ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: MostlyBonkers on December 05, 2015, 02:54:20 AM
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Many of you have probably wondered whether I'll ever join the ranks of forum members that own a Zero. It has been a long journey for me but today I managed to make the call I've got so close to a couple of times before.
When the Police spec DS bikes went on sale with Streetbike's dealership announcement I had only had my VFR for a month. I never expected a deal like that to come along. Three of the DSP bikes got snapped up in the first week. I was looking at the deal to chop my VFR in when a fourth got sold. A fifth became available but I wasn't able to commit to the deal at that point so I missed out on that too. However, one of the five came back on the market yesterday due to the customer having an unfortunate health issue.
After making a solemn promise to my wife that I will keep an electric bike for at least a couple of years, I leaped the final hurdle. She doesn't believe me of course... This will be my fourth bike this year: Fazer 1000 > NC750S DCT > VFR 1200FD (also DCT) > 2014 DS. It has to stop!
Each bike has been fantastic at what it does. I've justified changing each bike in different ways but none of them have fulfilled the desire to go electric. I've kept coming back here because I'm just hooked on the idea. There are some big compromises to make but I'm hoping I can live with them. I think the VFR is a fantastic bike. However, the realities of having a young family mean that it's like owning a yacht and only ever sailing around the estuary. I commute. Even when I do get chance to go for a ride on a weekend, time limits my range. I can't really do long trips, which is a shame. Owning a sports tourer was wishful thinking with my commitments.
If anyone thinks I'm mad, please say so. I'm pretty excited about the opportunity to own a Zero at long last. No doubt I'll be letting you all know how it goes! If nothing else it will be a good experiment to see how the Zero copes with the rigours of an all weather commute into London every day.
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Does yours still have the light kills and flashers?
Congrats on joining the 14 police ds bikes they are fun :)
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If anyone thinks I'm mad, please say so.
You won't hear a peep out of me. The cold, hard reality most of us motorcyclists exist in, and the transportation needs thereof, are far better met by electric motorcycles than by ICE motorcycles. We all love the thought of a nice, relaxed, month-long tour of the countryside. We all love a brisk 200-mile ride in the mountains. But in reality, the majority of miles most of us put on are commuting miles. Nothing (other than maybe a new set of Adidas) is a better commuter than an electric motorcycle, which is also right on top of the "fun" scale too. And you CAN take nice rides on the weekend, too...just not quite as far. Ben and Terry prove that you can tour, as well...just not quite as fast.
I figure that in reality, my needs are 80% commuting, 15% pleasure rides and 5% errands and everything else. The electric bike absolutely destroys anything else for commuting or errand-running, and has given me some pretty wonderful pleasure rides too. I just can't see how anything else could even claim to be a better fit for the reality of my motorcycling needs.
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Doug S, you disappoint me, you forgot the most important motorcycle transportation need...
The absolute occasionally requirement to utterly thrash the car next to you off the lights.
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Thanks for the support guys. It's the fun factor I'm most intrigued about. What will it be like living with the bike? Will I get more pleasure out of my commute overall? I'm enjoying the daily blast down the motorway on my VFR but that will end. My route will change. I'm flipping my commute over from having a bike that excels at speed to one that is more at home in town. It's a leap of faith based on a few test rides, anecdotes from this forum and a keen interest.
I wonder how long it will take to happen though. I think Jason said the bikes are due to be delivered next week. The news about the subsidy throws a curve ball into the equation. I think we'll be lucky if anything happens before Christmas now. Timing is everything so I hope all the variables don't change too much in the next few weeks or so.
The decision is made, so now it should just be a matter of time. I'm hoping that me riding around London on a Zero will attract a few more to this forum. We could do with another Harlan over here too!
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hi Bonkers!
Congrats with your decision! I've owned a VFR1200(non-DCT) prior to my '15 DS for two years and it's a great bike, for touring. Having two little girls myself, i've found touring impossible nowadays... too bad. For the future however...
I've found the VFR quite thirsty, and not fun to drive around city speeds (but DCT will mask that i guess)
It's a relatively heavy bike at slow speeds and i'm not that tall. Maybe it's the combination. The VFRfun started when leaving the city. I don't know how many time you will spend in London traffic, but during that time, the Zero is a better option, by far. Light, quick, small, nimble compared to the VFR. The Zero downside is the lack of wind protection at highway speeds. Fit & finish of the Zero are good, but not Honda-good.
I drive my DS Holland-style, which means lots of rain and lots of wind for the last 4 weeks. No problemo at all.
The big compromises you are talking about are not so big. I did not ran into them once. Considering the time you've spend here on the forum, you know what you are buying.
The VFR is fantastic, but i love my DS. And i love the fact that i'v become less dependent from oil-based idiots. But that's personal.
Commuter greetings from the Amsterdam area. And show us a DSP picture please!
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Hi buutvrij, thanks for sharing your experience. I have also come to the conclusion that the VFR doesn't like going slow. Even with DCT it feels a bit clunky around town. There's a fair bit of driveline slack and it rattles around at filtering speeds. I can live with that. Fuel economy really drops off in the city though. The radiator fan often comes on just as I come to a stop and seems to be on about 50% of the time in slow traffic.
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You are a Sr Member here with 295 posts! It's about time you got a Zero! lol Seriously tho, good job!
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Another VFR / Zero owner checking in. They both have their place. The Zero wins the butt-ballot nine times out of ten.
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Congratulations MostlyBonkers, it seems that it is impossible to get over 300 posts here without accidentally buying an electric bike.
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I will be having to fly over for a Zero meetup at this rate. UK Zero massif represent.
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Thanks for pointing out my posting status on the forum Terry. I also love the idea of 'accidentally' buying a Zero Erasmo.
I was saying to the guys on the Zero stand on Wednesday that it felt like it was time for me to shit or get off the pot. If you'll excuse the rather crude expression...
The very next day I learnt about the Police bike becoming available and I just had to jump at the opportunity. It must be fate!
This is in no small part down to all the effort that has gone into Zero coming back to the UK, the support Streetbike have given and of course everyone on this forum. Thank you all - it has been quite a ride getting to this point!
It would be great to organise a Zero owners/enthusiasts get-together in the UK at some point. Perhaps in the spring or summer?
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That reminds me I was going to ask you how many miles were on those Police bikes? I was wondering if they really used them of just got them for publicity. I guess yours came with the crash bars and grip guards. Congrats mate enjoy.
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Thanks. They're brand new. No miles. I don't know the full story but I think it was an order that didn't get fulfilled. Or perhaps they didn't sell as many as anticipated. Or they made some extras in case orders came from other police forces. If I get the chance, I'll find out.
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14 police bikes were new from a police agency that wasn't able to complete the final part of their funding
Does your 14ds have crash bars?
Hard guards?
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This is great news, congratulations…you said it is your 4th bike this year, and you are still married???
Please, do me a favor, when your wife is asleep, extract a little blood (a few drops is enough), and ship them to me…we need to clone her!!!
;D ;D ;D
As already pointed out by other members every bike has his place…however when you try a nice electric bike everything else becomes noisy, chunky and bulky…
You will definitely enjoy the DS. It is a great bike ;)
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Thanks Lipo. My wife is pretty special for putting up with me. She must have a rare bikers wife gene! Have no doubt that I'll be in deep doo doo if I even think about getting another bike next year.
Cortez, I'm not sure if the crash bars will stay on. Or if these particular ones had them in the first place. I'll be sure to post a couple of pictures when I get it.
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Best thing you can do is get it. I can tell you about Switzerland because I live here. You'll experience it and know. I commute on my Zero every day, I'm sad when it rains and I drive. Otherwise, from 90 degrees to 18 degrees, I ride my Zero. Best part of my day. Can weave and take less common routes home, saves time and off the line, smokes everything.
I don't do as much pleasure riding, no long trips, sure those are great. I have two kids so I get my kicks with a 4 hour kitchen pass from the wife. Enjoy, don't look back.
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Thanks MegaJ. 18 degrees Fahrenheit must bite a bit! I work in Celsius and stop riding when it gets down to 3 or below. I worry about ice, although the roads I commute on are well used so I probably shouldn't.
I take it you own an SR? I doubt I'll be able to leave much traffic in my dust riding a DS. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the NC750 I rode over the summer though.
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Thanks MegaJ. 18 degrees Fahrenheit must bite a bit! I work in Celsius and stop riding when it gets down to 3 or below. I worry about ice, although the roads I commute on are well used so I probably shouldn't.
I take it you own an SR? I doubt I'll be able to leave much traffic in my dust riding a DS. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the NC750 I rode over the summer though.
MegaJ posted previously that he bought a S.
I think the coldest I've ridden was -14C, but I don't ride at all in icy conditions.
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I also rode in -14C temperatures, but usually don't ride if ice is a possibility. Just wanted to see if it would run with no problems (which it did).
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I also rode in -14C temperatures, but usually don't ride if ice is a possibility. Just wanted to see if it would run with no problems (which it did).
-10F here, with no plastics less tank, and heated gloves / jacket liner going on HIGH ;) No issues other than battery draining faster than it would if it was warmer ... granted at this time I had my controller cover in place to keep it warm.
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And you can always rent an ICE bike for the weekend if you plan to do a long ride.
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I also rode in -14C temperatures, but usually don't ride if ice is a possibility. Just wanted to see if it would run with no problems (which it did).
-10F here, with no plastics less tank, and heated gloves / jacket liner going on HIGH ;) No issues other than battery draining faster than it would if it was warmer ... granted at this time I had my controller cover in place to keep it warm.
Did you make that controller cover your self?
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Did you make that controller cover your self?
I have ever not made something myself? lol
You can find most of my projects documented here in my signature link ;) Here is the direct link from the list in the signature link.
The cover has no retaining screws and simply snaps into place ;) It kept the controller the same temp as my ventilated motor and the battery when temps were under 25 so it worked well. Wouldn't be hard to make your own but be careful with the sheet metal it is sharp :D
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4274.msg27778#msg27778 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4274.msg27778#msg27778)
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The coldest I have ever done is 0C but that's likely to change this winter. Last winter I had a vehicle to fall back on and it was a lease so my philosophy was use it while you have it.
This winter no car. Just my 2014 Zero S equipped as follows:
Zero Windscreen
Barkbusters handgaurds
Zero heated seat
Oxford heaterz hand grips
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Gloves
Gerbing 12V Heated Socks
Gerbing 12V Permanent Dual Temp Controller
Gerbing 12V Hybrid Heated Insoles
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Jacket
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Pants
All the Gerbing gear is new purchased from Revzilla on sale for black Friday. I just installed the temp controller for all the Gerbing gear over the weekend.
It's not all that cold yet...about 4C this morning... the ride was toasty!
The only thing that will stop me from ridding this winter will be snow or ice (or possibility of it). In that case it will be light rail/bus or Uber or car rental (for extended periods of snow/ice).
Here's to hoping for a mild winter!
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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And you can always rent an ICE bike for the weekend if you plan to do a long ride.
I have done this. The only place near me that rents is Harley. Took a Harley Ultra Glide on a 1700 mile trip. Talk about night and day from the Zero!
After the trip I got home and my head felt like it had been in a paint can shaker...it gave me a whole new appreciation for my Zero! Light! Agile! Quiet! No vibration!
I was a little surprised the Harley didn't ride better. For a bike that is marketed as a "see the country" bike it was really viby at hwy speed....tickled my nose the whole trip!
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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Did you make that controller cover your self?
I have ever not made something myself? lol
You can find most of my projects documented here in my signature link ;) Here is the direct link from the list in the signature link.
The cover has no retaining screws and simply snaps into place ;) It kept the controller the same temp as my ventilated motor and the battery when temps were under 25 so it worked well. Wouldn't be hard to make your own but be careful with the sheet metal it is sharp :D
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4274.msg27778#msg27778 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=4274.msg27778#msg27778)
Yeah maybe it was a bit more of a rhetorical question :D Gonna favourite the link, it sure looks like a nice addition.
If my Zero ever arrives I might build my own for the winter and maybe even do a 3D model of it so other people just can print it.
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Yeah I can't really make anything to offer as my bike was modified from a size 4 to a size 6 and the frame was cut to do it ;)
But I can take other pictures if you want ideas. It is riveted together, no screws.
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Yeah I can't really make anything to offer as my bike was modified from a size 4 to a size 6 and the frame was cut to do it ;)
But I can take other pictures if you want ideas. It is riveted together, no screws.
I'll send you a message when my bike arrives.
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The coldest I have ever done is 0C but that's likely to change this winter. Last winter I had a vehicle to fall back on and it was a lease so my philosophy was use it while you have it.
This winter no car. Just my 2014 Zero S equipped as follows:
Zero Windscreen
Barkbusters handgaurds
Zero heated seat
Oxford heaterz hand grips
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Gloves
Gerbing 12V Heated Socks
Gerbing 12V Permanent Dual Temp Controller
Gerbing 12V Hybrid Heated Insoles
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Jacket
Gerbing 12V EX Heated Pants
All the Gerbing gear is new purchased from Revzilla on sale for black Friday. I just installed the temp controller for all the Gerbing gear over the weekend.
It's not all that cold yet...about 4C this morning... the ride was toasty!
The only thing that will stop me from ridding this winter will be snow or ice (or possibility of it). In that case it will be light rail/bus or Uber or car rental (for extended periods of snow/ice).
Here's to hoping for a mild winter!
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
But how many hours do you spend plugging yourself in in the morning before getting on the bike? I thought putting on and taking off waterproofs took long enough.
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But how many hours do you spend plugging yourself in in the morning before getting on the bike? I thought putting on and taking off waterproofs took long enough.
About an extra 1 second per connection. The jacket has built in connections for gloves and pants. The pants have a built in connection for socks/insoles. I don't have a splitter to run socks and insoles simultaneously and probably won't buy one.
So the routine is:
1. Put on pants
2. Put on shoes and connect shoes to the pant leg connectors.
3. Put on balaclava (not heated but wind proof...mostly to cover neck and keep air from getting up into helmet)
4. Put on jacket and connect jacket to pants.
5. Connect gloves to connectors on the arms of jacket but then don't put the gloves on...just leave them hanging by the cable.
6. Put on helmet.
7. Walk outside and plug heated gear into bike after disconnecting bike charger (I have two connectors for this so that I can control temps separately but it could be done with just one).
8. Put on gloves and ride away [emoji1]
I have the connectors on the bike feed out where the seat meets the tank right next to my crotch and right next to where the cables feed out from the waistline of the jacket.
In all I would say that it takes less than 10 seconds more than if I was putting on full rain gear (booties, jacket, pants gloves) or just full gear but without heat. So I trade some inconvenience in exchange for a boatload of money.
If you want to save some money ride electric motorcycle instead of driving ICE car whenever you can. But in that case you still have auto insurance and car payments and maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, tires etc.). I could get a really old cheap car which would eliminate payments (or at least lower them) and reduce insurance costs but stuff breaks on old cheap cars and that costs money too. Plus I would still have all the scheduled maintenance.
The winters in STL are short and relatively mild. We do get snow but it rarely lasts for too long. If I ride 330 days a year (or more) and only drive 35 days a year then owning a car is an expensive convenience. Not to mention it would be parked on the street in front of my apartment and would need to be moved twice a month to avoid tickets when the street cleaners come around (which I would always forget to do before my lease ended). It costs me about $800-$1000 to rent a brand new car for 35 days which is about equal to one month's lease plus insurance (I had a fully loaded Nissan Murano SUV). A more basic vehicle it might be 2-4 months of payments plus insurance.
It took me a long time to situate myself to the point where I was ready to ditch the car altogether. I haven't owned a car since April of this year and haven't regretted it yet but the true test is just starting now that temps are diving.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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When do you take delivery?
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No idea. The bikes are supposed to arrive this week but the subsidy is going to hold everything up. Likely January sometime. It's down to the government more than zero and Streetbike at this stage.
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A frustrating wait then. At least your not missing out on any decent weather.
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You say that Tony, but it's been really quite mild for the time of year and not too wet. The forecast is rough for tomorrow though. I'm enjoying my VFR in the meantime and counting my lucky stars. All that power is addictive and I wish I didn't have to choose one over the other. On my way home tonight I encountered a BMW driver who thought he had a quick motor. We were joining the start of the M1 together. I was in the left lane and he obviously thought he was going to overtake me. I wasn't rushing, but you can tell when someone thinks they are going to put their foot down and make a show of it. When there's a guy who obviously has an over-inflated ego it is just so much fun to piss on their parade. I will miss that. I ride the VFR fast when it's safe to do so. To most road users it probably looks like I'm very cautious. Just occasionally an opportunity comes along to let it rip and those moments are priceless.
I have to try this electric motorcycle lark for real though. Tests rides and forum posts only go so far! Time will tell and my habit for airing my thoughts here will no doubt document the journey. I just hope the bloody thing doesn't break down! That will piss me off for sure...
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After 3 weeks of ownership, my onboard charger (DS) died. After owning 4 different Honda motorcycle's in a row without a singe problem, I said to myself "you know something like this was gonna happen"...
And yes, after 4000 something rpm, the VFR takes off like a mad bull...
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There must be something Zen like, riding the Zero. I feel so relaxed on the bike. Perhaps it's the lack of vibration or noise. Maybe it's the understated way in which it accelerates. Standing to national speed limit without any drama. On the roads I ride, if someone ones to drive like a knob, I move over and let them crack on. I know I'll pull alongside at the next junction or set of lights. I sometimes miss my BMW, then other times not. For me the Zero has more advantages than disadvantages
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Hi,I'm buying 1 of the Police DS's from Streetbike,and was told it was a cancelled South African Police order if that's helpfull......
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It is helpful, thanks. I think Cortez mentioned something about cut backs means the police agency pulled out.
I love the mad bull analogy.
I'm banking on the overall experience being better with the Zero and I'm willing to risk reliability. Now that's a sentence I might live to regret! I hope not though.
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Congrats on the new toy.
I understand - I had three bikes in my garage for years. I didn't want to let go of any of them (I get attached to my toys), but after a few years of just taking the gas bike out of the garage to get a tune-up... and after a few years of paying insurance and registration for a vehicle that was just taking up space in the garage... I finally sold my gas bike. And - surprise - I don't miss it a bit. You'll see ;-)
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Thanks oobflyer, it's anecdotes like that which really make a difference. Your experience and that of many others here on this forum have kept me coming back and held my interest. Despite owning the best bike I've ever had with the VFR, I'm still looking forward to achieving my ambition of going electric.
I was watching one of Ben's videos on his road trip last night. He mentioned the desire he's had to abandon petrol for years since the Vetrix in 2007. I found that inspiring. There is so much politics around oil and a lot of it isn't pretty. We're all financing those politics at the fuel pump.
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since the Vetrix in 2007
Nice parallel - I too bought an '07 Vectrix. I still have it - it's my daily commuter/back-up bike - runs perfectly. But it only has a range of 50 miles/charge. My Zero is my distance bike :-)
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of your new bike.