Brillot2000
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2014
- Messages
- 1,485
- Reaction score
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- Points
- 36
- Location
- Sun Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Hey all, many of you asked me about my experience with owning a Zero SR.
Notice: The following information has been provided in a general and neutral manner supported purely by facts from my experience. The reader further acknowledges that my experience may not be typical or the baseline of comparison.
The bike was great when it was operating at optimum efficiency. This bike is basically a mobile computer network that controls a DC Motor Drive that propels the motorcycle forward. These computer systems running on firmware, embedded software. The version of firmware is going to affect the operation of the bike. Some versions make the bike operate better than others and these have to be updated the on a fairly often basis. In most cases these have been done at a dealer in a single visit and you will be making many visits to do this.
PROS:
• Fast Acceleration and Instant Torque
• User Configurable Using Phone App.
• No Normal Maintenence When Compared to a Standard Motorcycle.
• No Clutch or Gears to Deal With.
• Belt Drive - Low Maintenance.
• No Gas/Petro or Oil to Deal With.
• Charges Using Any Electrical Outlet.
CONS:
• High Unit Cost.
• Higher Insurance Cost & Not Every Company Will Cover It.
• Not User Servicable in Most Cases - Requires Dealer Visits.
• No User Service Manuals.
• Electronics "Black Boxes" Hidden Secrecy.
• Often Firmware Updates.
• Really Long Charging Times with Standard Onboard Charger.
• Limited Range.
• Colder Temperatures Affect Range.
• Expensive Charging Upgrades and Accessories to Shorten Charging Times.
• Finding Places to Charge.
• Limited Accessories Available.
• Poor Dealer Network and Support.
My reasons for leaving this bike are quite complicated to explain here. It basically comes down to a lot of issues the bike had and a couple of major component malfunctions during my 2 years of ownership. The factory offered me a way out of the situation and I took it.
Your experience will vary from mine and you will have to make your own decisions regarding this information. Also please note that my unit was a 2015 model. I cannot speak for any other years or models.
Notice: The following information has been provided in a general and neutral manner supported purely by facts from my experience. The reader further acknowledges that my experience may not be typical or the baseline of comparison.
The bike was great when it was operating at optimum efficiency. This bike is basically a mobile computer network that controls a DC Motor Drive that propels the motorcycle forward. These computer systems running on firmware, embedded software. The version of firmware is going to affect the operation of the bike. Some versions make the bike operate better than others and these have to be updated the on a fairly often basis. In most cases these have been done at a dealer in a single visit and you will be making many visits to do this.
PROS:
• Fast Acceleration and Instant Torque
• User Configurable Using Phone App.
• No Normal Maintenence When Compared to a Standard Motorcycle.
• No Clutch or Gears to Deal With.
• Belt Drive - Low Maintenance.
• No Gas/Petro or Oil to Deal With.
• Charges Using Any Electrical Outlet.
CONS:
• High Unit Cost.
• Higher Insurance Cost & Not Every Company Will Cover It.
• Not User Servicable in Most Cases - Requires Dealer Visits.
• No User Service Manuals.
• Electronics "Black Boxes" Hidden Secrecy.
• Often Firmware Updates.
• Really Long Charging Times with Standard Onboard Charger.
• Limited Range.
• Colder Temperatures Affect Range.
• Expensive Charging Upgrades and Accessories to Shorten Charging Times.
• Finding Places to Charge.
• Limited Accessories Available.
• Poor Dealer Network and Support.
My reasons for leaving this bike are quite complicated to explain here. It basically comes down to a lot of issues the bike had and a couple of major component malfunctions during my 2 years of ownership. The factory offered me a way out of the situation and I took it.
Your experience will vary from mine and you will have to make your own decisions regarding this information. Also please note that my unit was a 2015 model. I cannot speak for any other years or models.
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