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[Snafuperman]

Older guy here, 65 years old, retired in desert SW of USA.  I've had many motorcycles over the years, at least 40, and I still have 5 right now -- all Harleys.  I've owned Japanese bikes (vast majority), German bikes, Italian bikes, and American bikes.  All styles:  standards, cruisers, sport bikes, dual-purpose.

I saw a video of the new Zero SR and it really piqued my interest so I thought I'd sign up here to get some info from those that would know.

Thanks for having me.

[Erasmo]

Welcome! What would you like to know more about?

[Snafuperman]

Well, after reading some here it looks like there may be reliability problems with the Zero motorcycles.  But, of course I've only read a few people's problems and I assume this is a very small percentage of those sold?

It looks like Zero is dominating the electric motorcycle market.  Is that a fair observation?

Also, as I asked in another thread (no answer yet), are electric motorcycles a good idea in the desert?  Overheating?

[Cortezdtv]

You in any other non motorcycle forums under a slightly different name by chance?

[Richard230]

I haven't had any real problems during my ownership of a 2012 Zero S (now ridden by my daughter) and my current ownership of a 2014 S.  My 2014 bike only had one recall that didn't require any correction.  This compares with BMW motorcycles that typically have several official recalls and lots of unannounced field upgrades during the first couple of years each time a new model is introduced.  If you are having problems, this is the place to go for help and information, if you are not having issues then there isn't much need to talk about it.   

[Snafuperman]

if you are not having issues then there isn't much need to talk about it.   

I don't have an e-bike yet (I stated I was interested).  But OK, I won't talk about it.

[Doug S]

I don't have an e-bike yet (I stated I was interested).  But OK, I won't talk about it.

Lol...I think Richard was saying that you mostly only hear from the people who have problems. I've got 18.4k miles on my 2014 SR with only two small items, both covered by warranty: the rear shock failed, and the onboard charger failed. Since they were both repaired under warranty they didn't cost me anything except for having to drive my car for a few days.

But I think it's pretty clear this is still a young field, with new manufacturers that are still on a fairly steep portion of the learning curve. If you want reliability, you should probably look at the UJMs. Electric motorcycles have the potential to meet or exceed the reliability standard set by the UJMs, but we may be a few years out yet from realizing that potential. The electrics have many charms of their own, however....you really should go take a demo for a spin.

[Snafuperman]

You in any other non motorcycle forums under a slightly different name by chance?

No.  If you do an internet search, you'll find it's a WWII animated short film.  I didn't make it up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snafuperman