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[MadwitTY]

So, I am in the process of deciding whether or not I should purchase a 2014 SR or waiting for December to get a 2015 S/SR. I know the upgrades for the 2015 are well worth the bump in price, but I haven't had any experience with the 2014 SR that would help me decide. Is now a good time to use the new model release leverage with my dealer to try and get a better deal on the '14? Is it possible to get below MSRP, or are electric bikes a product that are difficult to use leverage while purchasing. If you have an SR ('14), do you think that it is worth purchasing (hopefully a good deal) as opposed to waiting till December? Thanks for the advice!

[Doug S]

First question: Are there any available? My understanding was that their entire production run for the 2014 SR was going to be all of 60 bikes...and when I looked at buying an S in August 2013, there were none left. Give your dealer a call, you may not have any choice but to wait for a 2015.

[MadwitTY]

Are there any available? My understanding was that their entire production run for the 2014 SR was going to be all of 60 bikes

I live in the DC metro area and at least one of the dealerships mentioned he was trying to get an SR shipped out here by mid October. From what you said it sounds as if the '14 SR is a relatively rare bike and I may not have much bargaining room even with the new model release. If, in fact, there are no SRs available, I will likely wait till Dec and get the new model S. If the SR is available do you think it is worth jumping on?
Thanks Doug.

[Doug S]

If you CAN get a discount on it, sure. I couldn't be happier with my 2014, and the 2015 looks like mostly incremental improvements. Better brakes and suspension would be nice, and ABS would be too, and of course 10% more range, but it would be worth trying to break a 2014 loose for less money.

From my own experience, and from what I've read about other peoples' experiences, it's pretty tough to get below sticker on this niche product. I got a free pair of gloves and a new helmet at cost, but that's it...I couldn't even talk them down $100 from list price.

[benswing]

Last year they had a promotion at the end of the year, but you had to trade in a gas bike and you got an extra $2,500 from zero above your agreed-upon trade-in price.  There is usually some kind of promotion, but the bikes are definitely limited and you probably won't have much bargaining room.

[MadwitTY]

  Thanks Doug and Benswing, that's exactly what I needed to know. Wasn't sure if coming in too hard at the dealer would be met with a "meh, can't give you that" type of response.

[DynoMutt]

It was my understanding that the $2500 with trade-in only applied up to the 2012 Model year.

No 2013s were available under that offering as far as I know.

[drivin98]

I would only get the 2014 if there was an exceptional price break. Say, $3,000 or more off. If dealers have any, they should be on sale, though. I got the following email from Zero a week ago or so.

 Greetings from Zero Motorcycles,

Ever wanted to get your hands on one of the company owned vehicles that we use for our factory demo events and testing by reporters? As the days get shorter and the weather cools off, we are seeking new homes for the motorcycles that have delivered the experience of instant torque and seamless acceleration to many delighted riders. So…if you’ve been wanting a Zero and waiting for the most attractive pricing, now’s the time.

The supply is limited. We expect these motorcycles to move quickly and wanted you to be among the first to know. Please contact a Zero Motorcycles dealer for pricing and availability. To find your nearest dealer, use our dealer locator or give us a call at (888) RUN-ZERO and we can help connect you.

Enjoy the ride,

Your friends at Zero

[Richard230]

I agree with driving98.  I think the 2015 Zero range is worth about $3000 extra in value because of the chassis improvements compared with the 2014 range, especially if you are looking for better handling, braking and a smoother ride.  But the straight-line performance will be about the same. 

[MadwitTY]

Following up on Driving98 and the email about the Demo deals. Just got in contact with a rep in California who is offering a Demo '14 SR for ~$14.7 with a 2yr bumper to bumper and a fresh 5yr 100K on the pack. In the process of getting more info, but I think I am going to jump on this Thanks for the help and advice so far guys. Great community!

[lolachampcar]

Nah,
Buy my 2013 DS 11.4
I just ordered my 2015.

[krash7172]

Depends on what you want from the bike. I love my 2014 SR. The suspension and brakes are not great but they are adequate for a daily commute and what most riders need. I personally don't need any more range. The two things I may upgrade are tires and suspension.

[trekguy]

I bought a dealer demo SR in early August and have 3300 miles on it now.  I did recieve a tiny discount, but the dealer trucked it to my home (200 miles away) and gave me a free ZERO t shirt.

My biggest complaint so far is the brittle ride, so I may upgrade to a 2015 with the new suspension if I feel the ride is smoother. For the additional $350 the 2015's cost, I think the upgrades are well worth it. Assuming you could find a 2014 SR, the discount would have to be substantial before I would buy the older one.

[rayivers]

After looking over the 2015 specs, I'm glad I got 2014 FX's (for mainly dirt use); they're 9 lbs lighter, with no anti-lock to disable.  I think the 2014 forks are actually pretty decent, and the brakes are fine except for the front squeal (Honda 45105-MY6-415 pads on order, hope they do the trick).

Ray

[Richard230]

I bought a dealer demo SR in early August and have 3300 miles on it now.  I did recieve a tiny discount, but the dealer trucked it to my home (200 miles away) and gave me a free ZERO t shirt.

My biggest complaint so far is the brittle ride, so I may upgrade to a 2015 with the new suspension if I feel the ride is smoother. For the additional $350 the 2015's cost, I think the upgrades are well worth it. Assuming you could find a 2014 SR, the discount would have to be substantial before I would buy the older one.

I agree that the 2014 Fast Ace forks can be harsh over sharp bumps.  I believe that is due to tight fork seals that create a lot of static friction before movement will begin.  My fork action has been getting slightly better as the miles pile up, though.  It seems to take several thousand miles for the fork movement to loosen up a bit.  Also coating the seals and sliders with silicon lube also seems to help the action slightly.  Fast Ace just needs to keep working on their fork design and materials a while longer.  In the meantime, the Showa suspension components on the 2015 models will no doubt be a noticeable upgrade in ride control and comfort.