ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: keperkey on February 12, 2013, 06:56:03 PM
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Does anyone have experience with the MX? I am looking for something to ride in a residential setting that won't disturb the neighbors. Will the MX disappoint?
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Here are some videos of the MX in action:
http://www.zeromotorcycles.tv/category/zero-mx/ (http://www.zeromotorcycles.tv/category/zero-mx/)
With the ZERO MX ZF5.7, you'll have 68ft-lbs of torque to play with.
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I have seen the videos, but I have yet to find anyone who actually owns one. I would like to find someone on a forum or elsewhere to chat with.
Also, does anyone know why the value of these bikes seems to tank. I have seen 2011 MXs for as low as $5,000. Hard pill to swallow to spent $10,000 new and 11,500 if you get the 5.7.
All comments are welcome.
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I think it's a combination of factors:
1. Fear of reliability post-warranty (2 years)
2. Newer bikes are substantial upgrades re: features, power, range, refinement
3. Buyer market is still quite small. local buyers market is even smaller, unless you live in LA / SF / etc.
4. Where do you sell? ebay, cycletrader, local newspapers, online motorcycle forums?
5. Limited end-user access to the powertrain (see #1)
6. Significant rebates (incl state) allow owners to accept a lower price when selling. If your $14000 MSRP bike actually cost you $10000, then you can take a $8000 offer if it moves the bike fast.
For all of these reasons, a motivated seller will typically have to take a bath to sell, especially if they're selling after a year or two.
On the other hand.. buying a hugely depreciating asset new and then selling after a year or two is rarely a winning strategy. Gas bikes change so slowly that a two year old bike is likely identical to a factory new bike.
I would suggest the alternatives if low resale makes you leery:
1. Consider how long you really want to keep the bike. I really want ABS on my next bike, so I'm not swayed by the 2013 Zeros... much. I can ride mine until the 2014s or 2015s come out, then look at new and used bikes.
2. Consider a used bike. The 2012 bikes were excellent, but the 2013s are much nicer. However, a $9000 2012 Zero S ZF9 with a few thousand miles on it will run faster (top speed) and farther than (for example) a 2013 XU ZF5.7. If you have your heart set on a 2013 and new is too steep (even with the federal credit, which expires at the end of 2013) .. then the 2014 bikes will come out and you'll see a similar dip in 2013 used prices.
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I think your comments on the models other than MX make sense, but with the MX, it seems that the market is even more strange. I have yet to see comments on this forum on folks using these on a regular basis. I am trying to decide to spring for an MX, a KTM Freeride E if it ever comes to market, or wait for the Brammo Encite or Engage.
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I haven't seen many MX owners here either. S or DS seems to be more common.
Quick search to find owner threads:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2617.0 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2617.0)
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=1981.0 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=1981.0)
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2081.0 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2081.0)
You might shoot them a private message and see if they respond. mx-man at least has been posting recently.
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Thanks for the help. I will PM mx-man. Although I am not sure that a 2011 review will compare to a 2012, much less a 2013, but it is a starting point. This type of vehicle fits my needs perfectly, but want to make sure I am making the right decision. I am typically not an early adopter and hate being ahead of the bell curve.
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There are quite a number of MX riders even globally - In Europe one winning all the comps against gas bikes ! 400CCs etc.
They might not hang out here but rather at respective offroad / MX forums (and i do not so don't know).
the 2012 MX second hand or discounted floor stock would make a good value bike. KTM or Brammo - seems they are still a long way to even deliver, iron out and make stable their bikes. A search on youtube might get you in touch with some riders as well.
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I borrowed an X for a month, i only ride on the road and light trails but know people that have used it on proper MX tracks and trails. Drop me a PM if you have specific questions.
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I feel your pain, not much offroad information. I am considering the e-bike for backyard duty where I can ride around a little track system and not annoy the neighbors. I can only guess, since I not haven ridden one, but I am concerned the bike is not as refined in suspension and handling as other gas bikes. The 2013 seems to have enough power based on the numbers, so I can guess I would be happy with that aspect. Handling and durability have me concerned. However, most/all gas bikes have the entire frame area open where the motor is located. The zero has some frame members dividing that area for the battery packs to sit on. It looks like those frame members would really add some strength to that frame. They said shot peened, and that it good for crack prevention, a nice touch.
I still prefer steel frames because they seem more robust and don't have rubbing failures like aluminum. A brake line will rub and make a big divot in aluminum frame but it won't in steel.
I got old, and I don't ride as hard as I used to. So actually I sort of like the smaller bikes with more mellow power for trail cruising, not pounding whoops like mx. But this makes suspension quite critical to limit the pounding on my feeble knees and back. So I sort of think the 2013 is ok for lighter duty trail riding. Maybe same riding duty as the KTM Freeride 350. For whoops and big jumps, I am not sure. So basically I can't help you either.
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Marshm - thanks for your comments.
NoiseBoy - basically I would like as much information, including long term realiability as I can get. This is not the same as buying a used 250 4 stroke off CL, If I am going to pay $11,000 for a toy that will drop half its value in a year, I want to know it will last and serve my purposes since I will have it for a while.
Another problem is that I am 3 hours from the nearest dealer. The good news is that about 2 hours away there is an e-motocross park that rents MX's. I am going to talk to them about their experience with the bikes and probably head over to try them out.
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The good news is that about 2 hours away there is an e-motocross park that rents MX's. I am going to talk to them about their experience with the bikes and probably head over to try them out.
Sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to really get some information before opening up your wallet!