Zero SR/F Review

[Retsel_imp]

Thought this was interesting. Not in the market for one but I have to test ride it, just to check it out.

https://amp.businessinsider.com/zero-electric-motorcycle-brings-connectivity-race-for-e-bikes-2019-3

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[the Ferret]

Pretty nice looking e bike. I would test one. I've ridden the Zero S. They are certainly different. 200 mile range means with the optional power tank in a stop and go city cycle. 161 miles without the power tank. 82 miles at 70 mph.

There are 3 big issues with e bikes... price, range and charge times. Then there is the question of battery degeneration and replacement cost. The battery loses power each day you own it, and costs thousands to replace. They are not there yet for me.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Sat on a Zero street and dirt bike in Nepean, Ontario years ago. I found the bikes small in size. Nevertheless, as Ferret summarized, range anxiety is a real issue. So great for urban use, but touring? Not yet. Battery maintenance/cost is yet another thing to consider. These issues are similar to a pure electric cage.

 

[peterbaron]

Cool bike to me

 

[Retsel_imp]

Agreed, not ready for prime time for a dedicated distance rider but, maybe a commuter? Just the idea of instant and leaner torque and hp is intriguing! Going to have to try it!

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[GoldOxide_imp]

Agreed, not ready for prime time for a dedicated distance rider but, maybe a commuter? Just the idea of instant and leaner torque and hp is intriguing! Going to have to try it!

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If one can afford and make a go with the current technology, I'd say go for it. So many other benefits. The lesser spoken benefits are real "hop 'n' go" riding. No warming up, no fluid checks (well, maybe brake hydraulics), no idling in traffic mayhem, free pass on HOV freeway lanes, no stalling, no winterizing hardships other than battery maintenance.

 

[Retsel_imp]

Looks like Buell is getting into the EV-motorcycle market.

Erik Buell's New Company Fuell Jumping Into The Electric Bike Market - Jalopnik

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[alprider]

what you mean about 145hp ?

E-Motorrad kaufen in der Schweiz – Top Modelle bei E-Performance

or look start at min 5

 

[the Ferret]

Looks like Buell is getting into the EV-motorcycle market.

Erik Buell's New Company Fuell Jumping Into The Electric Bike Market - Jalopnik

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Named the company Fuell ..how clever

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

The Fuell Fluid, and especially the Flow look very promising in terms of specifications. They are really keeping the commuter's needs in mind - which is the market they must hit first to be successful.

13 gallon internal storage? Like, wow. So many possibilities.

A great share Retsel. Thanks.

 

[Frulk_imp]

Ferret said "Then there is the question of battery degeneration and replacement cost. The battery loses power each day you own it, and costs thousands to replace. They are not there yet for me."

Exactly my concern as well. It's the reason every power tool in my garage once again has a 110 volt cord that goes into the wall. After several bad and expensive experiences with various makes of battery powered tool manufacturers I'm back to what I know works.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

The battery would have to come with a service warranty - kinda like what Toyota provides with their Prius, Camry (15 years warranted service?).

In any case, the range anxiety would still bother me for touring. But for local trips, perfect - as long as purchase price is within reason too.

 

[the Ferret]

5 year warranty on the battery pack, from what I have read.

Imagine, thats what many of us get out of our stock Yuasas then complain that the replacement is $200.

Imagine the same battery life and the replacement is $ 4000.00

5 years sounds like a long time but guys on the board with 2013's, their bikes are 6 years old.

My 2014 turns 5 next month.

Cormanus's bike is 9 years old.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

5 year warranty on the battery pack, from what I have read.

Imagine, thats what many of us get out of our stock Yuasas then complain that the replacement is $200.

Imagine the same battery life and the replacement is $ 4000.00

5 years sounds like a long time but guys on the board with 2013's, their bikes are 6 years old.

My 2014 turns 5 next month.

Cormanus's bike is 9 years old.

Yeah, $4K sounds about right. Spoke to a proud new Toyota Camry owner and he expressed "15 year" maybe prorated (?) service warranty on the battery. I thought that was generous. I didn't verify the claim, but had no reason to either. Nevertheless, after that - whoa.

Who knows? ... maybe after than much time replacement batteries will be better? Cheaper? Still compatible? Ugh, difficult to think about.

 

[the Ferret]

Well you are not going to run down to Walmart or Batteries plus for a replacement when it quits on you in the middle of a ride lol

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Well you are not going to run down to Walmart or Batteries plus for a replacement when it quits on you in the middle of a ride lol

Agreed. Another issue as the battery weakens is cold climate use. Batteries, as we know, don't perform optimally in the very cold, even when reasonably new.

Not an issue for most motorcycles , but I suspect it would be for any winter equivalents.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Here you go y'all:

Six Electric Motorcycles That You Can Buy In 2019

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

FLY FREE: Electric Motorcycles in Vintage Styles

 

[Retsel_imp]

Popular Science, Zero test ride.

Riding Zero's SR electric motorcycle

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[GoldOxide_imp]

Still interesting nobody has been publicly pushing a sort of hybrid arrangement. Maybe it is not practical.