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[rookie]

Could you guys speculate on what parts should be swapped on a Zero FXS in order to make it suitable for motocross? (not enduro)

Why?
I already own an 2020 FXS and hire a KTM Freeride E-XC on a weekly basis to get my needs met.
This money I figured would be better spend on my own FXS to make it suitable for the track.
I have no technical knowhow or skills so please don't assume I understand roughly how much money would be involved in this transformation.

What I came up with so far..
I figured that I simply need to have 2 spoked replacement wheels with motocross tires, namely a 21 inch front and a 19 inch rear and swap the with the stock ones.
What I don't know I what wheels to browse for since motocross wheel-manufacturers do not seem to make wheels for Zero's.

Hope to hear from you guys.

Greatings from the Netherlands (Holland) 

[sharagan]

I had both of them for a certain time before I unfortunately sold the Freeride. I chose to keep the FXS because of the more comfortable seat and the bigger battery and also because my riding is more focused on the road.

From my experience the FXS can not substitute the Freeride. It is not built that sturdy and robust, not that agile, not that quick due to different gearing (even though the Freeride has less power). The Freeride can handle the off-road aspect far better overall, but also due to the chain drive, water cooling, frame, plastic parts not made of mud.

Your money would be better spent to buy a second hand Freeride and have the FXS for its intended purpose and the Freeride for its intended purpose. You will not have to rebuild every time you feel like going on the road from the dirt and vice versa (I had all the parts to switch between E-SM to E-XC) and I can imagine replacing damaged parts will be cheaper and faster on the Freeride.

[NEW2elec]

Well Rookie first let me warn you about having a screen name that says you're new to the Forum because 6 years later people will still think you're a novice.   

I do completely agree with Sharagan though.  I can see where it would be tempting to just repurpose what you have, but it will never be good at it.  Even the FX is really just meant for lighter off roading.  They do make a MMX bike but that is meant for military use.

I'd say Freeride or Sur Ron Storm Bee or maybe an Alta MXR if by some small chance one pops up used (the company is out of business but it was a great bike).

Good luck getting dirty.

[mdjak1]

Given that the FXS has a more street oriented, shorter travel suspension than an FX (which is a light usage enduro type bike), I would say that an FXS would make a very bad motocross bike.   You would be better off with an FX.   But keep in mind that even an FX isn't going to be a great motocross bike.   It is at least 50 pounds heavier than something like a Kawasaki KX250.   And the KX250 has about 4" more suspension travel at both ends.   

[Red Clay]

They do make a MMX bike but that is meant for military use.

NEW2elec, this military use MMX bike? Does it have a different suspension than the FX??

rookie, they are correct. The FX is an awesome woods trail motorcycle but it lacks, in suspension size and travel, for motocross. The FX jumps well but doesn't land well!! Stick with the surron or freeride for motocross.

Unless...this military use MMX bike?...

Searching for solutions. Ride On, red clay

[Fred]

When I has an FXS I kept an eye out for a cheap FX with damaged or missing batteries. To me that would have been ideal - sharing the most expensive part (the batteries). I never saw one though.

[rookie]

Sharagan, NEW2elec, mdjak1, Red Clay, Fred, this was the first time on an internet forum that I received so many useful replies on such a short notice, thank you guys.

My conclusion for now..
Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm not longer considering the transformation of my FXS and will be focussed on the other bikes mentioned. (Ktm's Freeride, Alta's MXR, Sur ron's Storm Bee and also Pohlbock's Ebock S210 with 32 horsepower) I found that last one myself 
Depending on my choice I might even end up selling my FXS to make the new purchase.

The Alta MXR seems like the most awesome candidate for motocross though, too bad they're not manufactured anymore. 

[Fred]

They do make a MMX bike but that is meant for military use.

NEW2elec, this military use MMX bike? Does it have a different suspension than the FX??

I know the FX with modular battery was originally aimed at military use, but never knew it was a different model. A quick search shows the MMX does exist but looks identical to the FX in terms of suspension travel and I'm sure almost everything else significant.
https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/fleet/military/specs

A video from 2015 shows it with very basic switchgear but otherwise it looks like an FX.




Getting back to the original post... I hope you find whatever bike suits your needs, rookie. Keep us posted!

[T.S. Zarathustra]

A former neighbor of mine took the complete suspension from a dead Yamaha motocross bike and put it on his daughters FXS. She rode that without any issues, liked the power, handling and the quietness. Unfortunately I don't know if he had to custom make any parts. I always meant to stop by his garage and ask for more information, but he has moved.
Basically if you can custom make parts, or find them, you can make nearly anything fit.

[NEW2elec]

Rookie, yeah good luck with it man.  There was also always the idea it would be a shame to kill an awesome quick street commuter bike in the FXS.

For Red Clay and other interested I found one "conversion" on Cycle Trader here.  They state everything they added.  But it does lack the modular batteries.

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2020-Zero-Motorcycles-FX-7.2-MMX---Preowned-5016907038

You have to go all the way to the bottom of Zero's webpage for the Police/Military section.

https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/fleet/

[mdjak1]

I see the MMX uses the a chain kit.   I wonder if Zero puts a steel rear sprocket on the bike?   From the thread on GoneToPlaid crossing the USA on the Trans America Trail, the standard kit has an aluminum rear sprocket and his was worn out in just 1400 miles.

https://www.electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=11335.0

[GoneToPlaid]

It was visibly worn after 2500 miles or so, but I made it to Idaho before changing the rear sprocket and chain, so about 5000 miles heavily loaded off road. The steel front sprocket was still ok so I left it. Not ideal, but it's what we could do with what was on hand. When it's time, I will replace both sprockets and the chain. I had a 15T front sprocket to make the ratio the same as stock, but that was a mistake - the chain would rub on the motor mounts. Next time I will go with a 13T and change the MBB settings so the speedo comes out right.