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[JaimeC]

As Artie Johnson used to say:  "Verrrrry Interesting!"
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/2024-zero-model-updates-tipped-in-nhtsa-filings-44593453

[TheRan]

Well that's a bit of a shame because it likely means that the FX, FXE, and FXS (I thought they'd replaced that with the FXE but maybe they're bringing it back) will likely be the only 11kW and 7.2kW/h options, forcing anyone with an A1 licence or who just wants a lighter bike to give up the storage and have a slower charging bike. And anyone who would have wanted a 14.4 will now have to pay more money and have a heavier bike.

I'm curious how they're going to differentiate the DSR and DSR/X though. I figured the X was the replacement much like with the SR and they were going to stop selling the DSR eventually.

[mdjak1]

Well that's a bit of a shame because it likely means that the FX, FXE, and FXS (I thought they'd replaced that with the FXE but maybe they're bringing it back) will likely be the only 11kW and 7.2kW/h options, forcing anyone with an A1 licence or who just wants a lighter bike to give up the storage and have a slower charging bike. And anyone who would have wanted a 14.4 will now have to pay more money and have a heavier bike.

I'm curious how they're going to differentiate the DSR and DSR/X though. I figured the X was the replacement much like with the SR and they were going to stop selling the DSR eventually.

Keep in mind that this is a NHTSA filing and doesn't guarantee it will be a worldwide change right away.   

Likely that the 2024 DSR will share the charging level of the 2023 SR.  That would be good news as then it is level 2 standard.  However, the negative will be the higher weight for the 2024 DSR as compared to the 2023 DSR.   Similar to the weight increase for the 2022 SR to 2023 SR. 

The fact that they are also moving the S and DS to the FST steel trellis chassis means there will no longer be middle weight SDS models I guess.   I wonder if they will give the S and DS larger batteries and level 2 charging to make up for the heavier weight?

I haven't seen any complaints about the 2023 SR 3 kW chargers failing like the 1.5 kW chargers of the SDS models?   

[TheRan]

Keep in mind that this is a NHTSA filing and doesn't guarantee it will be a worldwide change right away.   

You have a point with that, but if they drop them in America it seems likely they'll do the same in other countries. Especially being an American made bike.

Likely that the 2024 DSR will share the charging level of the 2023 SR.  That would be good news as then it is level 2 standard.  However, the negative will be the higher weight for the 2024 DSR as compared to the 2023 DSR.   Similar to the weight increase for the 2022 SR to 2023 SR. 

I didn't even realise the new SR was only 3kW, I struggle to keep up with all the charging configs with the gen 3 bikes. I suppose they could also make it a 15.6+ and drop the power. Makes it similar in specs and hopefully closer in price to the current DSR, but with the SR and SR/F only differing by a few kilograms the new DSR is still going to be a good 50kg heavier than the old one.

[mdjak1]

You have a point with that, but if they drop them in America it seems likely they'll do the same in other countries. Especially being an American made bike.
 
I didn't even realise the new SR was only 3kW, I struggle to keep up with all the charging configs with the gen 3 bikes. I suppose they could also make it a 15.6+ and drop the power. Makes it similar in specs and hopefully closer in price to the current DSR, but with the SR and SR/F only differing by a few kilograms the new DSR is still going to be a good 50kg heavier than the old one.

We don't have tiered licensing in the USA like in Europe.   Zero could have a supply of SDS parts and build 2024 models just for Europe with the 11 kW power needed for the A1 license.  From what I saw during my visit to Scotts Valley earlier this year, it looked like they have the flexibility to restart production at the SDS stations if need be. 

[TheRan]

Does anyone have sales data by country? I'm just assuming America is the biggest market, but all I can find is 90% for the USA and Europe and around 3-4k bikes per year. My thinking is that while they could keep the SDS bikes going it might not make sense to keep making a frame, plastics, battery (the 14.4, not sure if the 7.2 is identical to the one used in the FX bikes), and sourcing parts like the charger if it would only mean selling like a thousand bikes a year.

Of course they probably have enough parts already to keep them going into 2024, I'm just thinking about the future beyond that. My hope was to have an upgrade path from my DS with some improvements like battery capacity, faster charging, reverse and traction control, without having to spend £20k on a 200kg+ bike.

[JaimeC]

I'd actually be surprised if the US was Zero's biggest market.  Europeans have taken to two-wheeled transport and electrification more readily than Americans who still view motorcycles as "toys" and love their big gas guzzling SUVs.

[princec]

UK was doing well until the double whammy of the grant being axed and increased prices which has basically killed Zero stone dead. To try and fix this they have been running a rather extended £3k off offer over the summer, which has doubtless mightily annoyed anyone who bought a bike outside of the offer.

Zero's big problem is still price, price, and price. Their bikes are worth maybe £12k new, not £22k, and this is reflected in the catastrophic resale value.

Cas

[Bodo]

UK and DE website show this promo untill end of August; US website until August 15th.

From choice of components, Zero is at best medium in the motorcycle world. Quality is below midfield expectations. Half the price would find them buyers from Honda/KTM/Yamaha.

I got to know five other riders who bought news in the last two years; everyone has a major component fail (motor bearings, onboard charger, battery).

Mine is now off the road for seven weeks, because the sprocket came loose at odo 9,500km and 15 months old. Steering head bearing is also worn!?
Zero does not know when they can deliver spares.