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[heroto]

Anyone have experience with a modern Zero on the BRP or skyline drive? How does the range compare with other places you ride? Any actual experience or experience with similar very hilly/moderate speed roads appreciated.

[benswing]

Hello, and welcome to our little corner of the interwebs!

Yes, I rode my Zeros on the Blue Ridge Parkway each of the past 5 years.  It's my favorite long road to ride! 

You get excellent range on the BRP, especially if you are conscious of it.  Light on the throttle going up, and coast as much as possible going down and you'll have better range than ever before!  I strongly recommend a J1772 plug adapter for fast charging that can plug into NEMA 14-50 at RV Parks.  Also, if you go by Boone, NC I recommend eating at Makoto's (but make sure you're there when they are open).

What battery do you have?  What's your planned route?

All of the following info is for a 2014 Zero SR. 

Here is video from 2015 when I went from NJ to Mexico (via the BRP) to Canada:


Here is a writeup, photos & video from 2016 riding from Asheville to Roanoke:
https://www.benswing.com/single-post/2016/08/23/2016-ElMoto-4Corners---Asheville-NC-to-Blacksburg-VA

This is a writeup, photos & video from 2016 riding from Roanoke to Fairfax, VA:
https://www.benswing.com/single-post/2016/08/23/2016-ElMoto-4Corners---Blacksburg-VA-to-Fairfax-VA

[heroto]

Thanks, I enjoyed your YouTube videos.
How much range (compared with Zero's published estimates) if I ride the Parkway not like a granny but having some fun - not nuts - but not hyper-mileing?

As for the exact moto: Considering getting a 2018 SR with the charge tank (J1772 adapter).

Another question, regarding charging at the campground 50 amp outlets: how much tech is needed? I can carry a charge station like this:
https://store.clippercreek.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=119
Or, is just a cord with a NEMA 14-50 prong at one end and a J1772 at the other OK?
Thanks

[dukecola]

I did Skyline and the BRP this summer, 2-up, fully loaded with close to 75lbs of baggage on my SR. I was worried as charging locations were sparse, but range exceeded expectations.  I got excellent mileage compared to my mostly flat home region driving. The mountains did not make it less.  I found I had to reduce regen quite a bit in order to be able to coast on the downhills, regen slowed bike too much and I had to add power to maintain speed. After 1st day, reprogrammed to 60% and it was perfect. It was a fantastic ride down to Asheville. We took the valley route on the west side on the way north and it was spectacular as well.  In fact my best mileage since I owned the bike was from Boone to Galax, 80 miles on 50%, again 2-up, fully loaded. Do it!

[benswing]

Thanks, I enjoyed your YouTube videos.
How much range (compared with Zero's published estimates) if I ride the Parkway not like a granny but having some fun - not nuts - but not hyper-mileing?

As for the exact moto: Considering getting a 2018 SR with the charge tank (J1772 adapter).

Another question, regarding charging at the campground 50 amp outlets: how much tech is needed? I can carry a charge station like this:
https://store.clippercreek.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=119
Or, is just a cord with a NEMA 14-50 prong at one end and a J1772 at the other OK?
Thanks

A Zero SR 13 will have plenty of battery. 

I’m not sure about the onboard Zero Charge Tank, but my digiNow Supercharger v2 and Elcons did not need a portable EVSE to work.  I just had an adapter cord with NEMA 14-50 on one end and a J1772 plug on the other.  The charge tank may need a handshake and therefore a portable EVSE.  Check with Zero, Terry, or Hollywood Electrics.

[benswing]

You will need a portable EVSE to charge using the new charge tank when charging at RV parks using a NEMA 14-50 plug. 

Either clipper creek or juice box has one that is portable and powerful.