2012 zero line up at milano show

[GCinDC]

nice start. that is AWESOME.

zero_start.jpg (44.19 KiB) Viewed 266 times

[mr.electric]

The more I think about the more I realize how impressive the Zero bikes have become.
They have succeeded in some key areas that will allow for real competition with their gas counterparts in all markets
- Competitive in the racing circuit
- Sufficient range for most commuters
- Competitive price with gas counterparts

Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt are still far from succeeding in some of these categories.

[Ykick]

One more reason emotos make good sense to me is that they won't see as much cold weather use as cars. Of course, somebody like Doc (or me) will ride in sub zero cold but we understand battery performance curves.

Great job Luke and all of Team Zero! One of these days, I'm gonna get into one of these...

[Doctorbass]

Congrat!!

It look nice!

I see that yo have the black rims and the gold colored disk holder wich confirm it's a 2010. Mine will be red rims and silver disk holder ( 2011) but i think this is the only difference?

Doc

Thanks Doc!

I believe you're right, the 2010 and 2011 are very similar. The 2010 models had large blue stickers which the previous owner took off on my bike. Also my key switch (ignition switch) is on the "gas tank" whereas the 2011 has it up by the speedometer. Also the 2010 has chain drive instead of belt drive (2011) which I would like to have but, I'm ok with that.

I took it to work today taking the same route I take with my ebike. It's nice and fast but it's harder to anticipate the traffic signals like I can on my ebike. You just fly up on a traffic signals just as they turn red whereas on the ebike I can watch the signals from a long ways off cruising along at 22 to 25 mph slowing for the reds and speeding up for the greens. And even if I hit red, I'm cruising down the shoulder passing all the cars anyway.

STILL, I like being able to stay ahead of the oil burners and not riding on the debris they cast onto the bike lanes. Plus I get there 10 minutes faster on my 16 mile (one way) commute. My "fuel gauge" showed 1/2 "tank" remaining when I got there and fortunately, I'm able to charge at work.

Ed

I forgot to mention that anotehr difference from the 2011 and 2010 si the belt on the 2011 and the chain on the 2010 right?

Doc

[grindz145]

Open class is pretty real...

Edit: OMG he's just passing people non stop! Riders down everywhere! You should have set this to the "Rocky" theme.

[edcastrovalley]

I forgot to mention that anotehr difference from the 2011 and 2010 si the belt on the 2011 and the chain on the 2010 right?

Doc

True! My 2010 has chain drive. It's about the only noise the bike makes.

I like the changes they made for 2011. Right down to the RED rims.

btw: I took it out on the freeway for the first time today. I stayed in the slow lane behind some trucks at 50 mph (80 km/h) most of the way home and had 5/8 of a "tank" remaining when I got home (instead of 1/2).

Now I just need to find a place to hide the registration paper on it.

[drewjet]

I got a chance to demo ride a 2012 Zero S 9kw model yesterday in Eustis Florida at a dealer there. We did about a 5 mile loop. the first 3 miles she made me drive in economy mode. the last 3 in speed mode. We never got a chance to get to top speed, I hit 65 MPH for a few seconds. There were no hard core twisties but of what I got to try it felt very nice.

Speed and Power:In economy mode it was acceptable, slightly slower than my Suzuki conversion, In speed mode it was faster then my zuki.

The throttle is amazing, it is effortless to just creep forward, yet start twisting and the power comes in nice and smooth. Super quiet with the belt drive. In speed mode the power is nice, at 45 MPH it is really getting into the powerband.

The looks are really nice on this bike. If you wanted an electric motorcycle, this is the one to have. Yes you can build one yourself for less money (I did). But if you can get 300,000 miles out of the battery, this is going to be WAY cheaper in the long run, with more power and better looks.

When I built my bike this was not available. If I were building one today, it would be hard to justify doing it yourself over buying this bike

[Doctorbass]

Thanks for the review and your impression Drewjet!

I can't wait to get mine!

Doc

[drewjet]

Doc you should hold out and get the 2012, the improvements are so enourmous I would not even entertain the idea of a 2011. But each to his own in this world. And a 2011 is way better than none. I hope it woks well for you.

[Doctorbass]

Doc you should hold out and get the 2012, the improvements are so enourmous I would not even entertain the idea of a 2011. But each to his own in this world. And a 2011 is way better than none. I hope it woks well for you.

I know but i must jump on that 2011 DS deal!


Doc

[dkw12002]

Exactly. I own the 2011 S, which I bought as a demo with 1,000 miles on it. It runs perfect and I love it. Just got off it in fact. The difference in price between this and the 2012...$7,600. That is why you might want to buy a 2011. Another reason? I can almost guarantee the 2013 Zero will have things that make it look much more attractive than the 2012 too. Such is the advancements in the technology.

[maydaverave]

Is no one ever going to give me crap for milano instead of milan?

[TylerDurden]

Is no one ever going to give me crap for milano instead of milan?

Milan is in Michigan.

[Hillhater]

....If you wanted an electric motorcycle,
..... if you can get 300,000 miles out of the battery, this is going to be WAY cheaper in the long run,

Has anybody ..ever ..ridden a motorcycle , 300,000 miles ??????
............or will anybody ,..ever, ..attempt to ??

[gogo]

....If you wanted an electric motorcycle,
..... if you can get 300,000 miles out of the battery, this is going to be WAY cheaper in the long run,

Has anybody ..ever ..ridden a motorcycle , 300,000 miles ??????
............or will anybody ,..ever, ..attempt to ??

It would be possible in Phoenix, Arizona. I racked up 50,000 miles in short order when my sole transportation was a 1973 BMW R75/5.

[Ykick]

....If you wanted an electric motorcycle,
..... if you can get 300,000 miles out of the battery, this is going to be WAY cheaper in the long run,

Has anybody ..ever ..ridden a motorcycle , 300,000 miles ??????
............or will anybody ,..ever, ..attempt to ??

It would be possible in Phoenix, Arizona. I racked up 50,000 miles in short order when my sole transportation was a 1973 BMW R75/5.

Long or short swingarm? I put about that much 50k on my '72 /5 and currently own/ride '81 GL1100 at 166k, it had 23k when I bought it. Add up all the other dozen or so bikes I put 10-20k on and I think I'd be close, if not over, 300k. Although not all on one bike but I know guys who have.

[Hillhater]

I think I'd be close, if not over, 300k. Although not all on one bike but I know guys who have.

you should start a club ! .."Club 300k" .. i suspect it would be pretty exclusive !
Seriously, 300k miles all on one bike would be an extreme rider/bike situation.
I would have thought the probability of a fatal accident would be high in 300k on a bike !

[liveforphysics]

I've been riding for 22years, and riding on the street for 13years. I don't think all my combined miles would be over 40,000. I've heard of folks with goldwing's spending a year of cross-country touring putting >50,000miles on a bike in a year, but that's just not my cup of tea.

I think 99.5% of all my motorcycle rides would fall inside the range of the 2012 Zero's, and the Zen-like qualities of riding the Zero just make the riding experience that much better. It's just a damn fine bike for enjoying the motorcycling experience.

[Ykick]

35 years street riding and many years where I racked up 20k/year commuting plus countless cross country treks, Rocky Mnts, Smokey Mnts, up into Canada (Icefield Parkway was amazing!) all points in between. I've worked, lived and rode in just about every major city in USA/Canada for extended periods of time. I simply love exploring new places on a bike - sights, sounds, smells seem to become more connected and alive.

Nothing quite like cruising intercostal waterways at night in the south or carving through tall pines in high country!

My old GL1100 is a naked model but now has a Windjammer and soft luggage. I don't really like the super slab couch Goldwings. Look up Iron Butt, I can assure you there's plenty of 100-300k mile riders out there.

'give you one thing Luke, I have no doubt your average speed spent on a bike is way higher than mine! I just like to tour/cruise and enjoy the ride...

[Hillhater]

... I can assure you there's plenty of 100-300k mile riders out there.

..I will take your word for it..but 100-300k is a big spread and assuming "normal statistical distribution" ..of that group, less than 0.5% of "plenty" would be the actual 300k riders ....and were all those 300k on the same bike ???

Being realistic...to ride 300k would be a rare achievement,..but to also do that on one bike ( without major rebuilds ?) would be one hell of a coincidence.

[jonescg]

I've put 75,000 km on my Blackbird since 2007, and I plan on riding it till it blows up. And being a Honda that isn't likely to happen for a long time...

[Hillhater]

I've put 75,000 km on my Blackbird since 2007, ...

At that rate 300k miles will take you another 25 years
.. We will all be riding EMotos before then !

[Ykick]

... I can assure you there's plenty of 100-300k mile riders out there.

..I will take your word for it..but 100-300k is a big spread and assuming "normal statistical distribution" ..of that group, less than 0.5% of "plenty" would be the actual 300k riders ....and were all those 300k on the same bike ???

Being realistic...to ride 300k would be a rare achievement,..but to also do that on one bike ( without major rebuilds ?) would be one hell of a coincidence.

I chose that spread because my brother put 100k on brand new GS850 Suzuki in about 8 years. Trip up the Alcan, several cross country rides plus everyday riding will add up. My GL1100 is sitting at 166k (143k are mine) and the heads' never been off since I've owned it. Modern m/c's (particularly water/oil cooled and shaft drives) can reach high mileage just as easily as cars/trucks. Main difference is the butt load of tires you go through riding that much!

I commend Zero for the 300k mile rating of their battery pack! At my age, I won't be able to find out but hopefully somebody will.

[grindz145]

I'm at 58k Mi on my ST1300 in 4 years. It is more reliable than a car.

Also have 70k on an 85 CB700sc (35 of which are mine).

If electric bikes / electric motorcycles are to really be legit, then people need to ride them, and put miles on, so it's completely awesome that zero has the forethought to design in packs with real longevity.

P.S. I just did a comprehensive cost comparison the other day, between my ST1300, ebikes, etc.

Tires are about 15% of the total cost of ownership, of a modern bike.

I calculated that the tires on my ebike account for over 25% of the cost per mile! That's why we all need to bump up to moped tires...

P.S.S. I have a few buddies at the BMW shop with well over 400k Mi, on the same bike! That's pretty hard to do without hardcore touring, but it can be done, and if bikes are ridden as they should be, 100k shouldn't be hard at all.

[grindz145]

Also Luke, if anyone at Zero is looking for a long term tester, I can promise 100k mi in about 6 years.