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[Tony]

I went from a 2020 SR/S Premium with charge tank, to 2021 Energica Ribelle, and I can't be happier. Amazing range, charge time, reliability. There's a reason everyone goes Zero -> Energica, and never the other way.

This is very interesting input, thanks.

What do you think of the sound that someone else mentioned? I remember about five years ago, the EGO I testdrove made this high pitched sound, while the Zero got a more pleasant electric hum. But not sure if it applied to the newer non EGO models...?

[nevetsyad]

Low speed, Energica makes more noise. I like it, it's like a jet taking off. At speed, over 25 or 30 probably, it dies down, much over that and all you hear is wind. I like it, sounds high tech and gets looks.

[Naked]

The EsseEsse9 is 621lbs!!
Pass.

[princec]

The EsseEsse9 is 621lbs!!
Pass.

Strangely this is rarely mentioned. All the Energicas are insanely heavy. That's one of several reasons I went with Zero - they're "ordinary motorcycle" weight.

Cas

[Demoni]

The EsseEsse9 is 621lbs!!

That was the weight of the original EsseEsse9 with the 13.4kWh battery. The new EMCE bikes are 580lbs, not lightweight but the decrease of 40 pounds makes a big difference.
For comparison a SR/F with a power tank is 545lbs.

I remember about five years ago, the EGO I test drove made this high pitched sound. But not sure if it applied to the newer non EGO models...?

The noise is a result of the straight cut gears in the reduction gearing. The new EMCE bikes make a similar noise to the old bikes however the new motor cases seem to have changed the tone. I would say the overall volume of the noise is 20% less, plus the high pitched notes are greatly reduced. Best way I can describe it is a "more refined" sound signature.

[JaimeC]

The EsseEsse9 is 621lbs!!

That was the weight of the original EsseEsse9 with the 13.4kWh battery. The new EMCE bikes are 580lbs, not lightweight but the decrease of 40 pounds makes a big difference.
For comparison a SR/F with a power tank is 545lbs.

I remember about five years ago, the EGO I test drove made this high pitched sound. But not sure if it applied to the newer non EGO models...?

The noise is a result of the straight cut gears in the reduction gearing. The new EMCE bikes make a similar noise to the old bikes however the new motor cases seem to have changed the tone. I would say the overall volume of the noise is 20% less, plus the high pitched notes are greatly reduced. Best way I can describe it is a "more refined" sound signature.

Chains are also noisy.  It's why most other eMoto manufacturers went with belts.  You don't notice it much on an ICE bike because of all of the other sounds but when there as many competing sounds the sound of a metallic chain rolling over metal gears is rather striking.  Abe Askenazie (Zero's CTO) noticed this when he first started working for Zero and took one for a ride.  He had contacts at Gates due to his many years working for Harley Davidson and then Buell so he went about working on getting a belt drive designed for Zero.  I'm surprised he went for Gates, as Buell used a different belt in their last years... I forget who (and I'm too lazy to look it up right now).  Maybe because Gates was the larger company and could respond more quickly and economically to Zero's needs.  As small a company as Buell Motorcycle Company was, Zero is even smaller.

[Richard230]

The EsseEsse9 is 621lbs!!

That was the weight of the original EsseEsse9 with the 13.4kWh battery. The new EMCE bikes are 580lbs, not lightweight but the decrease of 40 pounds makes a big difference.
For comparison a SR/F with a power tank is 545lbs.

I remember about five years ago, the EGO I test drove made this high pitched sound. But not sure if it applied to the newer non EGO models...?

The noise is a result of the straight cut gears in the reduction gearing. The new EMCE bikes make a similar noise to the old bikes however the new motor cases seem to have changed the tone. I would say the overall volume of the noise is 20% less, plus the high pitched notes are greatly reduced. Best way I can describe it is a "more refined" sound signature.

Chains are also noisy.  It's why most other eMoto manufacturers went with belts.  You don't notice it much on an ICE bike because of all of the other sounds but when there as many competing sounds the sound of a metallic chain rolling over metal gears is rather striking.  Abe Askenazie (Zero's CTO) noticed this when he first started working for Zero and took one for a ride.  He had contacts at Gates due to his many years working for Harley Davidson and then Buell so he went about working on getting a belt drive designed for Zero.  I'm surprised he went for Gates, as Buell used a different belt in their last years... I forget who (and I'm too lazy to look it up right now).  Maybe because Gates was the larger company and could respond more quickly and economically to Zero's needs.  As small a company as Buell Motorcycle Company was, Zero is even smaller.

My understanding is that the BMW F800GT used a belt manufactured by Continental. I think their other models that used belts had Gates versions. But BMW likely went with the low-bidder at some point. They were selling their belts for around $450 USD at their parts counters and the belts could not be bought from any other source. (One poster some years ago on the F800Riders forum claimed that he worked for Gates and even he was not permitted to buy a BMW belt directly from the company.) But now that the GT (which is the last model that uses a belt drive) has been discontinued, drive belts for that model are available from several sources for not much over $100 in Europe.

[ms_smart]

I test drove both before I decided to buy the Zero. Main reason was the noise of the Energica. The Zero is so much quiter. The Zero is also more fun to drive - at least for me and my driving style (less weight). I also appreciate the AC charging (12KW) since in many (European) remote locations it is much easier to find a CEE16 port or a AC wallbox than a DC port.

But I have to admit, that I have difficulties to recommend the Zero after 12000 km. The bike is very unreliable. I had a couple of major breakdowns. This is not good during your summer vacation - even if Zero handled all repairs through warranty.

If I would buy a new bike I have difficulties to come to a recommendation. Both bikes have major disadvantages. May be I would give the Lifewire a chance....

[MVetter]

If I would buy a new bike I have difficulties to come to a recommendation. Both bikes have major disadvantages. May be I would give the Lifewire a chance....

If you really like that Zero has powerful AC charging I've got bad news for you about that LiveWire