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[TfuRdr15]

Hi all.  Glad to see such an engaged and active forum.    Super excited to finally be buying an electric bike, but having a bit of a dilemma over whether to get the 2015 S vs. 2016 S. 

The dealer is offering me their 2015 S demo bike (<3000 miles) with a full warranty, the GIvi top box installed, a vinyl wrap color of my choosing and a lowered seat with tax, shipping and licensing included for less than the 2016 S (with no options).   

I guess the only real question is whether: (1) having a brand new bike (not a huge deal to me), (2) the 13K vs. 12.5K battery (I'm not sure if it is or not - the dealer said it only adds 20 miles or so), (3) the new engine in the 2016 S (doesn't seem like a huge deal) and (4) having to pay out of pocket for the accessories that are installed on the model is worth the price bump. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

Also, I'm not considering other brands (due to price and/or range), nor am I looking at the other Zero offerings (SR - The S has more than enough power for me and the other models are too tall for my frame and/or don't have the range I'm looking for). 

[Electronpusher]

I had the choice between a 2014 S a 2015 SR and a 2016 S.  All were about the same price.  The 2014 S and the 2015 SR came with a  bunch of options.  I chose the 2015 SR for the upgraded suspension, extras, and motor.  My 2 cents would be go with the 2015 S.  Since it has been used some of the hassle to replacing non working componients would have been worked out, and you still get the full warrenty.  The suspensions will be the same and the smal increase in battery is nice but depending on your situation might or might not matter.  The difference in motor would be nice but depending on the area you live might not make a different.  I live in seattle and it is cool most oof the year and the bike does not overheat unless i am doing stop and go traffic light to light quick runs or unless i am giving it full throttle on the highway, not really a problem unless i am going crazy.  If you live in a hot climate then it might be a bigger deal.  Read up on both bikes and compare ther specs with all of the gear the 2015 comes with and take a look at what your typical usage wouold be.  Hope this helps

[mrwilsn]

If you aren't even considering an SR then I would go with the 2015 with all the options.  3k miles on these electric bikes is nothing! You are a little closer to tire and brake pad changes... that's about it.  The engine in the 2016 is a big deal but not if you aren't the type to be pushing the bike to the point that it gets hot.  The difference in battery isn't worth it...its only worth about 5 miles of real world use at 70mph.  More if you are going slower speeds but in my experience range is never an issue if you are going slow (45mph).  Even with my 2014 S ZF11.4, I have found that range only matters when long stretches of interstate are involved. The 2015 is a great bargain.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

[TfuRdr15]

Thanks Electronpusher and mrwilson. 

I don't think the battery difference will be a big issue for me.

The heat, on the other hand, might be a concern.  I live in Los Angeles, so yeah, it can get hot.  Curious if anyone else has had issues with overheating in the summers in LA (or in this year, the fall.. .  That being said, I only have about a 25 mile commute (20 on the highway), so I probably won't push it to that point.

[NoiseBoy]

To make your decision easier, the 2016 will NOT have the new motor. As far as we know only the SR and FXS will get the new IPM motor.

[TfuRdr15]

Thanks all.  I'm almost certainly going with the 15 at this point then unless something monumental changes.  The price for that bike all in is too good an opportunity to pass up. 

[protomech]

To make your decision easier, the 2016 will NOT have the new motor. As far as we know only the SR and FXS will get the new IPM motor.

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/features.php

Click "View Details" under REVOLUTIONARY Z-FORCE® MOTOR. The IPM motor is also listed under the ZF13 specs.

Interior permanent magnet (IPM) design on Zero S ZF13.0 and Zero SR increases efficiency, cools more rapidly, and has higher thermal capability

If you do a lot of riding on the highway at speeds well in excess of 75 mph, then it sounds like the 2016 would be worth looking at for its new IPM motor. If not, the 2015 is a little cheaper and hopefully the included upgrades are valuable to you.

[Burton]

If you do a lot of riding on the highway at speeds well in excess of 75 mph, then it sounds like the 2016 would be worth looking at for its new IPM motor.

Or you can do like some of the racers do and take apart your motor and mill some holes in the side plates
I ride year round in all weather, from -10F to 110F often in 90% humidity in both directions >__< Having a ventilated motor I am sure helps keep things cool as I ride at 75mph both ways to and from work for 30 minutes.

That said I would still love an enclosed solution which wouldn't overheat with the riding I do

[TfuRdr15]

I spend most of my time commuting on the 405 into century city (LA folks will understand).  Even with lane sharing, I basically never go that fast for stretches longer than 5-10 minutes minutes and I need to get very lucky for that to happen.      

I don't race and hardly ever go that fast even when riding for pleasure.  I'm just happy to be on 2 wheels.    

Not seeing much benefit for me to pay extra for the 16 or be stuck driving a car until the 16s are available in January, but I appreciate all the input.