ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: dkw12002 on July 24, 2014, 09:40:19 AM
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Is it too early to be thinking about new bikes? What would you like to see changed or improved in the 2015 Zeros? Are there any rumors floating around?
Range, acceleration, charging times, top speed, sustained speed, weight, air cooled vs. liquid cooled, gears vs. twist & go, options, tires, suspension, price, are always topics of interest.
My dream bike would be an electric version of the Grom, but this bike would weigh in at 300 lbs. or so, have 12-in wide tires, 11.4 battery, yet still be capable of say 80 mph sustained, 90 mph+ top speed. There would be added range based on less weight alone. Compared to the Grom this bike would have to have better everything...better suspension, brakes, and a softer seat for sure. If that isn't possible, a little tweaking of the S to make it slightly lighter and give it slightly better acceleration would be just fine for an improvement.
The SR is too heavy for me and the FX and DS have seats that are too tall, so I won't comment on those.
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Excuse my ignorance, but what's a Grom?
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ABS and probably traction control.
Some more low speed oomph.
Cruise control, not as important since it's not a long freeway bike.
Cheaper!
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Eliminate any noise at low speed: brakes rubbing, cracking suspension (may have been corrected in 2014)
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Cruse control works, set the max speed with the app and keep the throttle wide open. But they need to allow lower speed
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A Grom is a Honda 125 mini motorcycle, called the MSX 125 in other markets. Comes with 12 inch scooter tires. Something of a hooligan bike. Top speed is 62 mph or so. Wet weight is 225 lbs. Gets over 100 mpg (US). Loads of fun.
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I would like to see: Better brakes, better suspension, a better seat, better fairing plastic and (of course) better range. ;)
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I just want a couple of ZF10 power modules to slip into my FX.... That's all.
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WindRider +1
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FX Supermoto from the factory.
I don't think we will see anything major, minor updates mostly.
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- A new low cost entry level bike like the XU, but more reliable.
- Improve quality, service & dealership network
- Keep existing customer satisfied before trying to sale too many new products to too many new customer through too many new dealers.
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we need break, 4 piston radial easy to improve, better suspension, like ohlins, better range if they can but it is already good
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I'd like to see:
- ABS
- a more powerful onboard Charger, 3 kw single phase and 10 kw 3 phase.
something like http://www.brusa.eu/fileadmin/Diverses/Download/Datenblaetter/BRUSA_DB_EN_NLG6.pdf (http://www.brusa.eu/fileadmin/Diverses/Download/Datenblaetter/BRUSA_DB_EN_NLG6.pdf)
Chademo is nice but useless here in Germany, as there are only a few Chademo Stations available.
3phase 10 kw Outlets are quite common and available yet.
- a ZF40 Battery ;-)
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+1 on that morimaxx
In the accessories department I'd like to see a more powerful external charger that would still be portable and compatible with 2013+ models (ideally). It would be nice if the ABS brakes could also be bought for 2013+ models separately.
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ABS, more powerful chargers, and best-in-class QC and customer support.
Edit: in this case, QC means quality control.
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Replace the ridiculous tank bag with a real storage compartment that can hold a helmet.
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Most of all I would like to see improved customer service to both dealers and customers who contact them directly. I don't see Zero surviving if this doesn't happen. Hiring people who know how to answer the phone or respond to email can't be too hard but so far Zero has done a very poor job at hiring people who can.
Would like to see an improved back brake and faster on-board chargers including a CHAdeMO that works on all systems.
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I thought the problem with CHaDemo is that some of the charging stations themselves were not fully spec compliant in that they don't support the full range of voltages, and thats causing problems with lower voltage vehicles like the Zeros.
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I think that a fan cooled 5-7kW charger that fits into the tank, same way the power tank does, would be a fantastic addition.
Making it so this option can be fitted to the 2013 > 2015 range of bikes would also be a good move, I would not buy a new Bike just to gain access to such an option, but I would consider purchasing this sort of high power onboard charger it if it was able to be fitted to my 2013 bike.
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Justin Andrews,
I have been trying for about a month now to get a CHAdeMO system for my SR. But trying to get information from Zero is proving to be a huge challange to say the least. In one of the few times my dealer was able to find someone at Zero actually willing to answer their phone it seems that some of the CHAdeMO systems that should work with Zero's CHAdeMO system didn't.
Some CHAdeMO systems such as those made by Eaton do have DC output voltages as low as 50 volts. The systems at Nissan dealers also goes down to 50 volts. Those made by AeroVironment go down to 100 volts and might work. Those on the Blink network only go down to 200 volts and won't work.
If you look on PlugShare and search for DC Quick Chargers you will see what is most common in your area. There are several Eaton stations in NC that I would use on a regular basis. Eaton in general seems to be common in the south-east US. TN has a lot of BLINK chargers that won't work though.
The manual says 8-10 hours to install a CHAdeMO system so labor costs will not be cheap.
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Ultrarnr,
Some CHAdeMO systems such as those made by Eaton do have DC output voltages as low as 50 volts. The systems at Nissan dealers also goes down to 50 volts. Those made by AeroVironment go down to 100 volts and might work. Those on the Blink network only go down to 200 volts and won't work.
I am sorry you had difficulty getting an answer here. But based on the information above, I believe you hit the core of the issue. Unfortunately, we have found that the charging stations can vary by model even if from the same manufacturer. In some cases even by the firmware may make a difference. We do believe that if a charging station is fully compliant with the CHAdeMO specification, then it will work with our motorcycles. But many manufacturers reduced their costs or optimized their systems for electric automobiles.
I would also say that it is impossible for us to provide a definitive list because access to these stations for testing is limited. In the case of the Eaton charging station, I believe we have access to one in Central California. We think it works but we can't be definitive. As a result, CHAdeMO continues to be a solution best suited to our fleet customers that are purchasing a charge station that the manufacturer is ensuring is compatible.
Regards,
aaronzeromoto
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How about cruise control? Unlike an ICE vehicle, all it would cost is a button and some firmware. Seems like a pretty strange omission, actually.
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A reasonable level 2 charger, and, J1772 connector as an option would be nice.
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Oh, another thought...how about a single-sided swingarm like BMW has done? It would be heavier, since all the stiffness would have to be provided by the single arm, but it sure would make belt changes easier!
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OK, after riding the Energica Ego I have a few things on my wish list. The display is a big one.
1 - Throttle calibrated with a section where you can easily cruise with no power and no regen.
2 - Reverse. Not mandatory or a deal breaker, but c'mon. This should be easy to do.
3 - Display charging % in real time while charging.
4 - Wh/mi on display at all times or on a separate screen with a graph.
5 - Fairings. Give me sexy aerodynamics!
Also would like to see a new design like what Harlan did with Big Blue. Their current look is okay, but it would be fun to have one of the bikes with a more aggressive look.
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A beeper [or quick pings to the horn] to make you aware that your turn signal is on...
Throttle-variable regen and/or [very slow limited;] reverse drive, for un-parking, and those occasional multiple-move Y-turn occasions due to turning radius issues...
Tighter turning radius...
;)
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I'd like to see a more absorbent ride, an outside ambient air temperature display, and some led
turn signals and headlight.
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I would like to point out that it is way to late for our suggestions to get Zero to change any of their design or component specifications for the 2015 models as they no doubt already have them cast in stone and are currently arranging contracts to supply the parts for the new models. So (unfortunately) this thread is "wishful thinking" and will not have any influence on Zero's 2015 bikes and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the design of the 2016 bikes are also pretty much determined. We can wish and squawk, but I doubt they are listening. ???
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Richard, since you are often the first to know of any changes, let us know. If Zero does have their models finalized, we need a mole to give us the scoop. Rumors are also welcome. In lieu of that, what is your best guess about what we can expect?
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Real front fork, real rear shock ? Not a low end taiwanese-chinese ones. You can even get some better quality suspensions in taiwan (like DNM) !!!
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Richard, since you are often the first to know of any changes, let us know. If Zero does have their models finalized, we need a mole to give us the scoop. Rumors are also welcome. In lieu of that, what is your best guess about what we can expect?
I haven't heard a thing about the 2015 Zero line. But if I had to guess, I would say that they will have ABS (or at least an extra-cost option for this feature) and a slightly larger battery pack. I doubt that too much else will be changed compared with the 2014 models. Just some touch up here and there and maybe some bold new graphics, which I think Zero could use to make them a little more flashy. ;) I gather that installing ABS is quite a project. One Zero employee mentioned to me that it will (or has) cost them about $600,000 to engineer. So I figure that is what they are spending most of their time working on during the past couple of years.
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I'd like to see:
- ABS
- a more powerful onboard Charger, 3 kw single phase and 10 kw 3 phase.
something like http://www.brusa.eu/fileadmin/Diverses/Download/Datenblaetter/BRUSA_DB_EN_NLG6.pdf (http://www.brusa.eu/fileadmin/Diverses/Download/Datenblaetter/BRUSA_DB_EN_NLG6.pdf)
Chademo is nice but useless here in Germany, as there are only a few Chademo Stations available.
3phase 10 kw Outlets are quite common and available yet.
- a ZF40 Battery ;-)
My wish list as well.. I'd be happy with a ZF20 battery though ;)
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I gather that installing ABS is quite a project.
Indeed, I think you cannot take a "standard" motorcycle ABS because of the regen.
I almost had an accident while I was driving under the rain with the original tires and braking regen set to 100%. It was so slippery that everytime I hit the FRONT brake my REAR wheel was skidding (cause of the regen setting). I was on a highway exit and I ended up in the gravel, out of the road !!! Hopefully there was no security rail.
Now I have some real tires and I use "sport" mode when it's rainy
So the ABS must take the regen into consideration which I think had never be done on a bike
Laurent
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It's been said before, but I'll say it again.
A properly integrated charging system that works with the standard public system, for me, that means primarily a fully integrated 6.6kw J1772 charger. Not an external charging system that can connect between them, a plug on the bike that allows the user to charge the same as any other car (obviously 120V is also a requirement). Let's be honest, how often do you discharge your bike's battery terribly far? How many actually have (and use) the powertank? With the zf11.4, you have a 70 mile range (their rating for 70mph highway) so if you take a longer than average commute of 55 miles, you've discharged just over 75% of the available capacity. I'm assuming they list the capacity that is turntable obtainable as the nominal capacity, but I'll make the point with both ways. 75% of 10kwh would be 7.5kwh, and of 11.4kwh would be 8.55kwh, on the standard 6.6kw charger available for cars, you would have a 70 or 80 minute recharge time. That is just under a 1c charge rate which is truly the ideal charge rate, but batteries can tolerate a bit more. How often would that extra 40 minutes make that much of a difference, and if it's so significant, then why should you make that other car charge is 25-30kwh battery on the 6.6kw charger rather than letting it utilize the full potential of the dcqc?
So the short of all of that, all the Zero needs is to utilize the J1772 and Zero can (for the time being) disregard Chademo.
Range increase is always nice, but I think that for most of us, it's highly unnecessary and not worth the price jump.
ABS is good and bad, there's a large cost, and it's something else to break, but it does make a safer ride.
I fully agree, a DSR, the S has the power option, why shouldn't the DS?
I am currently looking at getting a car from the bankruptcy sale of a California based bankrupt electric car company, but if not, I'll be getting a Zero then the question sits as to whether to get a 2 year old leftover that was never used or wait for the 2015 Zero lineup.
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Hogwit, the nominal capacity is the capacity that's actually available.
It's possible that Zero has been waiting until they can deliver an integrated 6 kW charger to move to a more powerful J1772 onboard charger. The Brammo Empulse 3 kW charger is indeed about 2x faster than the Zero 1.3 kW charger, given Zero's slightly higher specified efficiency .. this is a useful increase in charge rate, delivering similar miles charged per hour to the recent round of cars with 6 kW onboard chargers. However, the charge rate is still relatively slow - it is possible to tour (http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=2155.msg17183#msg17183) with some patience, but the optimal travel speed is around 35 mph. Increasing the charge rate to 6 kW increases the optimal travel speed to around 55 mph, which is about right for non-interstate motorcycle touring. Obviously some patience is still required, but ~125 miles of range at 55 mph (supposing Zero offers a 15 kWh pack next year) with 60 miles/hour charge rate should allow for significant expansion of the bike's stock travel capabilities, to the point where 200 (4-5h riding, 2h charging) to 300 (6-7h riding, 3.5h charging) miles per day is not unreasonable.
Consider benswing's experience:
How did this trip compare to the one last summer? [4000 mile trip with 5 kW onboard charging this year vs 4000 mile trip with 2.5 kW onboard charging in 2013]
Even though I have had to make all my plans for where to stay, charging, visiting friends, visiting electric motorcycle riders, etc. this trip has been far less stressful. The Ride the Future Tour was tough, in part because only 2 of us had Verizon as our cell phone carrier. I'm not paid by them, but those maps of coverage of the US are real! Almost nobody could communicate with their cell phone, which led to lots of confusion each day.
Also, I'm able to travel much farther each day. Basically I have covered the same distance in 12 or 13 days that we covered in 44 days. I knew my Zero had the capability to do this, but it is nice to prove it.
Note benswing's longest day was 370 miles, and this with "only" 8 kWh onboard and 5 kW charging.
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Zero has historically selected sealed, passively cooled chargers. These are not very power dense; 2013-2014 supplies 1.3 kW for 7.5 kg, 2008-2012 supplies 1 kW for 5 kg. Scaling these passive chargers up to 6 kW would be unreasonably large and heavy.
One option is to move to a large air-cooled discrete onboard charger, as Brammo has done. You can see the Eltek Powercharger 3000 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8wtCJG0D1Y#t=98) mounted underneath the tail, along with a large heatsink and I believe fans on the interior of the bike that force air through the heatsink. The 3 kW Powercharger IP67 weighs 4.8 kg, and the heatsink / fan / shroud assembly likely weigh another 2-3 kg, for a total system weight close to the 2013-2014 Zero 1.3 kW passive charger.
A 6 kW onboard charger would likely weigh in the ballpark of 12-15 kg - for a total gain of 4.5 to 7.5 kg over 2013-2014 - and would probably need to be mounted where the Power Tank resides today.
Another option is to use an integrated inverter/rectifier configuration, as with Tesla Roadster 1.x and Mission Motorcycles now. This reductive type charging appears to decrease efficiency perhaps by 10%, which may be part of the reasoning that drove Tesla to move to discrete onboard chargers for Roadster 2.0. Patent licensing cost may be the other reason, though I believe AC Propulsion's patent (http://www.google.com/patents/US5341075) expired early last year.
Poor energy efficiency also means that the components used for charging will put out a large amount of heat. Zero uses passive cooling for both the motor and motor controller, but may need to significantly increase their cooling capabilities for continuous operation in still air.
It's also likely that reductive-type charging will force a controller change away from the Sevcon controllers. I would be a little surprised to see Zero switch controllers before they move to higher voltage, but I've been wrong before in exactly this fashion before .. with respect to the switch to the 2012 AC motor and 18 series battery design lasting only a single year.
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I'm to understand that ABS is compulsory for EU compliance on new motorcycles starting in either 2016 or 2017.
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Using the onboard rectifier for charging has to be the way forward. Just look at the Renault Zoe. You can charge at 43kw from a standard AC supply! It means instead of spending thousands on chademo charging stations, parking lot owners can just put in the highest capacity supply they can get in their area and the car will adapt. It also saves weight over discrete chargers. What is not to like?
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What is not to like?
What's not to like is size, weight and heat generation. Not huge issues on a car (even a compact) but considerably more of an issue on a bike. Also, the rectification/regulation circuitry is the expensive part, so if you can make one big one that services a variety of vehicles, you're money ahead.
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By inverter/rectifier, do you mean using a step up (or step down) transformer then rectifying the ac current into dc?
There are so many problems with that...I have a 1976 Citicar which has that very setup for a charger. First off, if you charge it even in the cold, the interior gets very warm (with the plastic sheets of windows installed of course). If it heats the interior of an awfully insulated car, it would quickly overheat in a compact area of a motorcycle. Also, it is inherently much heavier than an "intelligent" charger (circuit based) which obviously is not ideal for a motorcycle. Finally the charger is limited to only one voltage and one current, the current flowing is based on the resistance of the circuit and it can't be (easily) changed for when a 15 amp circuit is available or a 30 amp circuit or 240 volts verses 120 volts. It is a very restrictive and highly outdated charging type.
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I'll bet I'm the only one on this forum old enough to have actually seen Tungar Bulb rectifier battery chargers in use. Hey, at least with those you also got light. :D
Trikester
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Improved charging and variable regen (and reverse while you're at it) throttle top my list. The latter should be quite simple to implement, Vectrix style.
I'm a big fan of liquid cooling but with no motor speed at idle you'd potentially need a separate electric pump which starts making things complex and heavy... Even better air cooling could make a world of difference to sustained highway speed and repeated high-power acceleration or climbing.
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After adding reverse to my Zero powered e-trike I also put it on my FX. Even though the FX is a light bike I find reverse handy when turning it around in tight off road situations.
Harlan theorized that if I was riding and switched to reverse then normal throttle would give me variable regen. I tried it and there might have been a very narrow throttle opening that varied regen but it was hard to tell. Basically what I got with throttle was my normal regen when in reverse while moving forward, and rolling on the throttle. I had to remember to roll off the throttle when I was about to come to a full stop or I would have started moving backwards. If you have a reverse switch this is a way to initiate regen without activating the brake light. Counter intuitive, however, to apply regen braking by rolling on the throttle.
Trikester
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By inverter/rectifier, do you mean using a step up (or step down) transformer then rectifying the ac current into dc?
There are so many problems with that...I have a 1976 Citicar which has that very setup for a charger. First off, if you charge it even in the cold, the interior gets very warm (with the plastic sheets of windows installed of course). If it heats the interior of an awfully insulated car, it would quickly overheat in a compact area of a motorcycle. Also, it is inherently much heavier than an "intelligent" charger (circuit based) which obviously is not ideal for a motorcycle. Finally the charger is limited to only one voltage and one current, the current flowing is based on the resistance of the circuit and it can't be (easily) changed for when a 15 amp circuit is available or a 30 amp circuit or 240 volts verses 120 volts. It is a very restrictive and highly outdated charging type.
Read this https://www.google.com/patents/US20120286740?dq=Renault+charger&hl=en&sa=X&ei=w4MWUsLgL5SihgesvoDYAw&ved=0CEIQ6AEwAg (https://www.google.com/patents/US20120286740?dq=Renault+charger&hl=en&sa=X&ei=w4MWUsLgL5SihgesvoDYAw&ved=0CEIQ6AEwAg)
You already have an inverter, the motor controller, onboard the bike. Why have a big heavy expensive battery charger when you have most of the needed components. When you activate regen you are using the controller as a charger.
That patent will explain how they step the voltage up for the battery but we will need one of our resident EE's to decipher it. I know how you step voltage down without a transformer but how do you increase the voltage for a 400V battery?
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That's just as easy as stepping it down. It's a boost converter, not a big deal.
Trikester
BTW - I'm waiting at my desert cabin for a couple of friends to arrive on their home-built electric bikes. I've got my charging outlet ready to go for them. It's going to be interesting to see what they have. I'm guessing it's pedal assist since they (husband and wife) are avid bicyclists. They will be dropping over 3,000 feet from their home 45 miles away in Julian CA. I'm wondering about their return trip with that elevation gain. The temp right now is 95*.
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I'll bet I'm the only one on this forum old enough to have actually seen Tungar Bulb rectifier battery chargers in use. Hey, at least with those you also got light. :D
Trikester
Thyratrons were fun too!
;D
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Yeah, I've got one of those big tubes.
The purple light from the argon in the Tungar bulbs made those special. :)
Trikester
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The following would be my requests/suggestions
1. Better Brakes. In fact, better QA/QC overall.
2. Cruiser style with lower seat height. I am on the shorter side (5'6) and a lower seat height appeals to me.
3. Cruise control. I ride on highways about 20- 25 miles each day . The cruise control feature would truly help.
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Real front fork, real rear shock ? Not a low end taiwanese-chinese ones. You can even get some better quality suspensions in taiwan (like DNM) !!!
I turned my front disk dark blue in about 50 miles of "spirited riding" on Palomar Mountain.
Modded wheels and front end.
Still looking for a rear shock upgrade that will fit.
(http://www.labusas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9305&d=1405267071)
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I recently heard that there shall be "Wilbers" Suspensions available for Zero S MJ 2014:
http://de-de.facebook.com/475450852578409/photos/pcb.549650165158477/549649201825240/?type=1&theater (http://de-de.facebook.com/475450852578409/photos/pcb.549650165158477/549649201825240/?type=1&theater)
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Talk to Harlan at Hollywood Electrics about suspension. I heard he was working on some options.
Jose Soriano
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No more recalls.
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Anyone know when they're likely to release the 2015's?
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last year it was in febery, we need to be patient :-[
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last year it was in febery, we need to be patient :-[
I got my SR in late January, but I'd put a deposit down on it when they announced in October the previous year. There's a motorcycle show somewhere in Europe that they usually announce the new models at. I presume they'll do the same this year.
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Anyone know when they're likely to release the 2015's?
In previous years, Zero typically starts building their new production models after the Christmas holiday and they seem to reach their dealers showrooms around the end of January or the beginning of February.
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They launched the 2013 models at the Long Beach CA show in December of 2012.
Trikester
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Thanks all. Something to look forward to.
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Thanks all. Something to look forward to.
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Next year model bikes are typically announced around October and available at dealers in January.
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some news
http://www.elmoto.net/showthread.php?3734-2015-Zero&s=b04b08a010e8316599ea3bba0b357dd8&p=45309#post45309 (http://www.elmoto.net/showthread.php?3734-2015-Zero&s=b04b08a010e8316599ea3bba0b357dd8&p=45309#post45309)
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some news
http://www.elmoto.net/showthread.php?3734-2015-Zero&s=b04b08a010e8316599ea3bba0b357dd8&p=45309#post45309 (http://www.elmoto.net/showthread.php?3734-2015-Zero&s=b04b08a010e8316599ea3bba0b357dd8&p=45309#post45309)
Due respect, but how is this news? No link, no citation, no further information? ...nothin' but internet gossip at this point. :o
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Simple Google search confirmed zero will be there. no need to flame.
ZERO Motorcycles Inc. Netherlands Hall 07.1 Exhibitor C010 www.zeromotorcycles.com (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com)
http://www.intermot.de/en/intermot/ausstellersuche/express_suche/index.php (http://www.intermot.de/en/intermot/ausstellersuche/express_suche/index.php)
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FWIW, I've been hearing non-internet rumors from multiple sources that the 2015 lineup will be introduced at Intermot as well.
Looking forward to October!
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Simple Google search confirmed zero will be there. no need to flame.
ZERO Motorcycles Inc. Netherlands Hall 07.1 Exhibitor C010 www.zeromotorcycles.com (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com)
http://www.intermot.de/en/intermot/ausstellersuche/express_suche/index.php (http://www.intermot.de/en/intermot/ausstellersuche/express_suche/index.php)
Thanks, but there's no mention of the 2015 model release. There's also news of Zero appointing a new European Operations Officer who's first duties will be Inermot. http://motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/umberto-uccelli-joins-zero-motorcycles-910147/ (http://motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/umberto-uccelli-joins-zero-motorcycles-910147/) But beyond that there's nothing I could find that's verifiable.
No flame intended BTW, just making a comment.
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The international debut of the 2013 Zero models was also at Intermot (in October 2012).
At that show Brammo showed Europe the Empulse for the first time and I tested the BMW C Evolution there.
So I was there in 2012 and this year I will be at Intermot on October 4th. [emoji4]
I hope to see lots of new electric bikes!
If anybody else is going maybe we can meet for a coffee?
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I know you mean no harm this is one of the friendliest and informative forums, were all here promoting Electric Vehicles. I had a look for the bultaco and brammo but they were not listed.
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Brammo is listed in hall 6 (booth B061)
Others I noticed with electric stuff:
KTM in hall 9
BMW in hall 6
Tacita in hall 7
Zero is also in hall 7
Kreidler! In hall 8
Yamaha!! In hall 6 & 10
And plenty of Chinese names of course...
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Last I heard Yamaha would have their PES1 for sale in 2016. It weighs in at 220 lbs. and appears to be an undersized bike...how small, I can't tell, but that's OK with me if it is small. I just hope it will do 70 mph, but I have my doubts. It appears to be an urban commuter. Most people in the US need something that will do at least 70 mph for commuting. I notice Yamaha never mentions top speed, so that is of concern too.
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The 2015 models will be announced and on display in Europe at Intermot (Sept 30 - Oct 5) and in the US at the AIMExpo (Oct 16-19) in Orlando, Florida.
Details at: http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/prnewswire/press_releases/Florida/2014/09/23/LA18736 (http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/prnewswire/press_releases/Florida/2014/09/23/LA18736)
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"We are confident that the new line will exceed expectations and look forward to seeing how the motorcycle world responds."
Now I'm curious. I was expecting just a small incremental change like 2013 to 2014.
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Only one week!
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I thought the addition of the SR in 2014 was a little more than incremental. Otherwise, I agree with you. However, the SR has really been the bike that has gotten more of the motorcycle world to take notice.
Also, very excited about what will be announced next week!
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I wonder if they will re-introduce the MX with better specs...8.5 battery, higher top speed, etc. That would be closer to what the PES1 seems to be....small, light (under 325 lbs), powerful and wheelie capable, good range..... but with a top speed of at least 75 mph. I would have a hard time resisting something like that.
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some news?
http://insideevs.com/zero-motorcycles-unveil-2015-lineup-later-month/ (http://insideevs.com/zero-motorcycles-unveil-2015-lineup-later-month/)
look very good, good breaks breembo radial, i like it :)
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I don't see how anything in that article is new information other than someone getting a very recent internship at zero ... :/
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If you are at Intermot you should have a test ride/wheelie it is fun and the stunt rider Michael Threin is really nice.
Simulateur de wheeling Zero Motorcycles, Moto-station le teste ! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7l_vVQs4Xg#ws)
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I wonder if they will re-introduce the MX with better specs...8.5 battery, higher top speed, etc. That would be closer to what the PES1 seems to be....small, light (under 325 lbs), powerful and wheelie capable, good range..... but with a top speed of at least 75 mph. I would have a hard time resisting something like that.
You're basically describing the DS.
The MX is still available as a MMX model, if you check the press kit. Sounds like it's fleet (read: military) applications only.
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I need a lower seat being just under 5'7". All those supermoto, DS bikes look like great fun, but I would need a stepladder to get on board. Even with the lower seat option, it looks like the MX is still an inch or so too tall for me. The S is still my best bet although the SR is not out of the question. I would like both bikes to lose 20 lbs. though. My 2013 Zero S is 355 lbs. which is fine, but it appears the trend is to get more range and thus more weight.
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The MX is still available as a MMX model, if you check the press kit. Sounds like it's fleet (read: military) applications only.
Yes the MMX is the military version of the MX.
Trikester
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Use the 2 fork tubes from the S for a FX as supermoto, your brake match the 17''s brake disc and the bike is low. Not sure if the sort back shock is compatible. Order a XU rear shock.
I have a DS fork in my FX and it is 6cm shorter + ~6cm less from the 17''. I don't like it because I am tall. I will use an adapter for the brake and the FX fork.
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That Wheelie demo on the FX is really nice.... I need to have such a machine to learn the proper balance point wheelie without killing myself.
Of course, the ability to wheelie have been proven to be a genetic trait: you either have the wheelie gene or you do not.
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It's interesting to read through this again and see all of what we said Zero should do, offer a DSR, a supermoto version of the FX, a charger in place of the powertank...none came around for the year we wanted them for, but the next year's lineup, it's all there. So now, what are the objectives for 2017?