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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: Richard230 on May 04, 2012, 08:31:10 PM

Title: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Richard230 on May 04, 2012, 08:31:10 PM
The Zero advertizing department continues to actively promote their products.  They are having a test ride day at all of their dealers on May 19th.  Read more here:  http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/zero-motorcycles-national-demo-day (http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/zero-motorcycles-national-demo-day)
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: manlytom on May 05, 2012, 10:06:32 AM
great. sadly not here ... no bikes in shops at the moment ! We need some demo stock.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Lipo423 on May 12, 2012, 02:33:58 AM
I'm afraid they cannot build them fast enough  :o as far as I know they have got huge demand
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: ColoPaul on May 16, 2012, 06:21:35 AM
The salesguy at our local Denver dealer told me Zero is giving out $200 precharged Visa cards to anyone that buys on Demo Day.  This Sat, May 19th I think.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: af1 racing on May 17, 2012, 04:46:32 AM
The salesguy at our local Denver dealer told me Zero is giving out $200 precharged Visa cards to anyone that buys on Demo Day.  This Sat, May 19th I think.

that is correct, a $200 pre-paid Visa card for any Zero purchased from now until the end of the month.  If you go by the Zero spec sheet and the average price of electricity, they say its good for 25,000 miles of free riding.

"Complete Disclaimer:
*25,000 miles based on the 2012 ZF9 Zero Motorcycle S model at $.10 USD per kwh for $.90 per complete charge cycle and 222 charges with 114 miles range per complete charge cycle for a total of $199.80. A $200 (USD) Visa gift card will be sent 4-6 weeks after Zero Motorcycles receives the vehicle warranty registration card showing date of sale between May 15, 2012 and May 31, 2012. Warranty cards must be received in Zero Motorcycle’s offices no later than June 7, 2012 to be eligible for the Visa card and cards must note customer acceptance of the incentive offer of the Visa Card.  Offer available only through participating US dealerships. Cannot be used towards the purchase of the motorcycle, taxes or destination fees.  Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer with exception of Zero Motorcycles retail finance program offered through Freedom Road Financial. Program expires May 31, 2012.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: CliC on May 17, 2012, 08:25:26 AM
that is correct, a $200 pre-paid Visa card for any Zero purchased from now until the end of the month.  If you go by the Zero spec sheet and the average price of electricity, they say its good for 25,000 miles of free riding.

More likely, one or two free farkles :)
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Richard230 on May 18, 2012, 04:38:30 AM
Ultimate Motorcycling picked up the story:  http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/zero-motorcycles-launches-summer-promotion (http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012/zero-motorcycles-launches-summer-promotion)
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Nukie on May 18, 2012, 10:23:37 PM
The salesguy at our local Denver dealer told me Zero is giving out $200 precharged Visa cards to anyone that buys on Demo Day.  This Sat, May 19th I think.

Thanks for the heads up. I am surprised my sales guy has not contacted me about this promotion seeing how i am in the market for a Zero here in Denver. He assured me he would contact me with any special offers or promotions.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: ColoPaul on May 20, 2012, 08:21:05 AM
Well, for 300 sunny days/year here in Colo - our Zero Demo day was pouring rain.  :(
I went down to Grand Prix (our dealer), and talked with Keith? Kevin? (I suck at names) who was from the factory.
He's worked there since early 2010.  Great guy!  Glad he came out.

Tidbits from the conversation:
He (and others) monitor this forum.  We discussed some of the threads.  For example, the guy that glued 3 extra chargers to his bike.
They are going to ship ~1500-2000 bikes this year.
The S & DS are the best sellers.
He owns a 2010 S, and rides to work occasionally (something about he's not comfortable riding on his standard commute route)
He thinks Zero is a great place to work.  Very upbeat on the company.
Told me the TTXGP race mods consisted of disabling the regeneration (keeping the motor cooler), and sprocket/belt size changes. Very little, actually.
I asked about the 2013 models, if they would be another giant leap the way the 2012 was over the 2011 models.  He said (delicately) "It's a balance between improving and leveraging existing designs.  There will definitely be significant improvements."
He talked about all the remote diagnostics they can do.  The little rubber plug in front - if removed - provides a link to the CAN bus - and the dealer service people have an adapter that will hook your bike right to the factory through the internet - they can then download all kinds of riding history, warnings and failures.  Pretty cool!

Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: craigq on May 20, 2012, 09:19:41 AM
I asked about the 2013 models, if they would be another giant leap the way the 2012 was over the 2011 models.  He said (delicately) "It's a balance between improving and leveraging existing designs.  There will definitely be significant improvements."

Awww crap! Thanks for all of the insider info. I was hoping 2013 would be minor improvements over 2012, not "significant improvements"...
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: dkw12002 on May 20, 2012, 09:44:43 AM
Yes, you would probably like improvements in areas that you could have the option of upgrading your bike. Thing is though, they need to improve range, acceleration, and top speed. I think they are going to have to re-design to do that. I see a bigger battery and water cooling. Maybe the same motor though, but if they do that, you wouldn't be able to add a battery or a cooling system. That's just a guess though based on the competition. God, I hope they don't go to gears. I like NOT shifting.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: protomech on May 21, 2012, 03:04:53 AM
Yes, you would probably like improvements in areas that you could have the option of upgrading your bike. Thing is though, they need to improve range, acceleration, and top speed. I think they are going to have to re-design to do that. I see a bigger battery and water cooling. Maybe the same motor though, but if they do that, you wouldn't be able to add a battery or a cooling system. That's just a guess though based on the competition. God, I hope they don't go to gears. I like NOT shifting.

I think we'll see small improvements in acceleration and highway energy consumption and a big improvement in charge time .. probably a small price drop too. I think they will reuse the ZF3 battery module next year. (ZF9 = 3 ZF3 modules)

Brammo has pretty effectively priced themselves out of a direct comparison with Zero, especially if Zero can drop their prices slightly. I think the 2012 bikes are outclassed at $14k, but small improvements and a price drop may give a lot of Empulse buyers that are looking for a commute bike second thoughts.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Richard230 on May 21, 2012, 04:40:28 AM
It looks to me like the Enertia Plus is going to be Brammo's closest competitor to the Zero line.  All they have to do is to start delivering the bikes.   ::)

Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: dkw12002 on May 22, 2012, 12:12:21 AM
Brammo advertises the Enertia+ at $11,000 with a range of 80 miles and top speed of 60+ mph which would underperform the 2012 Zero S by quite a bit. I can't find anything about a 2012/13 Enertia+ though. This company has a history of not bringing products to market, so I won't hold my breath. Zero, on the other hand delivers quite well. I would like to see a bunch of different electric bike makes and models to choose from, but the market is not there yet. I am awaiting critiques of the Empulse too. Apparently there are a few out there for motorcycle magazines to ride and review, but none to buy yet and no reviews either. 
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Lipo423 on May 22, 2012, 12:41:13 AM
I would be really surprised if they make mayor changes in the bike...(Zero S model), unless they get a huge ROIC
I'm more in line with Protomech...see changes/improvements as:
- Charging
- Braking system
- Suspension system eventually
- Software tricks (acceleration, Regeneration)
- More added value options (lights, luggage, warmers, mirrors, etc...)
- Eventually more battery capacity - but I see this as a last option, as they would be challenged with bike overall cost.

As they are starting to get the sales volume, they could squeeze their suppliers, and get an overall improved bike with the same price
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Nukie on May 22, 2012, 12:57:15 AM
Thanks for the recon work, Paul. I was very interested to hear what might be in store for 2013. Been debating on whether to take the plunge for 2012 or what and see. I am tempted to wait since I am in no immediate hurry. I know whatever I do, the technology while outdate itself quickly. One of my local dealers compares buying an electric bike akin with buying a computer or smartphone. A new model is just around the corner that will be a little bit better.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: Richard230 on May 22, 2012, 03:54:53 AM
I would be really surprised if they make mayor changes in the bike...(Zero S model), unless they get a huge ROIC
I'm more in line with Protomech...see changes/improvements as:
- Charging
- Braking system
- Suspension system eventually
- Software tricks (acceleration, Regeneration)
- More added value options (lights, luggage, warmers, mirrors, etc...)
- Eventually more battery capacity - but I see this as a last option, as they would be challenged with bike overall cost.

As they are starting to get the sales volume, they could squeeze their suppliers, and get an overall improved bike with the same price

I thought I read some speculation somewhere that Zero was going to make a sportbike model next year, to supplement their dirt bike/super moto models.
Title: Re: Zero National Motorcycle test ride day
Post by: af1 racing on May 22, 2012, 04:47:38 AM
Thanks to all the riders that came out to our demo day....probably had 15 different people try them out.   One guy showed up on a older e-bike (forgort the name, it wasnt a zero), and was VERY impressed with the Zero S.

We keep our S and X demo models plugged in and they are always ready for test rides....stop by anytime.