ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: manitou on March 29, 2016, 05:45:37 AM
-
Hot damn.. Looks like us 2013'ers are getting new batteries. Here's a snip of the email I got about an hour ago:
"Zero Motorcycles is passionate about the quality and integrity of our motorcycles. We continually monitor their performance and conduct ongoing durability tests. As a result of our ongoing testing and current field quality data, we have concluded that monolith power pack performance in certain 2013 Zero S and Zero DS motorcycles is declining more rapidly than we believe is acceptable as a result of a power pack supplier manufacturing defect. As a result, we are announcing the 2013 Zero SDS Monolith Replacement Campaign whereby we will replace the ZF11.4 and ZF8.5 monoliths in affected motorcycles with new ZF12.5 and ZF9.4 monoliths at no charge to the owner."
-
Got mine 2 weeks ago, it's already enroute, I wonder if the new battery will be power tank ready and have a higher auxiliary charge fuse
-
Yea sorry. I scanned for a subject line before I posted. Guess I didn't scan well enough.
-
Just read the email again ...
It would require my bike be at Zero HQ for a week ... 0_0 On top of shipping times ... ugh ... we are talking about 3 weeks minimal here given I am on the east coast ...
While I have access to a friends motorcycle (which uses gas of course) it still is going to be a pain. I think I would gladly pay shipping to have a pack sent to and from my dealer and simply take the 30 minutes it would likely me take to swap the packs and do it here ...
As far as I can tell ... right now the only thing connected to my battery is the removable molex connector on the rear and the bolts on the frame since my birds-nest is on top of the battery and loose and my external charger has been heat shrunk so I could reuse the Anderson SBS75X connector elsewhere on the bike.
Makes me wonder how many other "race ready" 2013's are going to have the same issues I will have with having the battery replaced at zero HQ ...
-
I had my battery replaced last summer. It took about 2.5 months with a good bit of the time spent with my dealer messing up the shipping. When I talked to I believe Manny from Zero on the phone I asked if they would replace it with the 12.5 and he told me they are not compatible with the 2013 platform so they gave me a 11.4 2014 monolith. It has worked fine so far but would prefer the better 12.5. I must say this is troubling as I thought I just had a lemon battery no big deal it happens, but if they are all bad after 3 years what does this say about the current line. I love the bike but 2013 was the "ok we got this now" year model as far as the battery and BMS went. This will be one hell of an expense just in shipping costs. I wish they had an east coast base. It is very outstanding that they are taking this action to help customers just concerned the batteries might not be 300,000 mile ready.
-
I was told in the letter that I will be receiving the 12.5kw , hopefully the shipping back and forth and the week replacement won't go over the estimated timeframe, I'm still waiting for a response from zero to see if they will be making the power tank connection available for the new battery, that would be sweet!
-
Its pretty cool that zero is doing this.
-
I haven't seen an email for my 13DS, for what it's worth.
-
Just read the email again ...
It would require my bike be at Zero HQ for a week ... 0_0 On top of shipping times ... ugh ... we are talking about 3 weeks minimal here given I am on the east coast ...
While I have access to a friends motorcycle (which uses gas of course) it still is going to be a pain. I think I would gladly pay shipping to have a pack sent to and from my dealer and simply take the 30 minutes it would likely me take to swap the packs and do it here ...
As far as I can tell ... right now the only thing connected to my battery is the removable molex connector on the rear and the bolts on the frame since my birds-nest is on top of the battery and loose and my external charger has been heat shrunk so I could reuse the Anderson SBS75X connector elsewhere on the bike.
Makes me wonder how many other "race ready" 2013's are going to have the same issues I will have with having the battery replaced at zero HQ ...
Can't you arrange to delay the operation until after your riding season?
-
Can't you arrange to delay the operation until after your riding season?
You are funny my friend ... my riding season doesn't end ... I ride year round in DC without a problem :D
I am less concerned about the bike being gone for 3 weeks and more concerned about my dealer using their discretion and saying "nope we won't do it because of X Y Z" and me not being able to "fix" XYZ because I can't get parts ...
I have a good friend who needs work on his ninja 250 ... you bet your butt he will let me borrow it for 3 weeks to a month while I "fix" it for him and ride it to work lol
-
I haven't seen an email for my 13DS, for what it's worth.
Did you register your warranty or in the case of a second hand bike a warranty transfer ?
-
Can't you arrange to delay the operation until after your riding season?
You are funny my friend ... my riding season doesn't end ... I ride year round in DC without a problem :D
I also ride year round but if I have to miss my bike for a few weeks I prefer it to be in the winter :)
-
I haven't seen an email for my 13DS, for what it's worth.
Did you register your warranty or in the case of a second hand bike a warranty transfer ?
After 3 years, I don't remember, but have warranty work recorded with Zero. I'll ask my dealer.
-
I just got my bike back from California. It was there all almost all winter (3 months) getting the monolith replaced to the 12.5kw. Perhaps Zero is speeding up the process but if you guys are planning to do it, I would prepare for a longer wait.
-
I just got my bike back from California. It was there all almost all winter (3 months) getting the monolith replaced to the 12.5kw. Perhaps Zero is speeding up the process but if you guys are planning to do it, I would prepare for a longer wait.
3 months!?
I don't think that is acceptable my bike is my primary means of travel >__<
Man, I might have to buy another bike just to wait for this bike to be updated.
UPDATE: Re Re read it again.
It seems like what they are going to do is the following.
1) contact local rep.
2) take bike to local rep and they inspect bike to make sure it qualifies
3) if rep gives ok it is entered into Zero system and you take bike home
4) Rep calls you up one day and says "zero is ready for your bike"
5) you take bike to rep and it is out a week or three (depending on how far it ships)
-
Anyone know how this has been handled for international bikes?
I'm on the 2014 platform, so not effected by this scenario, but would hate to think how long my bike would be out of action if it had to be shipped from Australia back to California for something like this in a years time.
-
UPDATE: Zero didn't have my email address attached to my ownership record. So, now I have the recall notice. I guess it's good timing that my 13 is redundant right now.
-
While I have access to a friends motorcycle (which uses gas of course) it still is going to be a pain. I think I would gladly pay shipping to have a pack sent to and from my dealer and simply take the 30 minutes it would likely me take to swap the packs and do it here ...
I am guessing its more than a battery swap. I would think the MBB & BMS would need to be re-programmed (or upgraded) to tell it it has a 12.5kw battery pack.
Thats why the factory is doing it and not the dealers. Many dealers can't even install a power tank without problems.
-
That's pretty much what I had figured, and the reason why I hope they offer the power tank option or charge tank
-
It seems like what they are going to do is the following.
1) contact local rep.
2) take bike to local rep and they inspect bike to make sure it qualifies
3) if rep gives ok it is entered into Zero system and you take bike home
4) Rep calls you up one day and says "zero is ready for your bike"
5) you take bike to rep and it is out a week or three (depending on how far it ships)
It seems the dealers got a different letter and at least mine has different conclusions - and I struggled to convince them of the pace as they said "drop it off now as the program ends in May". They already had one queued up and were waiting for shipping materials - which does indicate a circumnavigation to step #5. The "May" deadline isn't in my letter so the dealer's steps may be less or more clear.
I did get the impression the dealer staff is a little baffled by Zero's process for this and other service activities (Why "Keep the mirrors"? ) which might just be attributable to new company establishment of process jitters or ICE bias.
As the consumer - I'm just going with the dealer's flow and rounding up the expected turnaround time without grieving Zero for the added delay.
-
I am guessing its more than a battery swap. I would think the MBB & BMS would need to be re-programmed (or upgraded) to tell it it has a 12.5kw battery pack.
Thats why the factory is doing it and not the dealers. Many dealers can't even install a power tank without problems.
They would only need to swap the MBB at most (less the chargers can't mount on the bottom of the bike then the CCU as well as the chargers) ... but I think there are enough settings in the MBB where you could tell it you have a bigger pack size rather easily. (But I could be wrong)
As for dealers not being able to do it ... I second this. My local dealer who I live 5 minutes from informed me last night they sold their stock back to zero last week and not longer service or sell them. Part of me is glad because I feel they were incompetent the other part is not now I have to travel an hour to the nearest dealer.
Good thing my bike fits in my SUV :D
It seems the dealers got a different letter and at least mine has different conclusions - and I struggled to convince them of the pace as they said "drop it off now as the program ends in May". They already had one queued up and were waiting for shipping materials - which does indicate a circumnavigation to step #5. The "May" deadline isn't in my letter so the dealer's steps may be less or more clear.
Did you get a chance to see what they are looking for on the bike when you drop it off?
I did get the impression the dealer staff is a little baffled by Zero's process for this and other service activities (Why "Keep the mirrors"? ) which might just be attributable to new company establishment of process jitters or ICE bias.
Huh mirrors? What do mirrors have to do with it :/
-
Hi,
well I'm still struggling to get replacement parts after my accident.... it's been one year and a half now.....
So I don't think I'm gonna see something like a warranty momolith soon here in France !!!
Have a safe ride
Laurent
-
Isn't Zero back in England? Maybe you could take the ferry across the channel? Worth a call?
Hi,
well I'm still struggling to get replacement parts after my accident.... it's been one year and a half now.....
So I don't think I'm gonna see something like a warranty momolith soon here in France !!!
Have a safe ride
Laurent
-
Isn't Zero back in England? Maybe you could take the ferry across the channel? Worth a call?
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator/ (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator/)
They are all over Europe again so ....
I think what the complaint is there are parts not listed on the dealer replacement parts order website. If you didn't know dealers are given access to an account protected "dealer only" website where it lists all the parts they can order and their prices. I know this as I have seen this site myself having ordered several parts at my dealer (when they were still a dealer).
My parts never came ... i was told "you know when we order this we cannot give you a time frame for when it will come in right?" I agreed and they sent in the request for my parts (which I was never informed had come in ... and thankfully they were doing cash on delivery or I would be out about $250 right now since they are no longer a dealer)
I don't recall what parts where on the list since it has been a while but I do recall some very small parts being on the list I never expected would even need to be. Like a specific bolt I could pick up at my hardware store for example.
-
When it comes to performing monolith upgrades in Europe, you would think that it would be cheaper to fly a technician to Europe along with the necessary parts and repair 2013 bikes, rather than shipping the entire motorcycle (and dealing with customs and importing issues coming and going) halfway around the World and back again. ???
-
It seems the dealers got a different letter and at least mine has different conclusions - and I struggled to convince them of the pace as they said "drop it off now as the program ends in May". They already had one queued up and were waiting for shipping materials - which does indicate a circumnavigation to step #5. The "May" deadline isn't in my letter so the dealer's steps may be less or more clear.
Did you get a chance to see what they are looking for on the bike when you drop it off?
They did not appear to be looking at anything - upon contact at step #1 they just skipped ahead to step #5.
I did get the impression the dealer staff is a little baffled by Zero's process for this and other service activities (Why "Keep the mirrors"? ) which might just be attributable to new company establishment of process jitters or ICE bias.
Huh mirrors? What do mirrors have to do with it :/
I expect the mirrors come off when putting in the shipping crate. Rather than include the mirrors loose in the crate... the dealer is supposed to keep them. Which was perplexing yet easily recalled by the staff. So they have read the documents.... just not appearing to focus on the five steps we've identified from our own letters.
-
UPDATE: Zero didn't have my email address attached to my ownership record. So, now I have the recall notice. I guess it's good timing that my 13 is redundant right now.
My dealer is overflowing with service requests, and Oakland in range of Santa Cruz, so they asked me to call Zero customer support directly. They asked for photo documentation and bike logs before agreeing to do the warranty service, but when asked about any timeline or deadline, they said this is not urgent and the only concern is range degradation in the long term. So I guess that does say something significant about their battery warranty and claims.
-
I just bought what I'm told was the last new 2013 S and Zero was kind enough to put the new battery in it before shipping (it got to LA on the 25th). My first deposit was on the 15th and they knew I was planning to buy it on the ~10th. So unless they had already put the battery in before they found a buyer (which I'm told wasn't the case) they put the battery in and shipped it in less than 15 days. It's likely that they didn't put it in until after my first deposit which means they likely installed and shipped it in under 10 days.
-
Just dropped my off at the Austin dealer. He mentioned mine is the 4th (he wasn't 100% sure of that number) in this batch to go back. I don't know of this is their first "batch" or 5th of bikes. He said to be prepared for 4 weeks. I'm not crazy about missing out on all of April, but it's really cool of Zero to do such a big upgrade rather than deal with a class action law suit(?). So.. Zero, I forgive the shit I went through with the luggage rack. Thank you for doing the right thing without me even knowing it was a real problem yet.
Now, what will our range increase to? I barely make it to Austin and back. With the latest firmware upgrade, the bike slowed down to dangerous speeds as it got low. It's 70 mph all the way until about 2 miles from my house. Let me run it till the last 5 miles of charge before you slow me down please.
-
... my riding season doesn't end ... I ride year round in DC without a problem...
You must be the one and only Zero rider that I've seen so far in the DC area, along Wisconsin avenue, near Friendship Heights. Black/white bike?
-
You must be the one and only Zero rider that I've seen so far in the DC area, along Wisconsin avenue, near Friendship Heights. Black/white bike?
If you saw my bike you would know it lol ... big ole vetter fairing turret on it right now, top case, no plastics, cut tank, and a ton of other mods which make it look like a custom built electric lol
My bike lives in a garage while I am at work in DC ... so the only time it is really out and about is at my climbing gym or when I am riding it.
-
Must've been someone else then - looked like a regular 2012 or so vintage. But I may be mistaken, hard to tell from a quick glance through the car window moving in opposite directions in heavy traffic ...
-
Answering my own question. I'm guesstimating about 10miles more range.
Still wish they'd adjust the software back to no slow me down at 20% left. It's dangerous with the 70mph zone near my house.
-
Has anyone gotten their upgraded bike back yet?
-
Got mine back. Besides my Eco settings being reset to default and my horn button acting up now, everything is uneventful. It's nice knowing I have a bit more range and that my bike might be compatible with better charging options.
-
Did they give you any literature or tell you that you now have the 100amp fuse for auxiliary charging, or that you can get the power /charge tank, I have sent a few emails but no answer, you would think that they would want to push the fact that you can buy more accessories from them
-
No, they just gave it back and pretty much just let me know the transplant was successful. It would have been nice if they explicitly told whether or not it's compatible with more accessories. I just assume it is.
-
I wish they would answer the emails I sent because I would get them to put in the power tank at the factory, that would open up a lot of options for me to go further on the limited infrastructure in Ontario, plus a diginow charger in the future ;D
-
Timeline Comparative:
3/29/2016 Delivered 2013 S to dealer in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin
4/22/2016 Told by Zero and dealer Cycle on Truck
5/02/2016 Told by Zero Cycle arrived in CA (estimated couple days turnaround)
5/13/2016 Told by Zero Cycle on truck to dealer
5/22/2016 estimated arrival in Fond Du Lac from Freight Tracking number. (2 crates)
Was told by Zero - they had capacity for about 4 per day.
Will make sure dealer checks charging, horn and other electronics before picking up and riding home.
-
And now it goes faster and can do wheelies right? ;)
I got mine back yesterday. They said they'd check with Zero about the aux charge port fuse (weather or not it got swapped out to the 100amp fuse).
-
Timeline Comparative:
3/29/2016 Delivered 2013 S to dealer in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin
4/22/2016 Told by Zero and dealer Cycle on Truck
5/02/2016 Told by Zero Cycle arrived in CA (estimated couple days turnaround)
5/13/2016 Told by Zero Cycle on truck to dealer
5/22/2016 estimated arrival in Fond Du Lac from Freight Tracking number. (2 crates)
5/25/2016 called by dealer - cycle is uncrated and ready for pickup.
5/26/2016 I picked it up.
Mine unexpectedly had a bag and cord - which weren't mine (because I kept mine) which I added to the other bike. (two shipped together)
I rode in parking lot and then stopped and tested lights and horn.
Noticed - When I tested horn - the Tachometer jumped.
Noticed - After testing there was no throttle response. GREEN light was still lit.
I keyed off and back on and throttle worked.
Noticed - Mobile App indicated 27 miles expected range at 100% battery (11.50 kWh usable)
Noticed - Mobile App "Trip Performance" had been reset and indicated 23 miles.
Noticed - Mobile App indicated 'unknown' bike type.
I did not retest Horn while stopped.
Rode home (65 miles odometer) mostly country highways or lower and rode 35-50mph with occasional stretches in traffic at higher speeds.
Mobile App indicated 12-27 miles remaining range throughout trip.
Arrival at home 31% battery remaining.
Mobile app indicated 34 hour charge time (was done in less than 6 hours (11.60 usable)).
Mobile App indicated "2013 Zero S"
Tachometer does still jump when horn honks, but is not a precursor to no throttle response.
-
Mine does the RPM increase with horn thing too. I was driving down the road, held the horn (remote area.. No cars/people) and the Rpm's just went steadily up. Odd behavior, but I can live with it just fine if that's all it is.
-
I wish they would answer the emails I sent because I would get them to put in the power tank at the factory, that would open up a lot of options for me to go further on the limited infrastructure in Ontario, plus a diginow charger in the future ;D
Since no one else seems to have gotten an answer I'll share the answer I got from Zero's customer service rep:
Unfortunately, the main harness in the 2014 and 2015+ motorcycles is different and won’t allow for an installation of our power tank. I also believe that the frame doesn’t have the additional attach points to secure the module.
I would assume it's the same for the charge tank, but I don't know for sure.
-
Thanks for the reply, I got to talk with the dealer and he said the same thing, just waiting for the bike to come back, in the meantime I'm crippling myself on my sv650 which is now for sale, this thing is trying to vibrate me to death!
-
Got my bike back last week with a new 12,5kW battery. I am very happy about the 10% increased range.
They changed the firmware and my eco mode settings has been reset. Charges without problems. As the bikes log file mentioned the firmware was written for replacement with 14MY battery, I am happy they have choosen to use a zf12.5 version.
It was transported from Germany to the Netherlands within only a few days back and forth.
The replacement was done within 3 days there.
But the communication between my dealer and Zero previously took nearly 2 months.
I think this can be improved ;)