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[Jimmy_Zero]

Hi there,

Just put a deposit down on a Zero DS 14.4 11kw and am having the rear brake converted to the bars and the Dualsport screen fitted as well as the drop crash bars. I will be mainly using the bike for commuting 25miles to work.

After reading some horror stories I am beginning to wonder if I have done the right thing. Especially when my nearest dealer is 100 miles away. based in the UK.

looking forward to being a part of the electric revolution.

[DerKrawallkeks]

Welcome!
Don't worry, people in a forum are heavily biased cause they have problems, that's why they're in a forum. There's many happy Zero owners out there with perfectly functioning bikes.
My 2013 works perfectly and is my most reliable bike:)

[victor6.7y]

I agree,

I am really happy with my 2019 Zero S in general. It is just that forum's disscuss the problems that arise.

The Zero's of the 2 Gen are amazing for commutes within there battery range.
I have not tried the 3th gen bikes yet.
But for traveling to work the bikes are geat in my opinion; especially when looking at the gas prices

[Fred]

Another happy UK Zero owner here. I've had 2 Zeros - an FXS that was written off by a clueless car driver and now an SR/F. I've never had to go anywhere near a dealer as they have so far been maintenance and problem free.

[Jimmy_Zero]

why hello, thanks for the warm welcome and the positive vibes. 

This is my first venture into motorcycles, so I am looking forward to it. I get forums are mostly these days full of problems but from my experience in the past, it's mostly been about comradery and friendships.

back in the day, I was heavily involved in the ST owners club STOC down in the southeast! I joined here because the Facebook groups are mainly just full of problems and I really wanted to see people enjoying their bikes. I get everything has problems and I had a toss up between a CAN-AM Ryker or a Zero. 

So I did my CBT and here I am on a crazy learner legal motorbike! What's most annoying is I will have to do a full motorcycle license to lose my L plates or get a bigger electric motorcycle which is annoying as I never intend on riding a manual motorbike. 

I look forward to being an active member and seeing all of you guys around.

[TheRan]

I'm also on my L plates, have a 7.2 DS. It's been about 3 years now (1 on a 125, 2 with the DS) but I'll get my full licence one day. I'd like to ditch the plates for three reasons, to carry a pillion, to be allowed on the motorway, and I'd like to get a gas bike that at least matches the DS in performance for longer journeys (something like an Energica would do me for any trip I'd probably ever make, but I don't have the money for that). I've yet to need a dealer visit (didn't bother with the 600 mile service), my rear ABS sensor needs replacing but any mechanic could do that or I could do it myself.

[Jimmy_Zero]

Hi TheRan, that's exactly my thinking. I would love to get something a little more substantial one day! How's your DS treating you did you add any extras to your bike or have you modified it anyway?

[TheRan]

While the DS is more than quick enough for the road I imagine when I have my full licence I'll get something quicker, just for the fun of it. I'd still keep the DS for greenlaning as anything more is unnecessary and a DSR would be heavier.

I've done a few things to mine, changed the tyres, raised the bars (also changed them but that was out of necessity after a crash), fit heated grips and some USB ports on the dash for charging, added some hand guards to keep the wind chill off my hands, put a guard on the headlight (just for aesthetics really) and swapped the bulbs for LEDs. I also had a windscreen fitted but took it off when I raised the bars, need to get some longer bolts to put it back on.

[Jimmy_Zero]

sounds good what you've done, I think USB ports are going to be handy its something I will need to look into! I have gone for the dual sport screen and crash bars the big ugly ones!

I'm thinking of adding some generic hand guards and lever protectors, I will see how the bike fits me before playing with bars but I do like the upright position. also want some sliders for the front axle and rear swing arm, the wish list would be full paniers and tail tidy & charge tank! but these will come with time! I wasn't prepared to shell out nearly 20k outright on a bike off the bat.
I've also opted for the rear brake conversion to the left grip from NYA.

what are the LED's H4's? and what replacement tires did you opt for?

[TheRan]

I've been considering a hand brake conversion too, I'd like to plumb it in after the ABS pump so I can use it to lock up the rear wheel off road and then keep the foot brake so I can hold the bike still and keep the brake light lit while keeping my hands free.

I went for some generic off road hand guards but they got bent up from the crash so I replaced them with Oxford Premium ones, they won't protect as much if I hit a tree but they do a better job at redirecting the wind, look better, and there's less clutter on the bars. Don't bother with axle sliders, I bought some but they don't even touch the ground with the bike laid down (the handle bars and foot peg touch first).

The bulbs are H4, I went with Nighteye brand ones. Whatever you go for you need to make sure they're symmetrical (some designed for cars will have tabs designed to block some light on one side) and that the mounting plate is removable (because of the large heatsink you put the retaining plate of the headlight over the mounting plate of the bulb, then insert the bulb). Don't even attempt to fit it with the headlight still mounted, just undo the four bolts holding it on for easier access. For tyres I went with Dunlop Trailmax Missions, to me they perform better than the stock tyres on and especially off road and should supposedly last longer, my rear was done after like 4000 miles.

[Jimmy_Zero]

I am also looking at the oxford premium, been in my basket for a couple of weeks now, I was just waiting on the delivery of my bike to measure the tube diameter, but watching some reviews I don't think it matters.

bulbs, I went with these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QGZT53T Thanks for the heads up with the fitting guide I am sure that'll be helpful come fitting time.

As for tires, I will mostly be on the road but the trailmax comes highly recommended I see, so noted, thanks!

[TheRan]

Yeah the Oxford guards come with plugs to fit different size bars. They have to expand quite a bit to grip the inside so you might find the first time around you have done them tight enough and they'll get knocked out of place easily, so just tighten them more if they do.

I'm pretty sure those bulbs are asymetrical, it looks like there's a tab over the LED at the front that stops it signing towards the right and into oncoming traffic. Bikes don't need that but you might find that it still works well. At least with those you don't need to worry if the mounting plate is removable as the heatsink is in front of it instead of behind, although with that configuration I wonder how well it will be cooled inside the sealed headlight.

If you're sticking to the road there will be better tyre choices, grippier, better wearing, more efficient (so more range), and quieter with less vibration.

[DerKrawallkeks]

I am using an Osram H4 LED, very good light distribution with the original reflectors.
It used to be called the Osram Night Breaker H4, but there seem to be new versions etc.

[Jimmy_Zero]

Yeah the Oxford guards come with plugs to fit different size bars. They have to expand quite a bit to grip the inside so you might find the first time around you have done them tight enough and they'll get knocked out of place easily, so just tighten them more if they do.

If you're sticking to the road there will be better tyre choices, grippier, better wearing, more efficient (so more range), and quieter with less vibration.

Thanks dude for the advice, invaluable! I will def look into tyres 100% don't need the nobbly's that are on there. role on the delivery day!! Cannot Wait!! There are also a couple of Zero open days coming up in the North East next weekend, so will most likely be going to them.

[Jimmy_Zero]

I am using an Osram H4 LED, very good light distribution with the original reflectors.
It used to be called the Osram Night Breaker H4, but there seem to be new versions etc.

Thanks, I will def take a look!