ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: laramie LC4 on January 18, 2016, 08:44:33 PM
-
in the process of selling off all my ICE bikes and as soon as i do, there will be a new FX in my garage.
been thinking/looking at ways to save weight and decrease power draw.
my question for you guys is, who has put their bike on a diet? what did you pull off?
who has fixed that hideous rear end/brake/blinker combo? what did you replace it with?
frankly can believe they stuck an incandescent 1157 bulb in the back of their bike, what happened to low energy LED's?
what about blinkers?
and finally, who has the trick for wiring in an On/Off switch for power to the lights. would love to be able to go total stealth.
thanks,
laramie
-
Selling off all those KTMs for an FX eh? I'm interested to hear what you think. I'm torn between a 500 EXC plus SM wheels or an FX/S with wheels for both. What kind of riding do you do?
As for turning the lights off, check out this thread:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5379.msg38413#msg38413 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5379.msg38413#msg38413)
-
been thinking/looking at ways to save weight and decrease power draw.
if you do the math, you'll see that even if you disconnected everything from the DC-DC converter... it doesn't make much difference in range. How fast you go can make a massive difference though.
who has fixed that hideous rear end/brake/blinker combo? what did you replace it with?
I dont have a Zero yet, but on my street legal CR500 I used something like this:
www.ebay.com/itm/Error?item=161667197727&errid=2 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Error?item=161667197727&errid=2)
frankly can believe they stuck an incandescent 1157 bulb in the back of their bike, what happened to low energy LED's?
doesnt make much diff in power... but you can always swap a taillight.
what about blinkers?
some of the newer LED rear lights can have amber signals built in. I would go that route if your local law enforcement lets you. otherwise, add cheap LED stalks.
and finally, who has the trick for wiring in an On/Off switch for power to the lights. would love to be able to go total stealth.
easiest way is to just have a switch to the ground wire.... that would cut out all of the running lights, brake lights and turnsignals at once. you can do the same for the headlight.
but I wouldnt bother, as it doesnt use much power.
-
to use an analogy... imagine your electrical power is water.
on a normal ICE bike, you have a cup full of power to work with. It takes a half cup to run your lights... some bikes have just enough for that... some bikes have enough left over to run heated gear. some bikes have a massive cup and let you run aux lights, CBs, etc.... but the bike moves on gasoline.
on an electric bike, you have a swimming pool of power. It takes a large amount of electricity to move you.
It doesnt really matter if you use that half cup of lights or not... What matters is how much power you use to move yourself. Just going around a little slower will make 10 times the diff that taking all the lights off would.
-
For inspiration, Preston Petty has been flat tracking a modified FX.
http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg (http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg)
-
Removing the onboard charger on a Zero SR/S/DS saves 7-8kg so you should be able to save a few kg by removing the FX onboard charger too.
-
I installed Tailblazer 20d bulbs in my FX/FXS taillights. Direct replacement. It flashes rapidly, then slows, then goes solid. Seems to get the cagers attention. It's a halogen and comes with a spare bulb. A little steep at around $60-70 usd though I found a couple on the bay for $15 shipped. Wanted to install the Gearbrake because it senses deceleration regardless of brakes being applied. They offer it for the other models but not the FX. They told me it was because it confused other riders in the dirt or some crap. Also the connectors are different. It could probably be made to work with a little effort.
-
I converted an ice bike to electric and used LED's for blinkers (and brakes), but I also used a flasher can designed to work with LEDs.
-
I would like to find someone who could copy all the panels in carbon fiber. Contacted a couple places but they weren't having any of it! May start replacing some of the bigger fasteners with titanium.
-
I would like to find someone who could copy all the panels in carbon fiber. Contacted a couple places but they weren't having any of it! May start replacing some of the bigger fasteners with titanium.
know a guy in town that makes CF stuff for stock cars and dirt trackers. hadn't thought of that. might be a market for it. doubt it will save much weight though.
i know switching to LED lights won't save much if any, i just thought it was odd. i have an acerbic LED brake/tail light i was going to use on another project, it will be perfect for this. in AZ blinkers aren't required so i may just ditch them all together.
my main goal is to drop weight by just removing/replacing stuff that is heavy and i don't need. example- passenger foot pegs. they will be the first to go. i have also started looking onto air forks, loose the weight of all that oil and springs. not cheap, but worth it? don't know, that's why I'm asking.
as for the light switch, is there a common ground to all the lights, blinkers, break/tail? that would be glorious. i want to go completely dark, no lights at all. looking into cheap night vision, think that would be the ultimate rush out in the dez.
i appreciate your input. i feel like a fish out of water. i went from being an expert to a newbie again and i don't like it. been reading here and everywhere else as much as i can. gotta lot to learn, most of what i read is still greek to me. ;D
laters,
laramie ;)
-
Selling off all those KTMs for an FX eh? I'm interested to hear what you think. I'm torn between a 500 EXC plus SM wheels or an FX/S with wheels for both. What kind of riding do you do?
As for turning the lights off, check out this thread:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5379.msg38413#msg38413 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5379.msg38413#msg38413)
i ride pretty hard, fast dez. done some racing, but mostly the result of a highly competitive group of type A friends every sunday.
yup. the 990R is still on the fence. I'm putting all profits from all my bike sales to paying it off and have made a lot of progress. still got my duke2 and an xr400r to sell as well as lots of parts. if i can pull this off without having to sell it that would be great.
one of the reasons I'm selling and going electric is i jacked my neck up because of a booby-trap out in the dez. have hardly ridden since march and thought i may never again. i tried ridding the 990 a couple times but the weight and power was just to much, i didn't feel safe. plus the vibes were just killing me. PT has me doing much better and I'm hopeful with more work it will be possible again. i'd hate to sell it. it really is my dream bike and the last year, best model, of all the 990's.
then i went down to my buddies shop. hadn't been in awhile like i said. fin out he is now a Zero dealer. cool, look at these things. then he says, "that 2016 DS-R is brand new, never ridden. wanna take it for its first ride?" i was like, "hell ya!" i think i was actually more excited about just ridding than the bike. that was until i twisted the throttle for the first time. came back, smile on my face, no stress on my arms, no vibes, no noise, i was sold.
i plan on doing the FX with a spare set of SM wheels. the prices is the same either way, but with the FX you will have 1.5" more travel up front without having to mess with things. the fork are identica. i took the FX-S to my suspension guy, he says its just a spacer limiting the S' travel but i'd rather not have to mess with that yet. he also said race tech has everything to set the forks up and he was checking on the shock. he was going to talk to race tech directly and see if they had spec'ed out the FX yet (if anyone is in SoCal, Race Tech will hook you up if you let them "borrow" your bike). there may be some spacer issues swapping between the wheels, but i have to think Zero has this worked out. we can't be the only people thinking this.
i also have a 525EXC in the garage and understand the allure of that motor. i still think the zero is the way to go. i also think i could get a good 45+ of pretty hard dez riding out of the zero if i wanted, and thats all i really need, or can do at this point.
laters,
laramie ;)
-
For inspiration, Preston Petty has been flat trqcking a modified FX.
http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg (http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg)
that my friend is AWESOME!
(http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg)
I'm going to have to do some more searching on this one. want to know what he did up front. not that i want to do this, but it's is cool.
laters,
laramie ;)
-
Keep in mind that the FXS has the newer IPM motor that does not overheat. FX does not. I bought a 2015 because the motor is the same. The 2016 will give you about 5 miles more range. I ride mine pretty hard and always in sport mode and never get more than 30 miles.
-
i plan on doing the FX with a spare set of SM wheels. the prices is the same either way, but with the FX you will have 1.5" more travel up front without having to mess with things. the fork are identica. i took the FX-S to my suspension guy, he says its just a spacer limiting the S' travel but i'd rather not have to mess with that yet. he also said race tech has everything to set the forks up and he was checking on the shock. he was going to talk to race tech directly and see if they had spec'ed out the FX yet (if anyone is in SoCal, Race Tech will hook you up if you let them "borrow" your bike). there may be some spacer issues swapping between the wheels, but i have to think Zero has this worked out. we can't be the only people thinking this.
Have you by chance priced out those wheels yet? I tried messaging Zero and Hollywood Electrics on Facebook but Zero said call Hollywood, and Hollywood also said to give them a ring however I'm in the middle east and my phone is turned off so yeah... ???
-
that my friend is AWESOME!
(http://www.dirtbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Preston-Petty-D1.jpg)
I'm going to have to do some more searching on this one. want to know what he did up front.
The main thing is that he removed the onboard charger located up in the tank. That's how he is able to get away with removing the tank plastics.
-
Keep in mind that the FXS has the newer IPM motor that does not overheat. FX does not. I bought a 2015 because the motor is the same. The 2016 will give you about 5 miles more range. I ride mine pretty hard and always in sport mode and never get more than 30 miles.
both the FX and FXS in 2016 have the new motor with the permanent magnets.
-
i plan on doing the FX with a spare set of SM wheels. the prices is the same either way, but with the FX you will have 1.5" more travel up front without having to mess with things. the fork are identica. i took the FX-S to my suspension guy, he says its just a spacer limiting the S' travel but i'd rather not have to mess with that yet. he also said race tech has everything to set the forks up and he was checking on the shock. he was going to talk to race tech directly and see if they had spec'ed out the FX yet (if anyone is in SoCal, Race Tech will hook you up if you let them "borrow" your bike). there may be some spacer issues swapping between the wheels, but i have to think Zero has this worked out. we can't be the only people thinking this.
Have you by chance priced out those wheels yet? I tried messaging Zero and Hollywood Electrics on Facebook but Zero said call Hollywood, and Hollywood also said to give them a ring however I'm in the middle east and my phone is turned off so yeah... ???
yup. like i said my buddy is a dealer and he has priced it all out for me. the entire wheel/hub is roughly $300. same cost either way, spoked or mags so it really does matter which comes on your bike. I'm going FX like i said due to the longer suspension to start with.
-
both the FX and FXS in 2016 have the new motor with the permanent magnets.
NO. Very much NO.
Both motors are permanent magnet... but the new motor is INTERIOR permanent magnet. (dumb sounding name I know. I wont blame the engineers. I blame the marketers for not making up a better term to have it stand out more.)
The FX is the offroad bike, and does NOT get the new Interior Permanent Magnet motor. I am betting they will run this without it until they are out of excess stock of the old motor.
The FXS is expected to see more aggressive street duty, and gets the new IPM motor. Without it, its easy to overheat on the supermoto track or even the highway.
You can double check this on their site:
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-fx/specs.php (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-fx/specs.php) -- note it says "radial flux, permanent magnet, brushless motor"
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-fxs/specs.php (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-fxs/specs.php) -- "radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor"
If you are an aggressive rider, you want the FXS.
You will be better off buying the FXS and just pulling the lowering spacers out when you have the suspension revalved/resprung.
-
from: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/zero/2016-zero-fxs-first-ride-review.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/zero/2016-zero-fxs-first-ride-review.html)
Zero’s new Z-Force Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor is equipped on FXS models, its ability to create less heat and to more efficiently dissipate heat is a big benefit to supermoto riders (read the Zero DSR review here for more details on the IPM motor, or grab some popcorn and watch this video of Zero’s Director of Powertrain Engineering, Ryan Biffard, give an in-depth explanation of his patent-pending creation).
Meanwhile, the FX (no S) will retain the Surface Mount Permanent Magnet (SMPM) motor used previously. Power output doesn’t change regardless of the motor, meaning 70 lb-ft of torque is on tap, as well as 44 hp (27 hp with the single ZF3.3 battery). Combined with a claimed curb weight of 293 lbs., the FXS has all the ingredients to upset sportbike riders in the canyons.
-
The forks have different lower lugs. The FXS has a much larger brake rotor so wheels swaps aren't gonna be so simple. They also look different externally. I think they are right off the SR though may be valved and or sprung differently. You could go with the FX and make a bracket to space the caliper for supermoto wheels like is commonly done on many mx bikes. I looked high and low for one that would fit but JJuan uses odd spacing. I know Hollywood electrics makes a sm kit for the FX but only pre '15 non abs from what they told me 8 months ago. Maybe they offer it now?
-
Mr. Dude you are correct. I really wanted the FXS just for the IPM motor, but I got a killer deal on a demo 2015 FX. Plus I ride in the dirt and didn't need 17" wheels.
-
well. once again I'm glad I'm doing my home work. i definitely want the new motor. as for the fit of the wheels, i know it will be some work but i just can't imagine that this hasn't been figured out. i will talk to my dealer friend and have him contact zero directly.
thanks,
laramie ;)
-
ok. quick reply from my dealer friend. guess he just found out about the lack of new engine in the FX as well, like i said this is all new to him as well, first bike he sold was to my buddy. so he is still learning too, but what he does have is direct access to parts breakdowns, pricing, and asking questions directly to the factory.
i had asked him to talk to Zero about the wheels and he says,
"...as for the wheels, Zero says the rear can be done without problem and the front is rotor/caliper issue only."
so, sounds like we need a bracket made to relocate the caliper to a new position, or if the calipers are different as well, buy another caliper. from what i've seen of zero's prices for parts, they haven't figured out like KTM how to gouge your heart out yet. everything I've looked at has been reasonable or even cheap.
he also said he will be at the Zero factory next month and will be getting a ton more info and asking many questions.
keep ya posted,
laters,
laramie ;)
-
(http://advrider.com/styles/advrider_smilies/lurker.gif)
Also, it looks like one could drop a few lbs by getting rid of the clunky sidestand.
-
Ill make it easy for you
But a fxs
Buy 16 ds wheels
It will all plug and play for you, put knobbies on dual sports (on the ds wheels) leave your stock wheels with the street tires snd you can swap the wheels when you want nothing else.
Dont waste your time getting fx wheels to work with the fxs front suspension. Its the same as everyone who went to s wheels on their fx's bit now more involved because the fxs has a different front caliper from fx
-
Ill make it easy for you
But a fxs
Buy 16 ds wheels
It will all plug and play for you, put knobbies on dual sports (on the ds wheels) leave your stock wheels with the street tires snd you can swap the wheels when you want nothing else.
Dont waste your time getting fx wheels to work with the fxs front suspension. Its the same as everyone who went to s wheels on their fx's bit now more involved because the fxs has a different front caliper from fx
excellent info thank you.
couple issues for me though, it's only a 19" wheel, and it is cast not spoke'd. the whole reason for the spoke is to flex on hard impact. cast wheels do not have that same benefit and can meet with disastrous results off road. i want to be able to ride this like my KTM's off road if and when i desire. i just don't think the cast will live long.
im gonna keep digging. at worst we have a caliper re-locater fabricated. that shouldn't be to hard to source.
laters,
laramie ;)
-
im gonna keep digging. at worst we have a caliper re-locater fabricated. that shouldn't be to hard to source.
Caliper relocate bracket should be easy. I bought spoked SM wheels for my FX from Hollywood & regret it- for less money I should have had Woody's Wheels build a set from Zero hubs. The quality I got didn't approach the wheels Woody built for my 990.
-
im gonna keep digging. at worst we have a caliper re-locater fabricated. that shouldn't be to hard to source.
Caliper relocate bracket should be easy. I bought spoked SM wheels for my FX from Hollywood & regret it- for less money I should have had Woody's Wheels build a set from Zero hubs. The quality I got didn't approach the wheels Woody built for my 990.
what was lacking from them?
I put 8,000 miles on a set of excel/talon 17" wheels with a CR500... but thats not "cheap"...
Ive seen the DRZ guys get good miles from Warp9 wheels.. much cheaper.
I looked up woodys wheels just now, but he wants over 1k just to put a excel rim around my stock hubs...
-
stay tuned on caliper re-locator, told it's in the works.
laters,
laramie ;)
-
I looked up woodys wheels just now, but he wants over 1k just to put a excel rim around my stock hubs...
yup. lot's of guy's rave but i could never eat that price. i ride my 990 harder than most and still have stock rims. yes the aren't perfect anymore, but for the price i'm ok with that. if you have the money to spend though, they make a hell of a wheel.
warp9 has gotten a lot better and seem to really try. there is a guy at advrider that works with them and is very active and responsive to wants/needs/complaints/ desires.... all the things you hope for in a company.
i personally would like to just get/source/make the caliper re-locator, and add the price of the extra wheels to the original ticket and get 10% back. 8)
laters,
laramie ;)
-
Caliper relocate bracket should be easy. I bought spoked SM wheels for my FX from Hollywood & regret it- for less money I should have had Woody's Wheels build a set from Zero hubs. The quality I got didn't approach the wheels Woody built for my 990.
what was lacking from them?
I put 8,000 miles on a set of excel/talon 17" wheels with a CR500... but thats not "cheap"...
Ive seen the DRZ guys get good miles from Warp9 wheels.. much cheaper.
I looked up woodys wheels just now, but he wants over 1k just to put a excel rim around my stock hubs...
Spoked SM wheels from Hollywood Electrics were over $2k. Communication was really poor, they didn't ship when promised twice, hardware to install the brackets wasn't included & the rims were badly scratched when they showed up.
The spokes are lighter than on my 19/17 set from Woody's, but I don't trust the zero out of town anymore so don't see these wheels taking much of a beating.