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[Doctorbass]

The first time I have tried the Zero FX and S 2013  was definitively like a virus I have implanted in my brain!  Everytime i’m thinking about my 2011 DS, I just can’t stop dreaming about that great improved 2013 I have tried and that was a beautifull experience.

Now the temptation to make a change  is really high.

As well I am proud of my DS 2011 and the mod I did on it but the power and range is very limited and even if I would make some 8kWh battery modification and 84V boost to te motor, the total weight of my 2011 would be too high and I would not have any passenger and to ride safely.

There is also some factor I discovered that also make me think getting the 2013:

-The range!.. with the 11.4 I could do a lot of small trip or big trip with the charge station on plug share etc..

-I could now follow couples of friend for great ride in motorcycle.. the 2011 is definitively not the best machine for that.

-The great brushless motor.. the change from the brushed 95R to the 75-7 would be impressive.

-Upgradable controller to size 6.

Also I could have a “deal” on a S ZF9 2012 for about 4000$ in exchange of my 2011 so It would be a trade off between my ds 2011 and the S 2013 in performance but the attarction to the 2013 is intense!

I have no kids from now and the “liberty” time is running out so this would be the best time to enjoy it before couples of years when kids are eating money like sponges with liquid…

What do you think guys?

[Richard230]

Unless you feel the need for a lot of power, I would go for the 2012 bike.  I have been very happy with the performance and reliability of my 9 kWh 2012 Zero S.  It goes fast enough to keep up with, or ahead of, just about all of the traffic I encounter on the roads and will exceed any speed limit.  The range of the bike's EIG batteries have been very good, with my typical ride being 80 miles without completely draining the batteries. But if I ride conservatively, I can get 100 miles, keeping the speeds under 50 mph and riding on level ground.  Right now the only thing I would really like to have is the 2013 bike's larger chassis and its larger 120V charger.  Installing a larger charger is no doubt something that you can easily resolve.   

[WindRider]

Hey Doc,

You should test ride the 12 model.   The 12s are great bikes and the price is a lot lower but they are still smallish and not as nice or powerful as the 13s.   If you want to carry a passenger regularly then the 13 is much nicer.   You can carry a passenger on the 12 but both people have to be small and like each other.

Of course, you like to play with electronics so you could solve the power difference with a Size 6 controller upgrade.

It all comes down to money but ride the 12 and see how exciting it is to you.

[Doctorbass]

Thanks guys, I admit i did not tried the 2012 but the hp seem close to the 2011 right?

Is the sevcon size 4 on the 2012 and 2012 the same voltage? 80V model  and can go up to 116V?  or if the 2012 is using lower than 80V sevcon model?


If i would go with the 2012 i would install the 2013 seat and gas tank on it just for the confort and look

Doc

[protomech]

I believe both the 2012 and 2013 bikes use the G80 sevcons. Not 100% sure on that.

I rode a 2011 S approximately 4 months before I bought my 2012 S .. the 2012 bike is a little heavier but felt slightly faster (maybe 10s 0-60 vs 11s). The 2013 bikes are hugely faster than either.

The Size 6 2012 is still rather slower than the Size 4 2013.

[vchampain]

Life is short ! 2013 is fun to ride. If you can afford it, dont hesitate a second. if not, 2012 is also a good choice.

[dkw12002]

I vote that Doctorbass get a 2013 Zero S, cause he is has lots of technical knowledge and info outside of the Zero people who do not post on the thread very much. If I have trouble in the future, Dr. Bass will be a resource of information just like he's been with other Zero bikes. Kind of selfish I know, but there you go. Buy it!

[ZeroSinMA]

I have no kids from now and the “liberty” time is running out so this would be the best time to enjoy it before couples of years when kids are eating money like sponges with liquid…

What do you think guys?

2013 S! Godspeed, man!

[Doctorbass]

OK Yes the 2012 is a great deal, but with only 30 hp stock compare to 54 hp the 2013 is really tempting!

The 2013 also already have the passenger footpeg ( value of 350$)

if i would go with the 2012, i would need to buy the footpeg and size 6 controller (extra 2000$) to get more hp but still less than the stock 2013  and also to add the seat and gastank of the 2013 if i want to keep the 2013 look as my 2011 DS ( about 500$)

THe 2013 ZF11.4 also have 2.1 kWh more than the 2012 ZF9 ( about 43km more range)

so the extra money of about 2500$ that i would need to add to the 2012 S to have it like i want is not necesary on the 2013 S stock.

Plus, i predict that the 2013 will not loose alot of value  when the 2014 model will come out since they will probably be very similar performace, ( just like the 2010 and 2011 was)

Doc

[BSDThw]

I believe both the 2012 and 2013 bikes use the G80 sevcons. Not 100% sure on that.

My 2012 DS has a G80(35)

Doc if you really plan to modify all the tank seat ... I think it would make no sense to by a 2012 because of the money difference to a  2013.
On the other side I don't believe you leaf your 2013 without lot's of modification

[craigq]

Plus, i predict that the 2013 will not loose alot of value  when the 2014 model will come out since they will probably be very similar performace, ( just like the 2010 and 2011 was)

At this point in the Ontario/Quebec riding season just save and wait for the 2014's. The performance will be similar, but dollars to donuts it will be an improvement and hopefully all of the issues will be ironed out...

[Doctorbass]

Plus, i predict that the 2013 will not loose alot of value  when the 2014 model will come out since they will probably be very similar performace, ( just like the 2010 and 2011 was)

At this point in the Ontario/Quebec riding season just save and wait for the 2014's. The performance will be similar, but dollars to donuts it will be an improvement and hopefully all of the issues will be ironed out...

I understand what you mean. I think that the $ diff between the 12013 and 2014 will not be so high. I believe that Zero just can not improve the 2014 for the same step as they did for the 2013 so price drop should be less significant. there is still 3-4 months to enjoy riding our great time of motorcycles in Ontario/Quebec.

The 30km perimeter i have around my home to ride without recharging is short ( 60km range total) and the 2013 should extend that perimeter  alot!

I got a deal on a 2013 S yesterday and i think i'll jump on that !!

Doc

[vchampain]

Dr : you can use this tool to calculate your new perimeter !

[NoiseBoy]

Have the people that say the 2012 is great even next to a '13 actually ridden a 2013?  I love my '12 and would miss it sorely but i wouldn't hesitate to upgrade if it made financial sense.  They are in a different league, not just in performance but in build quality and usability too.   The upgrade straight to 13 makes a lot of sense for a 2011 owner imo.   Im personally expecting some minor but useful improvements on the 2015 model so will like wait for that as the finance on the '12 will be paid.

[Lipo423]

Doc,

Get the 2013...yes, the 2012 will work better than your 2011, but I'm afraid you will regret after a while not having got the 2013...
If you cannot afford the 11.4 (ideal), get the 8.5

I also though in making the change, but the ZERO Spanish dealer is not excited in trading in 2012 models...for 2013 ones.