ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: blake on April 21, 2012, 09:43:21 AM
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In an online review of the 2012 models in Classic Driver (http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/popup_print.asp?print=true&lPageID=3150&id=15902 (http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/popup_print.asp?print=true&lPageID=3150&id=15902)), the author states that:
the Zero S is more of an urban commuter, with the longest gearing for motorway speeds, while the DS’s trail bike style will appeal to those looking for something a little taller, and its lower gearing gives the strongest acceleration.
This is the first I hear of this. Can anyone corroborate this? I'm not worried, BTW - if anything it would make my choice of the S over the DS even more definite.
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The DS "gearing" is slightly lower -- a couple sprocket teeth different IIRC. Claiimed top speed is 88 mph for the S vs. 80 for the DS. I test rode a couple of S bikes, and I didn't feel any noticeable difference in acceleration between them and my DS, though they were both ZF6 models, whereas mine is a ZF9 (about 40 lbs. or so heavier).
The DS is quite a bit taller, which may or may not affect handling (and foot contact with the ground) in a way you like. I thought the S was a bit quicker in the steering, while the DS soaked up bad pavement better. But both bikes are so much lighter than my Road King that I felt much less difference between them than between either and the Harley.
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Top speed of the S: 142 kph
S Final Drive Ratio: 4.71
Top speed of the DS: 129 kph
DS Final Drive Ratio: 5.28 or 5.46 with the optional chain kit
Through a combination of tire size/gear ratios the DS is geared for slightly quicker acceleration, S for higher speed.
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I graphed the power curves for the S and belt-drive DS vs mph here (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=1915.msg6326#msg6326), based on a motorcycle.com dyno plot.
The gearing shifts the power curves around a bit. The DS has the "meat" of its power curve (> 25 whp) between 40 and 62 mph, where the S is 45 and 70 mph. The DS has a bit more power below 40 mph (15-20% more), the S has a bit more power above 55 mph (10% more).