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[Tony]

I recently did some research to see whether it would make sense to upgrade from a 2016 DSR to the latest 2017 model.

Yes, I know what you are thinking, it is far too early to think of replacing an already new bike. So, the answer was no before even starting to compare the two, but I was curious nevertheless. 

Anyway, as I could not find any direct spec comparison anywhere I thought I should share my findings with anyone interested.

I am only listing specs that changed for easier comparison, so if not listed then they are the same in both models (unless I missed something). 2016 specs listed first:

 Max torque
    106 ft-lb (144 Nm)
    116 ft-lb (157 Nm)

 Max power
    67 hp (50 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
    70 hp (52 kW) @ 3,500 rpm

 Top speed (max)
    98 mph (158 km/h)
    102 mph (164 km/h)

 Acceleration, 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)   
    3.9 seconds
    ? (Could not find this anywhere, maybe Zero figured it makes no sense to specify it as it depends on the weight of the driver. Should be faster though?)

 DRIVETRAIN
    Final drive   130T / 28T, Poly Chain® GT® Carbonâ„¢ belt   
    Final drive   90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbonâ„¢ belt

 Controller
    High efficiency, 660 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative deceleration
    High efficiency, 775 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative deceleration

 WARRANTY
    Power pack warranty*   5 years/100,000 miles
    Power pack warranty*   5 years/unlimited miles

In addition, the 2017 model can have its firmware updated through the companion smartphone app, while the 2016 model needs a visit to a dealer for that. And the storage compartment of the 2017 model has a better lock.

All in all, pretty minor adjustments.

[Doctorbass]

I just got my 2017 SR with powertank today. i'm very happy with all these features!

The powertrain sound is  lower note as the belt as less tooth for the same speed

Doc

[gyrocyclist]

Wow; the drive chain differences are interesting.
Ratio of front-to-rear isn't that much different: 4.64 vs. 4.5,
but the change from 130 to 90 is huge. I'd love to know
the reason for the change.

[MostlyBonkers]

Wow; the drive chain differences are interesting.
Ratio of front-to-rear isn't that much different: 4.64 vs. 4.5,
but the change from 130 to 90 is huge. I'd love to know
the reason for the change.

The new belt is wider and I think the teeth must be thicker too, hence fewer of them. It would be great if somebody can confirm that though.

[Skidz]

The diameter of the rear belt wheel of the 2017 is almost identical to the diameter of the 2016... Eyeballing it I must admit, but they were standing next to each other so comparison was easy

[Tony]

Wow; the drive chain differences are interesting.
Ratio of front-to-rear isn't that much different: 4.64 vs. 4.5,
but the change from 130 to 90 is huge. I'd love to know
the reason for the change.

The new belt is wider and I think the teeth must be thicker too, hence fewer of them. It would be great if somebody can confirm that though.

My dealer told me the new belt is wider, but he didnt mention anything about its teeth. I think it is safe to assume the new belt is stronger overall though.

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

I just got my 2017 SR with powertank today. i'm very happy with all these features!

The powertrain sound is  lower note as the belt as less tooth for the same speed

That's a good point!

Wow; the drive chain differences are interesting.
Ratio of front-to-rear isn't that much different: 4.64 vs. 4.5,
but the change from 130 to 90 is huge. I'd love to know
the reason for the change.

The new belt is wider and I think the teeth must be thicker too, hence fewer of them. It would be great if somebody can confirm that though.

There was a previous thread on this but the relevant photos are missing now:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=6538

[Killroy]

I recently did some research to see whether it would make sense to upgrade from a 2016 DSR to the latest 2017 model.

I sounds very expensive to buy a new motorcycle every year.  I do lust over the incremental increase in specs, but I should be happy with my 2015 for a couple more years.

Zero thanks you if you do buy new and so does the used Zero market.   

[Doug S]

I do lust over the incremental increase in specs, but I should be happy with my 2015 for a couple more years.

Amen. I almost can't bring myself to look at the specs for the new model years now, but overall, I'm still enjoying my 2014 SR immensely, even after 32,000 miles. My financial situation would have to be VERY different than it is to justify dropping that kind of cash just because of a little petty jealousy over slightly increased torque output.

[Tony]

I do lust over the incremental increase in specs, but I should be happy with my 2015 for a couple more years.

Amen. I almost can't bring myself to look at the specs for the new model years now, but overall, I'm still enjoying my 2014 SR immensely, even after 32,000 miles. My financial situation would have to be VERY different than it is to justify dropping that kind of cash just because of a little petty jealousy over slightly increased torque output.

I agree, as stated in the opening post. However, note that an upgrade cost is not necessarily so high as my new 2016 bike without many miles on it can get a pretty good price in the after sales market, and I would be able to buy a demo model of 2017 DSR with a good discount (my 2016 was also bought at a discount). So, the actual money spent would be relatively low in my case.

Having said that, I am not going to update. But I still think it is interesting to see how the Zero is progressing from year to year, and some comparison was also necessary to make an educated decision... And I thought my post might be useful for anyone who is considering buying an used 2016 over a new 2017.