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[benis]

Hello all!

I am thinking about getting an electric bike after the summer or waiting for after EICMA. Anyway, I want something where you sit up right. I ride a Honda NC750XD 2016 today but I could totally do the scooter thing. The DS/R is very similar to my current bike but I think the C Evolution looks much nicer.

How you would think about this important choice? Pros and cons?

Big thanks in advance!

[Richard230]

The BMW scooter is quite a bit less expensive than the DS/R.  At least that is the case in California, where the 2018 C-Evolution is going for $14,350, a bit more than last year when it was first introduced here.  The BMW is highly engineered and built much like a car, although it weighs over 600 pounds.  Here is a review of the scooter by motorcycle.com:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/2018-bmw-c-evolution-review.html

And here is a head-to-head comparison of the C-Evolution and the Zero DS/R:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/urban-electric-motorcycles-bmw-c-evolution-scooter-zero-dsr

[JaimeC]

I have recently had bad experiences with my gas engine BMW and my Zero S.  Based on these experiences I would advise you to stay away from the BMW.  As bad as I've accused Zero's quality control, BMW's is WORSE.  At least Zero seems to WANT to make things right, but they're just swamped right now.  They really need to build up their customer support network.

On the other hand, BMW has been doing this for DECADES, but their products no longer stand the test of time.  Consumer Reports rates them second from the BOTTOM for product reliability.  My C650GT has left me stranded over 100 miles from home three times in five years.  The first two times the repair was covered under warranty but I still had to make my own arrangements to get the scooter when it was fixed.  This last time I am two years out of warranty and I was quoted a repair price of $4,000.00 to get it back on the road again.  According to the Kelly Blue Book, the bike is only worth $5,560.00 if it were in perfect working condition and I sold it on my own.

If you do get the BMW electric scooter, either make plans to get rid of it BEFORE the warranty expires, or spring for the extended warranty.  I used to be a die-hard BMW rider but no more.  Their current products are GARBAGE.  Stay away.  I wouldn't buy anything from them that was manufacturered after 1999.

[Richard230]

I haven't had any problems with my BMW's since my 1985 R80, which destroyed its top end and needed to be rebuilt at only 4,000 miles.  However, my 2000 R1100R, my 2002 R1150R, my 2007 R1200R, my 2005 F650GS and my 2016 R1200RS have been completely reliable and I have had no issues with any of them, other than with lean surging on the 1100 and 1150 models.  I have several friends who have owned BMW motorcycles for many years they also have not had a problem with their bikes.

But then I really haven't had any problems with the three Zeros that I have owned, other than an apparently tired battery that refuses to recharge to 100% on the 2014 S.

[Mike Werner]

I've been on the DS for a month for a series of articles and the BMW for 4 years (which I bought).

The Zero rides like a real motorcycles, the BMW like a real scooter, so your first choice should be what kind of bike you want.

The quality of the C-Evolution is exceptional for BMW. First of all, it's made in BMW i3 car factory in Berlin, secondly, they really threw all the available technology at it.

On the other side, the Zero has the performance and handling. You ride faster, further and you can corner much better.

So if you're looking for something predominately for in the city, go for the Beemer, if you're going riding the twisties and countryside, go for the Zero.

[Richard230]

And unfortunately for BMW, it appears that the C-Evolution, at least in the SF Bay Area, is selling like a lead balloon, even at a very reasonable price, considering how much it must cost BMW to manufacture that scooter.  But then their IC scooters don't sell well, either.  The only scooters that seem to sell in any noticeable volume are the cheap Chinese, Taiwanese and South Korean scooters. Most scooter buyers around here seem to go for cheap around-town transport because owning a car or large motorcycle is relatively expensive for young single people with low wage jobs. And older folks usually have families and require a car to get around.

However, the SF Zero dealer appears to have a pretty hot market for Zeros in the city, according to some reports that I have heard.   

[gregoryjward]

I test-rode the BMW C Evolution scooter when I was on a trip in Austria a couple of years ago.  I found it to be really awkward.  Decent acceleration, but wobbly steering and just never felt stable on it.  Maybe it's a scooter thing.  Riding a Zero is a whole lot more fun, speaking as a 2013 XU owner.  That's my two cents.

[heroto]

If you want an upright position, get the scooter. The Zeros make you lean forward a bit, I assume to reduce drag. I have a 2018 S and Zero did not build in enough slack in the cables to allow for an upright riding position. Prior S/SR owners have added the 2" roc risers without difficulty, so perhaps Zero took a step backwards this model year.
I went from a mid sized Vespa 300 GTS to a Zero S for my commuter. I like the zero better in most ways, especially the better ride with bigger tires, quietness, and amazing linear power output. The Vespa provided better weather protection.
As for BMW reliability: there are many, many happy BMW riders. I've owned three and never had a problem. If you want maximum reliability and an upright riding position, and can accept boring, get a Honda.
Electrics make no sense financially at this point. Riding is supposed to be fun. Go with what's fun for you.

[JaimeC]

Both the DS and DSR have an upright riding position.  Their range is slightly less than the S and SR, however, because it is less aerodynamic than the SLIGHT forward lean on the S and SR.

[evdjerome]

You can also add handlebar risers to get an even more upright riding position.

[heroto]

Not so much with the 2018s. I may be wrong, but per my dealer the cables are shorter this year for some reason. I know I'm not upright on my 2018 S. DS higher bars were added, but I need more cable slack to get a truly neutral/upright riding posture.

[MrDude_1]

Hello all!

I am thinking about getting an electric bike after the summer or waiting for after EICMA. Anyway, I want something where you sit up right. I ride a Honda NC750XD 2016 today but I could totally do the scooter thing. The DS/R is very similar to my current bike but I think the C Evolution looks much nicer.

How you would think about this important choice? Pros and cons?

Big thanks in advance!

I think you need to test ride them before making a decision. Especially if you have a back-related reason for choosing a upright position.

[Richard230]

Not so much with the 2018s. I may be wrong, but per my dealer the cables are shorter this year for some reason. I know I'm not upright on my 2018 S.

Shorter cables cost less.   

[Richard230]

Hello all!

I am thinking about getting an electric bike after the summer or waiting for after EICMA. Anyway, I want something where you sit up right. I ride a Honda NC750XD 2016 today but I could totally do the scooter thing. The DS/R is very similar to my current bike but I think the C Evolution looks much nicer.

How you would think about this important choice? Pros and cons?

Big thanks in advance!

I think you need to test ride them before making a decision. Especially if you have a back-related reason for choosing a upright position.

Fortunately, both BMW and Zero dealers offer test rides.   

[heroto]

Please do report back if your can test ride both.