ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Ireek on July 12, 2017, 03:09:30 AM
-
Well, I've sold off a few bikes in an effort to angle a new Zero FX, I'm now down to just one bike (KTM Duke 690) which is the first time in as long as I can remember. My question is, should I wait for the 2018 in hopes of updates/changes, or go for the 2017 and take advantage of Zero's little discount they have going?? I know it's about a 3 week wait if I order a new FX, which is an eternity when I have money burning a hole in my pocket... Only other candidates I'm considering is the Husky 701 Enduro and the Honda Africa Twin DCT.
-
There will always be a newer better version just around the corner. My advice is to go for a test ride. If you love it then buy it and start enjoying electric Motorcycle transportation now.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
I appreciate it, I'm leaning that direction, what started it all was the test ride on the FXS and DSR, I tried the electric "kool-aid" and I'm sold on it. I just hate to get a bike around the 2nd week of august to only have an updated version show up shortly thereafter, wish I had a crystal ball...
-
I think the earliest you'll get your hands on a 2018 model is near Christmas.
-
I think the earliest you'll get your hands on a 2018 model is near Christmas.
This helps, not being familiar with Zero, I wasn't sure when new models typically roll out, I know there is guarantee but this gives me an idea of Zero's past practice. Many thanks...
-
Zero will announce 2018 bikes in late October or November.
In 2017 it was November at EICMA. I ordered an SR just before Thanksgiving and got the bike 5 December.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
One other note on Zero practices....the 2017 demo bikes will go on sale in September or October and can be had for a good discount.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
I would definitely not wait for a 2018 as you would have to wait for 6 months at least to ride a Zero. That's a lot of time, especially 6 months of riding season. It's different if it's waiting Jan-March. But when you get a new Zero it's dead winter anyway. I'd totally get one now. Also new bikes won't have any incentives or discounts until about this time next year.
Take advantage of the discount that started about a week ago that will save some serious money. My guess is by the time the 2018 bikes come out you'll have 5000 miles or more on your FXS and be loving every minute of it. I'll even bet your Duke 690 starts collecting dust! Ask me how I know, lol.
Good luck on your new ride, you're gonna love it!
-
All good info, thanks so much!! I'm off work Thursday and plan on going to the local Zero dealer along with a few other bike shops, will try to make my decision by then. It's not looking good for me waiting on the 18 model, I actually had planned on buying the FX when I bought my Duke but outside influences screwed that up and I've regretted it ever since, the Duke is a great bike but I've had tons of bikes like that, I'm ready for the electric experience...
-
As MrWilson said, the downside of waiting for the new model year is, well, the waiting. Let me capsulize my story.
I put a down payment in October 2013 on one of the first SRs, which had just been announced. I waited until January to get my bike. My bike has cheapo JJuan braking components, even worse suspension components (I've blocked the name out, sorry.....and I've replaced my shock with a quality unit), the non-IPM motor which overheats pretty easily, lower battery capacity than the new bikes, and lacks a bunch of smaller improvements like wheel bearings, which failed on my bike.
But I've been riding since January 2014. That's 3-1/2 years of riding a very special machine, even if it doesn't quite measure up to the newest ones. 32,000 miles. Would I give up one of those 42 months? 1,000 of those miles? Nope.
Get one between your legs. Yeah, you'll be jealous of the new guys with their shiny new machines. But they'll envy you your old, dirty, hard-used machine too. And you can't buy that. None of us are getting any younger, so I'd advise investing in your own time.
-
None of us are getting any younger, so I'd advise investing in your own time.
Great advice Doug, no better time to start riding electric for the first time than now! I've ridden over 100k miles on Zero's and wouldn't trade a single one for riding a gas bike. I see guys shaking out their wrists and feet at stoplights on gas bikes and think back to the unnecessary vibration and shaking and don't miss dealing with that one bit!
-
that's teh exact same case i lived 3 weeks ago.
I had a choice to spend full price on a 2017 or to wait for a 2018 and not have any Zero to ride until next year as october and november here are too cold and winter is coming...
I have an idea of what is coming for the 2018 but even if that reflect the continuous Zero improvement, i prefer to not loose a year and to ride now. The 2017 are already awsome and i really like the new sound that make the new motor and lower tooth number belt.
The sound is more "agressive" when accerating with the lower pitch and the torque peak is not at 3500rpm ( about 90kmh) witch is perfect on the highway trafic.
Plus if you buy now you get a 1200usd rebate.
Doc
-
If you were looking to buy a DS or S I'd wait, as rumor seems to be that Zero will somehow improve aftermarket faster charging support, which is a big deal to me. Regarding the FX I'm not sure
-
I am going to wait to get a 2018 model since my 2014 Zero is working so well. :)
-
I am going to wait to get a 2018 model since my 2014 Zero is working so well. :)
Richard that is a great move! No need for you to get a 2017 as you already ride electric on a Zero everyday (and have been since your 2012 Zero) and it works perfect for you! I know you ride in Eco mode almost all the time so the power improvements and belt strength this year aren't very important to you. A true testament to the 2014 and up Zero on its capabilities and reliability for logging so many trouble free miles for 3+ years! I know you are a lifetime rider and log some serious miles!
But since Ireek doesn't have one yet, each day he is spending money on gas and maintenance he will never get back. While in your case Richard, waiting 6-9 months makes sense (although for someone who wants more power and range, better suspension, ABS brakes, tires, wheels, bearings, belt strength, motor thermal capabilities etc it probably doesn't make sense to wait to upgrade from a 2014 to 2017 now with the rebate. 2014 owners take note!)
But especially in Ireek's case, not having a Zero to ride everyday already, it makes no logical sense to wait. Although the 2013 bike was better than my 2012, there's no way I would go back and wait a year! Not a chance! The experiences I had on my Zero in 2012 vs my Ninja and R1 in 2011 are just priceless to me! Once you get a Zero your gas bikes will sit collecting dust, take it from someone who knows.
I do personaly look forward to the 2018 models, But I've heard a rumor (rumors never pan out so just saying) they will look pretty much the same with almost no changes, perhaps with very small range improvements (but perhaps not, nothing certain yet - last was 12.5 kWh in 2015 to 13.0 kWh in 2016/17, the motor power just got increased this year to 775 amps from 660 since 2014, so probably not again for a while) but nothing significant to warrant waiting a whole year riding on gas by any means. Take advantage of the Zero rebate now! It just came available a week ago! Now is the time to get a Zero if you've been lurking on the forum! No regrets, only miles of electric smiles you would never go back and wait a single day for! 8) The only regret I ever hear is the rider wishes they got a Zero sooner. Think about that if you don't have one yet.
I moved to California almost 5 years ago with just my Zero. (I rode my Zero across country). I have 2 Zeros and no car. My Zero does everything for me. Including taking my dog everywhere. Just saying....
-
I haven't used eco mode since I bought my bike. My eco mode is my right wrist. ;)
Personally, I will be happy if the design of the Zero stays the same as I am satisfied with the relatively light weight and compact design of the current models, since I don't carry a passenger, where extra room would be handy. I might add that the compact design of the Zero really helps when parking it in my crowded garage. ;)
However I can see how a larger chassis would make the bike a little more stable when riding on the highway and would provide more room for additional batteries. But Zero has a lot invested in their current well-designed aluminum chassis and also in their motor, so I don't see either of those components changing anytime soon.
-
All great points guys, I really appreciate it, heading to the dealer in the morning to get the bike ordered:) Every time I ride the Duke, which now only has 350 miles after 5 months of ownership, what does that tell you, I think to myself, "what the hell was I thinking..." The Duke is a cool bike, don't get me wrong, I'm riding the updated "smoother running" version and it still feels like I'm riding a jack-hammer on wheels. I am not a particularly young person and you never know what could happen, waiting 6 months on an 18 just isn't in the cards. Now, the plot thickens, do I trade the Duke for an SR, that way I'd have the dual sport and a fun street bike, oh man, this is going to be expensive... Thanks again gents, I'll be sure to post pics and impressions when I take delivery:)
-
Definitely test ride the DSR before you order the FX, it sounds from your last post like that is the right bike for you and you can sell the Duke to make up the difference.
-
I Really Like my '17 DSR Definitely give it a test.
I use eco mode when it rains (about the first 5 months ... Seattle)
It's so fast in sport/custom that as soon as it's dry it's all about that torque ;D Woosh... Gone!------->>
-
I Really Like my '17 DSR Definitely give it a test.
I use eco mode when it rains (about the first 5 months ... Seattle)
It's so fast in sport/custom that as soon as it's dry it's all about that torque ;D Woosh... Gone!------->>
I actually rode the DSR (2016 model) and liked it, but, I rode the FXS first and it felt so light in comparison, if I had my choice, I'd go for the DSR for sure but it's 5k more and I feel that the FX would be better off road which is kind of important to me at this point. I sat on the same demo bike that I rode months back and had thoughts of going for that one but decided against it.
This leads me to my next point, yesterday was the day I was going to get the FX ordered and the only person at my local dealer that knows anything about the Zero bikes is the owner's son, and he was on vacation, the owner just put me off and said to come back on tuesday when his son would be there, he also said that they had only sold a few of the Zero bikes and that he was trying to get Zero to buy back his 3 remaining 2016 demo models but he'd be happy to sell me a new bike (of course he would). Two red flags, then I glance in the service department which looked like a dungeon compared to their nice shiny sales floor and their technicians that I saw just didn't give me a feeling of competence, I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, just a gut feeling, I did spend about 10 years in the industry with positions in sales and service at 3 different local dealers so I do know a little. So after all this rhetoric, all I can say is that I'm still waiting and deciding now, which dealer to go to and when...
-
Can you make an offer on his 2016 DSR or FX? He should have sold those a long time ago. Sounds like everyone at that dealership isn't very enthusiastic about electric motorcycles. Probably a bunch of old farts. That's ok is there another dealer near you? Or take advantage of their ignorance and get a great deal on a 2016 for now, and you now can position your self to trade up to a 2 year newer bike next year if the improvements are worth it. Sorry your dealer seems so lame.
-
Can you make an offer on his 2016 DSR or FX? He should have sold those a long time ago. Sounds like everyone at that dealership isn't very enthusiastic about electric motorcycles. Probably a bunch of old farts. That's ok is there another dealer near you? Or take advantage of their ignorance and get a great deal on a 2016 for now, and you now can position your self to trade up to a 2 year newer bike next year if the improvements are worth it. Sorry your dealer seems so lame.
This thread has got me wondering about cycle shop markups: how much do they make, what's the lowest price you can ever expect? I know a bit about bicycles: markup on new bikes is something like 20% or less; money is really made on repair and parts/accessories. Is the motorcycle market similar? (off topic anecdote: a few years ago I was looking around for a fixed gear. I spotted one during a ride, and knew standard retail price, and realize "holy cow, Batman, this is 40% off!" At that discount it was obvious they were just trying to get rid of the thing. Turned out, it's a great bike.)
-
Can you make an offer on his 2016 DSR or FX? He should have sold those a long time ago. Sounds like everyone at that dealership isn't very enthusiastic about electric motorcycles. Probably a bunch of old farts. That's ok is there another dealer near you? Or take advantage of their ignorance and get a great deal on a 2016 for now, and you now can position your self to trade up to a 2 year newer bike next year if the improvements are worth it. Sorry your dealer seems so lame.
This thread has got me wondering about cycle shop markups: how much do they make, what's the lowest price you can ever expect? I know a bit about bicycles: markup on new bikes is something like 20% or less; money is really made on repair and parts/accessories. Is the motorcycle market similar? (off topic anecdote: a few years ago I was looking around for a fixed gear. I spotted one during a ride, and knew standard retail price, and realize "holy cow, Batman, this is 40% off!" At that discount it was obvious they were just trying to get rid of the thing. Turned out, it's a great bike.)
Years ago I was told that motorcycle shops make about 10% profit on new models. But I have no idea what the current situation is now, especially when it comes to Zero. My BMW salesperson has told me that they make more profit selling used trade-ins than they do selling new bikes.
-
Can you make an offer on his 2016 DSR or FX? He should have sold those a long time ago. Sounds like everyone at that dealership isn't very enthusiastic about electric motorcycles. Probably a bunch of old farts. That's ok is there another dealer near you? Or take advantage of their ignorance and get a great deal on a 2016 for now, and you now can position your self to trade up to a 2 year newer bike next year if the improvements are worth it. Sorry your dealer seems so lame.
This thread has got me wondering about cycle shop markups: how much do they make, what's the lowest price you can ever expect? I know a bit about bicycles: markup on new bikes is something like 20% or less; money is really made on repair and parts/accessories. Is the motorcycle market similar? (off topic anecdote: a few years ago I was looking around for a fixed gear. I spotted one during a ride, and knew standard retail price, and realize "holy cow, Batman, this is 40% off!" At that discount it was obvious they were just trying to get rid of the thing. Turned out, it's a great bike.)
Years ago I was told that motorcycle shops make about 10% profit on new models. But I have no idea what the current situation is now, especially when it comes to Zero. My BMW salesperson has told me that they make more profit selling used trade-ins than they do selling new bikes.
hm .. 10% on a $15,000 bike isn't bad, depending on how much time the salesperson needs to make the sale. In my case it was ~30 minutes.
-
Guys, there's no point quoting the whole of a long post directly above your reply. Just type what you want to say and it will read just add well.
Getting back to the main question, I find the best time to make a decision is just after the new models are announced. Then you'll know whether it's worth waiting out whether to go for a deal on the current model. This time of year is tough though - any announcement is likely to be a few months away.
-
I did think about trying to negotiate on one of their 16's, I'm sure I could get a deal on one. I'm sorry for my being so flaky on this, no one wants to read stuff like this and I'm sorry to drag you guys thru it. I'm going to be riding electric one way or another, just have a few decisions to make. Like Fred said, it is a tough time of year to be making a decision. I reckon I'll just order the new 17 FX and hope my dealer doesn't go bust on the brand shortly thereafter, but then again, there'd be an opening for a franchise here in town, hmmm. Thanks so much for the insight on this, I really appreciate you guys!!
-
... I reckon I'll just order the new 17 FX and hope my dealer doesn't go bust on the brand shortly thereafter, but then again, there'd be an opening for a franchise here in town, hmmm. Thanks so much for the insight on this, I really appreciate you guys!!
If you think the dealership might go bust, maybe you could make an offer on the dealership itself, and then you could get yourself a really good no-markup deal. With a helping of liability on the side : - )
-
I'm sorry for my being so flaky on this, no one wants to read stuff like this and I'm sorry to drag you guys thru it.
Don't worry. If we didn't want to read it we wouldn't be reading it. I was on here for ages discussing stuff before I finally ordered a Zero.
-
Judging from how little that changed from 2016 to 2017 models I'd say you probably wont miss out on much on the next upgrade if you buy now. After several generations of Zero's they have pretty much stabilized the design and features, and although they might launch a brand new model series, it looks like nothing revolutionary will happen. They already seem overstretched with their current line of models.
In my opinion, the main feature of a new motorcycle is that it has no miles on it anyway. :)
-
... I'm sorry for my being so flaky on this, no one wants to read stuff like this and I'm sorry to drag you guys thru it. I'm going to be riding electric one way or another, just have a few decisions to make...
Don't feel like the Lone Stranger. I sat on the fence for at least a year indecisive, it's too expensive, too big a departure from my comfort zone, and so on. Then I rode one and the urge became stronger, but still I talked myself out of it, then in, on and on. Finally my wife booted me into the forward direction. I ordered mine on July first, and picked it up yesterday. I couldn't be happier.
-
Finally my wife booted me into the forward direction. I ordered mine on July first, and picked it up yesterday. I couldn't be happier.
Congrats Michael!
-
I have a 2015 SR and I sure wish that I had waited. It overheats every time I ride it. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed the heck out of it but that's a definite fly in the ointment for me. I got a fairly good deal but I would've traded that for the new motor in a heartbeat. Sure I would have lost 6 to 8 months of riding an electric bike but like you I had a KTM 690 that could've gotten me through that. Just giving another perspective.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
I have a 2015 SR and I sure wish that I had waited. It overheats every time I ride it. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed the heck out of it but that's a definite fly in the ointment for me. I got a fairly good deal but I would've traded that for the new motor in a heartbeat. Sure I would have lost 6 to 8 months of riding an electric bike but like you I had a KTM 690 that could've gotten me through that. Just giving another perspective.
It's the experiences you can't trade, so I think it was smart you got one when you did. For many a 2015 does fine, but it sounds like you ride fairly hard. Don't feel married to your 2015, just trade it in on an end of year deal on a 2017 with the IPM motor and a more powerful controller. Should be able to do that trade for around $4k now and you'll get a slightly bigger battery and stronger belt too. Many things in life I buy used and hold for a long time, but not with motorcycles. I use it more than other things in my life and it's worth it.
-
you probably wont miss out on much on the next upgrade if you buy now.
Please consider which state you live in (assuming United Stated here) and their rebates. In
California, as I understand it, there's a set amount of $ for rebates. And if you buy late
in the year you may be out of luck, 'cause all the $ have been claimed.
-
Buying a 16 at a discount is a solid idea. But with both the 17's and 18's you'll get app driven updates to firmware. Thats a big deal because it means no dealer visits to update to the latest battery management or torque adjustments. The other two significant changes are the splined motor shaft and 10mm belt width.
The increase in motor power will only every be present when you're really launching it, directly beside one of the older models.
I've just replaced my second belt in under 5k of riding. But I can't rationalize the added cost for the upgrades just yet. If the price is right, the 16 will make you giggle just as much as the latest. It's just missing some notable features.
-
Wait until MY18 comes out, then find a MY17 at reduced price. IF you are on-road mostly, then waiting till MY18 bikes are released and getting a MY16 will serve you just as well. That is my 2 cents :)
-
I was in the Israel dealership Friday and they're basically sold out of 2017s Sales guy told me that they're waiting on 2018 models, hoping there will be some improvements. They're expanding their range with several new manufacturers including , Bultaco, Energica and Stealth. Test rode the Bultaco Brinco, impressive.
-
I haven't used eco mode since I bought my bike. My eco mode is my right wrist. ;)
Life is too short for 'eco mode' ;)
Sport mode is already eco enough in my book.