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[Richard230]

Some of you may have noticed that I cut Zero a lot of slack and don't get too upset when I encounter various "glitches" on my Zero.  That is because I was so beat-up by my experiences with my two Electric Motorsport GPR-S bikes that I have become numb to running issues.  As long as my Zero will get me there and back home again without towing or pushing, even if it stalls out occasionally, I can put up with this state of affairs as long as I know Zero is actually working to solve the problems and will fix our bikes eventually.

Anyone with time to waste can check out the Electric Motorsport sub-forum for an education in real early adopter woes. And that is only the tip of the iceberg.  The real crying and teeth grinding can be found of the El Moto Electric Motorsport sub-forum.

Attached is a photo of the EMS "factory" in Oakland, CA.  All of their bikes were hand-assembled a small work area inside the open door in the distance.  The nearby open door is the access to their "showroom".

[Richard230]

And here is the Electric Motorsport company showroom.  I got in big trouble for posting this photograph a couple of years ago on the El Moto board.  Electric Motorsport's CEO posted that this photo showed a secret prototype of a dual-sport model that they were working on and planned to show at the LA motorcycle show. later that year  That was news to me, especially as their "salesman" said that I could take the photo.  The condemnation was roundly supported by many members of the forum. It was a real education about how sensitive the EV community (at least at the time) was to anything remotely feeling like critical comments. 

The two bikes in the foreground were the prototype models and at the far left of the photo is the "factory" work area.

[trikester]

Funny how the "gas tank" survives in design 

That said, however, there does have to be something for the knees to grip, especially in dirt riding. The ZERO DS frame serves that function without looking like a gas tank. I remember how bad the Honda Trail 90 was in soft dirt because there was no place for the knees to grip.

Trikester

[Richard230]

The original GPR-S had just wasted space under the "gas tank", while on the 72V bike there were 4 additional batteries installed under the "tank".  I agree that having a tank between your legs that your knees can grip is better than having a pointy aluminum frame rail to grip.

[Richard230]

The 24-cell, 72V bike made better use of the space.  In this later model a BMS board was located on top of each group of 4 Hi Power cells.  The on-board charger was installed behind the upper battery box.

[Richard230]

Just to prove that I am willing to suffer at the hands of any type of motorcycle, here is how my 2004 Aprilia RS50 finally expired. Note the condition of the connecting rod.  I got about 3,000 miles out of that bike.  I sold the motor to an EV builder back east who wanted to use the motor's transmission in his build. I never did find how that worked out for him.

[Electric Cowboy]

GPRS was so sexy, but made me so sad when I had to push it home, or stop to charge after 12 miles. Times have changed.