considering a Zero - need advice

[staft]

I'm a noob, have been researching ebikes for awhile, but haven't pulled the trigger on my first build yet. Instead, I am getting tempted by the idea of something sturdier, probably safer than a converted bike - an e-motorcycle. I don't have many skills or tools for building my own, unless somebody can recommend a straightforward conversion approach, so it is more likely I will save $ to buy a ready-made.

Is a Zero the best option? If so, would the cheaper XU be adequate for a heavy rider on a shortish commute? Or would an upgrade be worth the additional 3 grand ? Zero offers a warranty on the batteries over 100,00 miles - can they really be expected to last that long?

Any other options I should consider? What about waiting for the BMW scooter - any guesses on pricing for those? And if I wait, what do you think the 2013 Zeros will add to the mix?

I'm always happy to hear suggestions from people with personal experience. Thanks in advance.

[edcastrovalley]

Have you test drove a XU yet? I think it would work well for a short commute. From what I understand they're not made for a long freeway ride. Maybe an exit or two.

[staft]

No test rides yet. Will these handle like a ICE bike?

[edcastrovalley]

They handle much like an ice except no clutch or gear shift and they weigh less.

[rossasaurus]

Staft,
If you're heavy AND big, you'll likely find the XU ungainly, or ...... it will find you ungainly. I'm 6'4", 235 and found it had plenny power on the redwood back roads of Scotts Valley, but my legs were totally in the way. Never tried it on the highway. If you're more compact, an XU may work for you.
The range bump for 2012 was significant, and I can't imagine they'll pull-off any similar % gains for 2013?
I imagine there'll be i
Some improvements in range and efficiency, but I expect greater changes in cosmetics, fit and finish. Just my guesses though.
Buy as much pack as you can afford(or maybe a little more and I don't think you'd regret it.
BTW; The 2012 'S' and 'DS' packs are rated for about 310k miles(TO 80%); potentially a lifetime or two of riding.

Also am PM'ing you.

Ross
2011 DS

[Jay64]

It is hard to build an e motorcycle w the same power of the zero for any cheaper than they are selling it for. I have raced them on the race track an they are fun bikes. handling is about the same as a similarly sized ICE bike. If you are a heavier rider, you might want to look into getting stiffer springs and possibly changing the fork oil a bit. But that depends on what you are going to use the bike for. I guess if it is just commuting, stock might be ok for you. But I am used to full blown race suspension, so I'm a bit biased. Realistically, Zero is pretty much the ONLY option as far as buying. There are a few companies saying they will have bikes soon, but zero is pretty much the only one you can currently buy and get right away.

It is always hard to buy this year's version if you think next years will be better, but that will always be the case. You can get into a state of always waiting. I don't know your riding skill level, but for most riders, a current zero is a fun bike and is great for running around in the city with. You can also do an upgrade to the controller later too. But I'm not sure if that would void your warranty. One of the reason they can give such a great warranty on the batteries is because they have so much safeties built into the bike, so making an upgrade currently will void the warranty. But I've heard talk of them possibly looking into having certain upgrades, done by qualified shops, be approved for continued warranty coverage. But at the moment that is just hearsay of talks going on. I had a chance to ride a zero w a size 6 controller upgrade (stock is size 4) and it was a blast running around in downtown hollywood. I think you would have a lot of fun on a zero.
Btw, the zeros I was refering to were the S versions.