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[MichaelJohn]

It's six in the morning here in California and I can't sleep (awake since 5:00) because my new SR sits in the garage and I am dying for sunrise. I was on a bicycle ride yesterday afternoon when the dealership called and said that the Zero came in earlier than expected (one of the benefits of living close to Santa Cruz) and was ready to be picked up. I went home, quickly showered, and hopped on my scooter to go get it. I was on a tight timetable so I only had time to ride it home which is about 6 miles from the dealership. I had already test-ridden the  2014 SR twice so I knew what to expect but taking it home felt extra special. Initial impressions were that it felt very much like the 2014 SR except that the seat felt a bit more comfortable to me, I think they may have changed it a little. The 2014 also had squeaky brakes but mine doesn't. I really didn't ride it enough to feel much difference in the suspension but it feels just fine. I spent most of the ride home in eco mode just enjoying the feel of the bike but when I did switch to sport it was just as scary-fast as I had remembered. I doubt that I'll ever get tired of that blast of torque. At low speeds the power delivery is so linear and smooth - incredibly easy to control. I'll try to post some pictures soon, I just didn't have time yesterday and it was getting late. The attached photo is of my scooter and the 2014 SR that I test rode from a while ago - I just wanted to make sure that I could attach a photo. I left the scooter at the dealership with the option of going back to get it or leaving it as a trade-in. They have made me a very good offer on it and I think once I get my top case I may never want to ride the scooter again -  though I may keep it for longer distance rides. Now I am just looking forward to dawn so I can start riding the heck out of this thing!

[Richard230]

Great news, Michael!  I think you are the first to post here who owns a 2015 model.  It will be very interesting to hear what you think of the bike, particularly the new suspension and brakes.  When you get a chance, I would be interested is seeing a photo or two of the ABS braking system.  I think Zero is using a new Bosch system that hasn't been seen yet on bikes sold in the U.S.  I believe that I read that the ABS system only works on the front wheel and not on the rear brake.  You should be able to confirm that by checking the rear brake plumbing.  If the line goes directly to the rear caliper from the master cylinder without any other equipment connected to it, then it doesn't have ABS at that end of the bike.

[Cortezdtv]

If your in Santa Cruz I'd love to go for a ride

Or race

Always wanted to see what my little fx can do against a at 0 to 60

[MichaelJohn]

Great news, Michael!  I think you are the first to post here who owns a 2015 model.  It will be very interesting to hear what you think of the bike, particularly the new suspension and brakes.  When you get a chance, I would be interested is seeing a photo or two of the ABS braking system.  I think Zero is using a new Bosch system that hasn't been seen yet on bikes sold in the U.S.  I believe that I read that the ABS system only works on the front wheel and not on the rear brake.  You should be able to confirm that by checking the rear brake plumbing.  If the line goes directly to the rear caliper from the master cylinder without any other equipment connected to it, then it doesn't have ABS at that end of the bike.

Here you go Richard. I was told in the factory at Santa Cruz that it does in fact have two wheel ABS because I asked specifically about that. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go put my helmet on.

[Richard230]

Well, that is interesting.  Thanks for the information.  It looks like you will have a couple of dry days this week to ride your new bike.  Have fun!   

[oobflyer]

the dealership called and said that the Zero came in earlier than expected

Congrats on the new toy! Which dealership did you go to?
I'm very curious about the range claims of the 2015 bikes. Have you had a chance to test the range on your new bike?

[MichaelJohn]

the dealership called and said that the Zero came in earlier than expected

Congrats on the new toy! Which dealership did you go to?
I'm very curious about the range claims of the 2015 bikes. Have you had a chance to test the range on your new bike?

Thank you. I got it at Contra Costa Powersports in Concord. I was their very first Zero customer. When I took delivery it attracted a small crowd of gas bike owners who all wanted to hear what kind of noise it made when I took off. They were very interested and complimentary, especially when the salesman came out and said that the Zero accelerated as hard or harder than any bike they had on the showroom floor. That really got their attention. As far as range, it seems as advertised. I haven't done any longer rides but the other day I did 17 miles around town in eco-mode and used about 12% of the battery which is right on target (no power tank). I did notice when I rode early yesterday morning that the range seemed to drop a little in colder weather (mid 40's, cold for California!). It has plenty of range for me, and if I want to go for farther I have a very nice scooter that I can use. Problem is, since I've come under the Zero's spell, the scooter has become the forgotten stepchild.

[AustinSZF8.5]

The scooter better get used to the neglect. I have a Honda Magna that I haven't ridden in 6 months, and a Kwak Versys that I've only taken out twice in that time for less than 500 miles total. Even the 3 series groans when I walk past it with my helmet in hand.    One cost I forgot to budget in to the purchase of the Zero was for battery tenders for my gas machines! 

[bammerburn]

Looks like an awesome bike. I too share the experience of the 'death knell' of riding my gas bikes.

[oobflyer]

I kept my gas bike for five years after going electric... it just sat in the garage most of the time. I finally decided it wasn't worth paying for the insurance and registration as seldom as I rode it... so - sayonara.

I have a test-ride scheduled at Contra Costa Powersports in Concord next month - can't wait!

[Doug S]

Even the 3 series groans when I walk past it with my helmet in hand.    One cost I forgot to budget in to the purchase of the Zero was for battery tenders for my gas machines!

I kept my car (BMW 528) because it DOES sometimes rain here in San Diego, and I do need it for longer trips, or to carry stuff. I have to remind myself to drive it at least a little bit, at least a couple of times a week or so to keep the battery up. With the trunk on my SR I usually don't even take the car when I go shopping.