ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Hans2183 on December 12, 2019, 04:00:56 AM
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Quickly my background: I started riding to filter traffic during my 110km (highway) commute with a 2005 BMW R1200RT that I bought second had with 70.000 km done, added another 70k. Replaced that with a BMW R1200 GS LC 2016 model bought new with now just below 70k of riding done. I had a Triumph Street Triple for fun (mostly weekends). This summer I traded that Triumph for a red SRF premium delivered to me in August. Started actually riding it daily in September. The RT was sold when I bought the GS. The GS I still keep for longer distance (travel).
I ordered that SRF after test riding it in June. It was more comfortable to ride than the Street Triple and the electric way of riding without clutch made it easier to handle and ride than the GS for daily commutes. Obviously the GS has more protection against weather and a more relaxed and upright position. So far I've only used the SRF for commutes and very short fun rides. With another newborn I just don't find the time to go out that much.
It did great for the first 6.000 km in all kind of weather. I love how easy filtering through traffic at low speed is with this bike. And even handling standing next to it (parking) it feels lighter than the GS. In theory it should weigh the same but I guess the GS has more height and therefor feels more tippy. I really like being back on 2x 17" wheels since that is so much better on tarmac which I ride most of the time. The GS isn't bad but you feel that the steering is lighter and it's all just less planted.
The GS has way more options for the same price, think of GPS, luggage, electronic suspension, ... And it's way more relaxed to sit on than the SRF. The SRF is a bit too sporty still for daily use but thanks to the less springy suspension (compared to the Street Triple) it's doable. One day I'll probably look into lowering the foot pegs.
Comparing it to the GS and the costs to keep that bike running (dealer maintained) and having an investment of 10k into the new bike I calculated it should take me 3 years or 90.000 km in distance to get that 10k investment back. That is with the money I safe from reduced maintenance cost and from cheaper electricity compared to gas.
Because of range and cold weather and wind on higher speeds in general I started riding slower which isn't a bad thing. It's safer to say the least. I'm a very cautious rider but on the highway I could go fast when it was empty. Not with this bike. The range hasn't really been a problem for me so far. I get around 120-130 km in distance on highways and 150 km or more on other road types.
I charge it almost always at home over night with a 220V adapter (wall socket). I also have a 3x16A cable with 2 type2 connectors to charge it on location. At work there is a charging station that can charge at full 5.7 kW for which my bike is the limit. It's probably an 11 or 22 kW station since these are the most common over here. I'm charged per kWh on that station and with the card I use for it I can use many charge stations all over the country. Most cost around 0,35 EUR / kWh. I couldn't find any free chargers so far. Unless you would count the ones in parking garage where you can charge for free but have to pay for the parking.
I had it serviced at around 1.000 km following instructions. I then also had the Zero specific rear luggage rack installed by the dealer so that I had more space for my backpack to go. I carry my clothes and a laptop with my in a backpack that I secure to the rear seat with rok straps. I paid for service, the hardware and some time to get it installed.
At around 3k my front brake light switch that triggers regen and brake light failed after a very wet ride. I informed my dealer and he ordered the part and a week later I could go by and he had it replaced in no time, free of charge.
At around 4k I had a second firmware update. The first one went fine and I never really noticed a difference. This one however resulted in the charging cable not being released after charging is done. The first morning I noticed that it took me almost an hour to figure out. In the end I learned that turning the bike on and off several times finally releases the cable. I informed my dealer and he confirmed Zero was aware of the issue and would have a fix soon. And indeed, two weeks later a new firmware update was available and now the cable released as soon as I turned the ignition key. All was working perfect again.
But then at little over 5k the real problems started. After a very wet rain the CEL or Check Engine Light turned on during a ride. I still had full power (as far as you can check that in the rain) and I could ride as long as I wanted (or at least until the battery would die). Luckily I didn't because once home it wouldn't let me charge the bike. Also at that point I couldn't ride the bike anymore. When I turned the key the battery and engine light wouldn't go out and there was no audible click and the killswitch wouldn't let me arm it to ride.
I imagined the rain was the issue here so I let the bike dry. It's stored in my garage but it was already cold (around 16 °C inside the garage) so it didn't really dry over night. So in the morning still no charging and I took the GS again. I hadn't used that bike for 3 months. I almost stalled it at the first stopping point since I forgot the clutch.
In the evening I used a hair dryer on the bike and after that I could suddenly charge and use it again. It still showed the CEL on the dash, even while riding. But the battery icon did go out, the click happened and I could simply arm it and go. Once at work it again failed to charge and arm once I arrived there. But in the evening, when it was time to go home it worked again.
I could use it for another week without issues. After a few rides the CEL no longer stayed on. Granted those were very nice weather days. I informed my dealer about these issues and he asked me to go by to have the logs send over to Zero. Since it worked again I explained I rather kept using it for now and return if the error would come back.
It was on the first heavy rain that the CEL turned on again. Also I was stranded at work that day with a bike that didn't want to charge nor arm. Even after a day of work it still refused to coöperate. So I asked my wife to come and get me.
The bike stayed at work for the weekend, also in a garage underneath the building. Dry, warm and protected by the guards of service. On monday I got to work with the van ready to push it in. The bike was already working again at that point but I didn't want to risk it anymore since I just couldn't rely on it in wet weather. I dropped it off at the dealer in the evening.
(https://i.ibb.co/Ln1CMdJ/E6852105-9480-45-E8-80-D6-9-A8601-B9-AEBE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pJd3gjR)
The next day he informed me he did some tests and replaced some parts but didn't get it working reliably so Zero Europe would come and pick it up to get it fixed. So for now I'm back on the GS, getting used to shifting gears again (it has a quickshifter but still) and keeping it upright.
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Glad they're on to fixing it! Too bad they didn't give you a loaner.
-Crissa
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Well to be honest I never asked. I still have the GS and I could bring it with the van so didn’t really need one. Also I imagine that would be done by the dealer and not zero directly since I dropped it off at the dealer myself.
I agree though that if they want to fix their reputation on reliability having a free recovery service including backup bikes would be a great plan. I got that for free for 5 years with the BMW, included for all bikes they sell new.
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Thank you very much for the detailed report Hans2183.
One would think that backed by an experience of 13 years building electric motorcycles as they often proudly say when advertising the SR/F, Zero should have the water problem under control by now. I guess that, of those 13 years, 11 have mainly been with customers riding in dry and warm Californian weather. The European breakthrough only came in 2018 for them. Nice to hear that they are taking your case seriously.
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Hey, it rains here! I think it did just last month....
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Thank you very much for the detailed report Hans2183.
One would think that backed by an experience of 13 years building electric motorcycles as they often proudly say when advertising the SR/F, Zero should have the water problem under control by now. I guess that, of those 13 years, 11 have mainly been with customers riding in dry and warm Californian weather. The European breakthrough only came in 2018 for them. Nice to hear that they are taking your case seriously.
???
I don't know what "dry and warm Californian weather" you're talking about...my bike was wet for about 3-4months straight last winter, and most of those mornings my bike logged ambient temperatures around ~5-10C. I'm about 100km from Zero HC :P
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My SRF was trouble free for 3 months (other than a useless cellular connections, OTA update process). Then it died and I had to truck it home. It has been in dealer almost a month now. They think it is a failed BMS and need to replace it. I got to talk with Zero at the Motorcycle show and told them I was not happy with a $20K bike that lasted 3 months. They sounded surprised that I had such a serious issue so early on but I am still waiting. .
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Thanks for posting. Hopefully it's just issues due to it being the first year of a new model. But for me, durability is most important and it looks like I'll be getting an Energica.
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I live next door to a guy who works at Zero as a mechanic. And we haven't dried out in three weeks now. We tend to get all our rain in half the year here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
But new models have new suppliers and new stresses on seals and break in new ways.
-Crissa
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I have lived over a year in Los Angeles back in 1987. I know that the climate is changing but I am pretty sure I am still getting more rain today in Switzerland than in California. Nonetheless with the SR/F, we're dealing with a V1.0 product and those usually come along with some inconveniences.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qeKLX_AwoUJb03gc2dTnNKNthZ8PRWsKxNdKa6zXBMSxD2tadqrNXt9vrE46J-ZAl-dgBpMr3pe3pYoEq9Honny9-jdhk2WTcjKzgo9mpPHJ93khXuGKifxgVcH4hNzY9NVAEztcTi-i61OW092AOmMxWQW6KBTJ8y5zNDnkrvaAgIQyv6J0cL-Btq-_X0Hr23t7dUqFjyUjYizSe_mbZSb1JhV4-cKTSeNh1Ot2rO9K9d1A-3StJwbZxAGTu_Mah99CwGV52spZTaLwYGOd0MIh7s2ELDk04ir2coyiYpF2Gm0MSOOubEKFV2bpeAt2vbQ4Zyu8SbzztGK9HS5dwCnLxk_GmhhMQibd7HQNUomWVW81Ig4dLn_m2mJDj5YIsYznhsyg8M6yfr3djowLL7DCAd-Qf4-tptHLCEHkLH1oUbQuOqSjJFLFvgbSiCZ7UFOrpioHiCDVmUnj7px7Y2qvs51N5unvVmzNjvQ_GyIHBsLBh54XGqZX5mrmBKCyBocXlMpZ7do5gWiIJ_cVKnSwfcdkENlG-aGRutk8PSjZi6w8M-Q2AVSlSTB8u0WqDt1H6e6WJQHgJ-41ojhE9lAAYcOGiKS3MWMorDdjI6u_C11E29FCMAglWaXfei_I5nLKoUtt8_2SSJcA6rl_Gdm2SQ0vT-8Zt94o1YnP-yROzHg4dee7R3_j=w833-h423-no)
https://weatherspark.com/compare/y/148118~557/Comparison-of-the-Average-Weather-at-Zurich-Airport-and-San-Francisco
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Have to say I still love that bike and hopefully I get it back quick. Nothing wrong with the BMW but if you're used to the smoothness of an electric bike even a smoothly, well maintained bike feels like something is wrong.
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I have lived over a year in Los Angeles back in 1987.
You do know that Los Angeles is 500km south in a completely different climactic zone with different ocean temperatures, right?
And the average rain is stronger in Zurich than here, sure. We have a very mild climate - but the average temp and rainfall in SF is much mediated from here in the mountains because, well, mountains. https://www.slvwd.com/_boulder.htm
-Crissa
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Good thread.
OP had a list of observations. The FIRST negative thing mentioned: poster found the SR/F peg position to be uncomfortable. Not a fatal flaw for most. That said, search other threads about the SR/F on this site and others. People really like this moto, but a lot, maybe a majority find the sport bike stock peg position with no option to modify is a fail.
Yo Zero: Who can afford to buy your o/w excellent SR/F? How many well heeled knee draggers are there? Some trust funders perhaps. More of us would be grateful for a more upright riding position.
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The SR/F costs about as much as the average used car in the United States. And about two-thirds what a Livewire does.
Additionally, it gets about six times the MPGe than comparable petrol vehicles.
So is it really so expensive?
-Crissa
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The SR/F costs about as much as the average used car in the United States. And about two-thirds what a Livewire does.
Additionally, it gets about six times the MPGe than comparable petrol vehicles.
So is it really so expensive?
If you *just* look at sticker price as compared to other new gas bikes on the market, then yes it is. Also consider that the vast majority of people buy and ride motorcycles as a luxury item and put 3000 miles or fewer on them annually. Then yeah, by comparison, the SR/F is expensive.
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Also consider that the vast majority of people buy and ride motorcycles as a luxury item and put 3000 miles or fewer on them annually. Then yeah, by comparison, the SR/F is expensive.
For every 3000 miles the bike goes, in fuel cost alone, the gas bike will cost on average $200 more. Not to mention annual oil changes and other major services an electric doesn't do. The more miles you put on in a year, the better the electric looks.
So is it really that much more expensive?
-Crissa
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Quick update: I was informed that they were able to locate the insulation fault and have to order a replacement battery cable ("accu kabelboom" in dutch, spiderbuss is also mentioned) from USA to get it fixed. So currently waiting on parts.
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UPDATE BIKE IS BACK: Yes finally, after 1.5 month of waiting my srf is back in my garage. Tomorrow I'll take it out for a ride (commute). Really looking forward to that.
They explained a spider part of cables all joined together lives behind the battery and that got damaged by water infiltration. It's a sealed part so they had to order a new one from the US.
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Hi Hans,
Glad to hear your SRF is back with you once again.
I think I have just had a similar situation to what you've experienced.
My SRF is 4 weeks old and only on 560km (350 miles)
I riding to work last week and I got 'Code 43: Isolation Fault' pop up on my dashboard and then the CEL came on.
The 'Isolation Fault' message disappeared after about 30 seconds and then flashed up again a few km later - after that I never saw the message again but the CEL was permanently on - even after power off/on etc.
The roads were very wet at the time (but it wasn't raining).
Like you, I didn't notice any reduction in power even though in the manual it says that if the CEL is on then the motorcycle will 'enter into a state of permanent torque reduction'
It's possible that because I was in Rain Mode I didn't notice the reduction in power as in that mode the power delivery is pretty calm anyway.
I put the bike on charge overnight and it charged without any issues.
The following day I took it for a ride up the road, it felt fine but and the CEL stayed on, so I parked it back in my garage and called the dealer.
I suggested that because I was closing in on the 1000km (600 mile) service I could ride it until then and bring it in on schedule (my commute is 84km (53 mile) round trip so it would only have taken about 5 or 6 days before I hit 1000km)
But the mechanic was too nervous to agree to that - I think because the SRF is so new they are being very cautious. He told me to get it on a van and send it to them :(
So the bike went off to the dealer for a check-up.
It was ready to pick up in 2 days.
This is the report I got given when they delivered the bike back to me:
Technicians Report
Plugged bike in and it brought up faults to do with isolation and charging. These faults have been removed and the bike has been ridden and the faults have not come back on.
We advise the customer to not ride the electric bike in heavy rain conditions and then stick the bike straight on charge. The bike needs to dry out slightly first before it is then plugged into the electrics
So basically, I need to let the bike dry before charging..
In most cases this is fine but if I was on a long trip that required me to stop and charge at a service station, then does that mean I need to park it undercover, wait 30-60min for it to dry and then start charging it?! Seems a bit silly to me. I'll end up spending ages at the service station!
To be fair it won't be much of an issue for me as 99% of my SRF use is to work and back so it won't be difficult for me to wait a couple of hours to let it dry before I plug it in.
So overall it sounds like I was a bit luckier than you in that it didn't need a replacement part - however I do wonder if the water is getting in somewhere then it won't be long before a connection shorts-out properly and I end up sleeping at work ;)
Hope your commute to work went smoothly today...
Oli
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That doesn't sound like Zero's advice.
-Crissa
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Yes sounds like the issues I had. Also had the CEL stay on during rides without noticeable loss in power (also in a reduced power riding mode though).
However in my case I couldn't charge it or ride it after those wet rides when it comes on. That way I was stranded a few times. And before it never did that, not even in wet rides. So for sure something changed.
It is true that I could always let it dry over night and it would work again. But it just makes the bike unreliable.
I brought it to my dealer in my own van. He changed the 12V battery and the DC-DC converter since these also showed up in the errors from time to time. That didn't fix it. Zero themselves picked it up there and then they diagnosed the problem and based on that replaced the spider cable.
I'm at work now on the SRF, this morning it was dry. Now it is raining however. So very curious if it will keep working.
If it keeps failing in rain I'll just ask my money back. That makes the bike useless to me. They have this ad where they're talking about "less maintenance, more riding" but my 3 years old BMW R1200 GS has done 70.000 km and has been less time "in maintenance" than the 3 months old Zero SRF.
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That doesn't sound like Zero's advice.
-Crissa
I agree. What motorcycle manufacturer would tell their customers not to ride in the rain because their electrics are not waterproof - other than Joe Lucas? ::)
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That doesn't sound like Zero's advice.
-Crissa
I agree. What motorcycle manufacturer would tell their customers not to ride in the rain because their electrics are not waterproof - other than Joe Lucas? ::)
Careful ;) The mechanic didn't say that.
He said, if I ride in heavy rain then I should let it dry off a bit before I plug it in to charge.
Not quite the same but still a bit silly.
Either way I agree with you guys that a non-waterproof bike is just stupid.
It needs to be able to handle the rain without breaking down. And I shouldn't have to dry the bike down before charging it (unless of course there's a bit of water around the actual charge socket)
Like Hans said, we're both using our bikes as daily commutes so they need to be reliable.
Hopefully, we've both just been unlucky and it won't happen again *fingers crossed*
Overall though, I really like this bike. I was so happy to get it back! My commute to work yesterday and today was so much more enjoyable because I was on the SRF :D
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Slather the whole thing in ACF50/XCP/WD40 and hope that keeps the water out of the electronics?
Cas :)
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WD40 can break down the silicone grease so... Don't do that.
-Crissa
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Use WD40 Silicone 8)
Cas :)
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The SRF should be better protected by design than the SDS models, from my observations.
I’d really like to understand where the ingress was if possible. I’ve taken extremely rainy cross country trips on my DSR and had issues that eventually broke my onboard charger and DC-DC converter, so I would really like to ensure that’s improved.
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I think they said it is located behind the main battery, so underneath the charging port somewhere is my best bet. Haven't seen it without the tank though.
The rear wheel takes up a lot of dirt to the point I often have some stationary water where the 12V battery is.
This might reveal something (posted here earlier)
https://youtu.be/CmFFByUkq1c
And remmie has a picture from his rapid charger installation
(https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9544.0;attach=11408;image)
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here some more pictures and some more comments in the "DEAD SR/F". thread
https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9801.0
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Thanks Remmie for sharing those images. The vertical one indeed clearly shows a spider like point where several cables join.
BAD NEWS - After 3 days of riding to work that CEL came back on during the ride yesterday. Each time it was a ride of around 55 km single (so 110km a day) and all of the rides were on wet roads with some rain but nothing heavy.
Different this time however is that the light came on and I did see the ??43 warning while riding. But once home I could switch the bike off and on and start riding or charging without issues. So I guess it was very briefly and the error was already gone by then.
This morning I had a longer (110 km single) ride again on wet roads. Even had some heavy rain halfway. The error was already gone on startup because I had toggled the ignition switch several times already testing it yesterday evening and this morning to check if it would work. And this time the CEL didn't light up. Despite that heavy rain!?
The only thing I can think of is that the shape of the plastic tray at the bottom of the seat works like a funnel. There is water coming in from beneath the seat for sure cause I've seen water collecting at the 12V battery. Also the point where the indicators attach has enough gaps to let water in.
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Hi all,
Was taking my SR/F in for it's 600 mile (1000km) 'run in' service yesterday.
Roads were wet but is wasn't raining. Halfway into my 56 mile (90km) trip the CEL came on.
It then proceeded to absolutely pour down with rain for the rest of the trip. I was convinced something was going to short-circuit and I'd grind to a halt on the motorway.
However, I made it to the dealer without anything else happening.
Handed the keys over and said, 'by the way the CEL came on again as I was heading here'. I think I saw his eye twitch slightly ;D
I went and sat in their little cafe and had breakfast. 1 hour later the mechanic came over looking rather sheepish.
'The bikes dead sir'
Same as yours Hans - SpiderBus needs replacing :(
I wasn't surprised, as deep down I think I knew I was on the same path as you.
So my bike is being transported over to Diss (Norfolk, UK) which is where there is a high-voltage trained Zero mechanic who is allowed to replace the SpiderBus.
SpiderBus is coming over from the Netherlands.
They reckon it will be about 21 days :(
A little bit disappointing.
The bike is my main means of transport but they can't give me a courtesy bike for the 21 days
They also couldn't give me a lift home so I had to cough up £96 for a taxi
They also told me that the Zero UK country manager would be calling me that afternoon (24 Feb) to discuss things - it is now a day and a half later and I've heard nothing.
Speaking to the Zero mechanic, he seemed to suggest that the Zero UK country manager knew of a design flaw in the SpiderBus with the first few shipments of SR/Fs.
If that's the case, I think they really should have recalled them and sorted it out instead of waiting for them to go pop.
I guess I was really lucky that it manifested itself as I was on my way to the dealership. In that respect it was very convenient.
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On my way to work this morning (hitched a lift with a friend) we were overtaken by three scooters.
Probably only cost £500 each, it was pouring with rain, they didn't break down ;)
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Yes I've seen more and more reports of this issue. However I don't think it's an early production problem that has been resolved. Otherwise they would have fixed my bike with a new part. I don't know what they did but I still have the issue.
Eventually it took around 45 days to get fixed and when I got it finally back 3 rides later (all in light rain) the CEL came back on again. So it looks like they just replaced the part (if at all) with just the same failing part. The bike was at 6.500 km when this all happened.
Until recently it hasn't been a real problem. I saw the light come up while riding in rain many times with the 2 same errors (43 isolation fault and 31 battery ineligible) popping up. The error remains for a few rides (even when dry) and goes away after I think 3 or 4 ignition key toggles. The biggest difference this time is that I could still power it up again after shutting down and could charge with the error showing. So I just reported it to my dealer and ignored it.
That is until earlier this week. It came up and once at home it didn't charge right away when plugged in. I left it plugged in and it must have recovered over night cause in the morning it was charged. Mileage on bike is now around 8.500 km.
And today I arrived at work with the CEL on having seen the errors during the wet ride this morning. But the bike again refuses to go live (no click sound no green live icon). About an hour later I went down to the garage again to try it and it did power up and click normally. So I could probably ride it home just fine. CEL still on.
But instead I tried to charge it just out of curiosity and then it went dead again. So no charging no riding at this point. I just hope that by this evening, when I'll need it to go home it will run. I'll just not charge it, I have around 51% left which is enough to get me home.
So I don't think they replaced it with a different part. I think they just added the same spider (if anything) with the same issues. Doesn't sound like an early production error that has ben resolved by now. I have an early bike (ordered June/July, delivered August) but if it really was an early issue you would think that in those 45 days it was in their shop they would have put in a fixed part if they could.
EDIT: just went downstairs again to check and it goes live again when switched on. I'll just stay away from the charger now so that I can at least get home today. It's snowing right now. It'll be a wet ride for sure.
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:(( sad news. If this is a systemic issue they could have a lot of work with the release of SR/S...
Very curious how Zero will handle your case.
I have been riding my 2019 S in all weather and luckily haven’t had any issues. The inside of my bike is not particularly well sealed but a lot of grease and good “natural” water drainage goes a long way?
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I have been riding my 2019 S in all weather and luckily haven’t had any issues. The inside of my bike is not particularly well sealed but a lot of grease and good “natural” water drainage goes a long way?
The SR/F is a new platform with different wiring and as far as we know these are the exception, not the rule. Enough hydrophobic coatings and it shouldn't be an issue.
We know they've put out reliable bikes before ^-^
-Crissa
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And the story continues. We're now 1 month later than my report back to my dealer about the CEL still showing in wet conditions.
I have just reached 9.000 km by now, the weather has been very very wet lately so I've seen the CEL almost all the time on my dashboard. Also the BMS refuses to update to firmware version 16 while the other part is already on 16 now.
I checked back since I hadn't heard from them. He is waiting for replacement parts to arrive to fix my bike. He already received the replacement tank lid so he'll put that on for me also.
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Hi Hans,
Are you still having trouble with charging it after a wet ride?
I'm quite relieved to hear that although the CEL keeps coming on it seems like you're able to use it to commute each day.
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My bike is still waiting for it's new Spiderbus - it has been two weeks since I left it with the dealer :(
The story for UK bikes is that there are 8 affected SR/Fs.
All of them are to be fixed by the same mechanic in Diss (Norfolk) - the UK readers of this post will work out that the bikes are all being sent to the English Electric Motor Co.
However, the catch is that the mechanic hadn't actually been trained to fit the new part so he was flown out to the Netherlands to do the training (which is due to be completed tomorrow Tuesday 10 March)
He will then let the dealers/customers know that they can send their bikes to him to be repaired - assuming he has all the parts.
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Yes still have the issue on mine.
We've had a lot of rain here the past weeks. Yesterday was sunny for once so I turned the key 4 times before starting the ride just to reset the light 8). Didn't see the light come up all day (did just over 100 km that day).
Today it was raining again so it came back. I took the risk of taking the bike anyway even knowing I have to charge here. Luckily it wanted to charge without issues using the 220V adapter. I'm thinking now that it might be only refusing to charge with actual type2 charge stations. At home also I've been able to charge it most of the time using that 220V adapter.
My dealer informed me he's waiting for replacement parts and will attempt to fix it himself this time. Mine was in the Netherlands headquarter earlier to get it fixed. But that "fix" only lasted 3 rides.
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An update on my spiderbus replacement story:
Bike has been at dealer since 24 February.
Early last week I got an email saying the mechanic had finished his training and was fitting all UK affected SR/Fs with the new spiderbus.
My bike was completed at the end of last week. However, after some testing the mechanic noticed that my BMS was 'out of specification' and needed replacing as well :(
So they are now waiting for a new BMS to arrive from the Netherlands which will apparently arrive next week.
On the plus side they have updated my firmware to version 17 so I won't have to mess around with that when (if!) I get the bike back.
Tomorrow will be day 43 since my bike went to the dealer..
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Tomorrow will be day 43 since my bike went to the dealer..
I hope you will get your bike soon :-\
43 days - man that really sucks ... :'(
I very much hope I won't run into such problems as I have a learner license which is only valid for a certain amount of time until I have to pass the test. The Covid-19-situation complicates things anyway ...
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My dealer has the parts but is closed due to corona. I'll drop the bike off as soon as restrictions allow them to open up again. Not allowed to ride anyway so not that it would make much difference if they were open. At least they now ordered the part up front.
Edit: I stopped riding at around 9.500 km btw. Looking forward to riding again.
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Does anybody have an idea which VIN ranges are affected by the spiderbus issue ?
I'd hate to have my bike returned (34 days and counting), only to find it to be susceptible to the spiderbus problem ...
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I'm not convinced yet there is already a solution like a new part. I say that because my bike was in at 6.500 km for around 45 days to (wait for parts and) replace that spider at once I got it back it failed after 3 days again.
Maybe their second attempt to fix it will have more effect.
Also the strange thing is that the first time it took me 6.500 km in all kind of weather to break down. The second time it took just below 500 km. Doesn't make sense.
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At 500km I'd think the service tech did it wrong.
-Crissa
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Here's a fun update on my spiderbus issue.
Today is day 69 since my SR/F went in for it's repair.
Spiderbus was replaced 3 weeks ago - :) hooray!
Following final checks by the mechanic showed that my BMS was faulty :(
So that part was ordered from Zero HQ in the Netherlands. Part arrived 10 days ago, fitted and working - :) hooray!
Mechanic then noticed that my main battery was 'out of spec' - recommended that it be replaced! :(
Batteries are made in Germany, but are then shipped to California for some mad reason, and then shipped to the UK.
They reckon it will probably be mid-May before the battery reaches the UK.
So that's what I'm now waiting for now.... *sigh
However, I have finally been given a loan bike. Brand new SR/F to use until mine is fixed.
Arrived two days ago. It had been so long that I'd forgotten just how brilliant they are when they work.
Despite covid 19, I still have to go into work twice a week, so at least my commutes will be more enjoyable now :)
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Yay for bike again ^-^
-Crissa
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Attached is a picture of what I think is the spider bus. I found it on Facebook and it looks like either a replacement of the entire battery or maybe only the spider bus.
It's really an intricate piece of engineering. I can imagine that exchanging it takes a while (if it is all to be replaced)
here's some more info in another topic about the spider bus:
https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9801.msg91411#msg91411 (https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9801.msg91411#msg91411)
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Nice find Remmie. Mine is finally going back to the dealer this week. Parts were in since March but due to corona they had to close and they-re finally opening again. He will perform the operation himself this time so it doesn't have to ship to the Netherlands. Shouldn't take too long (and I'm still not allowed to ride around for fun anyway). I'll update here once it is back.
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And this time the bike was ready for pick up in 2 days! So definetely the way to go. Let them diagnose it and order parts if needed while you go home with your bike. Then once parts are in go back to get everything installed.
Can't really test it for the moment due to the nice weather... Also due to covid-19 I'm still working from home so no real use for it. But I'll make sure to report back if I ever get to ride in rain again or it fails for another reason.
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Thanks for the update Hans.
Glad to hear that your dealer was quick to install the part once it had arrived. Hopefully more and more dealers will gain that capability over coming months.
Let us know how it goes in your next rain ride..
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Quick update on my story...
Today my SRF has returned - it's time for a party ;D
In total they had my bike 121 days! (I've only owned the bike 185 days in total)
Anyway, it now has a new Spiderbus, new BMS, new battery.
I really really really hope the issue doesn't return.
Next rainy commute to work and we shall see ;)
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Glad you finally have it back.
Myself I've added some distance to mine (around 10.500 km in total now) but really not that much since we're still working from home. I did one ride in rain, not too heavy. Had no errors so far. But last time I had to take it 3 times in rain to get the errors back and it was a lot colder back then so it might return only later this year. We'll see. For now it's fun to ride.
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I’ve had the Front brake switch issue mentioned by the OP, and apart from that Error 15 (stability control) seems persistent but bike has only been in the rain twice. I’m kinda dreading a return to the commute after lockdown. Is it the CEL that needs to be illuminated after a rainy ride to trigger a ‘proactive’ replacement in the UK?
I agree with the other comment that surely a recall is in order but maybe Zero don’t know the affected VIN’s?
I’m now feeling like I need to get some decent wet weather riding in to get all the issues out of the way.
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Is it the CEL that needs to be illuminated after a rainy ride to trigger a ‘proactive’ replacement in the UK?
I seems to be the CEL and Isolation Fault 43 that indicates you're now on the 'Spiderbus replacement journey' ;D
However, from what we can tell Zero don't appear to have a better/more waterproof Spiderbus to swap it out for. They are just swapping it for a new (but same design) one.
This is just an assumption though based on the fact that Hans had his replaced and he got the issue again within a couple of weeks so had to go back in for another one.
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That makes it sound like it was a manufacture defect they haven't isolated or an installation difficulty that still crops up.
-Crissa