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[MVetter]

@Don
Yes 7.2 kWh is an imaginary number. I have access to the current cell datasheet that is not public. I think you know this stuff already but here's the math:
2 cells in parallel * 28 cells in series * 32 Ah * 3.64 V = 6.5 kWh.

This would be accurate if the bike recognized the packs as 32Ah. They do not. Zero has them capped at 28.5Ah which is what you will find if you read any BMS or MBB logs. Therefore:

2 cells in parallel * 28 cells in series * 28.5 Ah * 3.65 v = 5825.4 Wh = 5.8kWh.

[Pard]

Well, I will ride this FXE for a bit and then consider trading it in towards an SR/F

But that bike weighs 500 lbs compared to the FXE at 300.

Need to test ride it.  If it handles like pig, no interest. 

May also test ride a Harley Livewire

Shame, the FXE would be awesomer if they added another 25-50 lbs of battery to it.

[MVetter]

If you're going to look at a LiveWire at 549 lbs you might as well look at an Energica at 573 lbs.

[Floki]

I rode all the aforementioned heavier bikes before buying my FXE. I can confirm they are all wallowing pigs by comparison. But don’t get me wrong, my Griso is also a porky beast and it’s quite dear to me. Heavy bikes are great for touring in the countryside with little or no traffic. But they are much less fun in urban areas. For my needs, the FXE is the perfect counterpart to my Griso. I wouldn’t want the FXE to be a single ounce heavier because the range is sufficient for how I use it. I suppose I’m exactly the guy they had in mind when they designed it, the suburbanite who also has a gas bike for getting out into the open spaces. The battery tech and charging network just aren’t there yet to compete with gas bikes for touring. It won’t be long though. Progress is quickening on both fronts.

[DerKrawallkeks]

@MVetter Good point, but it doesn't matter if it detects them as 32 Ah or 28.5 Ah, since the capacity for the voltage range that Zero uses is 28.6 kWh anyway. Even if they recognized it as 32 Ah or 40 Ah, it wouldn't change how much energy is actually in the cell.

[Bodo]

I particularily like the weight of my FXE; it's easy to push over steps through the stairwell into the backyard for charging, it handles well on urban roads.

In summer, it leaves 20-30% SoC left after a commute starting with 100%. Now it got colder, <10°C/50°F, it had only 6% left, after heavily derating under 50% SoC.

What will happen to these '7.2' packs when they are five years old? ~80% from the original capacity?
I certainly will have to recharge at work in colder conditions. Will there be battery technology with higher energy density in 2027? Very likely. Will it be worthwhile to upgrade older bikes?

[TheRan]

Unless you're doing like 25k miles a year you should see more 5 years from the battery before it gets below 80%, at least that's what Zero used to rate them at. For most riders it will be more like 10 years, potentially more but even if the battery isn't used as much I imagine time alone will have some affect on it. After that amount of time, if they still have the bike (or they're buying a used one) a replacement battery shouldn't be a huge expense considering the money that has been saved. It may even end up being an upgrade over the original battery being newer technology (greater capacity mainly), assuming Zero don't intentionally block it in some way.

[Pard]

The Zero S with the power tank  would give the little bit extra I am looking for.

https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/model/zero-s

Still a light bike, but with some extra range or some extra performance for the same range as the FXE.

Does the power tank mess up the handling?

[TheRan]

Are you talking about the 7.2 S? That's a decent compromise compared to going for a 14.4. 162kg versus 185kg, you lose the tank storage space but have one down next to the battery and either is a benefit over the FXE's lack of storage. Also compared to the FXE you'll have faster charging. However the 7.2 has the same 46hp power output as the FXE, the 14.4 would step that up to 59hp and get you a little higher maintained speed (80mph versus 72mph). This is all assuming the 14.4 non-R models are even an option where you live, for some reason Zero give different options for different regions (we in the UK no longer have the 7.2 S/DS).

[Pard]

7.2 S with the power tank for an extra 6kW charge tank option.

Claimed 30% more range with 45lbs increase in curb weight

[Richard230]

The Zero S with the power tank  would give the little bit extra I am looking for.

https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/model/zero-s

Still a light bike, but with some extra range or some extra performance for the same range as the FXE.

Does the power tank mess up the handling?

I have owned two Zeros with Power Tanks. That extra 42 pounds can really be felt when trying to make quick S-turns and other rapid chassis movements. Also it makes the bike very difficult to lift back up if it falls over. Finally, it places a lot more weight on the front wheel and that can (and does) increase wear on the front tire, although adding a couple more psi in the tire than recommended by Zero helps.

[Pard]

@Richard230  Excellent info.  Much obliged!

[MVetter]

@MVetter Good point, but it doesn't matter if it detects them as 32 Ah or 28.5 Ah, since the capacity for the voltage range that Zero uses is 28.6 kWh anyway. Even if they recognized it as 32 Ah or 40 Ah, it wouldn't change how much energy is actually in the cell.

No, because it's only allowed to use 28.5 out of the 32Ah.

[Pard]

Some more performance modifications today.

Replaced the stock front master with a magura HC1 12mm.  Much better feel and easier to modulate.  Brake switch is the identical unit to stock, that was easy.  Required a 90 degree adapter to use the existing brake line .

Replaced the stock front brake pads with ferodo sintered HH pads.  Awesome braking power compared to stock.   

Replaced front tire with a gripier Mitas MC50 110/70.  Flatter profile compared to the Pirelli.  1 lb heavier which was not anticipated.  Confidence inspiring when trail braking into tight corners.

More to come.  Going to maximize the potential of this bike until I get rid of it.  LOL!

[TheRan]

7.2 S with the power tank for an extra 6kW charge tank option.

Claimed 30% more range with 45lbs increase in curb weight

You can't have both, the power tank and charge tank occupy the same space. If you wanted both more range and faster charging then you'd need to get a 14.4 and add the charge tank, or step up to at least an SR which for 2023 model (or is it 2022? The one that looks like an SR/F) will get you 15.6kW/h and 3kW charging stock.