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[protomech]

Here's a plot of speed vs distance - just another look on the same data.

Total distance traveled at the following speeds:
0-10 mph, 0.21 mi (2.8%)
10-20 mph, 0.91 mi (12.1%)
20-30 mph, 3.52 mi (47.0%)
30-40 mph, 1.25 mi (16.7%)
40-50 mph, 0.46 mi (6.1%)
50-60 mph, 1.14 mi (15.2%)

I believe if the average owner rode a similar route to the EPA UDDS, they would achieve similar (perhaps slightly lower) range. I ride at significantly higher speeds and accelerations than the bulk of the UDDS.

My 12.3 mi commute (each way) has the following nominal breakdowns:
0-10 mph, 0 mi (0%)
10-20 mph, 0.16 mi (1.3%)
20-30 mph, 0.14 mi (1.1%)
30-40 mph, 4.34 mi (35.3%)
40-50 mph, 4.02 mi (32.7%)
50-60 mph, 3.38 mi (27.5%)

I get about 70 miles range if I stick to the speed limits, which seems reasonable.

[flar]

Is it defined as "take this long to get to XX MPH"?  Or is it defined as "accelerate hard to XX MPH and if you take longer than this threshold the test is over"?  From their claim about when to stop the test, I could easily believe that those times are the "maximum times", not the benchmark times...

[protomech]

I believe the test protocol is to be within 2 mph of the target speed within 1s of when the driving schedule calls for it.

I can't imagine riding the bike for 5 hours on the dyno trying to stay within 2 mph of a test schedule. I can only imagine they automated the throttle and walked off for lunch. And dinner.

[ZeroSinMA]

Here is the 7.45 mile EPA UDDS http://www.epa.gov/nvfel/methods/uddscol.txt as applied to all electric bike tests:

Here it is applied to the 2012 Zero S ZF9:

They repeated EPA UDDS exactly 15 times start to finish.

So, the methodology produces a range estimate with a granularity of 7.45 miles based on an automated, hypothetical stop and go commute in Florida (no hills) with a bit of highway, driven by a very, very laid back rider.

Viola!

[CliC]

oobflyer, I think Zero quotes both the EPA figures as well as a more-realistic 63 mile range at a continuous 70mph (for the ZF9) in their sales literature. I know I saw it somewhere before I bought mine, either in their brochure or on the web site somewhere. Since I'm in a small town/rural area, I figured I'd be a lot nearer that than any EPA "city" cycle, and once I saw that number, I knew it would have the range I needed for my local commuting.

[flar]

oobflyer, I think Zero quotes both the EPA figures as well as a more-realistic 63 mile range at a continuous 70mph (for the ZF9) in their sales literature. I know I saw it somewhere before I bought mine, either in their brochure or on the web site somewhere. Since I'm in a small town/rural area, I figured I'd be a lot nearer that than any EPA "city" cycle, and once I saw that number, I knew it would have the range I needed for my local commuting.

On the web site it claims 63 miles at 70mph, but if you read the fine print they say that it is actually assuming 50% at 70mph and 50% at city speeds since you have to get to the highway and back.  You can extrapolate backwards or check the owner's manual (I think) to find out that it is 43 miles at 70mph all the way...

[CliC]

Well then...we will just have to get to the bottom of that (battery gauge)  

UPDATE: After work, I took her out on the highway to the next town. 7 miles to and around work on surface streets at mostly 30-50 mph, then 4 miles of 65 mph new highway through town, then 70-75 mph to aforementioned next town, turned around when battery gauge got to halfway point. Came back at 70-75, then another 4 miles of 65, then maybe 3 or 4 miles home on surface streets. I got the 2-bar blinking gauge about 2 miles from the house, and still had 2 bars as I rolled into the driveway. Total trip: about 41 miles. I'll update this again with the Kill-a-Watt reading after she's charged. (Update 2: 6.87 kWh).

So the fine print does apply. No Sturgis on my Zero I'm afraid

Other notes: Entire trip was in Eco mode. Top speed in Eco mode is about 75.

Precise speed was difficult to maintain, due to the bike being lightweight and buffeting crosswinds. I ended up listening to the motor pitch at  the speed I wanted to go and and was able to maintain that by targeting that pitch in my ears, like playing an instrument. (I do play an instrument, so maybe that made this method easier for me.)

Those crosswinds beat the crap out of me Much more so than I remember on my Road King. I don't have the windshield, but I may get one.

[ZeroSinMA]

First of all - THERE ARE ELEVEN (11) BARS ON THE FUEL GAUGE - what a strange number.

I received an email today stating that my windshield has arrived at the dealership - I'm hoping that my range will improve with the increased aerodynamics.

I've gotten another 10% plus range out of my Zero S by adding a windshield. 

[dkw12002]

On I-35, commuting speed is generally 75 mph (speed limit is 70 mph) unless there is heavy traffic. 65 mph would relegate you to the right-hand lane with the heavy trucks, U-hauls and people exiting. I think Oobflyer estimated the range with the big battery would be about 33 miles at 75 mph. 

[blake]

I really appreciate all the posts about range.

I have a 80km (50 mile?) round trip commute to/from work, 90% of which would be at 75mph.

I work at a large university that prides itself on being 'green', but was basically told to buzz off and fahgetaboutit when I inquired about charging at work. Even parking in a corner under the building not taking up anyone else's spot and plugging into an existing 110V outlet was disallowed : I was told I would be served a parking infraction.

So it's looking like if I get the 2012 S-ZF9 that the dealer has put aside for me I couldn't make the trip without diverting myself onto smaller side streets for more of the journey than would otherwise be necessary... Bummer...

blake

[Brammofan]

Hi Blake - I, too, made the mistake of asking my employer about charging.  It ignited a shitstorm of red tape.  Instead of waiting for the decisions to go up to the top and come back again, I just quietly started charging it.  My tactic of "ask for forgiveness, not for permission," has worked so far.

[rotoiti]

I took delivery of my brand new Zero DS ZF9 today. I rode it back home (32 miles, eco mode) and used only 3 bars of energy (third bar disappeared at 29 miles). I rode along a busy street with 40 mph speed limit and many traffic lights. If the charge indicator is linear that is really good achievement.

[protomech]

The first bar seems to disappear a little fast, but afterwards the bars SEEM to be linear.

[flar]

I took delivery of my brand new Zero DS ZF9 today. I rode it back home (32 miles, eco mode) and used only 3 bars of energy (third bar disappeared at 29 miles). I rode along a busy street with 40 mph speed limit and many traffic lights. If the charge indicator is linear that is really good achievement.

It will be interesting to hear how that changes over the first few charge cycles.  Have we definitively determined if they fully balance the cells and calibrate the meter before they ship the bikes?

[dkw12002]

Blake, consider a Ninja 250. A new one is about $5,000 out the door, gets 55 mpg or so and has a top speed of 95 mph with a bullet proof, tried-and-true engine.