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[trikester]

This weekend was the annual antique motorcycle rides (AMCA SoCal Chapter) headquartered at a desert resort in Borrego Springs CA. There are usually about 100 riders of antique bikes and the riding is out and back for four days. In addition to my 1936 BSA Y13 I also had my 2013 FX there. The Saturday ride ends in a banquet Saturday night.

I announced to the group that my FX would be available for people to ride during the "standing around and talking time" before the banquet. Several riders had expressed interest. The resort has a lot of undeveloped ground around so the FX could be taken into the dirt.

Here's how it went: Each rider didn't want to give up the bike for the next in line. Each rider would return with a huge smile and the statement; "this machine is awesome"! Several said; "I've got to get me one of these". One said; "this makes me want to get back into dirt riding again". Then previously uninterested riders started coming over to get in line because they had heard the comments of those returning from riding it. One guy said he had ridden one of Zero's first bikes and it was just like an electric mountain bike. He did not realize they had gone beyond that design.

Summary: About a dozen long time veteran riders riders tried out the FX and not only were there no negative comments there was universal enthusiasm and excitement over the performance and sheer fun of riding it. Most said they were surprised because it was way more performance and fun than they expected. They all did some serious dirt playing and one guy who always told me he didn't ride dirt was out there throwing it into power drifts.

The down side: My bike was completely covered with dirt by the time it was over.

Bottom line: People need to ride these things to realize what we already know about them! I had a ball watching and hearing the remarks. About a dozen converts yesterday, some country preacher would love to have numbers like that.

Near the end someone asked me if there was enough charge left for him to ride it. I looked at the gauge and said "is 3/4 charge remaining enough for you"?

Trikester

[firepower]

You are more awesome than King Fu Panda, Love how you promote what you love, You have my respect and blessing.
 

[NoiseBoy]

Too true Trikester.  It doesn't matter how often you tell people or how many reviews they read they still think its a toy and/or they won't like riding a bike with no noise.  That all changes when they have a go.

A few times i've had guys come over to ask about the bike (always young guys, teens to early twenties) and if the situation allows i.e. im on private land so insurance isnt a problem I say just take it for a spin around the car park.  They have always been very positive and that is on my slow old 2012.  Im sure an FX or SR would have an even greater effect.

[trikester]

Another interesting thing about these guys was that they were mostly middle aged with a few young "hot shots" thrown in. Because this was an antique meet it is usually older guys who can afford to have and maintain these old machines. However, as I said, they were lifetime riders and some are really impressive guys. One of them has built up a twin engine (yes, two Indian V-twins) Indian Chief and set a Bonneville speed record last year. This year he has put some cowling on it and will run in the partial streamline category. He was ecstatic about my FX after he rode it and telling everyone how much fun it was. I asked him if he was going to build a twin motor FX next. 

BTW - I posted mostly about the dirt riding they did on the FX but they all tested it on the wide open, no traffic, street as well.

Yes, I took a liability risk and very happy that no one dumped the bike.

Trikester

[WindRider]

Zero should have a demo trailer full of various bikes that they tour the country with and give Demo Days with a Factory Rep at local dealers.

Buell used to do this and it was good for the brand and the local dealer as it generated some local sales of off the showroom floor.

Nice that Trikester took a little risk to share the love.   Usually the best things in life involve some risk, despite what your lawyer will tell you.

[Blotman]

Good job! I always find it really weird that a naysayer who has never driven/ridden electric would even try to argue with an EV owner. It's as if they never consider that we all came from ICE vehicles and many of us still own both. I wish I could save my breath every time and just let them experience my bike, but alas I cannot always accommodate safety gear. It appears to be a safe bet that anyone who rides it would absolutely enjoy it!

[dkw12002]

Light and fast is a hard combination to beat.  If I were a bit taller, I would love an FX.

[trikester]

If I were a bit taller, I would love an FX.

I'm tall but I wanted a lower bike for handling in sand and getting my feet down. On my FX I lowered the front forks 1" which is the most that can be done. On the rear I had a shock shop take the rear shock apart and add a 3/4" delrin spacer. That dropped the rear by about 2 1/2" and get back more than the rake & trail I lost when lowering the front. I was able to notice the improved handling immediately. This works well for me because I'm not a hard rider in the dirt (no jumps etc.).

For my weight I had to adjust the spring as far slack as possible, after putting in the spacer. I even took off one of the threaded rings to get more room.

Trikester

[LiveandLetDrive]

I kept my FX to myself until the first time I wrecked it (in the dirt).  Now that I got to add the first blemish, I've loaned it to about 10 people to try.  Several were ~30yo lifetime dirt riders, some experienced street riders, some relative newbies.  A couple didn't love the suspension, which is fair, but nobody failed to come back with a giddy smile and a whole new appreciation for the possibilities of electric (including Tesla engineers!)

Your experience reminds me of when I volunteered at a craft beer fest and the line of willing customers was so long I eventually just left the tap open and shoved one tasting glass under it after another as fast as I could!

[ultrarnr]

This is a great idea! I just got back from a short trip to Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in western NC. Spent a few days riding my V-Strom out there. I think it would be great for Zero to set up a demo day and let people ride the SR on "The Dragon". I am definitely planning on taking my SR out there sometime in the next month. On tight twisties the power delivery of electric would really make it easier.

[WindRider]

I have shared my FX with a few friends for test rides.

They always come back with a big grin.   Only critiques have been of the suspension (Racer crowd).   Everyone loves the FX power delivery.

[trikester]

Today I rode 26+ miles of mostly very sandy (99% in washes) "jeep" trail. It was so nice having that instant torque when the front wheel would start to dig in. Speaking of Jeeps - While approaching a blind corner I could hear a vehicle coming. I stopped at the side and waited for a Jeep to come around the bend. A couple of kids going fast. I'm glad I could hear them before meeting them on the tight turn. I never could have heard them if I was on a gas bike.

Trikester

[lolachampcar]

Trik,
The era of the stealth punk is fast upon us   Just wait till the zeros hit the secondary market in volume.

[trikester]

The era of the stealth punk is fast upon us   Just wait till the zeros hit the secondary market in volume.

A scary image indeed!

Trikester