ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Rugby4life on September 21, 2017, 02:51:51 AM
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I'm shopping for my first Zero and was just about to pull the trigger on a '17 DS with a charge tank when along came a '13 DS at 1/2 the price. The charge tank is nice but I think I'd rather have a power tank and shop for an aftermarket level 2 charging set up. The '13 would allow me an immediate budget for accessories while the '17 also already has the most expensive accessory already. So what do I get/give away with each one?
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I own a 2013DS with 22k miles, and a 2016DSR with 21k miles.
The 2013 model will not accept either a Power Tank or Charge Tank, and has a limit of ~4kW of fast charging unless you go out of your way to custom install a charger. It also has cheaper bearings, suspension, and brakes, and no ABS.
The battery also offers less 15% capacity compared to 2016+ models. (Aerodynamic improvements can tweak each bike and I do recommend them no matter what you do.)
The 2013 is a fine bike and I'm commuting around SF with mine right now, but its limits are very real and if it doesn't fit your needs (maximum daily travel), it'll be better to buy the newer bike.
I would not choose a pre-2015 model for a lot of highway travel because of the suspension and bearings, whereas I can put 400 miles per day in on my supercharging DSR (with a Corbin Seat, I must admit, but the suspension is also a considerable improvement to the ride quality).
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In my opinion, a '13 and an '17 DS are 2 different worlds as it comes to just riding the bike.
Difference in quality/reliability is mentioned above.
Choose '17. Yes it's expensive....
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2013 -lacks the braking of the new bikes, if you are lucky the battery has been upgraded along with the auxiliary charge fuse, front and rear suspension are worlds apart, lacks the ability to add the factory charge tank or extra battery, dash is very basic, fading plastics (compared to the paint, but time will tell). My opinion is if you plan on keeping the bike for a while go for the newest edition, I've ridden both and own a 2013, zero comparison (pun intended) if cash is tight the 2013 will work fine but leave you wanting more