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[Lipo423]

Hello all,

I thought it was a good idea to start this thread. let's see if we can come up with some good ideas...

- Wear high quality and "motorcycle" design clothing whenever possible (not "loosing" jackets). Safety is also important...
- Tucking or wind deflectors...you decide
- Charging. Try to plan your charging as much as you can...although Zero recommends to keep always the bike plugged, I disagree with that...it is far better to ride right after the charge has finished -and you save some little money-
- Tires pressure. Check them before every ride. Manufacturer's max. tire pressure is 41 psi. I personally run them at 48 psi (cold), but this something you may do at your own risk.
- Avoid windy days 
- Try to ride at 50-55 mph as much as you can, anything above this will reduce range considerable.
- Keep an eye on the throttle. This is not a IC bike, and, your riding style, should change dramatically...just relax, and enjoy.
- I practically see no range difference between Sport/Eco mode, unless you are going downhill...then Eco mode should be the choice
- Coasting, versus braking? and yes, you save some money in brake pads 
- Try to ride at good warm temperature whenever possible. Lithium batteries -as other ones- do not appreciate cold weather. 68-77 Fahrenheit is a good number.

Any other ideas?

[Richard230]

I prefer to use a small windshield instead of tucking in. The Zero is just not designed for tucking like you would do on a sport bike. It is too short and the bars are too close and wide.

I like using Sport mode on highway riding and Eco mode in town riding, where you will be doing a lot of stop-and-go.  I think Sport mode is more efficient when going down highway hills that are not very steep. In Eco mode you have to keep opening and closing the throttle when coasting down a typical highway hill, as it slows the bike down too much on most highway grades.

I stick to the recommended tire pressures of 32 front/35 rear psi.  Going higher might reduce rolling resistance slightly, but it will result in a harsh ride and much reduced traction, which could result in a skid or low-side. For me the higher pressures just aren't worth the risk - especially considering the difficulty of getting replacement parts if you and the bike crashes.

If you have to carry luggage, use a back pack or a seat pack.  Having the luggage in-line with your body will help reduce air resistance.

[CliC]

I went 200 miles on my DS on one charge, and had 10 bars left...while it was in the bed of my truck 

Seriously, I'm going for the windshield idea, too; already bought one. But it probably won't be installed until it gets cold here, as I like the wind full-blast when it's 95 out.

[Lipo423]

Not bad 200 miles on one charge -I never went that far with a Zero- 

I'm considering it, but for the moment I als like enjoying the wind...it is getting hot here too 

[BSDThw]

Hi Lipo423

...
- Charging. Try to plan your charging as much as you can...although Zero recommends to keep always the bike plugged, I disagree with that...it is far better to ride right after the charge has finished -and you save some little money-
...

I see the point, but if the charge has finished the balancing take place. I work in the battery charging field and if you have batteries in series they will become unbalanced and this is the start point of a slow "suffering death"

So give the battery management the time to balance the cells and waste some "Watts" for this

[cirrus pete]

I just got the summer screen for my 2011 S. I will try to do a before/after analysis to see whether there is a measurable benefit.

[Lipo423]

BSDThw,

I agree with you, balancing is needed, besides as you know Lithium batteries do not like to be kept at "high charged levels" (do not know if this is the right word in English) for long periods of time...my point came with the fact of leaving the battery charger plugged all the time, not in avoiding balancing...while it is preferable to plan the bike use and just charge properly.

[BSDThw]

I agree with you, and don't mind your English mine is even much worse

[Lipo423]

Danke schön 

Gracias