. I'm sure you will have a better feeling with the SR.
-
Zax,
As they say on the view, we need to talk.........
It would be a little like moving from an M5 to a P.
The Zero will not handle or stop anything like a liter class sport bike.
The shear joy of day to day driving (I use it for a 22 mile commute to the airport five times a week weather permitting) puts the Zero and the P head and shoulders above a liter class bike and the BMW.
Both electrics fall horribly short where they always do, sustained high speeds and range.
I suggest you come borrow my bike for a day and make your own call. You are arguably giving up a lot more with the Zero move than the Tesla but my experience was an S1000RR that sat in my hangar for a year while I piled miles on the Zero. I am a bit strange so I may not be the best data point.
Bill
-
Thanks for the offer of borrowing your bike, Bill!!
I come to FL about once a year, but usually in October... maybe I *should* go down for the Formula-E in March. :)
And thanks for the comments. I don't push my ZX-10R at all... I'm a relatively new biker and I just liked the seating position on it more than the Ninja 1000 I had before it. But my insurance costs me about $1600/year and my registration is $1000/year, so I figure I will save on both of those with the SR and I'll have an electric friend for my P85. :)
I have an HPWC and a 14-50 (6-50) in my garage. Can the SR charge on the 14-50?
Thanks again for the offer, and if I'm ever anywhere near WPB, I will take you up on the offer!
Rob
-
Yes you can charge your Zero from a NEMA 14-50. This is the same plug found at most camp grounds so it is good to have the adapter for this.
-
Yes you can charge your Zero from a NEMA 14-50. This is the same plug found at most camp grounds so it is good to have the adapter for this.
Very cool, thanks. Does it also have a J1772 plug or must you buy the kit which still effectively charges at low voltage/amperage?
-
To charge a Zero from a NEMA 14-50 you are going to need a male NEMA 14-50 plug and a power cord that will plug into the charger. You can get both by searching on Amazon.com. The power cord for the internal charger on the Zero is the same used for many computers so they are very easy to find. The NEMA 14-50 plug does have four connections. Basically you ignore the bottom connection and use the top three. If you are just using the internal charger you will not charge any faster from a NEMA 14-50 than if you plug it into a 110 outlet. If you are going to use the Elcon chargers they will charge a lot faster from a NEMA 14-50 outlet than they will from a 110 outlet. You can charge just as fast from a NEMA 14-50 as you can from a J1772 outlet.
-
The Zero has (I believe) a 1.4KW charger which accepts 110V or 220V. If you want to use a 14-50, I would get a spare computer/printer/fax cord (try to get the fat ones - larger wire diameter - as they tend to stay cooler) and buy the desired plug from Home Depot or the like. A quick Google search will get you the proper wiring. This saves you from having to buy adapters.
-
OK cool thanks. I was wondering what the fast charge option was in the Zero configurator...
-
Got my 2015 SR yesterday. Seriously awesome. Crazy power.
One thing that was weird: left dealership at 100% SOC. Arrived home with 25% SOC. Turn off bike, turn it back on, and it says 38% SOC. My 45 mile ride @ 70mph should only use ~60% of the battery, based on Zero's range spec of 77 miles @ 70mph. I did a few power bursts on the freeway, but nothing extreme. So I think the 38% SOC seems more accurate, but wondering if anyone else has seen this happen?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Happens all the time to my hotrod'ed 2013 S. I often stop at chipotle on the way home after riding about 20 minutes on the highway. When I park the bike it will read like 20% and when I get out it reads 28% often going up one bar from where I left it.
My bike also has a size six controller.
-
My bone-stock 2014 SR does the same thing, if not to that degree. I'll often get to work, the meter will read, say, 72%, then when I go out for lunch it'll have changed to, say, 69%. I'm pretty sure it's related to temperature. Putting a number on a battery's "state of charge" is nearly as much art as science; it depends on temperature, load, battery age, etc.
Mine might change more than it does at low SoC if I did the same thing you describe, but I'm pretty paranoid about taking care of my battery, so I rarely let it drop below 30%, and I immediately put it on the juice when it does.
The BMS probably does some calibration-type activities when the system is new. A battery pack's nominal capacity is only a nominal value, and the BMS probably determines the exact capacity of the battery over the first few charge/discharge cycles. It's a bit tricky, since cell voltage is dependent on time since charging, temperature, load, etc., so it might take a few cycles for the BMS to really zero in on the best possible approximation.
-
I did a few power bursts on the freeway, but nothing extreme.
Another thought: Those "non-extreme" freeway power bursts will run your battery down much faster than you're probably thinking. As you become familiar with the bike, you'll realize that the battery consumption curve relative to speed is insanely steep, and just a few seconds spent at 85 mph will suck your battery down amazingly fast. Putting a fairing or windscreen on will help but only a full-on Vetter/Herschner-style treatment will really improve things at speed.
Nowadays I get my acceleration ya-yas from a standing start. That huge leap off the line in nearly complete silence is even more fun, more impressive, nearly free, and best of all, it's totally legal.
-
Zax,
As they say on the view, we need to talk.........
It would be a little like moving from an M5 to a P.
The Zero will not handle or stop anything like a liter class sport bike.
The shear joy of day to day driving (I use it for a 22 mile commute to the airport five times a week weather permitting) puts the Zero and the P head and shoulders above a liter class bike and the BMW.
Both electrics fall horribly short where they always do, sustained high speeds and range.
I suggest you come borrow my bike for a day and make your own call. You are arguably giving up a lot more with the Zero move than the Tesla but my experience was an S1000RR that sat in my hangar for a year while I piled miles on the Zero. I am a bit strange so I may not be the best data point.
Bill
A bit off-topic but I have to comment on you saying that a P85 is head and shoulders above an M5. I have the current generation M5 and I bought it after I test drove a P85. I really wanted to buy the Tesla but I found that the BMW was the better automobile after I test drove one. The Tesla does have that instant torque, but the BMW is the faster car and that is borne out by all of the auto mag tests (lots more horsepower AND torque). The cabin luxury level is night and day - the Tesla is spartan by comparison. The electronic driving aids on the M5 (blind spot warning, collision warning, lane deviation warning, bird's eye camera, head-up display) leave the Tesla in the dust which I found to be ironic for such a cutting-edge car. These are not gadgets, they make driving safer and enhance the driving experience. I felt that if I was going to spend that much money on a car I wanted the latest tech for the whole car - not just in the propulsion system. Don't get me wrong, the P85 is a wonderful car and a monumental achievement but I chose the M5 over it and I am obviously not anti-electric.
Sorry for the off-topic mini-rant. Can't help myself, I'm a BMW M guy (and a Zero guy).
-
"Sorry for the off-topic mini-rant." No need to apologize as the M5 is an awesome vehicle. Runs and rides like a dream and is a beautiful car. As is the P85.
-
MJ,
You are spot on. The M5 is a much better track car and will always be "faster" when it comes to MPH. I'm a true nerd at heart and have always been a piston guy (check out my web site and you will understand www.lolachampcarc.om (http://www.lolachampcarc.om)). One drive of the P85 demo and I knew I was screwed forever. Sure, the M5 is faster in an outright sense but can not even begin to compare in a day to day live with it daily driver sense.
Torque in a daily driver rules. Having all the torque all the time is simply unheard of in an ICE. The shear joy of hovering my foot over the accelerator then gently depressing as soon as the light turns green is an every day experience. Without drama you leave everything way behind you. You need only pay strict attention to anyone trying to make the light from the left or the right as you end up in the intersection unnaturally fast. The very same applies to driving along steady state and deciding you want to be in that lane in that opening. You simply depress the accelerator and you are there. The only ICE experience I have ever had (on the street) that came remotely close was an old Kaw 750 turbo which cruised on the interstate in boost. You adjust the throttle and you adjusted your speed with the same directness of the Tesla. This is the capability of electrics that ICE simply can not achieve in any reasonable or acceptable fashion.
WRT the technology and comfort features, you are 100% spot on but then I never ordered my M5s with Hud or any of the other electric gadgets. It simply was not something I valued. I do value good seats and that is one of the reasons I sold my P+ when I ordered my P85D. The nextgen Recaro seats in the new Tesla are a dream and a much needed improvement. Of course, Tesla is also implementing interstate on ramp to exit ramp auto pilot which will surpass BMW and MB but, again, that is really not my bag. I guess if I were to go for the electronics side, the AP would be my choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QERGldfZA5A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QERGldfZA5A) second half of the vid
I can understand the BMW love. They started to loose me when they went to the V10 then more so when they based the new M5 on the Seven Series chassis so I guess I was just easy pickings.
-
I agree with you on the instant torque, there's nothing like it. I am on the verge of writing love poems to the Zero because of it. Part of the enjoyment for me in my M5 is the lightning-fast double clutch transmission along with the amazing tachometer display in the HUD. When the speed and the revs are right with the turbos spooled the acceleration is mind blowing for such a big and heavy car (most current gen M5's dyno over 600 hp). It definitely does demand more driver involvement - sometimes I like that, and sometimes I'd rather just twist the throttle on the Zero. I consider myself lucky to have both. I know this isn't the right forum for it but I would love to hear a drive report when you get your P85D. I was in the local Tesla dealership recently and they said that people are taking delivery now. Nearly 700 hp and 700 foot pounds of torque with AWD - what's not to love?
-
So... although I love a good Tesla conversation being an owner and all, I'd love to know if anyone knows what the fast charge option is on the Zero. :)
-
Right now you can add 5kW of chargers from Hollywood Electrics and get a total of 6.3kW including your onboard charger. The 2013-14 bikes have a ChaDeMo connection , but they don't like to sell those since some ChaDeMo chargers don't work at our voltage (slightly under 100V.). Otherwise make your own.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
So... although I love a good Tesla conversation being an owner and all, I'd love to know if anyone knows what the fast charge option is on the Zero. :)
Sorry 'bout that. No more car talk.
-
Right now you can add 5kW of chargers from Hollywood Electrics and get a total of 6.3kW including your onboard charger.
I'm curious if anyone has actually done this, using 5 kW offboard chargers in conjunction with the onboard charger on 2013+ Zero. The onboard charger won't cut a significant amount of time off the charge, but in theory it's "free". Most posts I have seen describing the 5 kW charger setup do not use the onboard charger at all.
Edit: ultrarnr pre-emptively answers my question here:
Just a reminder for those contemplating building a charger for the Power Tank compartment. You can not charge at 6.6kw from every L2 station. If you build a 6.6 kw charger you are going to need to have it set up to be able to charge at reduced levels. With my SR I have 2 2500 watt Elcons and can use the internal charger for a total of 6300 watts max. But sometimes when I plug all of that in I will trip the breaker on the L2 station. So sometimes I have to disconnect the internal charger and can only charge at 5000 watts. ...
lola - do you notice the (small) increase in weight from your 2013 DS (392 pounds per specs) to the 2015 SR (414 pounds)?
-
I'm curious if anyone has actually done this, using 5 kW offboard chargers in conjunction with the onboard charger on 2013+ Zero. The onboard charger won't cut a significant amount of time off the charge, but in theory it's "free". Most posts I have seen describing the 5 kW charger setup do not use the onboard charger at all.
Every little bit helps!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Just got my own '14 SR today. Of course it's raining its ass off out there, so I had to ride a powerful unfamiliar bike on new tires in the wet. It wasn't that bad though.
And of course yesterday's forecast for today was "sunny and warm!" The NWS needs to put the crack pipe down.
Anyway, I had NO sleep last night because the dealer called yesterday to say the bike would be ready after a 24hr charge and their test ride, so I am going to go collapse now.
I noticed a couple spelling errors in the manual but that's my OCD kicking in...
-
Just got my own '14 SR today. Of course it's raining its ass off out there, so I had to ride a powerful unfamiliar bike on new tires in the wet. It wasn't that bad though.
And of course yesterday's forecast for today was "sunny and warm!" The NWS needs to put the crack pipe down.
Anyway, I had NO sleep last night because the dealer called yesterday to say the bike would be ready after a 24hr charge and their test ride, so I am going to go collapse now.
I noticed a couple spelling errors in the manual but that's my OCD kicking in...
Congratulations! it's about time you got your bike. You did get a '15 though didn't you? Is your manual for the '15 or for last year's model? Mine is for last year's - they told me the '15 manual wasn't ready yet.
Rubber side down!
-
Pro,
I did notice it seemed a little heavier but the SR is lower and the suspension is sublime which more than masks any weight increase for me.
As for car talk, its my thread and it is perfectly welcome :)
The 12c is my first dual clutch car.... neat stuff
-
Congratulations! it's about time you got your bike. You did get a '15 though didn't you? Is your manual for the '15 or for last year's model? Mine is for last year's - they told me the '15 manual wasn't ready yet.
Yes, I got the '15 but the manual is still the '14 edition... but it's newer than the one in the "owner's info" section of Zero's site.
It's got a whole 16 miles on it now! :) Now to endure the "search for insurance" as GEICO quoted me half of Fort Knox.
-
I got my 2015 SR last Friday. No hardcopy manual, just a 2014 softcopy (PDF on a thumb drive). Looks like the 2015 manual isn't ready yet.
-
Progressive here for insurance (liability only). They have no problem with the Zero and seem reasonable.
BTW, I've got over a thousand miles on my bike already and simply love it. It works soooo much better than my 13DS; well worth the upgrade :)
-
Pro,
I did notice it seemed a little heavier but the SR is lower and the suspension is sublime which more than masks any weight increase for me.
As for car talk, its my thread and it is perfectly welcome :)
The 12c is my first dual clutch car.... neat stuff
For a minute there when you said 12c I thought you were saying you had a Mclaren , but I'm guessing it's some kind of BMW nomenclature.
-
Pro,
I did notice it seemed a little heavier but the SR is lower and the suspension is sublime which more than masks any weight increase for me.
As for car talk, its my thread and it is perfectly welcome :)
The 12c is my first dual clutch car.... neat stuff
For a minute there when you said 12c I thought you were saying you had a Mclaren , but I'm guessing it's some kind of BMW nomenclature.
There is no BMW 12c. I assumed that he did mean a McLaren. That is the only 12c that I know of. Fantastic car.
-
MP4-12C :)
-
I have Progressive insurance on my SR as well.