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[vitaminC]

While I want to join the e-bike crowd, I do my best to avoid buying new vehicles because the depreciation is just too severe. One alternative to that might be going with a leftover 2012. For instance, I've come across a 2012 DS6 demo with ~1000 miles, that the dealer is selling for $7k. That's much more in the range of what I'd like to spend.

However I've been reading about all the "glitch" problems with that year, so I'm wondering if any 2012 is just too high risk right now? I can just as easily keep riding my BMW until some used 2013's start hitting the market, which should start happening in the near future, as I know many people turn their bikes over pretty quickly.

And will the local dealers gripe if I bring in a bike for warranty work that was not purchased from them?

[benswing]

You probably want to make sure the warranty transfers over to you, since occasionally that is handy.  Also, if the original owner took care of the glitch, then the bike should be fine.  My 2012 S had the glitch and it was taken care of quickly with one visit to the dealer.

[Richard230]

My 19-month old 2012 S never developed the "glitch".  When new it had a bum turn indicator relay and the throttle needed replacement to prevent very occasional stalling at stop lights. Since then it has had a couple of recalls for things like caliper bolts, reprogramming the firmware and replacing the stop light switch - none of which caused any issues with my bike before the recalls were performed.  So far my 9 kWh S is running fine and I would not have any concerns about selling it to a friend.  If you can get a 2012 Zero for only $7000, I would say it is a very good deal and I don't think you would be disappointed.

[vitaminC]

Thanks for the replies. The warranty shouldn't be an issue since the bike is still "new" at a dealer. This would be easier if it wasn't 500 miles away... still, with the tax break it would make for a pretty good deal.

[KrazyEd]

There is a 2012 Demo DS6 here n Vegas for $6900. Add about $2K in taxes and fees.
I picked up my 2012 XU from them last month. There were two warranty issues
which were taken care of. ( Front Forks and Turn Signal Flasher ). I have put
about 1000 miles on it with no problems.

[vitaminC]

There is a 2012 Demo DS6 here n Vegas for $6900. Add about $2K in taxes and fees.
I picked up my 2012 XU from them last month. There were two warranty issues
which were taken care of. ( Front Forks and Turn Signal Flasher ). I have put
about 1000 miles on it with no problems.

That's the one I'm talking about 

[trikester]

I presently have my 2012DS 6 on the market at $7500. It has my 17" rear wheel mod and HID headlamp mod. I'm going to have to check the mileage but it is less than 1000 miles. One reason that I'm asking more than $7K is that I'm going to have to return some money to the California electric vehicle rebate program for selling it before three years have passed.

I'm hoping to sell it to someone in SoCal so that packing and shipping are not involved in the sale.

Harlan has told me that $6K to $7K seems to be the going value on these bikes depending on condition, mileage, etc.

I also have my 2010 DS for sale at $3K (also low mileage).

Trikester

[KrazyEd]

That's the one I'm talking about 
[/quote]

   My personal feeling is that they are planning to get out of the Zero market.
It took me several visits there to get anyone to even talk to me, then, several
weeks to actually get them to sell it to me. Once I did get it, they have been
very helpful. They are a multi brand dealer, selling just about anything they
can get their hands on. I am guessing that the Zero doesn't generate enough
self interest for them to bother with.
   On the bright side, Harlen has told me that he will be spending more time
in Vegas, so, hopefully, he will pick up the slack. If you do decide to come
to Vegas, get in touch with me. If you need a hotel room, I might be able
do do something with the company I work for to save you a few dollars.
Even if you don't need a place, it would be nice to talk to another like
minded individual.

This part is for Trikester,
   You mention your 17" mod. Did you respoke a new rim, or
something else. I checked on 17" wheels from an S model,
and, they are only $215 each from Zero. Not sure if they
will fit my XU though.

[trikester]

This part is for Trikester,
   You mention your 17" mod. Did you respoke a new rim, or
something else. I checked on 17" wheels from an S model,
and, they are only $215 each from Zero. Not sure if they
will fit my XU though.

I respoked a new rim and went with a wider rim/tire also. I had to cut out a circular section of the cross brace and weld a curved plate over the opening. I did this originally on the 2010 DS and documented it on this forum. When I bought the 2012 DS I moved the modified swingarm from the 2010 to the 2012 so that I wouldn't have to go through all of that work again.

The reason I did this was for a better dirt riding wheel size and a much better selection of dual-sport tires available for 17" rims as opposed to 16" rims. Zero should have never put 16" rear rims on their dual-sports. That was a design mistake in my and many other's opinions. Unfortunately it took a swingarm change to correct.

Trikester

[WindRider]

Quote from Trikester:

"Zero should have never put 16" rear rims on their dual-sports. That was a design mistake in my and many other's opinions."

AMEN !!

[nicktulloh]

This part is for Trikester,
   You mention your 17" mod. Did you respoke a new rim, or
something else. I checked on 17" wheels from an S model,
and, they are only $215 each from Zero. Not sure if they
will fit my XU though.

I respoked a new rim and went with a wider rim/tire also. I had to cut out a circular section of the cross brace and weld a curved plate over the opening. I did this originally on the 2010 DS and documented it on this forum. When I bought the 2012 DS I moved the modified swingarm from the 2010 to the 2012 so that I wouldn't have to go through all of that work again.

The reason I did this was for a better dirt riding wheel size and a much better selection of dual-sport tires available for 17" rims as opposed to 16" rims. Zero should have never put 16" rear rims on their dual-sports. That was a design mistake in my and many other's opinions. Unfortunately it took a swingarm change to correct.

Trikester

I've been mulling it over for my '12 DS and it sure looks to me like it would work without a s/a mod.