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[ihartc4]

I just got a new to me 2010 Zero DS from another forum member.  We were able to ship it to Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA, in the pacific northwet.  I'm already in love.

I've been riding for the last decade, but unlike many others on this forum, I'm not a technological savant.  These days I'm an Army attorney (used to be a bomb technician, which seems far more interesting, but was surprisingly similar, intellectually), which will let you know that I don't know the difference between a volt and an ampere.

A devastating Achilles injury made me leave my old job and threatened riding altogether, as bearing the weight of bikes was becoming too much.  I've had a host of bikes over the years, including a trio of Buells and an amazing Triumph TT 600.  However, baring the weight of a 400+ pound bike on a weak leg was disconcerting, to say the least. Hence, the Zero

One day a few months ago, I was trolling Craiglist for a lightweight 250cc hyper motard. Somehow, I came across an ad for a new Zero XU. The light weight was very attractive, but the 2 KW battery was insufficient for my short commute.  The fact it was electric was more persuasive (I studied environmental law). So after months of searching I struck a bargain with another forum member for a 2010 DS (277 lbs), This week the bike arrived.

Quick notes:   I initially planned to repaint the fairings, but i find the color scheme is growing on me.
The seat is too tall.  If anyone has a line on a low DS seat, let me know.  I will continue to ride, but love to have both feet on the ground.
At first I thought the throttle was too jerky, but thinking back to a few 250cc bikes I've had, it's pretty similar.
I keep,trying to grab the clutch when I stop! 
On my first shakedown cruise, someone recognized the bike (At Starbucks) and asked me a bunch of questions about it. 
I plan to use it for hunting purposes in the fall, so I will test out its trail features to the test then.

Looking forward to years of service from this trusty steed. 

[rollandelliott]

congrats
taking care of the battery is paramount

always have it plugged in and check to make sure a circuti breaker does not trip
if storing in the cold zero told me sometimes the charger does not work well and it is better to top it off and pull donw  battery disconnect cable and check every few weeks.

my 2010 went about 23 miles max before the battery died mixed city and highway speeds of 55 mph.
a custom dustin or maybe even a super long windshield might help the range a lot. it's all about aerodynamcis which is what i've been researching the last few weeks.

[Harlan]

Looks like it's in great shape. I have a lower Corbin Seat for this bike that is barely used. See pics. $250. Email me if interested.

harlan at hollywoodelectrics.com

[Harlan]

I just realized, that looks like it must be trikester's bike. So I know it is in great shape

[trikester]

Fantastic!  I'm glad it got to you OK and that you enjoy riding it. I posted to another forum newby the warning that e-bikes are highly addictive, so watch out!

When I bought that bike Zero comped me a Corbin seat because I had waited (after a $500 deposit) exactly two years plus one week for the bike to be produced and sent to me. The Corbin seat does help with the height a lot. The seat that you got on the 2010 DS was from my 2012 DS when I moved the Corbin to it after I bought it. The 2012 DS now has my 2013 FX seat on it, because the Corbin is now on the FX. Needless to say, the Corbin is showing its age (like me). I recommend taking Harlan up on his Corbin offer. When Zero gave me the Corbin they were selling for $500. I think they have come down some now.

Here's to many happy rides!     

Trikester

[ihartc4]

It's been fantastic so far.  Surprisingly, a pretty fair number of Soldiers on post keep stopping me to ask questions about the bike and look it over.  A gate guard held up traffic the other day to give it a good once over. Even a cop stopped me on Tuesday - ostensibly for the headlight being off - but then immediately stated he wouldn't give me a ticket, but was really into bikes and wanted to take a look at it.  Nice cop, he didn't even solicit a bribe from me.

I wasn't expecting thus much attention to the bike, particularly on base where the exotics and customs are so plentiful.  Eventually I will tackle the complex legal task of getting the Army to allow me to charge it on base.  Hopefully, I will be successful and open the door for others to charge at work on base.

Since this is the Pacific Northwet I was wondering if anyone had long term experience with rain and these bikes.  If like to know limits if there are some.

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Regarding performance limits in the wet, I have a 2013 DS in Seattle which has quite the powertrain and enough torque to fishtail when the oil comes to the surface right after rain starts. I don't think a 2010 will reach that immediately but it weighs less so keep that in mind. The continuous throttle response means that you can just easily back off and the traction will come back, and it's lightweight enough to control with body positioning and footpeg pressure.

As far as general recommendations, I would just say to try to keep it indoors most of the time and on a wall outlet charge, just to minimize wear and keep the battery in good shape. The bike is compartmentalized / shielded enough that usually you shouldn't have to worry about moisture, but riding it through a foot-deep puddle might be tempting fate.

[oregonrider89]

Hi,

I am in Salem, OR and I commute daily on a 2010 DS. 13,000 miles and counting.

Water is not your enemy! I have ridden in downpours so heavy that the entire road is under water and the bike starts to hydroplane. Water has never been an issue...except for when you stop and have to do chain maintenance!

I plug in at work under a roof overhang and I keep the plug somewhat protected- again no problems even if it rains.

[aelwero]

Everyone on Fort Bliss asks a bajillion questions too.  We really don't have a "non-riding" season here, as the low rarely goes below 50 even in winter, so there's a TON of riders here.

Only major issue I've had so far is that I basically can't attend the mentorship rides, and the safety guys are a little sore about it