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[grindz145]

I wouldn't worry about a generic mount being there. I think it could be cool to mount aux lights. It would be a poor place to mount adtl chargers I think.

The crash bars may not really be necessary for most, but it would be cool if they were at least available IMO. It would be awesome for slow and technical dualsporting.

[Bakersbread]

I was wondering the same thing about engine guards my dealer said they should be 2-300$ they where a big deal for me because I am planning on letting alot of people ride it and taking on some technical trails would like the extra protection. He said we will get some coming but if I wanted a 2013 I had to decide then or id have to wait for the 2014. So I put down 2000$ deposit and ordered the bike (still waiting for it) then come to find out my dealer contacted zero for engine guards and they said that zero told him they dont sell to civilians. But i did want them they would make an exception for 1300$  kinda sucks I already put down the deposit huh. Ive wanted a zero from the first timw I saw them in 2010 and the 13 was finally an option.sucks I cant get what I want but im sure ill love the bike

[NoiseBoy]

Why don't you get a local engineering firm to make some for you? If you don't mind the weight of steel it wouldn't cost very much at all.  If you live near the coast there will be a marine fabricators that could do it in stainless or alloy.

[grindz145]

Truth be told, those guards are overkill anyway. You might be better off with simple frame sliders and some bark busters:http://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-product/r-g-racing-aero-style-frame-sliders-for-the-zero-ds-13. That will probably get you most of the way there.

Don't get me wrong, those crash guards are sweet, but not worth over $1000. That is roughly how much I would expect a kit like that to cost from BMW, but I personally couldn't justify it anyway.

[Bakersbread]

Truth be told, those guards are overkill anyway. You might be better off with simple frame sliders and some bark busters:http://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-product/r-g-racing-aero-style-frame-sliders-for-the-zero-ds-13. That will probably get you most of the way there.

Don't get me wrong, those crash guards are sweet, but not worth over $1000. That is roughly how much I would expect a kit like that to cost from BMW, but I personally couldn't justify it anyway.

Thanks for the link those might be kinda what im looking for. Kinda want something beefier. Anyone know how the 2013 ds does in the snow?

[NoiseBoy]

No bike is going to be safe on snow but it would be much better than an ICE im sure. (no pun intended).  The DS can turn its rear wheel at very low speed without spinning up under varying load, you cant do that on a gas bike no matter how good your throttle/clutch control is.

[Justin Andrews]

The sheer amount of torque available on tap however gives me mild concern regarding riding in the snow.
I've already lost traction a couple of times during a sharp acceleration while wet riding...   

My general feeling at the moment is that riding an electric in the snow will pose a seperate set of challanges to riding an ICE in the snow.
(and a lot of similar ones such as "Do NOT Use Your Front Brake"...  )

I'm sure with Winter now here, that I'll get answers to my concerns somewhat soonish.

[protomech]

Electric bikes will probably get traction control at the same time they get ABS.

If you're riding in wet or low traction conditions, you probably want to set the bike into Eco mode.

[Bakersbread]

Supposed to get my new bike today and its snowing like crazy lol guess we will find out how good it does. Cant be worse than my sv1000s in snow. My sv650 did decent but still sketchy

[dkw12002]

Not very well. High torque, hard tires, and wet or snow is not where you want to ride a Zero. I would wait for dry, clear streets.

[Justin Andrews]

Always remember the #1 tip for riding a motorbike in the snow...

Don't.

[WindRider]

Justin, Good tip for snow riding!

Actually, last spring here in the frozen North when I got my 12 DS I found myself on snow and ice a few times.    Ice and motorcycles don't mix unless you have spikey tires.    However, I found that Zero's smooth power release and lack of a clutch make them the easiest motorcycles to ride on ice that i have ever experienced.   Use ECO mode for even softer power release and a gentle touch on the throttle and the Zero can ride slick stuff safer than anything else with 2 wheels.

Having said that, staying off the ice is the best approach.   Riding in snow can be fun, as long as ice is not under the snow, which it generally is.

[BSDThw]

Don't do it but it is possible to have fun on ice and snow!

[NoiseBoy]

An FX with studded tires would be pure hooliganism!  Where can I buy some studded tires?...oh...and an FX. 

[LiveandLetDrive]

Looks like I'm going up near Tahoe for a ride off-road Sunday.  Snow is in the forecast...  Good thing I just bought some Bridgestone 403/404s!  The road whiners would not be ideal.  (And Diablo Rosso IIs for my 17" cast wheels for the street!)

Ice is bad, I experienced some in the Alps years ago on a Triumph Trident on street tires.  Uphill was okay, a little tire spinning never hurt anybody, downhill on the other hand...  I just switched the bike off and literally inched my way down to avoid a runaway.