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[Richard230]

If you haven't noticed yet, electric motorcycles need a parking brake.  While there may be several different ways to secure the Zero when parked on a hill, here is the cheapest and lightest method.  You can get a roll of this hook and loop strap in your garden center. It is used to tie back droopy plants against their adjacent sticks - and it has other uses.   

[Brammofan]

I have done that very same thing. I use that velcro to secure my charging cable when it is coiled up. In a pinch, I've used it as a parking brake.

[dkw12002]

I hadn't thought of that but you are right. The bike is always in neutral and if you park downhill, the bike could roll if someone bumped it.  With a motorcycle, you can stop that by putting it in gear. I think just making sure to park level or slightly uphill solves the problem as well though and never park going downhill. Most people shut off their motorcycles in neutral anyway. Remember if you have a downward incline, you can always back in which means the bike is parked uphill and the kickstand locked into place and no, we don't want a reverse on the Zero. I hope in next year's model they find ways to reduce the weight, and not add anything that makes it heavier. Can you imagine the Zero S with the big battery weighing in at say 300 lbs? Weight is definitely your enemy in an e-motorcycle. 

[trikester]

I use a big "rubber band" made by cutting an old bicycle inner tube to hold the brake lever in parking position. It's quick and it stores easily on the bar. However, I usually park with the bike pointed uphill, when possible, letting the locked side stand hold it.

[forgitaboutut]

sheesh! you'd think that with an $11K - $14K  tag, it would have one! (no centerstand I assume?)
my wifes $8K scooter has both!

[protomech]

Probably no center stand for weight savings. My GS500 has both too, centerstand assembly probably weighs a couple pounds.

[Richard230]

Here is a hint should you ever experience a soft feel at the front brake lever. Before trying to bleed the system to expunge any air bubbles in the brake line, try squeezing the front brake hard and strapping it in place like shown in my photo of the parking brake idea.  Then turn the forks all the way to the left, with the bike on the side stand, to get the brake master cylinder as high as possible. Leave it that way over night and you may find that your brake lever feels nice and firm in the morning.   

[trikester]

Wow! I'll have to remember that technique. I had never heard of that before but I'll sure try it the next time I have air in a front brake line. If it works it sure would be a lot easier than the normal bleeding routine.

[daniels1216]

is this a relevant way to park the new Zero SR/F? Also, the bike comes with the Bosch msc which is said to help the bike from rolling backwards on a hill, yet I don't feel this working.

[Richard230]

is this a relevant way to park the new Zero SR/F? Also, the bike comes with the Bosch msc which is said to help the bike from rolling backwards on a hill, yet I don't feel this working.

Using a piece of Velcro strap, or something similar, wrapped around the front brake lever after you have squeezed it tight against the handlebar should work very well as a cheap and easy brake lock to keep the bike from rolling on a sloped surface. It will work on any motorcycle, including the SR/F.

[daniels1216]

Thanks you for the info!

[stevenh]

I use the little zero branded do-hickey every time I park now.  I rolled my SR/F off the stand on a slight decline at a lake house I was renting this year and she went over.  The good news is there was no real damage (just a very small scratch on one of the lower plastic pieces) and I was able to stand the bike up again without the help of a crew.  I won't let that happen again!  Hint, use your legs!

Steve