ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

This is a like new 2015 FX Zero Motorcycle! Everything works, needs nothing. Just registered, clean title, perfect summer transportation!

Listed on craigslist with pics!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/d/freedom-zero-motorcycles-2015-fx-like/6956824365.html

I think you pretty much have to go parallel hybrid to keep the efficiency up during cruise. Otherwise you're just tossing something like 20% of your energy away. So you either have to clutch between ice and electric drivetrain on a single prop, or run 2 completely independent drive systems, in a push-pull config for example. Or just live with the loss of efficiency in a serial system

For inspiration...



Claims 1800ft/min climb

I was only adding the data point, that even with just minimal braking required, the regen proved itself superior to freewheeling with empirical data. I was not arguing the original statement, in fact, I explicitly agreed "in theory". I guess what I'm getting at is, is there a scenario, that can be performed in the real-world, in realistic conditions, where turning off the bike and freewheeling would actually give you better range? You would have to know, ahead of time, that you will not need the brakes or throttle. It seems that is a small corner case, and one for which I have not seen empirical evidence to support. Again, I agree "in theory" a freewheeling bike should use less energy in a very narrow set of circumstances. I'm just not sure all those criteria will ever be met in the "real world". Basically if we go for a ride, and you turn your regen on/off all you want, and if I am just pacing you in eco mode, I will still probably go further.

Ultimately, I know we are all interested in getting the most efficiency out of our vehicles, and I am just as curious as the rest of you as to what the best possible drive profile and strategy is. My best guess at this point, as supported by all the data I have access to, is no-regen-freewheeling will provide little, if any, perceptible increase in range in any realistic scenario. While effective management of regen can provide up to 6-8% increase in range in an optimum duty cycle. Possibly clutching the motor/drivetrain out of the loop entirely would make such a strategy more effective, but I think we are reaching the point of diminishing returns here.

Just thinking out loud.

Which fairings from the airspeed website do you think would fit on a 2012 Zero S? 

Are there specific fittings or sizes I can look for?  Or can someone look at the fairings and list the ones that would fit on a Zero?  I'm legitimately interested in putting an aerodynamic fairing on my bike, but only if it will help my road trip efforts.

Lots of good ones in the "vintage bikes fairings" section on the aerotech website. You know, 'cause back in the day fairings actually had to be functional, not just for show. I love how we're seeing a renaissance to "old aero tech" with modern EV's. All those old swoopy cars and dustbin fairings weren't styled to be "retro", they were actually quite effective.

I picked the TR4 fairing because it's fairly flat sided and wide at the bottom. It fits any of the Zero's just fine. Though maybe you could request they don't cut out the big exhaust clearance hole in the bottom. Unfortunately I don't have any real power data with this fairing, yet, but I'd guess the reduction in power to maintain 70mph is in the 10-20% range. Maybe even better.

With approx 100lb weight difference on the same bike, I could perceive no difference in power to sustain 70mph as reported via the Zero App. I agree there must be some small change, but I think it's less than 1-2%.

I have a TRI4 fairing just begging to go on a Zero.



Actually, I already had it on a zero. Now it needs to go on a "new" zero.

Oh, right, and a full tool kit. 

Love it!