ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Humancom on June 12, 2013, 06:55:40 PM
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Just got a notice from the dealer that delivery is on hold due to faulty components in "some" bikes.
Looks like they have to manually check every bike
they are vague about what component gives the problem.
as soon as i know more i let you know
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Sounds to me like it may be more than one part. My 2013 S is in for the third time in two months for a third issue. All three are not related to each other.
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What kind of issues did you run into?
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Yes, we need a "problem" thread. The only thing I've noticed is that Zero has the same clunky forks they had on my 2011 Zero S. I hope it isn't some major problems like motors burning up ala the 2011 brushed motors or the hesitation/stall of the 2012, although to be fair, Zero did get the 2012 straightened out. When someone finds an issue, it is not likely to be isolated in mass production motorcycles. Anyone else with clunky forks?
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What kind of issues did you run into?
First, was a faulty fuse holder that kept the charger off-line. Second, was the clicking sound coming from the front sprocket. Third, was a blown mono shock.
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So you are right, nothing consistent like the glitch on the 2012. I could live with assorted relatively minor problems if the major components hold up. I did improve my clunky front forks considerably. At the recommendation of af1 Racing in town where I bought the Zero, I adjusted the compression rebound. It was bouncing back too quickly possibly due to my light weight. I am still experimenting a little, but I have slowed the rebound by 8 clicks on each fork.
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If it is true that the 2013 line is on hold it will tell us how fast and sensitive Zero react.
I feel very sorry for Zero, I have a lot fun with my 2012 and have never regretted buying it!
I was really impressed (shocked) when I saw the 2013 line. Being a developing engineer I know what is behind such a big improvement like 2012 to 2013. To deal with last year problems, develop new line + motor, deal with all regulations, get it in production line, scheduling third parts … and additionally get all tested. That is really a mass of work!
I am a bit afraid Zero was fighting to much to have a more powerful bike than Brammo. The hold might be a consequence of this.
But if we be realistic you have no better company deliver you with a street legal bike. Most other I saw on the market struggle or fail complete.
I know it is not really a comfort to someone being concerned but keep it in mind.
BTW I had problems to get my 120x80 rear tire street legal asked Zero for help, got no answer at all. But I believe this is such a small issue they can not really spent there time. I got help from the tire company problem solved ;).
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Not strictly on topic but I just don't understand the appeal of the Brammo. The gearbox alone makes it a nonstarter for me.
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in response to the off topic Brammo question....
From my research and experiences in riding both bikes, I felt the performance, design, part quality and styling were more aligned with what I wanted in a motorcycle. The performance between the bikes I did ride showed that the Empulse was better across the board, while the Zero left me wanting more. I keep it in 2nd for most around town rides, and it's nice on the highway to shift into a more efficient RPM. The Stock ability to charge at 1.5/3kw with J1772 is really awesome to have... and they give me an EVSE to charge at home. I just felt I was getting a better looking better value bike. I haven't had any problems. The "recall" was an inspection of the power lug alignment. Nothing has been replaced on my bike, nothing has broke or become unaligned. I haven't had faults that either caused me not to start the bike, or that caused loss of power while riding. No clicking or glitches. It's started up every time and ran fine the entire time I've ridden the bike.... which, Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'd be able to say if I bought a Zero.
It's all a personal choice and each person has their own wants and desires. Those that like Zero may not like Brammo, and vice versa. All I know is that I'm happy with my decision.
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I too was disappointed in the clunky gearbox of the Brammo. I was on an accompanied test ride so I couldn't open it up to check performance though. Low end seemed fine. The additional weight of the Brammo was also a concern, and the final nail in that coffin was the fact the dealer is 60 miles away whereas my Zero dealer is 3 miles away. I will be very surprised if Brammo doesn't fix the gearbox lurch at launch and clunkiness in upcoming years although the lurch can be mitigated by easing forward a bit at traffic lights, I hear. That lurch reminded me instantly as the old John Deere with the power take off that would kick you in the butt every time you stopped with a brush hog or other geared attachment on the back. Some have questioned the need for more than a couple of gears too. In any case I am glad there is a competing electric bike so we have choices.
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I think people really overreact to the so-called "clunk"
I avoid it entirely by rolling back a couple inches when stopped (which I do anyway because I fidget, so I just fidget by rolling back and forth).... or by having brakes on and easing throttle on ever so slightly. I NEVER feel any "clunk", "lurch" or "jerk"... and even when I used to, It's not as pronounced as people make it seem to be. It's not really a factor of their design, as much as it's the nature of any gearset. There's going to be transmission slack whenever you have a transmission. My old SV650 had some transmission slack.
Much ado about nothing IMHO.
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HAHA my Honda's have always had a hell of a clunk when putting them in gear :)
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Last week I took part at a Benefit-Motorcycle Run with 600 Bikes! (I was the only and first e-Bike)
Even with the loud noise you can hear the CLUNK at most bikes. I think too it is an overreaction.
Above I wrote Zero is the only Brand to buy! Sorry you have the Brammo BUT as I see it is not available in Germany (the Empulse; have no idea if it will come at all)
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I believe the Empulse is scheduled for European delivery in 2014. Not sure if these will be built by Flextronics in Hungary or Brammo in Oregon.
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Two words....
Mission R (well, one word and one letter)
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Two words....
Mission R (well, one word and one letter)
Could you afford one of those? I know I couldn't!
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Yes, but who would work on it? I think you would have to live near the factory or a dealer in California that would deal with it as problems arose. Service for me is a huge deal. That is why I have service contracts on my Gixxer and Zero. If something stops working, just make a phone call. I know diddly squat about electric motors, batteries, and controllers however, so there is a downside. Hey, I can change oil. Wait, the Zero doesn't have any oil. Nevermind.
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my ability to afford it aside, I suggested it because it was a single speed electric motorcycle that really performs. Think of it in the same vein as the Tesla Model S; it is a true performer at the top end of the spectrum. It also lacks the cheap suspension bits which have been the source of the two problems I have had with my Zero (and the ridiculous brakes).
As for service, yep, I'm perfectly capable of dealing with the bike provided it is documented but I am probably in the minority so service will be a big issue for Mission.
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my ability to afford it aside, I suggested it because it was a single speed electric motorcycle that really performs. Think of it in the same vein as the Tesla Model S; it is a true performer at the top end of the spectrum. It also lacks the cheap suspension bits which have been the source of the two problems I have had with my Zero (and the ridiculous brakes).
As for service, yep, I'm perfectly capable of dealing with the bike provided it is documented but I am probably in the minority so service will be a big issue for Mission.
Its moreso parts and warrenty than service. Lets say you phone up Mission and say hello, my motor is rattling and I need a new one. With a dealer you take it to them, they hear the rattle and order a motor. If there is no dealer you would have to send your motor back to mission which leaves you without a bike potentially for months.
Interesting your comment about brakes, I rode a couple of 2013 bikes recently and was quite impressed by the brakes. They aren't monoblock Brembo's but they worked well and had good feel. Maybe you have a duff setup? Admittedly the brakes on my own 2012 are terrible but 2013 seems fine.
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Getting back to the initial subject: it would be nice to know which faults were at the origin of the bike delivery hold. Here in France I don't know if there will be some recall procedure as we are always the last to know......
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With regards to servicing the Mission R this article said "Getting one repaired is like fixing your Rolls-Royce. Send the company an SOS and they’ll come to you wherever you are, with the necessary parts and fix your bike. For free. "
http://rideapart.com/2013/08/rideapart-review-2014-mission-rs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Leather%29 (http://rideapart.com/2013/08/rideapart-review-2014-mission-rs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Leather%29)
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I have to admit, Mission's service promise sounds pretty appealing right about now.
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I have to admit, Mission's service promise sounds pretty appealing right about now.
Is Zero helping out with your issues at all? I noticed in your log you're getting alot of glitches.
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With regards to servicing the Mission R this article said "Getting one repaired is like fixing your Rolls-Royce. Send the company an SOS and they’ll come to you wherever you are, with the necessary parts and fix your bike. For free. "
http://rideapart.com/2013/08/rideapart-review-2014-mission-rs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Leather%29 (http://rideapart.com/2013/08/rideapart-review-2014-mission-rs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Leather%29)
This is how the Vectrix service was intended. But it was so expensive that it became one of the reasons for Vectrix to go chapter 11
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my ability to afford it aside, I suggested it because it was a single speed electric motorcycle that really performs. Think of it in the same vein as the Tesla Model S; it is a true performer at the top end of the spectrum. It also lacks the cheap suspension bits which have been the source of the two problems I have had with my Zero (and the ridiculous brakes).
As for service, yep, I'm perfectly capable of dealing with the bike provided it is documented but I am probably in the minority so service will be a big issue for Mission.
Its moreso parts and warrenty than service. Lets say you phone up Mission and say hello, my motor is rattling and I need a new one. With a dealer you take it to them, they hear the rattle and order a motor. If there is no dealer you would have to send your motor back to mission which leaves you without a bike potentially for months.
Interesting your comment about brakes, I rode a couple of 2013 bikes recently and was quite impressed by the brakes. They aren't monoblock Brembo's but they worked well and had good feel. Maybe you have a duff setup? Admittedly the brakes on my own 2012 are terrible but 2013 seems fine.
Lola and I have gone back and forth about the brakes. I've asked for specific complaints and he hasn't come up with any. I can do one finger stoppies on my '12 DS ZF9, they modulate very well and despite trying to make them fade, they don't. Not sure exactly what more you could want. Lola wants the Brembo name on them, despite the fact that that wouldn't make them work any better, but they'd sure look better ::)
IMHO running down the brakes without specifics, especially in the face of testimony that they work great, does a real disservice to the brand. What is ridiculous here is not the brakes, but Lola's complaints.
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Alternatively it could be that there is variability in how well the individual braking systems work. Yours may work fine for your needs, but there could have been something wrong with lola's brakes.
@grind the bike is at a dealer now for servicing, and has been for going on two months now. They've shipped the motor back to replace the encoder .. which has taken far longer than it should.
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Thanks for the update, Hoping you get that back soon. I wonder if the issue is due to the open-frame design of the motor and the encoder being subjected to environmental conditions? I'm sure the module itself is sealed anyway though so it really shouldn't matter.