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[protomech]

The Zero bikes would be classified as a PMC (production motorcycle class) / H (52.9 - 72.9 V measured).

There are few production or modified production records:

1/4 mile, MPC/F 14.29s @ 90.6 mph, Spencer Smith, July 25 2009
1/4 mile, PMC/J 21.01s @ 46.6 mph, Johnathan Belak, June 13 2011
1/8 mile, PMC/H 11.73s @ 56.3 mph, Todd Kollin, Oct 12 2008
1/8 mile, MPC/I 13.17s @ 42.6 mph, Rick Roller, Aug 31 2003
1/8 mile, PMC/I 18.49s @ 32.9 mph, Quija Keogh, Sept 1 2002

With a tuck and without the low-speed acceleration limit, I estimate the Zero S ZF9 would do 0-60 in 8.7s, the 1/8 mile in 11.4s @ 69.5 mph and 1/4 mile in 17.4s @ 78.0 mph.

There's an NHRA 1/8 mile track about 20 miles from my house. I don't know whether the low-speed tune would declassify the bike for the production class, it probably would unless Zero made that tune available as an option.

Fortunately for any records we try to set on our bikes, the Empulse should be in another class.. PMC/G for the higher voltage bus. I expect we'll see some records smashed pretty quickly once it shows up : )

[Biff]

With a tuck and without the low-speed acceleration limit, I estimate the Zero S ZF9 would do 0-60 in 8.7s, the 1/8 mile in 11.4s @ 69.5 mph and 1/4 mile in 17.4s @ 78.0 mph.

I am curious, where have you received information on this "low-speed acceleration limit"?  Could it be that someone mis-understood the changes that the eco/sport switch does?  Has anyone received information on who can or how to remove this "low-speed acceleration limit" ?

I would be very excited if anyone could let me know how to increase the off-the-line performance of the 2012 Zero (with just software modification).

Also, with its shorter gearing and lighter weight, the 2012 Zero DS ZF6 would probably be faster in both the 1/8th and 1/4mile.  A light rider would also give you the best result, are kids without drivers licenses able to compete at drag events?

-ryan

[CliC]

I am curious, where have you received information on this "low-speed acceleration limit"?  Could it be that someone mis-understood the changes that the eco/sport switch does?  Has anyone received information on who can or how to remove this "low-speed acceleration limit" ?

I don't know the details, but my calibrated butt tells me it's there. It's docile right when it starts moving, then gets quite a bit more urgent once you are going a few miles an hour. Since electric motors generate maximum torque at zero RPM, the Zero should be able to stomp it right off the line, so there must be something limiting it -- probably controller software, and probably for good reason (drivetrain reliability, manageability by a variety-of-skills riders).

I would be very excited if anyone could let me know how to increase the off-the-line performance of the 2012 Zero (with just software modification).

Me too. But I think I'll save my hacking until after the warranty is expired

[dkw12002]

This has the same Agni 95R motor as my 2011 Zero S:

[protomech]

I am curious, where have you received information on this "low-speed acceleration limit"?  Could it be that someone mis-understood the changes that the eco/sport switch does?  Has anyone received information on who can or how to remove this "low-speed acceleration limit" ?

I would be very excited if anyone could let me know how to increase the off-the-line performance of the 2012 Zero (with just software modification).

Nope, the low-end acceleration (up to 20 mph or so) is noticeably lower than above 20 mph. This is true both for Eco and Sport modes.

I'm going to contact Zero. Hollywood Electrics claims they can remove the limit.. Harlan, comment? : )

Also, with its shorter gearing and lighter weight, the 2012 Zero DS ZF6 would probably be faster in both the 1/8th and 1/4mile.  A light rider would also give you the best result, are kids without drivers licenses able to compete at drag events?

Yep, the ZF6 with a light rider would probably pick up another second on both the 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile ETs. I don't know if NEDRA has any restrictions on young riders.

[CliC]

This has the same Agni 95R motor as my 2011 Zero S

These homebrew electrified bicycles are insane. I have an old Specialized bike I don't ride much anymore...might be a fun project. Smoking a Mustang GT between lights on it after I get through...even more fun

[Harlan]

The off the line performance is limited by the current of the controller.  Easiest way to improve the acceleration without any major changes is to regear the bike.  The 28 tooth sprocket on the S can be replaced with a 25 tooth sprocket if better acceleration is desired.

[dkw12002]

I have legal e-bikes but I don't ride them quite legally. My fastest one has a direct drive front hub motor and pulls 36volts and 750 watts. I got it as a kit from Ampedbikes. It is actually fast around town because I usually do not stop at stop signs and I also cut through parking lots like most bicycle riders do, and you can usually ride right up to the front door of the restaurant or business and park on the sidewalk. They are great fun. Riding bicycles improves your motorcycle riding skills and visa versa, I think.

Just to put those 0-60 times in perspective, the Ninja 250, a slow sport bike, has a 0-60 time of 5.75 sec. The Ninja 650, a middleweight has a 0-60 of 3.8 sec. This is a little misleading though, because to get these times, you have to rev the engine using the clutch to jump off the starting line, shift really fast, and acclerate WOT to the red line.  The Zero on the other hand requires no expertise. You just open the throttle. The Zero keeps up with traffic just fine unless someone is trying to race you. Like others, I would use more in the 0-20 mph range if it were there.

[rotoiti]

[....] Like others, I would use more in the 0-20 mph range if it were there.

+1

[protomech]

The off the line performance is limited by the current of the controller.  Easiest way to improve the acceleration without any major changes is to regear the bike.  The 28 tooth sprocket on the S can be replaced with a 25 tooth sprocket if better acceleration is desired.

Right, but is the current limit at say 10 mph set to the same limit at 30 mph? It definitely seems like more torque is available at 30 mph.

Just to put those 0-60 times in perspective, the Ninja 250, a slow sport bike, has a 0-60 time of 5.75 sec. The Ninja 650, a middleweight has a 0-60 of 3.8 sec. This is a little misleading though, because to get these times, you have to rev the engine using the clutch to jump off the starting line, shift really fast, and acclerate WOT to the red line.

Various posters on internet forums claim 5 second 0-60 times for the ninja 250, but the instrumented magazine tests and youtube videos (purportedly of stock bikes) show about 8s 0-60 and 14-15s quarter mile times @ mid-80s mph speeds.

Simulation for a S ZF6 with a 120 lb geared rider is 0-60 in about 6.6s, 1/8 mile in 10.2s @ 73.7 mph, 1/4 mile in 16.0s @ 80.0 mph. Could be off, the dyno data is limited above 65 mph so I'm extrapolating some..

[ZeroSinMA]

I don't know about the 2012 but the 2011 Zero S uses some model of Curtis controller, an off-the-shelf controller commonly used in electric golf carts. If you poke around you can find it and a serial port, cable it to a laptop running software downloaded from Curtis, and modify the acceleration characteristics.

Here's a thread from a forum where golf cart guys have figured out how to hack the controllers to get the off-the-line acceleration they want.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/electric-golf-carts/15316-programming-curtis-controller-16.html

[Harlan]

The 2011 model used an Alltrax controller, not a Curtis.

[ZeroSinMA]

The 2011 model used an Alltrax controller, not a Curtis.

see http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2080.0

[craigq]

The 2011 model used an Alltrax controller, not a Curtis.

see http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2080.0

Dr. Bass is saying it's an Alltrax, not a Curtis, so I'm not quite sure of the intents of your post... 
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2079.0

[ZeroSinMA]

The 2011 model used an Alltrax controller, not a Curtis.

see http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2080.0

Dr. Bass is saying it's an Alltrax, not a Curtis, so I'm not quite sure of the intents of your post... 
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2079.0

Pointing you to the correct info vs mine. At least I got the ball rolling :-)