ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: gsyyz on June 25, 2015, 08:47:23 PM
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Hi Folks,
There is a 2012 Zero XU w/6500 kms for sale here in Canada and was wondering besides the software recall what else could or may go wrong in the near future. The seller is looking for $3300 which was a little high even two years ago when they were popping up in the classified section. I know the electric technology has come a long way in three years so wondering if it's even worth it. I love the potential low cost of a 2012 and the size of the XU and the range is fine for what I need it for. Any advice or warnings would be great.
Thanks,
GSYYZ
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12's can develop a motor glitch- cost about 1600 to fix ish
Replace motor at dealership and reprogram the bike then it should work for what it was a little around town mobber
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I would try and find a single brick 13 xu or fx if you can in the 4000-6000 range much much better bike easier to fix and much more reliable
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I thought the glitch was the software update? Does this happen to all 2012 XU's, it already has 6500kms on it. I'm curious to know at what point it could happen? Warranty has expired. Also I guess it depends on how much I can get the XU for.
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Ask if it has had the motor replaced?
Many of the 12 zeros now have a new updated motor that is very similar to the 13 and newer motors, but designed to run in 75v instead of 100 like the 13s
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I'll defininately ask the seller, thanks for all your help.
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I think you should buy it ;P
No the motor has not been replaced, unless the dealer did it without my knowledge.
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It's hilarious how small this community is, good indication how active this forum is.
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Indeed. :D
Honestly I was not aware of all the 2012 motor failures until I came here today and did some reading. I have no idea why mine hasn't been affected, maybe just luck. I would think *maybe* that since I've made it through 2.5 years of ownership and regular riding, and a decent amount of KMs that I've got one of the good ones but who knows. A comment in one of the threads mentioned that it might affect S's more than XU's but I have no idea whether that is accurate.
As with anything, price is negotiable down to the point it's not worth it for me to sell vs ride into the ground :P
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I totally agree and totally respect your logic, and you might be right on you got lucky with your XU.
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gsyyz - run, don't walk, away. There's an impressive array of things that can, and do, go wrong with 2012XUs, and Zero isn't very good at supporting their older models. If you're going to buy it, don't pay more than you can afford to throw away.
Unless you're an electrical engineer who isn't worried about rebuilding the bike without a manual. Then, sure...
To paraphrase the current promotion - friends don't let friends buy 2012 Zeros...
sorry pluto
Peter
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LOL, how could you peter :P
It is regrettable how Zero is doing such a poor job at supporting their older models as you say, makes me rethink my interest in purchasing a 2015 :/
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I kind of wonder how those 100 2012 Zero's that were sold to Bogota, Columbia, or the 50 or so bought by Hong Kong, are fairing right now. ???
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don't buy it, in fact don't buy a zero at all. Take it from someone who has wasted over 27'000$ on 2 of these pieces of crap. Buy a gas bike. you can get a 250 or 300cc bike that gets 70 mpg and outperforms a zero in every way for a third the cost brand new.
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Many Zero owners are happy with their bikes, particularly if they are 2013+ model years. Save your money for a newer model year with better design and components.
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Thanks for all your feedback guys, this will really help me in my hunt for my first Zero.
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I had a few issues with my 2012 XU early on, all fixed fairly quickly by the selling dealer, who
stopped carrying Zero shortly after. I then had about a year and a half of trouble free riding until
recently when I had a few issues. The bike went to Hollywood Electrics where it was diagnosed
that it needed a replacement motor. The time form Hollywood getting the bike, and, the work
being finished was 2 or 3 weeks. Fortunately, the bike was New old Stock, so, still under warranty.
I understand that the S and DS have been getting "detuned" 2013 motors. I have not had a chance
to get to Hollywood yet to pick the bike up, so, not sure what new motor I got. Overall, I have been
very pleased with my 2012 XU, and, my 2013 FX.
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Thanks KrazyEd, I wish this XU was still under warranty I would pick it up in a heart beat. I'm just trying to decide if any 2012's is worth the potential headache? I'm coming across a couple of demo 2012 DS's and a 2012 S but after reading all the post of all the motor issues on these bikes it kind of scares me.
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Here is an interesting observation: I gave my daughter my old 2012 S, which now has 10K miles on the clock. She has had no problems when riding the bike for 2,000 miles, but whenever her husband takes it for a ride, once in a while, he experiences the glitch symptom (motor vibration and slowing down), which requires rebooting to resolve. It would seem that motor performance might have something to do with the operator. :o
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The 2012 seemed to be the last of the total revamp every year models.
Since then, they seem to have gone with improving the present model.
I got my XU because it was a killer deal, and, couldn't pass it up.
I would probably go with something newer and be at least present generation.
Up until 2012 each year was a major change from previous year, so, last year
was obsolete a few months after you got it. If Zero follows conventional
motorcycle upgrade strategy, probably another year or two of what we have
now, then, another big change.