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[Harlan]

Hi harlan,

Awesome job looks perfect. Tempting to order; would you send it abroad?

Thanks!  Yes, no problem.

I play the squeaky wheel and ask more questions.

Terry wrote:

...Although the next day I did take it back out and remove 1/2 of a bolt hole on each side of the frame and then put it back it for a nice snug fit like the bike was designed for …

Do we need to do this too with your Kit?

Yes, you do need to remove the rear mounting holes for the controller to fit in the original position.

The plastic cover at the bottom has to be adjusted by ourselves to fit?

Yes, you will also need to cut the plastic cover to make room for the larger heatsink.

Is the subframe a substitude for the fragile construction from the heatsink to the plastic cover and light?
Personally I like the look of your tail chop, but I will run in trouble with TÃœV and Police and I have a sideback frame which is fixed to the rear fender. ( see pics )
Is it possible to install the subframe with the original fender so my frame will still fit?

I've attached a pic of the old and new subframes side by side.  As you can tell, the new subframe has an additional piece that is used to support the rear of the heatsink.  The new subframe is made of steel vs. the original alloy and has an additional cross member so it is a bit stronger.  I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to use the original fender although we have removed it in all the bikes the size6 is fitted.

[baumisch]

Will the topspeed change in any way? I guess not - right?
Will the sustained speed (before running into temp warning) stay the same at ~112km/h or increase/decrease for some reason?

[protomech]

Both top speed and sustained top speed should increase. The first thermal limitation on the stock 2012 bikes is the motor controller; with the Size 6 controller the next thermal limitation becomes the motor.

[baumisch]

I would really love to see a comparison chart of 0-30 and 0-60 times (with same rider weight) for
- stock 2012 S ZF9
- stock 2012 S ZF6
- stock 2012 S ZF9 - sevcon 6
- stock 2013 S ZF8
- stock 2013 S ZF11
- stock 2013 S ZF11 - sevcon 6 (hollywood indigo package)
- all other 2013 models FX, etc ...

is something like this out somewhere?

[benswing]

I upgraded my 2012 Zero S ZF9 to a Size 6 contoller and love it!  I didn't measure 0-60 times yet, but with the new controller, the bike feels twice as powerful.  For example, my Eco mode is currently slightly stronger than my Sport mode used to be (with the size 4 controller).  Hope this helps.

[Doctorbass]

Damn it's looking good !!

You say ECO with size 6 is twice more powerefull than SPORT mode with size 4 !!

If i remember correctly size 6 is 200A more ( 33% more) current right?

Doc

[BSDThw]

Size 4 = 420A
Size 6 = 660A

ECO mode ~ 70%

660A * 0.7 ~ 460A

So ECO with 70% is a bit more power than a normal size 4 Sport mode

You say ECO with size 6 is twice more powerefull than SPORT mode with size 4 !!

I believe you got it wrong I understand: SPORT mode with size 6 feels twice more powerful than SPORT mode with size 4 !!

[WindRider]

Ben, Can you comment on range with the controller upgrade?   Obviously, dumping more power on acceleration will decrease range if you use that power.   

Also, is the 2012 motor able to take the heat from this much more current?   Is it possible to overheat the motor causing shutdown or permanent damage?

[benswing]

You say ECO with size 6 is twice more powerefull than SPORT mode with size 4 !!

Yes, and it seems the calculations agree with that analysis!  I didn't mention Sport mode with a size 6, but it's pretty awesome! 

Ben, Can you comment on range with the controller upgrade?   Obviously, dumping more power on acceleration will decrease range if you use that power.   

Also, is the 2012 motor able to take the heat from this much more current?   Is it possible to overheat the motor causing shutdown or permanent damage?

My range hasn't been affected much.  On the size 4 I made 2 trips over 100 miles (106 & 114.1mi).  Over the past 2 days I made 2 trips of 80 miles, with a predicted range just over 100mi on each.  You are still fully in control of how much juice you use while riding, you just now have the option to use more.

[kingcharles]

On the 2013 bikes a size 6 would be even more fun!

[baumisch]

1 important question I would looove to have clarified:

How does a SevCon 6 2012 ZF9-S compare to a stock 2013 S-Model?

[NoiseBoy]

1 important question I would looove to have clarified:

How does a SevCon 6 2012 ZF9-S compare to a stock 2013 S-Model?

I asked Terry this on Facebook after he went for a ride alongside one.  He said the 2013 was alot faster in every speed range.

[protomech]

I would guess the size 6 2012 S is around 7s 0-60 and the size 4 2013 S is around 5.5s

[benswing]

1 important question I would looove to have clarified:

How does a SevCon 6 2012 ZF9-S compare to a stock 2013 S-Model?

Good timing!  I just met up with some Zero guys in NYC and they let me ride a 2013 FX and 2013 DS!  First of all, the FX is ridiculous!  I did wheelies all the way down 9th avenue as we headed to the Ear Inn for bike night.  However, to compare the 2012 Zero S w/ size 6 controller to the 2013 Zero DS w/ a stock controller, here are a couple of observations. 

The 2013 bikes have a little more mass, so some of the added power goes to moving that mass.  They are definitely a bit faster, but I didn't feel put out getting back on my 2012 S.  In fact, I felt vindicated that I made the right decision sticking with the smaller bike with a big controller.  The 2012 S is more nimble since it has less mass and with the boost in power it's really fun! 

You'll probably be happy with either decision.  If you like the size/weight of the 2012, then upgrading is a good choice.  If you want a better overall quality machine go with a 2013.

[Electric Terry]

I agree with Ben here.

For those that are having any issues with cutouts however, you should be thinking one of 2 things for sure.  Do I upgrade to the size 6 controller?  Or do I trade in on a 2013?  Just be a motorcycle enthusiast and do something different this month to your ride than it is now. 

And making it faster will make you smile more and live a happier life and therefor longer.  Take your long term health into consideration and get a size 6 upgrade on your 2012!  Or get a 2013!  Or a 2013 with plans for a size 6!  <--- warning!, being that happy could cause unknown results and or pain in your cheeks from too much smiling under your helmet, and/or outliving your retirement and social security.  Proceed with caution.