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[Richard230]

I use the revarc to load into my cargo van. I have a drop hitch mounted 90deg turned sideways so the steps are offset to get the ramp in a better place to clear the door with handlebars. Easy to run it up with careful throttle control, not hard to roll it down, not sure if I use my LHRB for that, maybe, it's there if I need it.

I think there is more to Zero's reluctance to add a left hand brake than just the "homologation" line that they gave me when I suggested it. It creates complexity because it isn't simple to combine lever and pedal (but I did*), and so it would become a build option and buyers wouldn't know what to choose if it was one or the other and it would add cost to have both, especially if hydraulic. It will be interesting to see what Alta does.

* http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5328.msg50287#msg50287

I would just as soon lose the pedal.

Sent from my Z982 using Tapatalk

Did someone mention pedals?     https://electricmotorcycles.news/gulas-pi1-pedaling-on-a-motorcycle/

[clay.leihy]

> I would just as soon lose the pedal.

That's what I did.  This kit:

https://www.tacticalmindz.com/products/dual-fitting-rear-hand-brake-kit

Did you run it through the ABS or bypass it?

Sent from my Z982 using Tapatalk

[DonTom]

I just bought a Zero FXS to replace my Suzuki DR200 (dual sport) which was stolen. The Zero is actually a bit lighter (with one battery) and looks like it's going to be fun - I've only had it one day.

I rode the DR200 off-road occasionally, and took it aboard my sailboat. I plan on the same with the Zero.

I realize there are lots of situations where I use the clutch - not just for changing gear. E.g. I have a ramp to get my bike onto a truck or onto my boat, walking alongside. I use the clutch to hold the back wheel when backing down a ramp with the engine off. Or holding the bike on a 25% grade offroad with both feet on the rocks. Or parking on a 25% grade. The Zero looks like it would just run downhill as soon as I took my hand off the throttle.

How do other EV riders handle this ?

I'm having crazy ideas about retrofitting a left-hand brake lever like a bicycle, or spragging the rear wheel with a rod through the spokes.

Is there some reason why you cannot turn on the key and give just a little throttle as you back down the ramp? I have noticed these Zero bikes can go very, very slow. While I have heard that you should not use throttle to hold the bike on a hill, I doubt the few feet down a ramp would damage the motor.

In a couple of weeks, I plan on taking my DS 6.5 on the back of my RV to southern AZ (near Tombstone) .  But  my RV is now 100 miles away (in Auburn, CA) from here and I have not yet tried to load on the DS and take it down. I will try that next week. But I expected the fact that there is no clutch would make it even easier.

I guess I will find out next week when I drive the RV back here to Reno.

The carrier I use is this ABHD.  I have used it before with my 2002 DR200SE. No straps needed. That's what I like about this above ramp. And you can take the bike down forward or reverse.

BTW, my tongue weight limit on my RV is 350 lbs. When I add the DS weight to the bike carrier, it is exactly 350 LBS!

DS 6.5 weight=317 lbs
ABHD weight  = 25 lbs
racks for saddle bags, trunk, windscreen other small stuff=8 lbs
total=350 lbs.

-Don- Reno, NV

[Doug S]

Is there some reason why you cannot turn on the key and give just a little throttle as you back down the ramp? I have noticed these Zero bikes can go very, very slow. While I have heard that you should not use throttle to hold the bike on a hill, I doubt the few feet down a ramp would damage the motor.

I once trailered my bike up to the Santa Cruz area from where I live in San Diego county, and I didn't use that technique. I just backed down slowly, feathering the front brake lever. These bikes are so light that backing down is very easy to control. Going up the ramp, I found it very valuable to use the ultra-low-speed capability of the motor. A simple walk up the ramp just tickling the throttle made loading as easy as unloading. Between the light weight and the tractability, this bike is truly a pleasure to load and unload.

[DonTom]

I once trailered my bike up to the Santa Cruz area from where I live in San Diego county, and I didn't use that technique. I just backed down slowly, feathering the front brake lever. These bikes are so light that backing down is very easy to control. Going up the ramp, I found it very valuable to use the ultra-low-speed capability of the motor. A simple walk up the ramp just tickling the throttle made loading as easy as unloading. Between the light weight and the tractability, this bike is truly a pleasure to load and unload.

Glad to hear it. i will see for myself next week.

What bike was it that you were loading and unloading and how high up the ramp did you have to go from the ground?

My RV hitch is a bit on the high side.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[togo]

> > > I would just as soon lose the pedal.

> > That's what I did.  This kit:
> >
> > https://www.tacticalmindz.com/products/dual-fitting-rear-hand-brake-kit

> Did you run it through the ABS or bypass it?

No ABS on my 2014 SR : - )

[Doug S]

What bike was it that you were loading and unloading and how high up the ramp did you have to go from the ground?

It's a 2014 SR, so pretty much the heaviest Zero. At the time, I had a windshield, rack and trunk on it, though I didn't have the SCv2 yet.

It was a standard U-Haul trailer, dunno the actual lip height. My bro had a pretty good handful with his big Harley wannabe, though. My bike was ridiculously easier to manage.

[togo]

Electrics have so much better throttle control it's not even funny.

[MrDude_1]

Electrics have so much better throttle control it's not even funny.

They HAVE THE POTENTIAL to have so much better throttle control.
They're not quite there yet. When we start getting custom OEM hardware designed for bikes, it will probably improve.

You never realize what you're missing until you're used to something better. Even through I was daily driving literbikes and vtwin sportbikes, whenever I stepped off my CR500 supermoto and went on another 4stroke bike, no matter how sporty, the throttle felt laggy in comparison. I was used to fast throttle response, but the fastER one still stood out dramatically.

[adaviel]

Add a left hand rear brake, many have, Zero should.

Just did that; see my reply to  http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=7066.msg58399

Works nicely on my ramp, at least the one I use for my truck.

[togo]

Electrics have so much better throttle control it's not even funny.

They HAVE THE POTENTIAL to have so much better throttle control.
They're not quite there yet. When we start getting custom OEM hardware designed for bikes, it will probably improve.

You never realize what you're missing until you're used to something better. Even through I was daily driving literbikes and vtwin sportbikes, whenever I stepped off my CR500 supermoto and went on another 4stroke bike, no matter how sporty, the throttle felt laggy in comparison. I was used to fast throttle response, but the fastER one still stood out dramatically.

OK, fine.  My Zero and my Vectrix have so much better than my Hondas or Kawasaki ever did.  I've never experienced what MRDude_1 is talking about.

[Ndm]

A 500 cc 2 stroke is like crack for some of us